Different Car Titles Explained

A vehicle title is a document that proves legal ownership of a vehicle such as a car or truck. A vehicle cannot be registered, issued license plates or driven without a title. The vehicle's condition will dictate what type of title is issued. Each state has various rules regarding vehicle titles. Here's a guide to different car titles:

Clear Title

A clean title or clear title means that there are no major physical issues with the car and that that there is not a financial lien against the car being sold. Having a clear car title means there are no outstanding payments to be made on the car, and ownership is therefore clear and established. A brand new vehicle has a clean title and most pre-owned vehicles that can be driven safely and are insurable. A clear title on a car is also known as a ‘pink slip’. To check the history of your vehicle please run a VinAudit vehicle check.

Theft Title

This is a variation of a clean title for a vehicle which was stolen but recovered. Usually these types of titles will have some type of "theft" brand on the title. A car the has been salvaged from theft only means that enough parts were stolen off the car to be worth more than the car itself.

Salvage Title

If a car title brands the vehicle as salvaged, then it means that the car has been declared as a total loss by an insurance company or other authorities due to some accident, flood, fire, vandalism or other such problems. The criteria for determining when a salvage title is issued differ considerably by each state, province or territory. To get a salvage vehicle legal to drive, it must be certified as "Rebuilt Salvage" by a state authority.

Rebuilt/Reconstructed Title

Once a vehicle is fixed after earning a salvage title, it's given a rebuilt title. While this may still be a good car to buy, it is not a clean title. Depending on the work done, and the price being asked, a rebuilt car is often in better shape than a car of the same year that has not had work done.

Dismantled Title

When a Dismantled title is issued, the vehicle may be used only for parts or scrap metal.

Junk Title

A 'non-repairable' title means that the car is junk. After a Junk title is issued, the vehicle may be used only for parts or scrap metal. It cannot be re-titled or returned to the road using the existing vehicle identification number.

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Most Unsafe Driving Behaviors

1 - Speeding

Drivers are more likely to be seriously injured or killed at higher speeds, and speeding increases the risk of being in a crash because there is less time and distance available to respond.

2 - Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving occurs when "an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property. It can refer to any display of aggression by a driver, tailgating, flashing headlights, speeding or weaving through traffic are just some forms of aggressive driving. Extreme acts of physical assault that result from disagreements between drivers are a form of aggression commonly called "Road Rage."

3 - Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. These activities include things like texting or talking on a cell phone, eating, watching a video, or talking to other passengers of the car. Drivers who take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds can double their risk of being in a crash.

4 - Drowsy Driving

Falling asleep at the wheel is clearly dangerous, but being sleepy affects your ability to drive safely even if you don't fall asleep. Driving while extremely tired (so tired you have a hard time keeping your eyes open) affects a driver's ability to make rapid decisions and they may have slower reaction times. Not only are they putting themselves in danger, but they are a risk to everyone else on the road.

5 - Tailgating

Tailgating is when a driver follows the car in front too closely. Doing so decreases the amount of time that a driver has to react. When you cannot avoid hitting another automobile, tailgating can cause a car accident. If you are being tailgated by a car, the first thing that you should do is to put your turn signal on, switch lanes, and get the out of the way as fast as reasonably possible.

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Tips for Buying at Car Auctions

Cars at auctions are usually very cheap compared to cars sold at conventional car dealerships and distributors. You can save hundreds by buying your next car at an auction. If buying a car at auction is a new experience for you, these tips can help you along the way.

Do your homework

Make sure you are fully informed about what the kind of car you want to buy is and what the car will be worth.

Arrive early

The earlier, the better. This will give you plenty of time to view the inventory and inspect the car or cars you’re planning to bid on.

Check the car

Take the opportunity to inspect the vehicle's body work from every angle. Make sure the car you're bidding on is well-maintained, and check the service history carefully. Get a vehicle history report. VinAudit provides a government-sourced VIN lookup service for less cost than Carfax.

Check the VIN

Write down the VIN from the base of the windshield for any car you're considering. Then check other places where the VIN might appear, such as door and trunk lid stickers. If the numbers don't match, the car may have been in a major accident and rebuilt. Look for more promising alternatives.

Set a budget

Don't get caught up in the frenzy of a bidding war and spend too much for a car. Set yourself a maximum budget and do not go over it. There will always be another car. Remember, you will still have to buy insurance and tax the vehicle and setting aside some money for service costs is always good practice, too.

