Author: Taylor Quinn

Cars

Extraordinary Cars With Brutal Performance

Post author By Taylor Quinn
Post date March 17, 2021

Finding a car with exceptional performance is the goal of most drivers, and some vehicles take it to the next level. Take the Dodge Demon, for instance, as this car has way more power than most average drivers could ever use. Likewise, the market for brutal performance cars has been changing a lot.

Many of these cars are quite affordable nowadays, and a few of them are cars that you wouldn’t expect. The notion used to be that it would take a V8 to get awesome performance, but that isn’t necessarily the case anymore. Follow us as we take you through some of the most extraordinary cars that have brutal performance.

5: Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG

During the recession, Mercedes-Benz still had some awesome cars come out. The R63 was one of the first crossover vehicles to offer blisteringly fast performance. The supercharged engine moves the big car with authority while still providing the comforts drivers have come to expect from the brand. Likewise, the R63 also has some of the best reliability numbers of any Mercedes-Benz from this generation, which bolds well for the resale value. You can’t go wrong with the R63 AMG as it’s an appealing family hauler and sports car.

4: Ram TRX

While it was the Ford Raptor that reinvigorated the performance truck market, it was the Ram TRX that stomped a mudhole through it. With a powerful Hemi V8 engine, the TRX is built for speed, literally. The off-road package allows the truck to go places where others can’t, and with all these factory goodies there isn’t much modification that you’ll need to do. The infotainment center is the largest in the class and the truck has some of the most advanced technology for its time.

3: GMC Typhoon

The miniature Blazer and Jimmy were instrumental in sparking the first SUV boom. Take a step into the future and you’ve got the powerful turbocharged V6 engine, much like the modern GM performance vehicles of today. The Typhoon has left a lasting impression on the performance community. The styling still looks good today and these SUVs have held their value pretty well, which is a good thing for collectors. If this early-style S-Series truck is your thing, then the Typhoon provides a great driving experience.

2: Audi RS2 Avant

Performance station wagons come and go, but the RS2 Avant has stood the test of time. The performance was legendary at the time, coupled with the stylish looks of the car. Take into account that the Avant could seat an entire family and you had a formula for success. Fortunately, station wagons never seem to sell very well, which has made the RS2 a collector’s item. To find a clean condition one is a real score, and its reliability is legendary.

1: Volkswagen Passat W8

Although it’s unbelievable, there was a V8-powered performance version of the Passat that was sold in 2003. This engine wasn’t a V8 but it was a specially designed engine by Volkswagen called the W8. There were only 11,000 examples of this car made and the performance is about as good as you’ll get out of a Passat. The power was eerily similar to most Audi models which helped the car to sell extremely well. Not to mention this generation of the Passat is known for its handsome looks and luxurious interior.

Source: Motor-Junkie

Tags Audi, Avant, Chrysler, dodge, gmc, Hemi, Mercedes-Benz, Mopar, R63, Ram TRX, RS2, Typhoon, volkswagen

Cars

Cars Drivers Should Avoid & Never Look Back

Post author By Taylor Quinn
Post date March 15, 2021

One aspect of the automotive industry that isn’t exciting is buying a lemon. Certain cars are so bad that they can’t even be justified, like the Daewoo-based Pontiac Lemans for instance. These cars have cemented themselves as unreliable or just plain junk, and drivers should avoid them at all costs.

We took a look at a few such examples of bad engineering. Whether it’s due to a cheap interior or a faulty motor, these cars are destined for the junkyard early on. Read on below.

5: Mitsubishi Mirage

Few cars are as cheap as the Mirage is and for a brand-new car, it does come with a lot of features. But from a value standpoint, the Mirage is pretty much basic transportation. Although the exterior has been refreshed a bit, the overall car is dated and feels like you are driving something from 2006. The performance is lethargic and the car is barely powerful enough to legally drive on American roadways. Then you have the fact that the small car doesn’t perform well in safety ratings either.

4: Dodge Nitro

Chrysler wanted to hop onto the crossover train early on, but the first models were lackluster at best. The Nitro was a boxy upright SUV that couldn’t go off-roading if it wanted to. Although the exterior colors were cool the overall feeling of the car was cheap and unimaginative. We couldn’t justify buying this car if we wanted to, the value just isn’t there. Most of the components were shared with other cheap Chrysler models from this period such as the Jeep Patriot, but don’t get excited because this is no Jeep.

