70 Years of Jeep (1941-2011)

Always interesting to read a story about the history of an automotive company. Especially a company that has such a unique history as Jeep.

This year will mark the 70 year mark for the Jeep. It all started way back in 1940 when they got into the military manufacturing business. Making presentations well before we had lcd projectors.

Here is an excerpt from the history story. Here is the full article.

In July 1940, the U.S. military informed automakers that it was looking for a “light reconnaissance vehicle” to replace the Army's motorcycle and modified Ford Model-T vehicles. The Army invited 135 manufacturers to bid on production and developed a lengthy specification list for the vehicle, including the following:

600-lb. (272kg) load capacity
Wheelbase less than 75 inches (190cm)
Height less than 36 inches (91sm)
Smooth-running engine from 3 to 50 miles per hour (5 to 80 km/h)
Rectangular-shaped body
Four-wheel drive with two-speed transfer case
Fold-down windshield
Three bucket seats
Blackout and driving lights
Gross vehicle weight below 1,300 lbs. (590kg)

2011 Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe Review

Just a week after you were shopping at the www.happyeasterstore.com you might be feeling like spring is finally here and it is time to go out car shopping. Then you decide that you would rather do it virtually right? Much easier than being harassed by a bunch of cheesy car salesmen for sure.

2011 Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe is a second generation G coupe that debuted as the G35, with a namesake 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower V6 in 2003. Based on the same "FM" platform architecture as the Infiniti G35 Sedan and Nissan 350Z and Skyline.

This one is going to cost you upwards of $43,000 so plan on a 401(k) loan. For 2011, all models of the G37 Coupe get a sportier-looking front bumper fascia with a prominent "splitter" lower air dam. The foglamps have been moved from the headlight clusters to the lower grille area. The look is appropriately subtle but does emphasize the G37's performance potential.full review

2011 Dodge Avenger LUX Review

I guess it is safe to say that the 2011 Dodge Avenger LUX isn't the most exciting car. It may not be that flashy, but for a basic car it does what it is intended to do and does it well. It isn't overloaded with accessories, and the ones it does have work perfectly.

The Avenger's option list is relatively short; $1,795 for the 3.6-liter V6 engine that replaces the base 2.4-liter four, $475 for the Boston Acoustics sound system, $395 for the media center that includes a 30 GB hard drive with a 4,250 song capacity (my iPod has 200), and $295 for the redline two-coat pearl exterior paint. So there is little to distract from the basic car. You may not be browsing hydroxycut reviews on the road, but that media center is always nice. full review

2011 Honda Accord Sedan Review

The 2011 Honda Accord comes in a few varieties of flavors. The SE, the EX, and the EX-L. Yeah...they are all increasing in expense. The SE being the most affordable of the 3 and the equivalent of adipex weight loss on features.

What don't you get with the SE that you would with a more-expensive EX or EX-L? Climate control is single-zone, like the EX, not dual-zone like the EX-L. There's a minijack for an external audio player, not a USB port. No moonroof, and the inside rear-view mirror is not auto-dimming. XM satellite radio and a built-in navigation system are not offered although you can pick them up for a little more cost. It is not a luxury car, but it has plenty to make it worth your time.

You can read a full review that gives more comparisons to the EX and EX-L.