Listen carefully to the auctioneer

The details of the vehicle will be read before starting the bidding. Be aware of its selling description. Auctioneers will often describe the cars, or 'lots', using different terms, and these are the key phrases to watch out for.

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Common Car Problems and Solutions

When something goes wrong in our car,most of us do not know how to fix them. Let’s take a look at some of the common car problems we face and how to deal with them.

What To Do If You Have A Flat Tire

http://www.aa1car.com/library/tire_flat.htm

A flat tire is something nobody wants because a flat tire will leave you stranded along side the road. When a tire loses all its air, is loses its buoyancy and the ability to support weight. So a puncture or leak that allows the tire to lose air will cause the tire to collapse and go flat.

Check Engine Light - What does it mean?

http://motorist.org/articles/check-engine-light

If the check engine light comes on: Look for a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Check your dashboard gauges and lights for indications of low oil pressure or overheating. These conditions mean you should pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can find a safe place to do so.

What to Do If Your Car Overheats: 5 Must-Know Steps

http://blog.esurance.com/what-to-do-if-your-car-overheats/

This article covers the 5 steps of what to do when your engine overheats, and provide a couple tips on how to handle an overheating engine in traffic.

Car Won't Start: Here's What to Do

http://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/car-won-t-start/view-all

If you turn the car key and your car won’t start, don’t give up. Before you call for a tow, try these seven simple tricks to get your car started again.

Fixing Squeaky Brakes

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf291194.tip.html

If your brakes are squeaky it could a minor issue or it could be a sign of a necessary repair. Get to the bottom of the problem sooner than later or it could become dangerous. This is a guide about fixing squeaky brakes.

How do you fix a coolant leak in your car?

https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-fix-a-coolant-leak-in-your-car

Coolant leaks can occur anywhere in the actual cooling system. Nine from ten times, coolant leaks are readily available because the coolant is visible dripping, spraying, seeping or bubbling on the leaky component. The first symptom of trouble is often engine overheating.

Dealing With A Dead Car Battery

http://www.askmen.com/cars/car_tips_100/105_car_tip.html

Why do car batteries die? There are a number of reasons why your car's batteries may weaken and fail over time. How do you deal with a dead or weak battery in your car?

Car Air Conditioning Troubleshooting

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/car-air-conditioning-troubleshooting

Car air conditioning is wonderful during a hot summer. But, when it isn't working properly, a sunny, summer drive to the store can be brutal. Depending on what’s causing your air conditioning’s problem, you might notice different signs like a lack of refrigerant or a funky smell. Use this guide to target the symptoms so that you can diagnose the issue.

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What is the Number One Car Brand in America?

Brand reputation is an important factor when buying a new car. Here are the ten best car brands in the American market. Can you guess which is the number one car brand in the U.S.?

#10 Buick

Buick is an American automobile division of the American manufacturer General Motors. Buick is one of the model lines GM decided to keep when it dropped Pontiac and Saturn.

#9 Cadillac

Like Lincoln, Cadillac sales have failed to keep up with the leading German imports. General Motors, which is the largest U.S. auto maker, manufacturers Cadillac.

#8 Hyundai

Hyundai is one of the two large Korean brands sold in the United States, the other being Kia.

#7 Toyota

Toyota is the world's market leader in sales of hybrid electric vehicles, and one of the largest companies to encourage the mass-market adoption of hybrid vehicles across the globe. Year after year, Toyota is the leading Japanese car company in the United States.

#6 BMW

BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke. The German luxury automaker is based in Munich, Germany and owns both the Mini and Rolls-Royce brands. BMW is the world’s largest luxury brand based on unit sales.

#5 Subaru

Subaru is the automotive division of Japanese conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries. It offers family-friendly all-wheel drive SUV and cars with maximum safety. Subaru was long considered an also-ran among Japanese car companies. That perception has changed somewhat as sales increased in recent years.

#4 Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz combines luxury with performance across the full line of luxury cars, sedans, SUVs, coupes, roadsters, convertibles & more. Mercedes-Benz has perennially been the leading premium car in the U.S. market, often changing places with BMW for the honor.

#3 Lincoln

The Lincoln Motor Company is a division of the U.S.-based Ford Motor Company that sells luxury vehicles under the Lincoln brand. One of Ford's oldest brands, Lincoln has struggled in the United States to match sales of German leaders in luxury brands, BMW and Mercedes.

#2 Acura

Acura is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company. Acura holds the distinction of being the first Japanese automotive luxury brand. Honda launched Acura because it did not have a premium car brand in the United States.

