Bruce Wayne - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Coupe

When he’s not swinging across the rooftops of Gotham City, or blasting through parked cars in this Tumbler, Bruce Wayne is hobnobbing with the rich and influential. What better vehicle to do such philanthropist-ing in than the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. As Alfred put it, Bruce’s “subtle” Lambo Coupe pumps out 640 horsepower from its 12-cylinder engine, blasting through the streets of Chicago Gotham at speeds of 211 mph. This leaves Mr. Wayne plenty of time to both save Harvey Dent and pick up a few cuties on the side.

Tony Stark - Ironman’s Audi R8

Tony Stark seems to be the only superhero with more money than Bruce Wayne. With a hanger full of muscle cars, foreign speedsters and a military budget to produce autonomous fighting suits of armor, we figure Stark can pick a car fitting his mood any given day, and never drive the same one twice a month. His everyday knock around ride seems to hold a special place in his energy core, that being the Audi R8. With a mid-mounted V8, the Audi’s 420 horsepower and can get Tony from 0-60 in about 4 seconds - so in this R8 it’s always 4:20 time baby.

Bruce Banner -Prius

The Hulk is released when Bruce Banner’s rage comes to a boiling point he can no longer control - or when he stubs his big toe. Mr. Banner, on the other hand, is as mild mannered as a castrated kitty. So what better for this strong but silent type than a Toyota Prius. Your average Priuses (Pri-eye?) gets anywhere from 45 to upwards of 60 miles per gallon. An electric Prius, such as the plug and ride one above, can get you 100-plus! Hey, Bruce Banner does a lot of wandering - with today’s fuel prices it’s better to get the best mileage.

Hellboy - ‘59 Cadillac

Hellboy doesn’t actually have an alter ego - he is forced to remain underground when not battling demons in Manhattan (and boy are there more demons in New York than just tourists and junkies) He needs a set of wheels that allows for comfort and can take a few lashings from some giant beanstalk growing out of Upper West Side sewers - and something a little more stylish than the garbage truck he already rolls in. A leather interior 1959 Caddy would suit Big Red just fine, top down if he is going to remain low key - as long as its dashboard lighter works.

Wanted - Dodge Viper SRT10

The “heroes” of Wanted are actually a team of extra-ordinary professional assassins who all happen to be really, really attractive. They work in offices by day and carry out special assignments by night. With tough jobs come tough vehicles. Angelina Jolie’s “Fox” character enjoys to do her gigs in a Dodge Viper SRT-10. And why not, with max speed of almost 200 miles per hour from its V10’s 5600 RPM’s, you can get from one assassination to another and still hit a downtown LA bar before last call. Your best additional featuring being a hood-mounted Angelina Jolie ornament.

Honorable Mention:

X-Men’s Beast -SMART Car

He wasn’t in a film this summer, but while writing this post we at Automopedia could not help but wonder what a deep thinker such as Beast would use to go—where does Beast drive to anyway? Even if it’s only a ride around Professor Xavier’s complex battling the forces of evil can be waring on the knees. We figured Beast would want the most sensible car on the market today, and a Smart Car would rank high in his calculations, leg room permitting. Maybe a modified version to take into battle, or at least a drop-top for extra headroom.

Now these fellers got the right idea - Hells bells, you could fit a family of six inside that late model Mercury. This puppy would also make a perfect rally car or destruction derby racer. Just slap on a number, some ironic slogan and local sponsorship from Tim’s Bait & Tackle and get on the track. ‘Course they should probably get some rubber on them rims first.

Speaking of rubber, if you’re making this trip in a one-ton pickup no proud redneck should never leave the farm without a big pair of Truck Nuts on your tailpipe. It’s the only true way to show off some hillbilly manliness - no one’s Silverado or F-150 can be complete without a set.