3: Chevrolet Camaro Iron Duke

For some strange reason in the 1980s, GM thought it would be smart to cram a four-cylinder engine into the Camaro. The result was a strange mixture of poor driving and a lack of power. This engine was also notoriously unreliable and would leave Camaro owners stranded quite a bit. We like what the car had to offer in terms of styling, but when you put this weakened engine into a Camaro it just doesn’t attract conumers. The Camaro Iron Duke never sold well and the end product was just a sham of the former car.

2: Yugo GV

Dubbed the worst car in American history, the Yugo has been mocked since its fateful release in the ’80s. The car was so poorly built that body panels would fall off while you were driving. Performance was nonexistent, and the car was barely safe enough to drive. The Yugo did have a cheap price tag, but drivers ended up paying for it in spades later on.

1: Pontiac Aztek

Had the Pontiac Aztek been released in modern times, it would be a popular crossover, but at the time the odd-shaped vehicle didn’t sell very well at all. The weird styling and lack of power didn’t excite consumers very much, and the massive amount of body cladding was a real turnoff. The Aztek has since seen a resurgence on the used car market thanks to the popularity of the Breaking Bad TV show.

Sources: Motor Junkie

Tags AZTEK, Camaro, crossover, Eclipse, fourth gen, GV, Iron Duke, Mirage, Mitsubishi, Pontiac, yugo

Uncategorized

7 American Cars From The 1980s That People Forgot

Post author By Taylor Quinn
Post date March 15, 2021

The 1980s were a strange time for the automotive industry and car design was at an all-time low. This is why there was a fair amount of vehicles that drivers have forgotten about these days. Whether it be the Pontiac Fiero or the lackluster K-Cars, there’s probably an automobile that you forgot about on this list.

We took a look at some of the more unique offerings that weren’t bad cars but were nonetheless forgotten by the public. Let’s dive into this list of forgotten American cars from the eighties.

7: Pontiac Trans AM GTA

You’ve likely seen the Trans Am from this era as it managed to sell in decent numbers. But the Trans AM GTA was a much more rare vehicle that didn’t garner the same type of love. The Trans AM GTA had a sleek black paint job and many interior improvements over regular Camaro models. The performance was also improved thanks to the option of a turbocharged engine, which meant this one was released in limited numbers.

6: Pontiac Fiero

Another Pontiac that made the rounds in the ’80s was the Fiero. Initially released to much fanfare, the Fiero was a winning combination of performance and substance. The Fiero was plagued by recalls for engine fires, and that further damaged the reputation before the car could hit its peak of popularity.

5: 1983-1987 Dodge Charger

Believe it or not, the Charger was also released during the ’80s, albeit in a smaller less powerful package. For a cheap compact car, the Dodge Charger wasn’t a bad choice. The power and performance of the Dodge Charger weren’t going to break any boundaries, but it was fuel efficient and fun. Nevertheless, the market was crowded with lightweight sports cars like these and the Charger didn’t stand out.

4: Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe

The Ford Thunderbird was a very popular brand for the blue oval during the 1980s, and the performance S/C version is often a forgotten relic. Instead of relying on a V8 powerplant, the S/C had a supercharged V6 engine. The performance was much better than you’d expect which was a satisfying thing for most owners. Reliability was questionable and as such the S/C didn’t get much of a reputation for quality and many have opted for the V8 models instead.

3: AMC Eagle Wagon

Crossover vehicles are the norm in the automotive industry nowadays, but there was a time when a crossover would be shunned. Among those models was the AMC Eagle Wagon. The lifted off-road wagon was a definite sight to see, and it has built up quite the following of loyalists. Likewise, the car sold poorly at the time, and the quality was not what you’d expect from a large automaker. Nowadays it is hard to find one that hasn’t rusted completely out.

2: Eagle Premier

Released in the latter part of the ’80s, the Eagle Premier was the last product of a partnership between AMC and French automaker Renault. The car was praised for an excellent driving experience and a smooth exterior, but the final product was lacking in a lot of aspects. Consumers just couldn’t get behind the car and Chrysler ended up purchasing the rights to the brand.

1: Cadillac Allante

Perhaps one of the most highly sought-after cars of the late 1980s, the Cadillac Allante was a stylish two-door convertible. The styling was adequate for the period but the actual driving experience was lacking. The interior was also not as quality that consumers had hoped for and with the high price tag the car ended up selling low numbers. Cadillac would try again a decade later with the XLR, a model that met a similar fate.