#1 Lexus

Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota. Lexus was created by Toyota to compete with BMW, Mercedes, Lincoln, and Cadillac in the United States.

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How To Save On Car Insurance for New Drivers

Are you looking for a way to bring down the costs of your car insurance? Car insurance is a must, but you don't want to spend a penny more than you need to. Here's what you need to know to save as much money as possible on your car insurance.

First time buying car insurance? Make sure to shop around.

http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Saving-Money/2016/0608/First-time-buying-car-insurance-Make-sure-to-shop-around

Get car insurance quotes from several insurance companies and compare prices.

Have low mileage? You could save big on car insurance

http://www.insurancequotes.com/auto/mileage-car-insurance-discount-51313

You can lower car insurance quote by driving less. A low mileage insurance policy can significantly reduce your premiums and make driving more affordable.

Taking This Online Driving Course Could Save You Up to 10% on Auto Insurance or Take Points off Your Record

http://lifehacker.com/5849050/take-an-online-driving-course-to-save-up-to-10-on-auto-insurance-or-reduce-points-from-your-record

Safe driving is something many auto insurers reward you for with lower insurance rates, but not everyone has the time or inclination to go to in-person driving classes. Online courses are inexpensive, however, and easy to do at your own pace.

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Car Insurance Online

http://compareit.ng/5-reasons-why-you-should-buy-car-insurance-online/

Buying online is cheaper so you could save a lot of money.

6 Car Insurance Discounts You Should Ask About

http://blog.credit.com/2016/04/the-truth-about-car-insurance-discounts-141717/

Insurance is the costliest car-related expense for drivers after the vehicle itself, so it’s no surprise that consumers seek discounts to reduce their car insurance rates.

10 Cars That Are Cheap To Insure AND Fun To Drive

https://www.thezebra.com/insurance-news/3129/cars-cheap-to-insure-fun-to-drive/

When shopping for cars, some people look for the best safety features and latest tech, some want excellent gas mileage, while others focus on how many kids a vehicle can handle. But people who truly love driving want to know how much enjoyment they’ll get from a car: how much fun will it be to drive?

Black box insurance: how young drivers can reduce their car insurance premium

http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/tips-and-advice/152899/black-box-insurance-how-young-drivers-can-reduce-their-car-insurance-premium

If you are struggling with high car insurance costs; black box insurance could be the answer. This is also known as telematics insurance or pay-as-you-drive insurance.

Save thousands by adding drivers to your car insurance

http://www.ratecity.com.au/car-insurance/news/save-thousands-by-adding-drivers-to-your-car-insurance

Adding an experienced and older named driver to the policy is another effective way to bring down the cost. This way the insurer is reassured that the young person will not be the only one driving the car, which reduces the chances of an accident occurring.

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How Do Self-Driving Cars Work?

Are self-driving cars safe? Driverless cars may save lives, but would you get into an automated self-driving vehicle, knowing that in the event of an accident, it might sacrifice your life if it meant saving the lives of other people? Self-driving cars are starting to hit the road, here's what to expect.

Are humans ready for self-driving cars?

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/humans-ready-self-driving-cars/

Experts say the development of self-driving cars over the coming decade depends on an unreliable assumption by many automakers: that the humans in them will be ready to step in and take control if the car’s systems fail.

These Stats Show Why We Need Driverless Cars So Desperately

https://mic.com/articles/148723/these-stats-show-why-we-need-driverless-cars-so-desperately#.grFmC8xW7

A lot of humans are pissed off as they wield heavy machinery every day. A newly released AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey found that "nearly eight of every 10 U.S. drivers admit expressing anger, aggression or road rage at least once in the previous year," the Detroit Free Press reported. This means tailgating, shouting, cutting someone off or angrily gesticulating.

Roads That Work for Self-Driving Cars

http://www.wsj.com/articles/roads-that-work-for-self-driving-cars-1467991339

In May, a Tesla “autopilot” enthusiast in Florida became the first known fatality in a self-driving car. But this was no ordinary accident. The car performed exactly as designed, and the (non)driver’s failure to take any corrective action could reasonably have been foreseen by the manufacturer. This unwelcome yet widely anticipated milestone may set back progress on what promises to be one of the most valuable technologies of the 21st century.

Think self-driving cars could mean an end to traffic jams? Think again...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/07/19/think-self-driving-cars-could-mean-an-end-to-traffic-jams-think/

The dream of self-driving cars extinguishing traffic jams for good may remain just that, as computerised vehicles could make Britain’s roads more congested, not less, according to a new report.

