Yes, the 2008 Infiniti EX has been named one of them. This list of best vehicles is created by Kelley Blue Book’s editors. According to the editors, in choosing the vehicles which would make the list, they have gone through the vehicles and checked “all tangible and intangible attributes that would enhance any long drive, such as driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, cargo space and, of course, fuel economy”.

Jack R. Nerad is kbb.com and Kelley Blue Book’s executive editorial director and he declared, “We love the Infiniti EX’s handy size, sporty handling and high-luxe interior. The 360-degree parking aid is nearly otherworldly in its ability to help you see where others can’t - especially important when parking in unfamiliar territory.” Nerad is also the site’s executive market analyst.

The 2008 Infiniti EX is all-new and it has just entered the market last December.

The information gathered from more than 60 million visitors of Kelley Blue Books’ kbb.com, the most visited third-party auto web site in the net, comprised of the raw data of the latest most researched vehicles for the first six months of 2006. Included in the Top 20 list of America’s most trusted source of new and used automotive information are the following.

Honda Civic
Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Rav4
Honda Odyssey
Honda Pilot
Toyota Highlander
Chevrolet Tahoe
Honda CR-V
Ford Mustang
Nissan Altima
BMW 325
Acura TL
Toyota Sienna
Toyota 4runner
Ford Escape
Infiniti G35
Toyota Avalon
Mazda 3

On top of the list are Asian models, Honda and Toyota. Seven slots are occupied by Toyota and five by Honda, which are all included in the Top Ten. In place of the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, which has fallen off from the current list, are Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Tahoe. Together with the Tahoe is the Ford Mustang, the sole domestic models that made it to the most researched line-up.

Two utilitarian minivans came in at the 6th and 7th spots, the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna respectively. Three entry level luxury vehicles also made it in the list - the BMW 325, Acura TL and Infiniti G35 (pictured above) – which according to Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and market analyst of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com have definitely become the brands and vehicles that the public aspires to drive and own.

The importance of seatbelts in vehicle safety can not be ignored. Over the yeas, innovations have been introduced to make seatbelts more efficient and convenient for vehicle occupants. New seatbelt designs and technologies are now being developed by a number of companies and automakers. Many automakers are working on seatbelts that are attached to the seats instead of the side or ceiling of the car as in conventional seatbelts. However, this type of seatbelts may not be convenient for rear-seat passengers than front-seat occupants.

Some automakers are also developing seatbelts that amp up the level of protection by automatically tightening as soon as it detects pressure on the brakes in the event of an impending crash. This ensures that the passenger is properly restrained in case of crash. Another seatbelt innovation still in the works is a rear-seatbelt warning system that inflates on impact.

Another high-tech innovation in seatbelts is a built in breathalyzer system that is linked to the car’s starter. Apparently, the car will not start if the breathalyzer detects a high alcohol content level in the driver. Still, this integrated breathalyzer must comply with varying state DUI laws. These new designs will be offered either as standard equipment or part of a safety options package.

Among the current models featuring seat-integrated seatbelts include the 2007 Honda Element, Saab 9-3 convertibles, Mercedes CL-, SL-class. The Infiniti Q45, M35, and M45 also offer electronic sensor system. The rear-seat shoulder belts in the new Ford Reflex concept feature air bags. Meanwhile, Volvo is developing an integrated breathalyzer and seat-belt system called Alcolock.

Adaptive Cruise Control is one of the most advanced innovations in automotive technology today, probably a precursor to fully automated travel. A number of luxury vehicles offer ACC. Mercedes Benz was the first to offer ACC, called the Distronic system. Other automakers followed suit, such as Lexus’ with its Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, Acura, Audi, Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW, Infiniti, Cadillac, Toyota and Jaguar.

Adaptive cruise control uses either radar or lasers that signal the car to slow down if it gets too close to another car on the road and accelerate again if the traffic allows it. AAC promises to reduce rear-end collisions in heavy traffic as well as reduce fuel consumption. ACC can also handle twice or thrice today’s traffic.

Among the models with Adaptive Cruise Control, the Acura RL’s has a collision mitigating braking system. Some Infiniti models are equipped with sensors and cameras that read the lane markers and alert the drivers when crossing into another lane. Meanwhile, sensors in the Audi Q7 monitor blind spots.

Five new luxury models will offer autopilot systems that let a car drive itself if it senses any danger of an accident ahead, Fortune Magazine reports. These 5 luxury models include the Audi Q7 SUV which offers twin radar sensors that alert the driver about blind spots and when changing lanes. Audi’s self Drive system costs an extra $500. Meanwhile, the Acura RL will feature collision-mitigation brakes that brakes on its own if the driver fails to respond. The high-tech brakes are expensive however, costing about $3800. The Infiniti M45, FX45 (above photo) and Q45 features a camera that reads lane markings and alerts the driver when lane straying.