Sources: Motor Junkie

Tags Allante, AMC Eagle, Cadillac, Charger, Chrysler, dodge, Eagle, Fiero, Firehawk, GTA, K-Car, Mopar, Plymouth, Pontiac, Premier, Trans Am, Wagon

Cars

10 Longest-Lasting Vehicles Drivers Can Buy Today

Post author By Taylor Quinn
Post date February 19, 2021

Buying a vehicle is one of the most costly things that we’ll do in our lifetime, so naturally, dipping that kind of investment in something can be a daunting task. Naturally, you expect your vehicle to last for a while and cars have become much more reliable than they used to be.

It used to be uncommon for a vehicle to stay on the road over 100,000 miles, but nowadays it’s not uncommon to see a car in great shape at 300,000 or more. Thus, we are going to be taking a look at the longest-lasting cars that you can get.

10: Acura MDX – 1.3 Percent

The Acura brand is shared with Honda so it’s no surprise that an Acura has made this list. The MDX has been around for a while now and although the design is dated this is one of the most appealing luxury SUVs for the price.

9: Cadillac Escalade – 1.4 Percent

Being based on the same GM platform as the Chevy Silverado the Cadillac Escalade is a winning combination of comfort and reliability. Likewise, the truck scores highly for reliability and the cost of maintenance is generally low.

8: Dodge Durango – 1.5 Percent

The Dodge Durango was a groundbreaking product when it hit the market. It was the first midsize SUV that could seat seven people comfortably.

7: Toyota Tacoma – 1.5 Percent

When you think of reliability in a pickup truck there is nothing that comes to mind sooner than the Tacoma. The truck is the pinnacle of everything that makes Toyota a great company.

6: Honda Accord – 1.6 Percent

The Honda Accord is downright legendary when it comes to reliability. The car will last for hundreds of thousands of miles with very minimal maintenance needed. About the worst thing that happens to these cars is transmission failure. Engine-wise it cannot be beaten.

5: Toyota Sequoia – 1.7 Percent

The Sequoia has been a saving grace for Toyota in the last few decades, bringing a family-oriented large SUV into the lineup. In a lot of ways, Sequoia is a more capable offering than the GM models. You’ll note that the current model has become a bit dated, but it still offers great value.

4: Ford Taurus – 1.8 Percent

Although not generally the first car that comes to mind for reliability the Ford Taurus has been around the block for a while. As such you’d expect that it is fairly reliable, and it is. The Taurus has become the status quo of reliability and decent transportation for millions of people.

3: GMC Yukon – 1.9 Percent

Based on the bulletproof platform the Yukon is by far one of the most reliable SUV models that you’ll find. It offers a great deal of performance for the price and the Vortec motor is one of the best that GM has made.

2: Lincoln Navigator – 2.0 Percent

Based on the legendary Ford F-150 platform, the Lincoln Navigator is also a winning combination of comfort and style. With a reliable engine and a reasonable resale value, you can’t go wrong with this big and beautiful Ford.

1: Chevrolet Tahoe – 2.1 Percent

Finally, we have the Chevy Tahoe, an SUV that has been on the market for almost 30 years. With exceptional styling and reliability, this big and comfortable SUV is the perfect family offering.

Source: Motor Junkie

Tags Acura, Chevrolet, ford, gmc, honda, Navigator, Sequoia, Silverado, tacoma, Tahoe, Taurus, Yukon

Car Accessories

7 Auto Accessories That Take Cars To New Levels

Post author By Taylor Quinn
Post date February 19, 2021

When we buy a new vehicle, one of the first things on our mind is taking it to the next level. Sometimes that can be done with something as simple as using a premium octane fuel, and other times it can result from costly upgrades. We are going to be taking a look at the auto accessories that will help you get the most out of the performance of your vehicle and looks.

7: Engine Tuning

Perhaps the most standout option is to use engine tuning to get the most out of your vehicle. These can come in the form of performance tuning products like the Hypertech Max Energy Sport. These chips are easy to install and work with most major operating systems, allowing you to tune on the go. You can increase the air/fuel ratio and so much more, your car will thank you.

6: Upgraded Brake Pads

Stopping is important, especially if you drive a lot. While the most cost-effective option is generally the cheapest set of brake pads you’ll find yourself replacing them time and time again. To avoid this going for a more expensive set of brake pads will save you time and headache and benefit your vehicle as well.