Self-driving cars have drawback: human brain

http://www.newsday.com/business/technology/self-driving-cars-have-drawback-human-brain-1.12061928

Experts say the development of self-driving cars over the coming decade depends on an unreliable assumption by many automakers: that the humans in them will be ready to step in and take control if the car's systems fail.

Moral dilemma could limit appeal of driverless cars

https://student.societyforscience.org/article/moral-dilemma-could-limit-appeal-driverless-cars

Self-driving cars are just around the corner. Such vehicles will make getting from one place to another safer and less stressful. They also could cut down on traffic, reduce pollution and limit accidents. But how should driverless cars handle emergencies? People disagree on the answer. And that might put the brakes on this technology, a new study reports.

Self-driving cars should sacrifice passengers over pedestrians

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2462731/self-driving-cars-should-sacrifice-passengers-over-pedestrians

Driverless cars should be programmed to choose the lesser of two evils if they are about to hit pedestrians. The majority of around 2,000 people participating in a study conducted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab in Boston reckon that self-driving cars should sacrifice passengers over the lives of pedestrians.

Should A Self-Driving Car Kill Its Passengers In A “Greater Good” Scenario?

http://www.iflscience.com/technology/should-self-driving-car-be-programmed-kill-its-passengers-greater-good-scenario/

Picture the scene: You’re in a self-driving car and, after turning a corner, find that you are on course for an unavoidable collision with a group of 10 people in the road with walls on either side. Should the car swerve to the side into the wall, likely seriously injuring or killing you, its sole occupant, and saving the group? Or should it make every attempt to stop, knowing full well it will hit the group of people while keeping you safe?

The Secret UX Issues That Will Make (Or Break) Self-Driving Cars

http://www.fastcodesign.com/3054330/innovation-by-design/the-secret-ux-issues-that-will-make-or-break-autonomous-cars

In an unassuming research lab, Volkswagen is solving problems that Tesla and Google haven't come close to cracking.

Humans Are Slamming Into Driverless Cars and Exposing a Key Flaw

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-18/humans-are-slamming-into-driverless-cars-and-exposing-a-key-flaw

The self-driving car, that cutting-edge creation that’s supposed to lead to a world without accidents, is achieving the exact opposite right now: The vehicles have racked up a crash rate double that of those with human drivers.

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Volkswagen Emission Scandal: Full Story

Volkswagen has been cheating in emission tests by making its cars appear far less polluting than they are. In September, VW admitted installing software to cheat emissions tests in 11 million vehicles worldwide.

Volkswagen Emission Scandal: The Hidden Truth

http://blog.jiji.ng/2015/10/volkswagen-emission-scandal-the-hidden-truth/

If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you’ve already heard about the latest Volkswagen emission scandal. To cut the long story short, Volkswagen was accused of faking the results of their pollution emission testing. The falsifications were discovered by the specialists at the US Environmental Protection Agency, who have conducted their own research after they found Volkswagen’s own test results doubtful.

Volkswagen Drops 23% After Admitting Diesel Emissions Cheat

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-21/volkswagen-drops-15-after-admitting-u-s-diesel-emissions-cheat

Volkswagen AG lost almost a quarter of its market value after it admitted to cheating on U.S. air pollution tests for years, putting pressure on Chief Executive Officer Martin Winterkorn to repair the reputation of the world’s biggest carmaker.

Volkswagen C.E.O. Martin Winterkorn Resigns Amid Emissions Scandal

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/24/business/international/volkswagen-chief-martin-winterkorn-resigns-amid-emissions-scandal.html?_r=0

Martin Winterkorn resigned as chief executive of Volkswagen on Wednesday, taking responsibility for an emissions cheating scandal that has gravely damaged the carmaker’s reputation.

VW says rogue engineers, not executives, responsible for emissions scandal

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/10/volkswagen-pulls-2016-diesel-lineup-from-us-market/

Volkswagen's US CEO testified Thursday that the decision to use emissions cheating software was not made at the corporate level. Instead, it was "software engineers who put this in for whatever reason," Michael Horn told a congressional panel that is investigating the scandal.

Meet John German: the man who helped expose Volkswagen's emissions scandal

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/sep/26/volkswagen-scandal-emissions-tests-john-german-research

John German has barely had time to catch his breath all week between appearances on TV news channel and radio phone-in shows. He’s an unlikely media star, not a pop singer or reality TV contestant, but a grey-haired automotive engineer thrust into the global spotlight after he and his colleagues were credited with helping uncover one of the biggest ever corporate scandals.