Mercedes Benz offers a ‘distonic’ cruise control for $550. The German automaker claims that this new system can reduce rear-end collisions by up to 75%. General Motors Inc. is also developing a similar system. Meanwhile, DOT is planning on putting up ‘smart intersections’ complete with cameras. However, the use of in-car cameras has some legal impediments mainly because it could lead to speeding tickets and snooping. Another unresolved issue is whether the manufacturer will be liable if a crash still occurs despite deployment and use of these systems.

For many years, automakers have created the identity of their vehicles through comprehensible, even prestigious, names. Most of these names have become legendary such as Mustang, Corvette, Explorer, Civic, DeVille, Camry and many more. Now, the trend of giving cars real names is starting to fade and automakers now favor letter combinations. However, the letters of the alphabet it seems is a precious resource that is increasingly becoming inadequate to satisfy the needs of the auto world.

This has caused a number of legal spats between some automakers. For instance, Acura and Lincoln almost went to court due to possible name infringement – Acura’s MDX (see above photo) and Lincoln’s MKX (see below photo) was apparently too similar for comfort. Fortunately, the two automakers settled before any lawsuit was filed. BMW and Infiniti also had a tiff over the letter ‘M’ which figures prominently in both BMW’s M-Series and Infiniti’s M35 and M45.

Meanwhile, this problem is not only between automakers. Cadillac had to change the XLR’s original name CLR because it was already used as a name for a bathroom cleaner. Also, Toyota’s MR2 had to be renamed to Coupe MR in France since MR2 when pronounced, sounds like a common vulgar expression there. Amongst the letters, X is quite popular among automakers while Y, P, U, and O are not. The letters S and Z are also in great demand.

The use of alphanumeric names is not exactly an innovation, Ford called his first car the Model A. Mercedes-Benz and BMW are also well-known for giving alphanumeric names to its vehicles such as S-Class, M-Class and the like. In the ‘90s, many automakers began to follow suit. All Lexus vehicles also have alphanumeric names. The reason why automakers are picking vague letters and numbers as vehicle names is to build up the image of the whole brand, not just that particular model. For example, Lincoln has been changing their vehicle names as part of its turnaround plan last year. “We were in a situation where people were saying, ‘We drive a Town Car,’ and we want people to say, ‘We drive a Lincoln,’ ” explains Sara Tatchio, a Lincoln spokeswoman.

What is Electronic Stability Control? Among the numerous technological innovations introduced in the automotive industry for the last few years, ESC is probably one of the most important as a lifesaver. Picture this: you’re cruising along in your SUV at normal speed then you suddenly enter a curve that is too extreme for the speed you are traveling, the rear of your vehicle begins to slide and spin out, you panic and try to grapple with the steering wheel to avert a potentially serious accident.

Without ESC, you would probably end up off the road, rolling over or even worse. But with ESC, the system automatically detects that your direction is changing more quickly than appropriate for your intended direction. It then briefly applies the right front brakes to alter the direction of the vehicle back to the right path.

How does ESC work? Electronic Stability Control is an evolution from antilock braking technology which uses speed sensors and independent braking for each wheel. An ESC system uses automatic braking of each wheel to prevent the heading from either changing to quickly (spinning out) or not quickly enough (plowing out). ESC helps keep the driver in control of the vehicle while under extreme maneuvers although it does not increase traction. It also uses the driver’s natural reaction of steering into the right direction.

A study conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that having ESC significantly reduced single-vehicle crash risk in cars by 35% and 67% for SUVs. Results corroborated with another study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and indicated that widespread application of ESC can save more than 7,000 lives per year. Furthermore, the study says that if all US vehicles have ESC, this can prevent as many as 800,000 of the 2 million+ single vehicle crashes that happen every year.

Electronic Stability Control is currently being offered as either standard or optional in pricey cars and SUVs from the likes of Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes and Saab. It is offered in different names such as Stabilitrak in GM cars and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) in Toyota and Lexus. (For a list of 2006 ESC equipped vehicles, visit this site.)

However, it is quite ironic that only 6 percent of car buyers opt for ESC. It is partly because ESC as an option is still quite expensive. It may also be the lack of knowledge or plain indifference why most car buyers usually ignore this potentially lifesaving technology. This is why most automakers still don’t offer ESC as standard equipment especially in mid to low priced vehicles.

In any case, if people can afford less-important luxuries such as a high tech audio system, they should have the foresight to spend more on a proven, life-saving technology such as ESC.