At one time, Vans were considered as the most versatile vehicle on the road. You could use it for nearly any purpose. You’re able to haul cargo, use it for work, and for the family. This signaled the arrival of the minivan.

People saw the usefulness of a vehicle that had enough room for a growing family. Not only could it transport people, you could turn the seats down and have enough room to haul groceries, large cargo items, and yes, even laundry. The most popular form of van today is the minivan, which seats up to 7 people. In today’s economy, finding a minivan that is spacious and fuel efficient are equally important.

Best Gas Mileage Vans/Minivans in the U.S. – Top 10 List:

1. Mazda 5: 21 City / 28 Hwy (24 Avg.), Base Price: $19,625.
Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 157 horsepower, has enough seating for 6 and a cargo capacity of 44.4 cu ft (3rd row down). Perhaps the least expensive and economical, the Mazda 5 has been one of the more popular minivans available. It comes with passenger sliding doors and available in three options: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. The Sport trim is one of the most fuel efficient minivans for less than $20,000.

2. Ford Transit Connect XLT Wagon: 22 City/27 Hwy (24 Avg.), Base Price: $23,660. Coming in with a 2.0L Duratec inline 4-cylinder, the Connect accommodates 5 people comfortably with cargo capacity of 78.4 cu ft behind the 2nd row of seats. Although not exactly a minivan, the Ford Transit Connect Wagon provides the same purpose as that of a minivan. There are two passenger options, the XLT and the XLT premium wagon.

3. Honda Odyssey: 19 City/28 Hwy (23 Avg.), Base Price: $28,375.
A 3.5L 6-cylinder with 248 horsepower, this 6-speed automatic minivan can seats 8 adults. The Odyssey is a versatile vehicle that transports the family in luxurious comfort. The base LX model is followed by the EX, EX-L, Touring, and the Touring Elite options. Each one improving your Honda Odyssey experience.

4. Nissan Quest: 19 City/24 Hwy (21 Avg.), Base Price: $25,990.
Equipped with a 3.5L, 260 horsepower engine and an Extronic CVT drivetrain, this Nissan midsized minivan carries 7 people and has a capacity for 63.6 cu ft of cargo volume. The Nissan Quest is available in four different trims, the base S, SV, SL, LE models. There are slight differences in total volume on the interior whether or not you have moonroof or not. With a moonroof, the total passenger volume is 170.9 cu ft, without, it is 177.9 cu ft.

5. Toyota Sienna: 19 City/24 Hwy (21 Avg.), Base Price: $25,060.
Helped by an economical but powerful 2.7L, 187 hp, 4-cylinder engine, the four door Sienna allows seating for 7 and 39.1 cu ft of cargo space behind the 3rd row. Staying true to Toyota tradition, the Sienna has been one of the most visible minivans on the road today. In addition to the spacious qualities, the Sienna is available in numerous trims with various options. The top of the line XLE AWD is a V6 with 266 HP.

6. Kia Sedona: 18 City/25 Hwy (21 Avg.), Base Price: $24,900.
A 3.5L 271 HP V6 helps this minivan from Kia transport 7 comfortably with 32.2 cu ft for cargo left. Kia’s entry into the minivan market has been given a warm reception. Available in two trims, the base LX and the EX, the Sedona is considered a full-sized minivan. The base model is enhanced with front and rear air conditioning, Bluetooth Voice recognition capacity, and a full audio system with six speakers.

7. Chrysler Town & Country: 17 City/25 Hwy (21 Avg.), Base Price: $29,995. This 3.6L Penstar V6, 283 HP is able to fit up to 7 people with no problem at all at 163.5 cu ft. Long considered a standard as far as minivans go, the Town & Country exudes a certain class that has been the standard for all other minivans. The versatility and standard options that come with it has made it very attractive to those who need the room and comfort expected from their vehicle. Leather seating and DVD now comes standard on the new Town & Country. It comes in three trims, the Touring, Touring-L, and the Limited.

8. Dodge Grand Caravan: 17 City/25 Hwy (20 Avg.), Base Price: $20,995.
This 3.6L Penstar V6, 283 HP, 263 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm, is able to fit up to 7 people with no problem at all at 163.5 cu ft of passenger volume.
A sister to the Town & Country, the Grand Caravan used to be referred to simply as a Caravan. Over the years, Dodge has enhanced the brand by offering 5 different trims to the Grand Caravan name, the base AVP, the SE, SXT, Crew, and the R/T. With its towing package, the Grand Caravan can tow up 3,600 lbs.