If you want to bring the extended family along you have to get a little creative. This Redneck Limo is the perfect example of just what to do when you don’t want your mother-in-law hassling everyone from the seat behind ya - plop her be-hind 6 rows back, with the dawgs and little ones.

If you want to strike out by your lonesome but the misses needs you to finish mowin’, there’s plenty of ways to kill two birddogs with one buckshot. Imagine having all your property trimmed in about 3 minutes with this John Deere Motorcycle. After that you can take off to the Dude Ranch and kick back with a MGD.

These folks got the spirit but they’re doin’ it all wrong!

Well here’s a redneck sports car dream come true - nothing says “boy howdy!” better then an off-roadin’ Pontiac Firebird. It’s also a great way to not only see past traffic, but get rite on over it. Now that you’ve picked your mode of backwoods transportation it’s good practice to have the right style to fit each ride.

My cousin Jim Bob Esq. has always been the height of fashion in the greater Deerlick region. He shuns the typical Daytona 500 t-shirt for a more natural look. He’s a real success story in our family; his beer bottle return business has helped achieve the biggest houseboat anyone in this area has seen.

Now all our misses are ready to hit the waves with their homemade bathing suits. In fact, the rest of the clan is just bout ready for a drive to the Redneck Inn and a weekend of gorgeous weather, riding the tire swing over the swimin’ hole the lake, and keeping it in the family…road trips that is!

Below are some of the unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) that you can expect to see in an oil rich nation near you!

Crusher

This 6.5 ton unmanned monster is built for all terrains. The vehicle was created by Carnegie Mellon’s National Robotics Engineering Center as part of a project called Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle Perceptor Integration or UPI. Funded by the U.S. Army and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the project is said to be 10 years ahead of its time. So far the project has received $35 million in funding. The Crusher does not take kindly to mama jokes.

The Crusher recently spent 40 days and nights wandering the desert asking itself “Who am I?”

The Gladiator

This small vehicle was the first UGV designed for the US. Marine Corp. It is expected to be deployed for a variety of task including carrying out search and discovery missions in hostile lands, mine fields and areas suspected of containing chemical and biological weapons. The vehicle is capable of being equipped with various weapons to deal with insurgents that do not respect its authority.

Those may look like missiles but are actually ice cream cone launchers to bring world peace in George W. Bush’s latest: “We All Scream For Ice Cream”campaign.

UH-19XRW Hoverwing

Ghost ride the whip on land and water when the UH-19XRW Hoverwing is on the loose. This unmanned hybrid hovercraft and ground-effect vehicle is part of the Navy’s Sly Fox Program Mission 9 and is currently undergoing test. It is capable of flying up to six feet above land, water, astro turf and passed out wookies.

Even Batman thinks this is the hot shizzle.

Andros Mark V0A-1

This track equipped vehicle can easily maneuver over rough terrain and even has the ability to climb stairs. Andros enjoys handling explosives, nuclear surveillance, hazardous material response and SWAT Operations. The vehicle is capable of going 3.5 mph and powered by saphion lithium-ion batteries.

Johnny 5 + Busted 80’s Cyborg Cougar = Andros

Defender

This automated perimeter security (APS) ‘engagement platform’ can travel up to 35 mph over rough terrain while being piloted by a remote driver. Multiple color cameras give the driver video feedback and road view. It is capable of patrolling for up to 6 hours and is equipped with a speaker microphone system, pepper spray fogger, M-16A2 rifle and- M240/249 machine guns and a flashing strobe light system perfect for throwing a spontaneous rave.

The Defender showing off all that junk inside its trunk.

Talon

This suitcase portable machine can be used in a variety of operations from reconnaissance to weapons delivery. The Talon is capable of functioning in all weather conditions, day or night, and has amphibious capabilities. The machine is controlled by an operator control unit that provides the user with data and video feedback. Standard equipment includes multiple cameras, a two-stage arm, gripper manipulators, two-way communications, NBC (nuclear/biological/chemical) sensors, radiation sensors, grenade and smoke placing modules and breaching tools .

