AT A GLANCE TECHNOLOGY: Mazda has distinguished itself for years by including innovative and efficiently-designed engines, like the Wankel and the Miller cycle engine, in its vehicles. HISTORY: Began as a machine tool manufacturer in Hiroshima during the 1920s; first entered the car manufacturing world in the 1960s. FAMOUS MODELS: Miata, Protege, 323, 626 KNOWN FOR: Cars with exciting designs and fun-to-drive ... Read More »

AT A GLANCE TECHNOLOGY: Intelligent Access with push-button start; collision warning with brake support HISTORY: Founded in 1917 by Henry Leland, a former GM executive. Bought by Henry Ford in 1922 to become the luxury car division of Ford Motor Company. FAMOUS MODELS: Zephyr (1936), Continental (1939), Town Car (1922, 1959, 1981-Present), Navigator SUV, MK Series. KNOWN FOR: Large luxury cars, luxury ... Read More »

AT A GLANCE TECHNOLOGY: Lexus has led the way in key, up-and-coming innovations like pedestrian detection, driver facial recognition monitoring and lane keep assistance. HISTORY: Since being launched in the U.S. as the luxury branch of Toyota in 1989, Lexus has enjoyed an impeccable reputation. FAMOUS MODELS: LS, IS and HS sedans and the GX and RX SUVs. KNOWN FOR: Reliable luxury ... Read More »

A few years ago I was told that for 80% of the worlds population, a Land Rover was the first motorized vehicles they ever saw. Research a new Land Rover, get price quotes, car comparisons, trade-in values and read reviews. Read More »

AT A GLANCE TECHNOLOGY: Jeep continues to excel in rock-climbing and all-terrain durability; the company receives awards for its new safety features. HISTORY: Commissioned by the U.S. government as a war vehicle in 1941; purchased by Chrysler in 1987. FAMOUS MODELS: Cherokee, Wrangler, Patriot KNOWN FOR: Indestructibility in almost any environment. Safety and adventure Although the rumors about Jeep’s name being a ... Read More »

AT A GLANCE TECHNOLOGY: Surprising perks abound for these budget cars, including USB ports, Sirius Satellite Radio and LED turn indicators. HISTORY: From the 1940s to the 1970s, Kia produced bicycles and scooters. Today, it is one of the top budget auto manufacturers in the world. FAMOUS MODELS: Forte, Optima and Rio KNOWN FOR: Budget-friendly vehicles that are bursting with a surprising ... Read More »

AT A GLANCE TECHNOLOGY: New sleek, aerodynamic lines make the new Jaguars look like the real big cats more than ever. HISTORY: Jaguar started as a British company in 1922; Ford bought Jaguar out in 1989, and recently sold to Tata Motors of India in 2008. Jaguar is now part of Jaguar Land Rover. FAMOUS MODELS: XJ, XK, S-Type, E-Type KNOWN FOR: ... Read More »

AT A GLANCE TECHNOLOGY: Infiniti’s Around View Monitor Package allows the driver to see the car from an above view while parking and negotiating lane changes. HISTORY: This relatively new luxury division of Nissan Motor Company began selling automobiles in the U.S. market in 1989. FAMOUS MODELS: G37, M, EX35, FX, QX56 KNOWN FOR: Luxury, innovative options, and technological sophistication High-tech opulence ... Read More »

AT A GLANCE TECHNOLOGY: Honda has made profitable and potentially market-changing advances in fuel cell, natural gas, ethanol, and hybrid electric vehicles. HISTORY: Founded in Japan in 1946 by motorcycle builder Soichiro Honda; expanded to the U.S. in 1959. FAMOUS MODELS: Civic, Accord, CR-V KNOWN FOR: Efficiency, reliability and innovation Rock-solid reliability Soichiro Honda’s dream to build a fast, efficient motorcycle took ... Read More »

AT A GLANCE TECHNOLOGY: Hyundai recently began wading into the electric hybrid market; experts’ ears are perked up due to Hyundai’s plans to use lithium polymer batteries, instead of lithium-ion, on some models. HISTORY: The Hyundai Motor Company has been around – albeit under a slightly different name – since 1947. It didn’t start producing cars until 1968. FAMOUS MODELS: Sonata, ... Read More »