As we approach Thanksgiving (10 more days, in case you were wondering), we thought it would be appropriate to reflect on the car features we are most thankful for. GPS and navigation systems have had quite the impact on our lives in the short time they have been available to us.

Several companies claim to have made the first navigation systems for automobiles in the 1980s, but the first one available for commercial use wasn’t available until 2000. Since then, as with most technologies, the usability and price have improved drastically. Today, you can find a variety navigation systems, and many are sure to fall in your budget.

Navigation systems have helped increased safety by giving us step-by-step voice commands, eliminating the need to write or print directions and try to read through and follow them while driving. They have also improved efficiency, saving you from wrong turns, or having to stop and ask for directions! Even if you do take a wrong turn, the navigation will quickly recalculate your route, getting you where you need to go in the shortest time possible.

New navigation systems are even going a step further and including different routes depending on your preferences. Shortest distance? Least amount of time? How about even a green route option - getting you where you need to go while incurring as little of an effect on the environment as possible. Yes, please!

Today, almost all cars come with the option to have a navigation system built in, and if your car doesn’t, it’s easy to head to your nearest electronics store and grab one! When it comes to car accessories, we think a navigation system is a good investment, and we sure are thankful for ours!

If fun is on your road trip to-do list, the Veloster Turbo should be right below it. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is equal parts fun, style, and performance.

From the outside, the Veloster is hard to miss. A unique three-door design makes it much easier for backseat passengers to get in and out, while also giving the car a look that we think is pretty cool. LED headlight accents allow for incredible vision on the road as well as a sharp look. The cool isn’t over yet though. A centered, chrome-tipped dual exhaust system looks and sounds impressive. Pair that with 18’’ alloy wheels with chrome (or color) accents and the Veloster Turbo is suddenly the coolest car on the block.

Road trippin’ on windy roads? You’ll have a blast. The Veloster Turbo’s Motor Drive Power Steering allows for incredibly tight and responsive turning wherever your trip may take you. A 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injected turbo-charged engine packs in a powerful 201 HP designed to keep you moving. Surely though, all this power and responsive handling must come at a cost, right? Wrong. The Veloster’s 38 MPG gives you a range of more than 500 miles on one tank of gas. Handling, speed, distance—what else matters?

The Veloster’s interior, believe it or not, just may be the car’s biggest achievement. A tech guru’s dream, the Veloster is a glorified media room on wheels. A 7” multimedia touchscreen is home to navigation, satellite radio, Pandora, your iPod and your Xbox 360 (Yes, even your Xbox). An eight-speaker, 450 watt sound system is sure to keep your music playing loud and clear. Hyundai’s own Blue Link turns your Veloster into your personal assistant. Get the weather, find a restaurant, send text messages, and get directions—all with the power of your voice. Blue Link even allows drivers to unlock and start their car from a smartphone app or toll-free number. Comprehensive vehicle maintenance reports, along with speed and location information helps you make certain your Veloster is being driving how and when you want it—even when you’re not in it

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is the road trip car of your dreams. Fuel efficient, fun to drive, and packed with technology, the Veloster Turbo is a tough car to beat.

 

Over the river and through the woods, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will go to grandmother’s house – and beyond – with ease.

Trail-Rated and boasting the most traction of any Wrangler ever, the Wrangler Unlimited is equipped with best-in-class water fording, ground clearance, and turning diameter capabilities that help it handle even the toughest terrain and be able to travel through up to 2.5 feet of water. Plus, features such as Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist make off road travel safe and enjoyable.

The Unlimited comes standard with a 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, however, a five-speed automatic is also available. For those speed lovers out there, the Wrangler won’t disappoint either. This year’s model experienced a 26% improvement in 0-60 time, down to 8.4 seconds in 2012 from 11.4 seconds in 2011.

The outside of the Wrangler is as versatile as they come. The doors can easily be removed, as can the roof, creating an open air experience unlike any other. Both the soft and hardtop options give drivers almost unlimited choices as to how their driving experience will be. Pair any of these options with available Mopar accessories like taillamp guards and off-road lights and your Wrangler is sure to stand out. With improved aerodynamics and a multitude of exterior options, the Wrangler Unlimited is unmatched.

Think Jeeps are bare bones on the inside? Think again. The Unlimited is available with a 6.5” touchscreen display GPS Navigation and a 40 GB hard drive. The Infinity Premium sound System is a must have for those who make music an everyday part of their life. The seven speaker system features two weatherproof speakers mounted overhead for high quality music wherever or however you decide to travel. Plus, steering wheel mounted audio controls let you keep your eyes on what’s important while you pick the perfect song. Comfort your thing? Heated seats, remote start, and sound insulation have you covered.

Wherever your future trips may take you, the rugged elegance of the Wrangler Unlimited works. It works for families, young couples, single adventurers, empty nesters, and everyone in between. The next time adventure calls your name, check out the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.