The Talon is currently being used in Iraq and is known by the locals as Mr. T or T-Lon.

MULE

Lockheed Martin’s Multifunction Utility Logistics and Equipment or MULE is an unmanned vehicle with 6 x 6 independent suspension. Each wheel has its own independent in hub motor making it highly mobile in all types of terrain. MULE has the ability to climb 1 meter steps and gaps, traverse steep slide slopes and is available is three models: Armed Robotic Vehicle - Assault (Light), Transport and Countermine.

The MULE making an ass of itself after crashing a wedding in Afghanistan.

Panther II

The Panther II is a modified M1 Abrams Main Battle tank that has been modified into a remote controlled mine clearing vehicle. The turrent has been replaced with mine rollers at the front of the tank which can explode a 50,000 square foot mine field in one hour. The vehicles operator can control it from up to 2600 feet away.

The Panther II rolls over land mines laid down by the Iranian Welcoming Committee.

SWORDS

SWORDS or Special Weapons Observation remote Reconnaissance Direct Action System is a multi function death machine with little man syndrome. With the capability to be armed with machine guns, grenade launchers, sniper rifles and anti-tank rockets, this remote controlled vehicle has been used Iraq since 2004. The unit is controlled by a remote laptop equipped with a trigger switch and a kill switch for when this aggressive booger tries to attack you.

The Swords vehicle at a recent photo shoot with American flag temporary tattoo (not included).

Other Vehicles That Will Kill Your Ugly Yellow Hummer H3

Attention gear heads, tailgater’s, NASCAR fans, gangsters, hustlers, soccer moms and middle aged men with Hummer H3s. We are pleased to announce that the 2012 Automotive Olympics will take place in Knockemstiff, Ohio on the solar eclipse of November 13, 2012 and possibly the last day of civilization. We are currently taking applicants in the comments area below. The events are as follows:

Ghost Ride The Whip Competition

This event traces its roots to the Bay Area’s Hyphy culture. Ghost Riding the Whip or “Going Swayze” begins by putting a moving car in idle or leaving it in drive while moving. Competitors exit the moving vehicle where they perform a dance routine beside, on the roof and hood of the automobile . This event also features a partners competition where drivers and passenger perform a synchronized routine. Participants are judged on their ability to “go dumb”, distance, speed and ability to stay in sync. Competitors will be judged by E-40, Mistah F.A.B and Patrick Swayze.

Hugh DeMann - Winner of the 2008 Ghost Ride The Whip World Championship. #1 seated in the 2012 games, first known person to perform “The Worm” while “going dumb” on the hood.

The Shriner Car 500

Participants get behind the wheel of a a mini Shriner car in this event of speed and endurance. The event begins with racers following a Power Wheels chase car. Racers travel around a 50 foot wide track for 500 intense laps reaching top speeds of 15 mph. Throwing up results in immediate disqualification as it makes the track slick and has been used as a way to take out other drivers. Each driver is allowed to have a one man pit crew to provide quick car repairs, cold beers and moral support.

Cole “Papa Smurf” Kutz - lap 43 at the 2005 Shriner 100. This O G and former pimp is expected to lead the pack at the 2012 Automotive Olympics.

Low Rider Gymnastics

Competitors in this event drive lowered cars equipped with hydraulic lift kits and compete in a freestyle bounce off. Drivers have two minutes to break it down in their low riders to the music of their choice. Participants are judged on originality and grace of their hydraulic performance. Bonus points are awarded to performers that can sip a 40 without spilling a drop. A second event is the Low Rider High Jump where participants are judged on how high they can make their low rider bounce.

Jimmy Herlocker - 2004 High Jump Champion and tubesock foot model.