5: Cold Air Intake

For V8-powered vehicles especially, cold air intake can make all the difference in the world. The cold air intake pushes more air into the motor which will generally give you a horsepower boost of 5-10hp. This might not sound like a lot, but you’ll immediately feel the difference when you are driving your car or truck. Most cold air intakes are easy to install and you can get up and running in a short amount of time.

4: Superchargers

Another bolt-on accessory that will greatly increase your performance is the supercharger. Whether you want to spend a little or a lot either way you’ll have a boost in performance. Naturally, the most popular superchargers are going to set you back quite a bit, but you will immediately feel the boost in performance. You’ll have more power to the wheels and your 0-60 times will increase dramatically in the long run.

3: Turbo

For smaller displacement engines a turbo can be a viable option as well. Similar to the supercharging option adding a turbo will make a great deal of performance for a fraction of the cost. You can set one up pretty easily and the smaller the motor, the better off you’ll be thanks to the design of the turbo.

2: Premium Synthetic Oil

You might think that all motor oil is the same, but you’re wrong. By spending more on oil like Royal Purple or similar you’ll immediately feel the difference in the performance of your car. Your engine will move a lot smoother and you’ll notice that cold startups won’t be as serious on the car or truck.

1: Exhaust

Finally, upgrading your exhaust can also greatly impact your performance. It will allow the vehicle to breathe much more freely which in turn adds to the performance dramatically. Most exhaust setups don’t have to be expensive and you’ll get improved sound and a great new exterior appearance.

Sources: Tire Rack, Motor Junkie

Tags accessory, chipped, cold air intake, dyno, exhaust, supercharger, synthetic oil, turbo, upgrade

Automotive

Ranking The Best and Worst Volkswagen Cars Of 2021

Post author By Taylor Quinn
Post date December 14, 2020

Volkswagen is one of the most iconic automakers in the world, but the last couple of decades have been a bit rough for the company. Fortunately, the German automaker is experiencing a resurgence and its 2021 models are some of the most promising in some time.

With every change in the automotive industry, a new segment of the vehicle is going to dominate, and in this case, it’s the crossover. Volkswagen initially offered the Toureg in the early 2000s, but now their selection of crossovers has been vastly expanded. Volkswagens drive with a sense of luxury and precision that you won’t find in rivals. We took a look at the best and worst Volkswagen models of 2021.

Golf GTI (Best):

The Golf GTI is sort of a unique throwback when you think about a performance car. The original hot hatch is now one of the oldest nameplates on the market and remains a stellar value. The Golf has a roomy interior with a fair amount of cargo space and is available in a four or two-door option. Performance is where the Golf GTI excels. The model drives unlike anything else on the market, and for its price, you can’t go wrong.

Arteon (Best)

Big, beautiful, and in control are three words that sum up the Arteon. If you look at the car from the outside, you’ll see something different than the Passat. The Arteon is a beautiful example of what Volkswagen still does right, and the performance of the car matches. You might almost mistake this for an Audi, with a connected driving experience that brings you closer to the road. Of course, the interior qualities are very high-class as well, which bolds well for the exceptional build quality.

Jetta (Best)

Few cars have been more iconic than the Jetta has in the last 30 years, and the car continues to make a name for itself. The upmarket interior of the Jetta has always propelled the car above the Civic and Corolla in terms of quality. Performance comes from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has been the pinnacle of the lineup for a decade.

Tiguan (Worst)

When the Tiguan hit the market, it was a welcomed addition to the Volkswagen lineup, slotting in below the much larger Toureg. For all intents and purposes, the Tiguan is a well-rounded crossover, but the exterior styling and the interior have become outdated when compared to other cars on the market. Reliability ratings have been less than favorable for the car as well, which deters some buyers.

Passat (Worst)

The Passat is riding on an outdated platform and Volkswagen can no longer deny it. In addition to the built-in rivalry from the Arteon, the Passat has a lot of competition to overcome. Not to mention the fact that consumers have all but moved away from passenger cars in favor of crossover vehicles. The Passat is a car that’s better left passed over, and if you truly want one, you can wait on the revision in a year or two.

