Car Models

In the Car Models Channel, read about some of the most popular cars to hit the showroom floor. Check out the HowStuffWorks Car Models Channel.

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The term "crossover" came into the lexicon less than a decade ago, when car buyers didn't really know what they were -- but they bought them anyway. Here are a few reasons you might want to buy one.

By Cherise Threewitt

There's nothing wrong with minivans; however, if you don't want to put up with all the baggage that comes with driving a minivan, a crossover is a good way to get the practicality you need and the style you want.

By Jamie Page Deaton

In the mid-1990s the term "crossover vehicle" hadn't been invented yet, but the car-based utility vehicle had. Buyers wanted off-road ruggedness, but didn't necessarily want to sacrifice the comfort of a passenger car.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

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It may seem as if crossover vehicles have just recently burst onto the scene; however, the first crossover vehicle in the United States was here in the mid-1990s.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

While crossovers have become sales leaders fairly recently, the vehicles themselves aren't an entirely novel idea. Actually, several early two-wheel and four-wheel-drive wagons and SUVs fit into that category.

By Patrick E. George

Crossovers aren't as uniquely modern as the auto companies would like us to believe. In fact, they're just an example of how trends in the car world tend to come and go -- and come back again.

By Akweli Parker

Crossovers have become a vast mix of functionality, style, power and comfort. But crossovers that offer all-wheel-drive capabilities provide even more options to drivers.

By Christopher Neiger

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The evolution of the basic idea of a crossover vehicle follows relatively clear path. And it's along that path where the term crossover sees its first use in print. Do you know who said it first?

By Eric Baxter

The sleek lines, powerful engines and machine strength of muscle cars have attracted us since the late 1960s, when performance and design filtered down into the realm of the attainable. So what are the most wanted classic muscle cars today?

By Jacob Clifton

SUVs, like the trucks they're derived from, are not particularly designed for comfort. Over time, they've been perceived by some as simply too big and cumbersome. Is a crossover somehow different?

By Cherise Threewitt

By using a car-based platform, crossovers avoid most of the shortcomings associated with SUVs. In fact, there are a number of benefits to crossover vehicle design. What makes shoppers willing to make the tradeoff?

By Jamie Page Deaton

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With the popularity of true SUVs on the decline and the price of gasoline continuing to rise, crossover vehicles have become a logical bridge between off-road trucks and fuel-efficient cars.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Developed in response to customer request, Lamborghini has partnered with a company that specializes in leasing exclusive, luxury and exotic cars. So how much does it cost to live the dream?

By Cherise Threewitt

Even today, the Porsche 917 ranks among the most powerful racecars ever to compete. It also makes a pretty good case for itself to be the greatest racecar of all time; however, success was not immediate.

By Patrick E. George

Take a look back to an extravagant and optimistic time when outrageous cars ruled the world. A time when automobiles weren't just about simple transportation -- they were about bold statements and high style.

By Patrick E. George

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Sport bike manufacturer KTM is well known for its racing bikes. But now, the Austrian company has produced its first car: the KTM X-Bow. Is this street-legal go-kart worthy of its nearly six-figure price tag?

By Cherise Threewitt

In many ways, a propeller-driven car is much simpler than our modern autos, but its drivetrain has potential for peril. Spinning propeller blades present a considerable hazard to the driver and pedestrians.

By Cherise Threewitt

If you're looking for a really neat school project, an activity that's hands-on (and a way to put those old Victor-brand traps to work on a peaceful purpose), try building a mousetrap-powered car.

By Akweli Parker

Looking for a way to traverse large areas of snow, muck or mud? A screw-drive vehicle might be exactly what you need. They perform in off-road conditions that would make other 4x4s cry out for mercy.

By Akweli Parker

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Some vehicles are armored at the factory; however, most armored vehicles get their extra protection from specialists. Find out what it takes to protect world leaders, military personnel and other valuables.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

The design of the Ferrari FF has caused a great deal of controversy among Ferrari fans; however, the four-seat, four-wheel drive FF sacrifices nothing in the name of all-out Ferrari performance.

By Christopher Lampton

Based on the Toyota iQ, the Cygnet is Aston Martin's idea of a city car. But what exactly do you get when you buy a small "economy" car from one of the world's most exclusive car makers?

By Akweli Parker

Like most cars, a hybrid car's power output is measured in horsepower. And since hybrid car engines tend to be smaller than most standard car engines, hybrid cars are underpowered -- right? Maybe not.

By Jamie Page Deaton

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The hybrid cars that we're familiar with use nickel metal hydride battery packs. But the next generation of hybrids, like the Chevy Volt and Fisker Karma, will use Li-ion battery cells. What's the difference?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

For more than a decade now, people have debated the economic impact of hybrid vehicles. Will the fuel savings offset the difference in sticker price? What about expensive repair bills? What's the answer?

By Nicholas Gerbis