High Speed Car Chase

The high speed car chase takes place in an urban street course outside of a bank. Get behind the wheel of a fake janitorial services van and put the pedal to the floor. All drivers are required to where black ski mask as they are chased by stunt doubles from the “Fast and Furious” movie series. While navigating this 10 mile course drivers must be aware of obstacles such as dudes carrying glass windows, traffic jams, families of ducks crossing the street and random fruit carts. Bonus time is deducted to drivers who successfully nose dive off various jumps including tow truck ramps and construction platforms. Best time wins.

OJ Simpson offers some last minute advice to 2012 Olympic hopeful, Milo Minute.

DUI Obstacle Course

Automopedia does not support drunk driving, but in this controlled event racers begin at a local dive bar owned by a guy named Tricky Nick. After 10 shots of Cuervo and a bowl of two month cocktail nuts drivers must stumble to their 1988 Chrysler LeBaron with Lindsay Lohan and successfully locate the keys in their stone washed jean pockets. On a controlled race course drivers must successfully stop for red lights, stop signs, avoid guardrails and properly use their blinkers. In order to cross the finish line participants must walk a twenty foot yellow line while reciting the alphabet backwards, in Spanish, with a Scottish accent.

Al Kaholic, up at 7:00 am to train for the 2012 Games with a 12,000 empty calorie diet. As you can see by his hands, Al expects to win 1st and 2nd place in 2012.

Grand Theft Auto

America’s top thief’s dominate this event of skill and precision. Athletes must break into a vehicle the fastest in order to win the golden tire in this competition. Each car is armed with an anti theft system, the infamous “The Club” and a pit bull in heat. Participants are given the following items to aid them in their break in attempt: watermelon chewing gum, duct tape, coat hanger, paper clip and package of bologna. The athlete that breaks in the fastest time is the winner and also qualifies for the High Speed Car Chase competition.

Hedda Hare practices for the games at his North Dakota hideout.

“I’m Going to Pull This Car Over” Endurance Challenge

In this soccer mom dominated event drivers ride in a 1986 Chrysler Town & Country station wagon complete with wood paneling. In the back seat are three of the most annoying kids hand picked from elementary schools across the country. Each child has been on a week long diet of Pixie Sticks, Kool Aid and Fruit Rollups and worked into a sugar high frenzy. In this timed endurance event drivers must travel a stretch of road populated with Chuck E Cheeses, McDonald’s, amusement parks, petting zoos and the world’s longest Slip and Slide. Upon each child’s request of “Are we there yet?” drivers must respond that it is going to be another long and slow hour. Once the driver has threatened to pull the car over three times the event is over.

Soccer Mom and Maxim’s 2006 Milf of the Year, Ivanna B. Badd, is expected to at least take the silver tire at the 2012 Automotive Olympics.

Clown Car Cram Off - Standard and XXL Series

How many people can you fit in a Cooper Mini? Athletes must fit as many members of their team into the Mini within two minutes and successfully close all the doors. Bonuses are awarded for every 10 minutes they can remain in the car. Most participants have a background in yoga, contortion and stupid human tricks. For the Big Gulp, couch surfing athlete, their will be an XXL event where participants will need to cram into a Hummer.

“Team Sip-E-Cup” has been training since birth and hopes to use height to their advantage. They recently began smoking cigarettes in an effort to stunt their growth for the 2012 games.

Chicken – Footloose Style

In this Kevin Bacon inspired event participants face off on a 1 mile strip of country road. While driving John Deere tractors racers must floor their vehicles towards one another while blasting the Footloose theme song. The first driver to swerve out of the lane looses. The winner of this event will also be featured in a movie with Kevin Bacon and the world will be one step closer to narrowing the “six degrees of Kevin Bacon” down to five.

Biff Wellington in the drink after being forced off the road in a 2003 defeat. He is confident that 2012 will be his comeback year.