Source: Auto Wise

Tags Arteon, Atlas, beetle, golf, GTI, passat, Tiguan, toureg, volkswagen, vw

Cars

Top Jeep Models On The Market For 2021

Post author By Taylor Quinn
Post date December 14, 2020

Jeeps have been a fixture in our lives for decades, creating iconic nameplates like the Cherokee and Wrangler that resonate with outdoor enthusiasts. Initially an off-shoot of the AMC automotive company, the Jeep brand has long since become its own entity with an identity much different from the rest of the Chrysler lineup.

Jeeps are iconic and manage to cultivate a brand image that sticks with the cars and owners. The 2021 lineup is going to be a bit different from the lineup that you see today as Jeep moves into a more premium focus in the segment. Learn more about the best Jeep models available for 2021 right here.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The Grand Wagoneer was the original luxury SUV long before the Cadillac Escalade was a thought. The new full-size SUV is will bring a lot of new shoppers back into Jeep showrooms. If the Tahoe is the king of the hill, the Grand Wagoneer is going to give it a run for the money. Jeep is going to incorporate a lot of new luxury features into the Grand Wagoneer, even possibly including the trademark exterior wood trim. Luxury features will be abundant and the Grand Wagoneer will tread into luxury SUV territory.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been the hallmark of the Jeep lineup for almost 30 years now. With its luxury appointments and spacious interior, the Grand Cherokee is quite the catch. The price tag has increased dramatically over the years and the Grand Cherokee is treading into luxury SUV territory. But that’s alright because the Jeep brand, in general, has become a premium aspect of the automotive industry. With special renditions of the Grand Cherokee such as the SRT model, you can’t go wrong with everything the model offers.

Jeep Wrangler

There is no doubt that 2021 is going to be an interesting year for the Jeep brand. The Wrangler is going to get a V8 Hemi for the 2021 model year, which is a long-overdue addition to the line. With the new Bronco on the horizon, Jeep is going to become more competitive than ever in an attempt to maintain customer loyalty. While the overall design of the Wrangler has remained the same for two decades, there are subtle improvements in the SUV. The new interior is more refined than ever and the new hardtop is easier to remove in the summertime.

Renegade

The Renegade was a unique Jeep model that hit the market a few years back, and it was well-received. A much better option than the compact crossover-based Jeeps before it, the Renegade is based on the same platform as the Fiat 500x. Interior-wise, drivers are greeted with an upmarket design that only bolsters the comfort of the car. Rear seat volume is more than adequate for four full-size adults to go on a road trip, and cargo space isn’t bad either. Sadly, the Renegade isn’t a trail-rated model and you won’t be taking it off-road anytime soon. Nonetheless, if you want to enjoy a Jeep, the Renegade is a great choice.

Sources: Jeep

Tags Commanche, Compass, gladiator, Grand, jeep, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Renegade, Trail Rated, Wagoneer

Automotive

Driven: 2021 Nissan Rogue SV Review

Post author By Taylor Quinn
Post date December 9, 2020

Nissan has long been the third wheel when it comes to the compact crossover market. Honda and Toyota have dominated this segment for decades with the CR-V and the Rav4. However, the Nissan Rogue has been making inroads since its debut and the new model is a pleasant revision of a valuable offering.

The Rogue doesn’t disappoint when it comes to features or performance, and with Nissan in the middle of a corporate restructuring, the Rogue is bringing out all the stops. The newly-revised Rogue might not be groundbreaking, but it’s a great value for crossover shoppers who want something different.

A Different Kind of Crossover

The Rogue is following in line with the rest of the Nissan lineup, creating a sporty type of car. The exterior styling is very similar to the revised Altima and Maxima models, which bodes well. Sharp lines have become commonplace for the Nissan lineup since the early 2000s. The exterior of the Rogue is a lot different than what you’d expect from a crossover SUV, but it does the car justice for the price. The ride height is just right and the standard alloy wheels are just the right fit for the Rogue. The handsome front fascia also helps things out.

A Revised Interior

Nissan is focused on leading the pack when it comes to interior refinement, and the Rogue is no different. The interior is decidedly upmarket while also offering a plethora of luxury. The infotainment center is large enough, and the stereo system has crystal clear audio quality. The panoramic sunroof is a nice touch that gives the Rogue an open-air feeling that most crossovers offer. Seat quality is much better than the previous generation because cheap materials are kept to a minimum in this interior.

