The hype is that Orange County, CA is the place to live and be seen at due to the gorgeous beaches, world class shopping centers and streets filled lined with exotic palm trees.

For once the hype is actually true. Many people also assume that the residents of Orange County are probably driving around in exotic cars such as Ferrari’s and Lamborghinis. However, that part is not always accurate (although it is true for a select lucky residents)

The Cool And Avant Garde CTS

Orange County is a pretty trendy and fashionable place overall. If you want to make a statement with the car you drive, it will be difficult to make a louder statement than with the CTS by Cadillac. This car is cutting edge and completely badass in terms of its appearance This midsize sedan gets a lot of approving nods and admiring glances from fellow drivers whether you’re at the In N Out parking lot or getting valet service at the most expensive five star restaurants in town. The CTS sports an aggressive and bold appearance due to its angular lines and blinged out front chrome grill. Buyers have the choice of selecting from two engines; a V6 3.6 Liter with 270 horsepower and an upgraded engine with 304 hp and 273 lb feet of torque. Base cost is around the mid $34k range and may increase depending on the options selected. Your Cadillac CTS Irvine dealer has a large selection of CTS models in stock.

Practical And Efficient GMC Terrain

Orange County isn’t always about the glam and the glitz. It can be rather unpractical to drive around in a two-seater no matter how exotic and eye catching it is. The GMC Terrain is an affordable compact SUV that is ideal for the active Orange County family or individual who is always on the go and the massive 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space is more than enough in order to store anything you would like.  In terms of looks the Terrain looks very much like a truck; it’s almost a truck and SUV combined into one. This SUV stands out for its superior gas mileage which stands at 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the freeway for the 4 cylinder model. There are two engine options; a V4 2.4 Liter with 182 HP and a V6 3.0 Liter for a grand output of 264 hp. Even though it’s affordably priced at around the mid $24k range for the base model, the Terrain comes with a ton of cool amenities such as a USB port, XM satellite radio and even a rearview camera which makes backing up a lot easier and safer.

Hyundai Sonata, Practical And Gets The Job Done

Orange County is a big place with tons of cities. That means lots of driving on the freeways, and possibly a long commute. People in OC do a lot of driving. The Sonata is a perfect OC car because it offers great mileage. Even though it’s considered an economy car, this car sports premium features such as Bluetooth compatibility and XM Satellite radio. The Sonata is powered by a V6 with 198 hp. Even though it only sports a V4, this car still offers a substantial amount of power and acceleration due to its light size. Gas mileage is exceedingly good at 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg; these are some of the best numbers in its class. The Sonata is competitively priced at around $18,830 for the base version. . The local Hyundai Sonata Costa Mesa dealer has a large selection of Sonata’s to choose from.

Deciding which car to drive in Orange County is a big deal. Most likely you’ll be doing a ton of driving and unless you are lucky enough to be wealthy, fuel economy does make a difference. Any of these cars would make a good choice because they all offer not only style but also excellent fuel economy.

You either love or hate the new styling direction that Cadillac has taken.  The sharp lines represent an automobile that makes a statement.  The chiseled lines of the 2010 Cadillac SRX are sure to catch second looks from those who can appreciate a good-looking car.

Of course with any Cadillac vehicle you purchase; the interior is as luxurious as any car on the road today.  Supple leather and interior amenities abound.  But the SRX really shines when it comes to Amenities.  You get IPod connectivity, XM Radio, On Star, Bluetooth, and DVD Navigation just to name a few.  The new SRX has lost the 3rd row seat in the name of cargo space.  The second row seat folds down to create even more room; up to 61 cu. Ft!

Although this SUV come standard with front-wheel drive; there is an available all-wheel option which uses Cadillac’s advanced torque transfer technology.  The standard engine is a 3-liter direct-injected V-6 that puts out 265-hp.  But later on this year there will be a turbocharged engine available that will put down over 300-hp!

The 2010 Cadillac SRX starts at $33,000 for the base model.   Build a Cadillac online for free!

The Escalade Hybrid’s two mode hybrid powertrain combines GM’s Vortec 6.0 liter V-8 engine with Cadillac’s new Auto Trans.  2 electric motors help to power the 4 gear EVT transmission.  The V-8 engine in the Hybrid has the brand’s Active Fuel Management System, allowing four-cylinders to shut off in light load conditions; ultimately conserving fuel.  When idling at a stop, the gas engine shuts off but restarts when needed.  The electric motors let the engine to run in a four-cylinder mode more often.