Ship’s Mast

This relatively new sport was inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof. The event consist of a driver and a “first mate”. Prior to the event athletes must attach a belt to each of the cars to front doors. The driver must accelerate the car to a minimum of 55 miles before the first mate climbs out the window of the car and grab two belts. The timer starts when the first mate is on top of the hood on his or her back, secured by a belt in each hand. Teams must then navigate back country roads while maintaining the minimum speed requirement. Time bonuses are awarded for being extra hot and driving way too fast.

To express you intent to compete in the 2009 Automotive Olympics, holler in the comments section below.

1. Blade Runner

Let’s face it - Philip K. Dick’s Blade Runner (from his 1968 book entitled Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?) is one science fiction story referenced time and time again. The film’s design by artist Syd Mead has been mimicked since their introduction to celluloid in 1982. Rick Deckard (BR’s main character played by Harrison Ford) is chauffeured around by Gaff (Edwards James Olmos) in a police “Spinner” - part ground car, part flying-police interceptor. The Spinner, well, spins as it ascends past the rooftops of 2019 Los Angeles. According to a recent behind the scenes documentary, underneath the futuristic Spinner bodies were the chaises of Volkswagens.

2. Batman

The Batmobile has taken many forms - from a Lincoln concept car to the now famous Tumbler. The ride of Bruce Wayne’s alter ego has been barreling down Gotham streets for decades, and into the hearts of every kid’s imagination. Our 21st century anti-crime lab on wheels is complete with various gun and missile cannons, sensor units (both audio and visual) and a detachable motorcycle.

Honorable Mention:

Batman: The Animated Series from the 1990’s was celebrated by cartoon fans for its striking art-deco designs. Personally, we at Automopedia find this animated Batmobile on this version of the caped crusader’s car a personal favorite.

3. Star Wars

We searched high and low…and yes, there is a car in Star Wars…sort of. Cloud City’s “Twin-pod cloud car” patrols the skies in a galaxy far, far away. Two identical armored vehicles are connected by a thruster engine, along with matching laser blasters coming out of the front end, reminiscent of P-51 Mustang fighter planes from WWII. We want to know if each pod is independent of the other, or its connecting engine.

4. Minority Report

Also based on a story by Sci-Fi author Philip K. Dick (famous for the aforementioned Blade Runner) Minority is set in 2054 Washington DC, where pre-crime police capture criminals based on foreknowledge, provided by three psychic pre-cognitives. The vehicles provided by Lexus/Toyota were futuristic concepts, which came complete with a future press-release:

In the year 2054, some cars will be self-cleaning, some will drive in an accident free system, and some will change colors on command…In the film’s design…a mass transportation system uses electrical/magnetic energy - much like that which sends a bullet train speeding along - with horizontal and vertical surfaces covered with “roadways” made of magnetic discs that support and propel various vehicles.

5. Mad Max

Mad Max is a classic post-apocalyptic revenge story. Australian cop Max is out to get back at a violent motorcycle gang after they killed one of his wife, their son and a fellow officer. Along for the ride is Max’s sawed-off shotgun and his 1973 Ford XB Falcon. dozens of other custom 70’s muscle cars and super-charged bikes are roaming the outback wasteland, hunting for food (sometimes in the form of people) and precious oil, which has become a commodity more precious than life.

6. The Road Warrior

Mad Max 2, as it is also named, continues with the oil subplot, as a group of hardened civilians try to escape their heavily fortified compound with a tanker truck full of gasoline. The only thing standing in their way is a leather-chap clad gang of homicidal maniacs. Luckily, Mel Gibson is back in the lead roll, and he is still pretty pissed off.

Honorable Mention:

Between the Mad Max films and Convoy you have a wide variety of armored Mack Trucks - including a fuel hauler with gun torrents and arrow launchers.

7. Back to the Future

Great Scott! If not for Back To The Future the DeLorean DMC-12 would have been just an obscure automotive legend. Instead, the gull-winged sports car is engraved in the psyches of movie buffs the worldwide. This DeLorean wasn’t much for surpassing 88-mph - not without traveling to 1885 or 2015. Doc Brown’s car consisted of a radioactive flux-capacitor, advanced time-travel system and a flying mode.  A near perfect DeLorean was recently spotted at this Sacramento used car dealership.