Safety and Technology is Standard

The Rogue has been Nissan’s standard-bearer for introducing the general public to the brand in the important crossover race. Safety is an important aspect of any crossover and the HD Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM), which makes parallel parking in the city a breeze. Blind-spot detection also enhances the driver’s ability to judge driving situations, and in the end, the quality of the car makes drivers feel safer. The added benefit of the updated traction control system means that you can take the Rogue places that a lot of crossovers can’t go. You’re not going to tangle with the Jeeps, but you can go on a family road trip this Winter.

Frugal And Well Appointed

With crossovers dominating every aspect of the automotive industry, every automaker is trying to jump on the bandwagon. With the Rogue, you get a car that won’t win any races but provides frugal and stylish transportation. With plenty of power and updated technology to wow even the most condescending driver. As Nissan continues to evolve into a new kind of car company, the Rogue is going to be at the forefront through offering value and substance for a great price.

Sources: Autowise

Tags crossover, nissan, pathfinder, Rogue, SV

Automotive

The Seven Best Hybrid and Electric SUVs For 2021

Post author By Taylor Quinn
Post date December 7, 2020

The innovation of the hybrid vehicle has changed fuel consumption for the better. Whether you want a full-size SUV or a crossover, there is one that will fit your needs. The Hybrid and electric SUV market is growing at a rapid pace.

With new entries from Ford and several other automakers, there has never been as much choice as there is now. We broke down the seven best models coming to the market for 2021.

2021 Mustang Mach-E

Despite the shock of the Mustang nameplate being attached to an all-electric crossover, the Mustang Mach-E is the electric SUV of the future. In addition to Mustang-themed styling, the car has great performance and a comfortable interior setup. The base model Mach-E offers 255 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque with a 300-mile range that is more than enough for the average consumer.

2021 Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape was actually the first consumer hybrid SUV to ever be sold in the American market and is now sold in a crowded field. The styling of the Escape Hybrid is similar to that of the Mustang Mach-E and that’s a good thing. With 200 horsepower and a well-appointed interior, the Escape has managed to captivate what it did right all along. The 43-44 MPG is more than impressive for a crossover SUV.

2021 Kia Niro

While Kia is a relatively new player in the hybrid electric arena, the Niro has been making inroads with consumers. The spacious interior and intuitive technological features make the Niro stand out for a lot of reasons. The standard warranty is the best in its class and the Niro has been racking up relatively promising reliability ratings. The electric range on the Niro is 105-112 miles which is more than impressive enough, coupled with the plethora of standard features.

2021 Hyundai Kona EV

Few EVs have made as much of an impact that the Kona has, and it’s mostly been fueled by the affordable price tag and stellar features. Most potential buyers are concerned about purchasing an EV because of the cost that is associated with a battery replacement. The snappy acceleration is one of the strong suits of the Kona, and so is the upscale interior. The factory warranty is the best in the industry and that makes for a smart purchasing decision as well.

2021 Tesla Model Y

When it comes to changing the face of the automotive industry, Tesla has made no bones about it and the Model Y is a unique model to say the least. The $61,000 price tag of the performance version will put the Model Y right in line with the Mustang Mach-E. Tesla emphasizes design and the interior quality is top-notch. Safety advancements are also a strong point of the Tesla portfolio and the Model Y has all kinds of advancements to make driving a lot safer.

2021 Toyota Venza

When the original Toyota Venza hit the market, it was quite odd-looking, but the car has made a reentrance into the automotive market. The Venza is going to be a crossover hybrid this time and the styling is a lot more modern. The Venza always had a spacious interior and this is still a strong selling point for the car. The Venza also has strong reliability ratings from the previous generation so this bolds well for the upcoming model as well.

2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid

There has not been a more iconic SUV than the Ford Explorer. It’s literally been a fixture of family transportation for almost 30 years. The current model is a vast improvement over the previous generations, and the hybrid version is even better. The Ford hybrid drivetrain has been perfected for decades and the Explorer doesn’t disappoint. You get three-row seating and a comfortable SUV that can take you where you want to go in style and comfort.

Sources: Autowise

Tags Escape, Explorer, ford, Hybrid, Hyundai, Kia, Kona, MAch-E, Model Y, Mustang, Niro, Tesla, Toyota, Venza

Health

5 Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol

Post author By Taylor Quinn
Post date December 2, 2020

Cholesterol. It’s a dreaded word by many. And we know it’s a major contributor to overall health and a catalyst for heart attacks. But what is it really? There are many ways to manage it, but aren’t there ways we could keep it in check without turning to prescription medications? In fact, there are many different ways to manage cholesterol levels. But let’s take a look at how it’s made and how it affects our health first.

