• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for February 13, 2014

Bow Wow: Dog-Friendly Cars

February 13, 2014 by Lauren Richardson 1 Comment

People that take to the road with their pets, particular dogs, know the importance of providing a safe riding experience for their canine companions. While most dogs do ride unrestrained, even hanging out of the passenger window with their tongues lolling out, pet safety must not be taken for granted. The following are among the top dog-friendly cars for your pooch including those with dog safety in mind.

dog-friendly car

Honda Element

The Honda Element is no longer made, a quirky-looking four-passenger utility vehicle sold from 2003 to 2011. If you find one and it is equipped with its “Dog-Friendly” components, you’ll get a vehicle that both you and your pet will love.

Even before Honda rolled out its Dog-Friendly package, this model was prized by pet owners. In response to that interest, Honda engineered and assembled important components including a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform, second row and cargo area pet restraint systems, a load-in ramp with an extension, a 12-volt rear ventilation fan, and second-row seat covers. Honda also included a spill-resistant water bowl and related emblems.

Subaru Outback

Subaru’s dog-friendly credentials do not include a package as comprehensive as Honda’s. Still, the automaker goes to great lengths to accommodate pet owners, even advancing a “Meet the Barkleys” ad campaign featuring a fictitious family of Golden Retrievers. Perhaps more important is the company’s partnership with the ASPCA and its “Kids Against Animal Cruelty” campaign that raises awareness about animal mistreatment and encourages shelter adoptions.

Subaru sells a bunch of pet-friendly swag including dog bandanas, water bowls, collars, leashes, and a waterproof orthopedic pet bed. You can also opt for a compartment separator, what safely separates pets in the storage area from people in the cabin area with both the Subaru Outback and Forester models.

Dog-Friendly Cars

Jeep Wrangler

People that like Jeep Wranglers will often be seen driving around with their pets onboard. It isn’t much of a safety issue until you remove the side doors and the top. Then, you need to find a way to restrain your furry friend.

Some owners tie the dog’s leash to the roll bar, but this option isn’t the best one nor is it completely safe. Aftermarket suppliers have developed Wrangler-specific harnesses that go around your pet’s chest and secure him to the seat belt. Adjust the length enough to give him some room to roam, but not enough where he’ll be hurt in a sudden stop or in an accident.

Volvo XC70

Volvo products have a stellar safety reputation and are a natural consideration for people with pets. You prize Volvo for its safety and technological leadership, trusting this Swedish automaker to take care of your pets too.

To give your dog a place all of her own, a dog gate is a great idea. In the XC70 it attaches to the rear backrest to provide separate areas for your cargo and for your dog. You can position it either on the left or the right. Consider also a protective bumper cover that unfolds over the bumper. It can provide better grip for your dog as she jumps up and into the back of your wagon.

Dog-friendly car.

Dodge Journey

Your dog is on a restricted diet and that makes traveling a chore especially with food that must be kept cool. The Dodge Journey solves that problem by providing a cooling compartment or Chill Zone above the glove box. It is large enough to hold a pair of 12-ounce soda cans, but it can also hold your canned dog food.

The Journey’s cargo area can be outfitted with a dog cage. And for older or smaller dogs, a PortablePET Twistep dog hitch step can make access and egress easier to the rear compartment. If also conveniently folds out of the way when not in use.

Dog-Friendly Considerations

A number of other vehicles are also dog-friendly, outfitted with features that are attractive to owners. They are: waterproof seat covers, a low profile, rear windows that drop down to improve ventilation, fold flat seats, and removable cargo liners for easy vacuuming and washing. You can also shop for a pet harness for added protection. The Sleepypod Clickit Utility Harness is, by the way, the only one recommended by Consumer Reports.


See Also —- Subaru Study Reveals Pets Are Not Safe in Pet Travel Seats

Filed Under: Fun News Tagged With: DODGE JOURNEY, DOG-FRIENDLY, HONDA ELEMENT, JEEP WRANGLER, PET HARNESS, PET RESTRAINT, Subaru Outback, VOLVO XC70

Tips for Teens Buying a First Car

February 13, 2014 by Kelly Larsen 2 Comments

For a teen, getting a driver’s license is a milestone, and getting that very first car is just as exciting. They’ve worked hard to earn their driver’s license, and now they’re ready to hit the road all on their own. But just what they hit the road with—their car, that is—is another matter altogether. There are a lot of things to consider, whether you’re a parent looking to buy your son or daughter their first set of wheels, or a teen doing your own research. Be sure you think about these points before you settle on one vehicle.

New or Used for Teens?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both of these options. While new cars have more advanced safety features and often fewer problems, it is more expensive to insure a teen driver on a new vehicle, and all of the technology in a new car can become a major distraction. Used cars offer affordability, and so long as they aren’t ancient, they should be reliable, too. The financial aspect is a major factor when deciding between a new or used car, so go with the option that suits your situation. And if you are a parent who plans on having your teen pay you back for their first car, you might want to advise them to go for a less expensive model.

First-Car Suggestions for Used Cars:

  • Honda Fit
  • Ford Fusion
  • Volkswagen Golf
  • Hyundai Sonata

First-Car Suggestions for New Cars:

  • Scion tC
  • Subaru Impreza
  • Toyota Corolla
  • Hyundai Elantra

Go for Safety

Teen driver.Obviously, whether you’re a first-time driver or you’ve got decades of experience, having a car that makes you feel safe is key. And as a parent looking at vehicles for your child, safety becomes even more important. There are plenty of websites that let you read about vehicle safety ratings like

href=”http://www.safercar.gov”>safercar.gov and the

href=”http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings”>Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s website—be sure to take advantage of them while you research different cars. And when shopping for a vehicle, whether it’s new or used, look for quality safety features, such as:

  • Antilock brakes
  • Front and side airbags, and
  • Electronic stability control.