Speaking of flying cars…

8. The Fifth Element

Ok, so Fifth Element may not be considered “classic science fiction” - but we love the New York Checkered Cabs of 2263 Manhattan. Bruce Willis spends his days catching fares and nights returning a mystical female oracle (played by the gorgeous Milla Jovoich) to the other four elements in an attempt to save the world. Why is it always the job of Willis to save the rest of us? Poor guy. Other flying vehicles include everyday pedestrian cars, police cruisers and a floating Chinese food stand.

9. Dune

In the year 10,191 one would think humans (or whatever evolves from us) will have little to no use for a car. When you’re trapped on the dunes of Arrakis with a sand worm hot on your tale, the only thing that can save you is a well-armored tank (or Sting in a leather jumpsuit). Dune’s Harvesters not only keep its two-dozen or so occupants safe from worms, it allows them to meticulously pick the land clean of the addictive “spice melange” - which sells to the highest bidder. The Harvester is big and tough, but slow as a snail, and needs a huge spacecraft to do desert pick-ups and drop-offs.

10. Akira

Soon to be a live-action motion picture, Akira is a beautiful piece of Japanese animation, which helped Manga become popular on this continent. Akira is the name of a child who was given almost “god-like powers” while undergoing military experiments for ESP in 2019 Neo-Tokyo.During the story, Akira grows out of control, threatening to destroy the entire city. Who will safe this futuristic faux-Tokyo? A bunch of delinquent 16 year olds in a motorcycle gang of course! Yes, bikes are not cars, but they are still sleek looking vehicles. We hope the live-action versions don’t look too plastic, or worse yet, CGI like a certain recent Speed Racer flick.

11. Death Race 2000

Yet another dystopia future? It may be looking bad for us humans, but the car industry (and, seemingly, weapons industries) will surely flourish! As the Aussies brought us Mad Max America brought us Death Race 2000. Set in (guess what year!) the thin yet entertaining plot revolves around outlaw racers who challenge one another, along with any pedestrian who crosses their path. Points are scored not only by how fast you reach a check point, but also by the number, gender and age of those you murder along the way. Talk about road rage! (wakka wakka) - Some of the cartoonishly-violent vehicles featured include a Fiat Spider, custom Chevy Nova and a custom Cimbria Super Sport (pictured above). Doesn’t this sound like the perfect mix of movie violence, cheese and entertainment? Hollywood sure thought so, because they are remaking the film this summer…

12. Death Race (2008 Remake)

…with an army of updated cars, trucks and SUV’s equipped with Vulcan cannons, flame throws and lots of heavy-looking metal plating. The big draw is Ford’s new Mustang as Death Race’s star. There’s also a late 60’s Buick Riviera featured, presumably blown up at one point in the film, which makes us all at Automopedia cry just a tiny bit.

13. Escape from New York

Another great taxi for “Snake Plissken” (Kurt Russell) to help rescue the President after his plane is shot down over a Manhattan Island turned maximum security prison. The Checker Marathon cabs were made specifically for the livery services throughout their years of service, until the early 80’s when Ford and Chevrolet cars became your normal yellow cabs in New York. The cabbie (who is fittingly named “Cabbie” and played by Airwolf’s Ernest Borgnine) who assists snake in finding the Chief of Staff stocks his taxi with Molotov cocktails. Those probably came in pretty handy behind the scenes, shooting at night in downtown NYC during the early-1980’s.