According to the American Heart Association, “Cholesterol is a waxy substance. It’s not inherently ‘bad.’ Your body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. But too much cholesterol can pose a problem.” In fact, cholesterol can come from two sources, your liver and foods from animals. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. The extra cholesterol in your body comes from animal products. For example, meat, poultry and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol. Those same foods are high in saturated and trans fats. These fats cause your liver to make more cholesterol than usual. For some people, this added production means they go from a normal cholesterol level to one that’s unhealthy.

Your doctor can run tests and help you determine if you have too much cholesterol working against you. But to ensure you are keeping it under check at home, try these natural methods.

Cholesterol causes waxy build up in arteries. Shutterstock.

Understanding LDL and HDL

We will try to put this as simply as possible since there are many complicated factors that go into cholesterol. Different kinds of lipoproteins have different effects on health. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) result in cholesterol deposits in blood vessel walls, which can lead to clogged arteries, strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure.

In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps carry cholesterol away from vessel walls and helps prevent these diseases. In simplified terms, it’s going to be best to increase the “good” HDL cholesterol and lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Olives and olive oils are great monounsaturated fats. Shutterstock.

Incorporate Monounsaturated Fats Into Your Diet

Monounsaturated fats are healthy because they decrease harmful LDL cholesterol, increase good HDL cholesterol and reduce harmful oxidation. As opposed to saturated fats, unsaturated fats have at least one double chemical bond that changes the way they are used in the body. Monounsaturated fats have only one double bond. It may seem like common sense to follow a low-fat diet for weight loss, but a study of 10 men found a 6-week, low-fat diet reduced levels of harmful LDL, but also reduced beneficial HDL.

Actually, a diet high in monounsaturated fats reduced harmful LDL, but also protected higher levels of healthy HDL.Contrary to the belief that cutting all fats from a diet, it seems as though that would be much more harmful than just sticking to foods that are high in monounsaturated fats. This includes olives and olive oil, canola oil, almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, and avocados.

Margarine and shortening are big trans fats. Shutterstock.

Avoid Trans Fats

Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have been modified by a process called hydrogenation. This is the process that also makes shortenings and margarine partially hydrogenated oils. These add textures, so many people and companies like to use these in their products. Unfortunately, the body can’t handle these partially hydrogenated trans fats the same way. Trans fats increase total cholesterol and LDL, but decrease beneficial HDL by as much as 20%.

But if you’re thinking you can just read the labels and avoid trans fats… we may have a problem there. Unfortunately, labels can be misleading when listing their trans fats. Companies are allowed to round down the amount of trans fat per serving. If it is less than 0.5 grams, they can say there are zero. This means some foods contain trans fats even though their labels say “0 grams of trans fat per serving.” To be safe, read the ingredients label in addition to the nutrition label. If a product contains “partially hydrogenated” oil, it has trans fats and should be avoided.

Exercise

Yeah, I know this is a no-brainer, but it truly is important for heart health. But this is also important for cholesterol. In one study, twelve weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercise reduced the especially harmful oxidized LDL in 20 overweight women. Based on this study, “30 minutes of activity five days a week is enough to improve cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Ideally, aerobic activity should raise the heart rate to about 75% of its maximum. Resistance training should be 50% of maximum effort. Activity that elevates the heart rate to 85% of its maximum increases HDL and also decreases LDL. The longer the duration, the greater the effects.”

Always make sure to check your exercise regimen with your doctor. Especially if you have a history of heart issues; it’s best to consult a physician when deciding to do more strenuous physical exercise. But in summary, any type of exercise improves cholesterol and promotes heart health – whether it is walking or swimming. The longer and more intense the exercise, the greater the benefit.

Don’t Smoke

Okay, another obvious one. But many people believe that diet and exercise are the only factors that affect cholesterol. Actually, smoking can be a huge factor when talking about cholesterol and heart health. Smoking changes the way your body can process cholesterol. Unlike many other issues that are caused by nicotine, this issue with smoking actually has to do with the tar.

The immune cells in smokers are unable to return cholesterol from vessel walls to the blood for transport to the liver. These dysfunctional immune cells may contribute to the faster development of clogged arteries in smokers. Cigarette smoke raises levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, and a blood fat called triglycerides.

Tags Arteries, Blood, Cardiovascular, cholesterol, exercise, HDL, heart, heart health, LDL, trans fats