Not only will these features make a huge difference in the event of an accident or near-accident, but they can even earn you an insurance discount. Check with your insurance company to find out if they offer such discounts and if you (or your teen) qualify.

First-Car Suggestions Based on Safety Ratings:

  • Honda Civic
  • Ford Focus
  • Toyota Camry
  • Kia Optima

Reliability Is Essential

Since teens are the most inexperienced drivers on the road, it’s important for them to have cars that they can count on. After all, dealing with a car breakdown is stressful enough when you’ve been driving for years—it’s even more traumatic when you’re a newbie behind the wheel. Some vehicles are notorious for breaking down a lot, and on top of this, some are very expensive to repair (especially luxury and high-performance cars). This is something to consider before you make a car purchase.

First-Car Suggestions Based on Reliability:

  • Honda Fit
  • Hyundai Accent
  • Subaru Impreza
  • Volkswagen Golf

Fuel Efficiency

With gas prices routinely creeping up, a small sedan might be a better choice than a gas-guzzling truck. Always do your research on fuel economy before you make a decision on a car—you might eliminate some vehicles from your list of options before even looking at them if you find that the MPG is not what you want it to be. If you can afford to opt for a hybrid vehicle, you can get over 50 MPG in the city and over 40 on the highway.

First-Car Suggestions Based on Fuel Economy:

  • Toyota Prius C
  • Scion iQ
  • Ford Fiesta SFE
  • Toyota Corolla Eco

Big or Small?

The size of a vehicle has an impact on its gas mileage, among other things. After all, a large minivan isn’t going to get the same MPG as a subcompact. But bigger vehicles like SUVs can offer drivers improved visibility and often an

href=”http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/13/car-crash-tests-lifestyle-vehicles-crash-test-report.html”>increased level of safety in crashes. So how do you know which one to choose? Again, it comes down to a number of factors, including what you (or your teen) will be using the car for. There are high-quality vehicles in all size categories.

First-Time Car Suggestions Based on Size:

  • Honda Fit (Small)
  • Toyota Corolla (Small)
  • Buick Enclave (Large)
  • Chevrolet Traverse (Large)

Again, the vehicle you ultimately end up going with will depend on all of these factors combined. As long as you do plenty of research and weigh your options, you’ll do just fine. Good luck on your search!


See Also — How to Sell Your Car to a Private Party

Filed Under: Car Tips Tagged With: AIR BAGS, ANTILOCK BRAKES, auto insurance, FIRST CAR, NEW DRIVERS, SAFE CARS, SMALL CARS, TEENS

Smokefree Car Bans: When Children Are Present

February 13, 2014 by Jonathon Greyson Leave a Comment

Taking the puff out of smoking.

smokefree car

Britain will soon be enforcing what some Americans want to see on the books: legislation banning smoking in cars with children present. The British initiative was started by health campaigners and received support by the opposition Labour Party. That ban is expected to kick in by May 2015, just before the next UK general election.

Smokefree Cars

In advocating for the measure, supporters cited data revealing that children riding in cars with smoke present were more likely to suffer health problems. Specifically, passive or secondhand smoking can cause ear infections, an increased risk and severity of asthma attacks, respiratory problems and infections, and an elevated risk of sudden infant death syndrome notes the Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC says that all secondhand smoke not just in-cabin smoke causes an estimated 150,000 to 300,000 new cases of bronchitis and pneumonia annually for children aged 18 months or younger. Some 7,500 to 15,000 hospitalizations annually are also related to secondhand smoke for this age group.

State Smokefree Car Laws

In the United States, several states have laws in place that ban in-car smoking when children are present. On Jan. 1, 2014, Oregon began enforcing a law that makes it illegal to smoke in a car when children are present. It is a secondary law or what a police officer may cite only if the driver was stopped for another offense or violation.

Oregon defines children as anyone younger than 18. The maximum fine for the first time offender is $250. It rises to a maximum of $500 for each subsequent offense. California, Utah, Maine, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Puerto Rico also have smokefree car laws.

Campaigning for a Cause

Lobbying against smoking in cars is the Americans for Nonsmokers Rights (ANR), an advocacy organization formed in 1976 to preserve nonsmokers’ rights. ANR recognizes that laws alone will not stop secondhand smoking in cars and believes that educating the public about the health hazards would improve decision making about smoking in ways that harm other people.

Not everyone thinks that smokefree car laws are the way to go. British American Tobacco (BAT), whose brands include Lucky Strike, Kent, Pall Mall, and Viceroy, agrees that children should not be exposed to cigarette smoke in cars and other confined places. However, the company says that is concerned that the ban will someday be extended to include smoking when children are not present.

Smokefree New Zealand

The BAT position, however, appears to have little support and may do nothing to stop legislation from being enacted elsewhere. South Africa, Canada, Cyprus, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates, also restrict smoking in cars with minors present. And where laws are not in place, educational campaigns may be used to persuade drivers to not light up as in New Zealand where the government has targeted 2025 for when that nation plans to become smoke free.

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: children, cigarette smoking, DRIVING, health, Oregon, smokefree ban, United Kingdom

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover

Recent Comments

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Kia Telluride: Opulent, Large Crossover
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Class Act: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Highlights of the 2020 Toyota Sienna
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand — Auto Trends Magazine on Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
  • Jim Farley Appointed Ford President and CEO
  • 12 Things We LOVE About the Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack
February 2014
S M T W T F S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
232425262728  
« Jan   Mar »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in