14. Ghost in the Shell

Another anime, though this time we really have cars to feature! Ghost in the Shell is another world-famous manga revolving around the officers of Section 9, whose job it is to fight the most violent of cyber and technological crimes. A new animated series spin-off of the 1995 film includes a couple of animated Nissan concept vehicles - there’s Nissan’s Sport pictures above - which may come to life in the not-to-distant future.
15. Aliens

Syd Mead is back with more visually stunning vehicles for the sci-fi lover to gawk over. Aliens’ APC (armored personal carrier) was based on the trucks used to tow civilian and military airplanes to/from hangers. Mead again pushes the boundaries of imagination (while staying within budget) and brings us functional, realistic designs of cars we may all be driving…one day. Hopefully, we can figure out better ways to fuel these various modes of transit, so we won’t be shouting…

…”Game Over Man!”

(more…)

We have compiled 30 cars that will either make you look like a rock star or a child actor washout when you hit the streets in your new ride. Check out the15 most fuel efficient cars and 15 Least fuel efficient cars of 2008 below.

15 Least Fuel Efficient Cars of 2008

1. Lamborghini Murciélago (manual) 8 city / 13 hwy

2. Bugatti Veyron 8 city /14 hwy

3. Lamborghini Murciélago (auto) 9 city / 14 hwy

4. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (auto) 9 city / 16 hwy

5. Bentley Arnage (auto) 10 city / 15 hwy

6. Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG 11 city / 13 hwy

7. Jeep Grand Cherokee 11 city / 14 hwy

8. GMC Sierra 13 city / 17 hwy

9. Cadillac Escalade 13 city /17 hwy

10. GMC Yukon/13 city /17 hwy

11. Nissan Armada 4WD 13 city /18 hwy

12. Ford Expedition 4WD 14 city /17 hwy

13. Ford F150 Pickup 4WD 14/ 18 hwy

14. Dodge Durango 4WD 14 city /18 hwy

15. Lincoln Mark LT (4WD) 14 city /18 hwy

15 Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2008

1. Toyota Prius (hybrid-electric) 60 city / 51 hwy

2. Honda Civic Hybrid 49 city / 51 hwy

3. Toyota Camry Hybrid 40 city / 38 hwy

4. Ford Escape Hybrid FWD 36 city / 31 hwy

5. Nissan Altima Hybrid 35 city / 33 hwy

6. Toyota Yaris (manual) 34 city / 40 hwy

7. Toyota Yaris (automatic) 34 city / 39 hwy

8. Mercury Mariner Hybrid 34 city / 30 hwy

9. Honda Fit (manual) 33 city / 38 hwy

10. Toyota Corolla (manual) 32 city / 41 hwy

11. Hyundai Accent (manual) 32 city / 35 hwy

12. Kia Rio (manual) 32 city/ 35 hwy

13. Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD 32 city / 29 hwy

14. Nissan Versa 27 city / 33 hwy

15. Scion XD 27 city / 33 hwy

How to buy and where to rent

Purchasing a trailer can be as arduous as shopping for a new or used car. Many dealerships specialize in multiple hauler types, from construction to landscaping and horse trailers. Some trusted brands you want to remember are Econoline, Pace American and the hilariously titled EZ-Dumper. Depending on size, your purchase could range from the low price of a few hundred dollars to upwards of $60k! Much like shopping for a car you can compare the inventory of various dealers, and buy certified pre-owned (aka- used) equipment.

Since you are purchasing a trailer, you obviously need one that fits all your requirements. Price range aside, you must keep in the daily use of your equipment. If you need a 4-horse carrier but are only willing to buy a two-horse due to cost, that isn’t going to help you much in the long run. There are always financing and leasing alternatives; you don’t want to be leaving lawnmowers behind on customer’s property because all didn’t fit on your discount trailer. Dealers are usually more than willing to figure out a finance option that fits any budget.

Of course, not all of us need a full-time trailer, usually it’s only required for a one-time move. So now we delve into the exciting world of renting. Nothing better than trusting your material possessions to a piece of machinery hundreds of people have abused over the years.