With light throttle, the electric motors can propel the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid up to 30 mph, but together the electric motor and gasoline engine produce 332 hp and 367lb.ft. of torque.  Located under the second row seats lies a 300-Volt battery pack that powers all electric engines, the steering system, and the electrically driven air conditioning compressor.  Regenerative braking also charges the batteries.  The SUV comes available in either front or all wheel drive.  The hybrid powertrain is only available on a standard length Escalade.

As far as towing capability, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid will be rated to tow up to 6000 pounds with rear wheel drive and 5700 pounds with all wheel drive.  On the inside, the Escalade Hybrid has an 8-inch touch screen that showcases the hybrid drive system and informs the driver as to which mode the SUV is running in.  To encourage better fuel economy, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid comes with an economy gauge that represents which zones the drivers should drive in.  The TACH in the Hybrid also includes and Auto Stop indicater, letting the driver know when the motor is shut off.

To further embellish their masterpiece, Hyundai partnered with the world renowned Prada Design Center of Italy. 
But don’t expect to see a Prada wearing Hyundai Genesis on any runways near you.
Only three Genesis Prada models have been created.  Two of the vehicles will be auctioned off for charity and one will be kept by Hyundai for nostalgia’s sake.

source:http://worldwide.hyundai.com/web/News/View.aspx?idx=175&nCurPage=1&strSearchColunm=&strSearchWord=&ListNum=114

Cost of Repairs

Most people don’t expect to pay much for maintenance on a new car. Fewer things should break during the first few years, and if they do, they’re typically covered by the warranty.  A used car is more likely to need repairs, especially as it gets older. When you’re looking at buying a used car, there’s a huge range. You can get a car that’s only a year or two old with low mileage. Many dealers will “certify” a used car that’s in good condition and offer a warranty with it. This, of course, will cost more than an older car.

Gasoline Expenses

How many miles to you drive on a regular basis? Gas hogs are no longer popular, and their prices show it. If you don’t drive a lot, getting a used SUV could be a cost effective plan. Compare the price difference between a gas guzzler and a more fuel-efficient car with the amount you expect to spend on gas.  If you drive a lot, a hybrid might be worth the extra upfront cost.  Check out the new 2009 Escalade Hybrid with its 20 mpg – not bad for a luxury SUV.

Financing

Dealers are offering great interest rates on new car loans – as low as 0% for 36 months on some models. Check out the offers on the 2009 Mazda 5! Used cars are typically financed at about 7% for a three year loan. The longer loan period on a new car combined with the low (or zero) interest rate will lower your monthly payments. But often the lowest rates are only available to those with stellar credit.

Insurance

Insurance is usually higher on a new car because the value is higher.  The model of car will make a difference too. For a new driver or a driver with a less than perfect record, insurance costs will play a bigger role.

Which is the most cost-effective decision – new or used?  It depends on your situation. But don’t discount the possibility of a new car without checking it out. You might be able to buy a brand new car and honest tell your spouse that it was too cheap to pass up!

But then the American auto industry suffered in the 70’s from the oil embargo…and Cadillac never quite recovered.

We fast forward to today’s modern Cadillac’s and they are back with a vengeance.  The current lineup of today’s cars is impressive.  The CTS-V is the fastest production Cadillac ever and the Escalade Hybrid is Cadillac’s first venture into the world of Hybrid Automobiles.

So if you are interested in anything Cadillac Related then I have got the site for you.  Not only are there pictures and descriptions for almost every Cadillac ever; there is also a Caddy Chat Forum and a ton of other stuff.  Cadillac Country is the place for Cadillac info, from pictures, to car mats, to posters!
Images Via Wikipedia

The new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V comes with a supercharged V-8 engine from the new Corvette; pumping out 556 horsepower! And although the car weighs over 4000 pounds, it somehow recorded the fastest lap time at the Nurburgring for a sedan on stock tires. This may not mean much until you think about the competition. The BMW M5 retails for $85k, the Mercedes E63 AMG sell for around $80k; both of these also have over 500 horsepower and yet for $20k more they are slower than the Caddy. This goes to show that while most American Automakers are going down in flames, Cadillac has saved the best for last.

Of course Grandpa will be perfectly happy with the refined interior which includes expensive Recaro racing seats, and the uniquely Cadillac exterior. But it’s the stoplight confrontations that will ultimately get grandpa to fill his Depends.