Everything to Know About the Volkswagen Scandal in 1 Graphic

http://time.com/4046994/volkswagen-emissions-golf-crisis/

Volkswagen faces fines of up to $18 billion in the U.S. for using a “defeat device” that tricked exam equipment during the emissions testing process. The company could also be smacked with lawsuits from angry customers who feel duped by Volkswagen’s advertising around its diesel cars, which promised better mileage and a greener ride.

VW scandal: what the emissions revelations mean

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/sep/22/volkswagen-scandal-q-and-a-emissions-scandal

The carmaker’s rigging of emissions data in the US could have serious repercussions around the world – and not just for Volkswagen.

Volkswagen Reaches Deal in U.S. Over Emissions Scandal

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/business/international/volkswagen-emissions-settlement.html

Volkswagen agreed on Thursday to fix or buy back nearly 500,000 diesel cars in the United States that are equipped with illegal emissions software.

VW emission scandal threatens Porsche

http://money.cnn.com/2015/11/02/autos/volkswagen-porsche-emission-cheating-scandal/index.html

Volkswagen's emission cheating scandal threatened to spread to its luxury Porsche car brand on Monday. But VW and Porsche appeared to challenge a new citation from U.S. regulators that said 10,000 cars contained cheating software that reduced emissions only during testing.

'We Didn't Lie,' Volkswagen CEO Says Of Emissions Scandal

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/01/11/462682378/we-didnt-lie-volkswagen-ceo-says-of-emissions-scandal

The North American International Auto Show is a place where car industry gathers to celebrate — and in recent years to apologize. At this year's show in Detroit, it was Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller's turn to face the media.

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What is the Most Popular Car in the World?

10. Wuling Hongguang

Wuling Hong Guang is a compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) produced since 2010 by SAIC-GM-Wuling, the joint venture of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, Liuzhou Wuling Motors Co and GM China. It is also marketed since 2013 as Chevrolet Enjoy in India by GM India.

9. Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra or Hyundai Avante in South Korea, is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 1990. It is now in its sixth generation.

The Elantra was initially marketed as the Lantra in Australia and some European markets. In Australia, this was due to the similarly named Mitsubishi Magna Elante model.[1] This gave rise to disagreement with other motor manufacturers, and the name was standardized as "Elantra" worldwide in 2001 (except in Korea)

8. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is an automobile sold internationally by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota since 1982, spanning multiple generations.

Originally compact in size (narrow-body), later Camry models have grown to fit the mid-size classification (wide-body)—although the two sizes co-existed in the 1990s. Since the release of the wide-bodied versions, Camry has been extolled by Toyota as the firm's second "world car" after the Corolla.

7. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V has built a reputation for being a steady, reliable vehicle for crossover buyers. Debuting in Japan for the 1996 model year, the five-passenger compact utility vehicle Honda CR-V was introduced to North America in early 1997.

The Honda CR-V first appeared solely as a four-wheel drive model powered by a 126-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In 1998, the Honda CR-V expanded to offer a lower-cost two-wheel drive model.

6. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It was the first compact crossover SUV, making its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994[2] and in North America in 1995. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a compact car.

5. Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is a supermini car produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen since 1975. It is sold in Europe and other markets worldwide in hatchback, sedan and estate variants. The Polo has been produced in five generations with intermittent facelifts. Related Volkswagen Group models include the Škoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza and Audi A1.

The Volkswagen Polo won the 2010 World Car of the Year.

4. Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a compact car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since 1998. Ford began sales of the Focus to Europe in July 1998 and in North America during 1999 for the 2000 model year. As of the first half of 2012, the Focus surpassed the Toyota Corolla to become the world's best selling automobile nameplate.

3. Ford F-Series

The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks and medium-duty trucks that have been marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since 1948. While most variants of the F-Series trucks are full-size pickup trucks, the F-Series also includes chassis cab trucks and commercial vehicles.

The most popular version of the F-Series is the Ford F-150, produced in thirteen different generations.

2. Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf or Volkswagen Golf GTI is a small family car produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across seven generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada, and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico.

The original Golf was a front-wheel drive, front-engined replacement for the air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle.

1. Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a line of subcompact and compact cars manufactured by Toyota. Introduced in 1966, the Corolla was the best-selling car worldwide by 1974 and has been one of the best-selling cars in the world since then. In 1997, the Corolla became the best selling nameplate in the world, surpassing the Volkswagen Beetle.

Early models were mostly rear-wheel drive, while later models have been front-wheel drive.

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