We’ve all heard horrible stories about someone’s moving adventure, especially when it comes to equipment rentals. Usually, these are tales of hell and damnation. Think about it; humans were once nomads, moving from one place to another with relative ease. These days, it has gotten a lot more complicated. Whether it’s a local run or cross country relocation, there are a few things you should think about before you depart with a trailer behind you.

Now, we don’t want to turn this into an anti-U-Haul blog, (do a search, there are already PLENTY of those) but some of the most hilariously horrid stories come from U-Haul experiences. Many of them revolve around incorrect reservations, people wanting a small van and getting stuck with a huge moving truck, or vice versa. Some anecdotes are far worse, with constant breakdowns, multiple replacements trucks for one trip, arrests and even deaths.

An argument has been made about customer responsibility as well. Let’s be honest, if you are an 18-year-old moving to college this is probably your first rental, let alone the first time driving anything with trailers attached. Still, U-Haul’s CEO has made a promise to change the image of his company. He released his personal cell phone number on national television, asking people to call and complain directly to him. Perhaps one day we shall travel highways with our family possessions in tow, carefree and not the least bit concerned about accidents. Besides, it’s not good practice for a company to maim their customers. And while it is their duty to refuse a renter they feel is unsafe (hitching a one-ton trailer to a Ford Focus, for example) the consumer can be stubborn. Do you feel you or your vehicles are capable of securely pulling a load over long distances?

How to set up your trailer - Are you fit to tow?

Depending on what you’re trailing behind your vehicle, you don’t need any special licenses. Yet, there are some basics to realize before you go hauling dangerous and heavy equipment around town. Make sure your vehicle is capable of towing the load size you have in mind. You can check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating with any car or trailer manufacture, and also the Gross Axle Weight Rating for single-axle trailers. A mid-size car probably should not be towing a 4,000 ton load. If you happen to own a new Ford F-150 they were just given a high tow rate of 11,300 pounds. Before anyone decides to hitch up and take off in a trailer keep in mind Federal law requires them to have brake lights, side marker lights, turn signals, reflectors and backup lights.

And be sure to balance our the weight of your cargo evenly, both back to front and side-to-side. Do not over stuff you load, it could lead to disastrous consequences. Before you depart, check all hitches and lights, double check towing capacity and even drive the rig around the block before heading off. Taking these safety tips into mind will help you have a happy and uneventful journey.

Everyday use and alternative trailers

Dog trailers as well as kid carriers for bicycles have become extremely popular, and safer! The doggie-hitch system wasn’t always the most maneuverable, tipping over many times or not turning properly at higher speeds. A lot of times, your pooch would jump out in pursuit of a rabbit or ball. Today’s child and animal trailers for bikes are state of the art, and extremely safe - made with light yet strong metal braces to protect in case of collision. New hitches are built to turn at various speeds. And most importantly, these trailers actually close! So no worries about Fido running out or your child bouncing off the sidewalk. Still, be sure your son or daughter is sitting upright with a helmet firmly strapped on.

More than ever Americans are riding bikes as commuters, thanks to the rapid climb in fuel prices. Rickshaws are spotted in more cities to compete with taxi cabs and limo services. Courier services, once a job fit for single riders with thin envelopes in their messenger bags, are now fitting cycles with extended trailers for high volume deliveries.

Aside from the typical utility trailers you may need something to haul your horses. Transporting one or several elegant horses to shows or rodeos can be an uncomfortable experience for the animal. You want to make sure there is plenty of room for each horse in your carrier, about 10 feet per horse. You can compensate for less room by having a lightly colored interior and using trailers with several openings for heads to hang out and the sun to come in. Roof openings are also helpful, this will allow for more sun and proper ventilation. The last thing you want to do is stress out your four legged friends. When shopping for an animal trailer, try to look at a trailer from the animal’s perspective.

Do some research, figure out a budget, and always remember to drive safe - these are some of the key factors you should think about before making a smart trailer rental or purchase. Did you enjoy the pictures? You can see more funny trailer photos here.