The Chevy Equinox is classified in what some people want to call “plus-sized crossover, small SUV”. This basically means the Equinox is smaller than a full size SUV and larger than your standard crossover.

The much advertised feature of the Chevy Equinox is the rear seating and rear storage.  60/40-split rear seat that could be slid almost 8 inches front and rear. In the rear cargo section there is a self that increases storage options. This rear shelf can double as a picnic table.

The Honda Fit is another one of those little sub compact cars that came into being to easy the strain on our wallets because of high gas prices. The Fit is akin to the sportier Honda Jazz. Introduced at the time of high gas prices the Honda Fit is a subcompact four door hatchback.

The first-generation Honda Fit was available for just two years: 2007 and 2008 model year. The base model came with air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack are standard. The Sport model added larger wheels, sportier exterior trim details, cruise control and a six-speaker audio system with an iPod-friendly USB port. In addition Fit Sports can with an optional touchscreen navigation system and stability control.

I know that in different parts of the United States, different types of vehicles are more popular than others. When I first came to Idaho 4 wheel drive trucks were more popular than regular cars. The Ford Fiesta is a rarely sighted in Idaho. It was not until scanning through an automotive website that I found the Ford Fiesta was still being made.

I was amused to find the number of websites devoted to the history of the Ford Fiesta. Ford-Fiesta.info has a nice little phone gallery along with showcasing the history of the Ford Fiesta. The Fiesta was originally launched in 1976 through out Europe. Then in 1978 the”Americanised” version made its debut in the United States. Where it was marketed as a subcompact car.

When you see the Toyota Yaris driving down the road you cannot help but thing fuel economy, frugal and cute little car. Regardless of all the bad publicity that Toyota has been getting this year, I was attracted at taking a closer look at this  little car.

The Yaris first went on sale in North America in 2000 under the name of Echo. It was available only as sedan with 2 or 4 doors. The Toyota Yaris Sedan , in 2007, was introduced.

Last week I did an Auto Recon on the Dodge Sprinter. This week we are taking a look at the more traditional work or service van, the Chevy Cargo Van. Why?

In light of our current economy, I have found many enterprising people who cannot find a job go out and start their own business. What is the most common business that can be started on a low budget? Service work! What is the best way to carry tools and supplies from one job to the next? In a car van!

If you have not notice there has been some funny looking work van starting to show up in the past few years. They are thinner and smaller than the traditional work utility van the plumber or electrician usually drives around.  This uncommon looking van is the Dodge Sprinter.

According to Car and Driver, Mercedes-Benz has been building a commercial van since 1995. This different kind of van first showed up in the United States in 2003.

The Volvo car company is a Swedish car company that can be dated back to 1920. I remember back in the 70′s Volvo was considered it a reliable luxury car that you had to take to the local Volvo dealer if anything went wrong.

Over the years Volvo has been seen on the road. I have noticed it but not paid much attention to them. Today, I want to take a look at the Volvo V70. The V70 is in a long line of safe and practical midsize wagons from the Swedish company

I was asked to do an auto recon on the Acura TL while at a local social networking event, by one of the attendees. He was looking at buying one, but wanted to know more. I chose the TL model line because it close to mid range of all the Acura models.

The Acura brand has been around since 1986. Acura is a division of the Honda motor company, that is sold mostly in the US, Canada, and Hong Kong. Marketed to those who want luxury and performance in the car they drive.

Back in 1979, AM General began design on what became known as the M998 Series or High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle or HMMWV; pronounced Humvee®. This heavy duty rugged vehicle offered exceptional speed, mobility and agility and was built upon a multi-purpose platform.

Humvees features included full time four-wheel drive, independent suspension, steep approach and departure angles up to 60%. Adding 16 inches of ground clearance made the Humvee for idea use by U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy at locations throughout the United States and overseas.

It was like last week we bought our daughter her first a MP3 player for $39.99. It was not what it cost us. After sales tax, carrying case, and mp3 our cost was well over $50 and still going up.

That is why I want to take today and look at hidden or unexpected costs. We have chosen only the 5 most common hidden cost over and above the price tag. Some are expected. Some are hidden and unexpected. All are over and above the price tag.