9. Volkswagen Routan: 17 City/25 Hwy (20 Avg.), Base Price: $27,000.
Powered by a 3.6L 283 HP V6 engine, the Routan can accommodate 7 people comfortably with a total of 163.5 cu ft. and with 83.0 cu ft of cargo volume with seats folded. Following in the footsteps of the Volkswagen Bus and the Vanagon, the Routan has certainly caught the attention of many. Available in four trims beginning with the S, the SE, SE w/ RSE, and the SE w/ RSE & Navigation. Making the ride comfortable is its three-zone air conditioning and dual power sliding doors and windows.

10. Chevrolet Express 1500 Cargo Van: 15 City/20 Hwy (17 Avg.), Base Price: $25,090. A hefty 4.3L, 195 HP engine helps this lone cargo van make the list. It has a cargo volume of up to 270 cu ft of space, along with seating for 2. The Express Van comes in at 224.1 inches in length and has the ability to tow up to 6700 pounds. The good news is that if you need something more for heavy duty work, the Express is available in 4 other engine options.

While most of us can only dream of owning the fastest car in the world, some will do whatever it takes to possess one.

Here are 10 of the fastest street legal cars available in the market (production models, as opposed to concept or modified cars) these are tested, measured and verified top speeds (theoretical speeds do not count).

World’s Fastest Cars:

1. Hennessey Venom GT: 270 mph (435 km/h), 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds, has a 7.0 liter LS7 Turbocharged V8 Twin Turbo V8 Engine producing 1244 hp, with a price tag of $1,000,000 and up. The Venom GT is the fastest car in the world when tested again on February 14th, 2014 at NASA runway in Florida. The track was only 3.22 miles long, thus limiting it top speed to 270 mph. Congratulations!

2. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: 268 mph (431 km/h), 0-60 in 2.4 secs. Aluminum, Narrow Angle 8 Liter W16 Engine with 1200 hp, base price is $2,400,000. After being the fastest car in the world for over 3 years from July 10, 2010, it is now in 2nd place as of February 14, 2014. In the past, the Bugatti Veyron lost the title to SSC Ultimate Aero on March 2007. However, Bugatti challenged the record in Germany on July 10, 2010 with the new Super Sport and reclaimed the title of the fastest car in the world at 268 mph. The original Bugatti Veyron had a top speed of 253 mph, priced at $1,700,000 with 1001 hp.

3. Koenigsegg Agera R: 260 mph (418 km/h), 0-60 mph in 2.9 secs. 5.0-liter V8 Engine with twin turbo’s, housing 1099 hp. Base price is $1,600,000. If you’re into snow sports, the Agera R can be fitted with a Ski Box as well as winter tires. While the Agera R has a massive theoretical top speed, the current tested top speed is 260 mph. Expect this snow car to be the Bugatti’s arch enemy for the next 5 years.

There is a tie for #4.

4. SSC Ultimate Aero: 257 mph (413 km/h), 0-60 in 2.7 secs. Twin-Turbo V8 Engine with 1183 hp, base price is $654,400. Tested in March 2007 by Guinness World Records, The SSC Ultimate Aero was the fastest car in the world from March 2007 to July 2010. Shelby SuperCars will continue their quest to reclaim the fastest car title, and their new SSC Tuatura might do the job (we’ll just have to wait).

4. 9ff GT9-R: 257 mph (413 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. The 4.0 Liter flat-6 Twin-Turbo Engine with 1120 hp, comes with a base price of $695,000. Based on the Porsche 911, the 9ff GT9-R 1120 hp version is limited to 20 units and the exterior may be modified to suit the owner.

5. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo: 248 mph (399 km/h), 0-60 in 2.8 secs. Twin Turbo All Aluminum V8 Engine with 750 hp, base price is $555,000. Smooth and bad-ass. It will make you want to show it off non-stop.

6. Koenigsegg CCX: 245 mph (394 km/h), 0-60 in 3.2 secs. 90 Degree V8 Engine 806 hp, base price is $545,568. Made in Sweden, it is the older brother of the Agera R, only losing to 6 other supercars in the world.

7. McLaren F1: 240 mph (386 km/h), 0-60 in 3.2 secs. BMW S70/2 60 Degree V12 Engine with 627 hp, base price is $970,000. The fastest car in the 20th century with doors that looks like bat wings. Maybe Batman needs to order one and paint it black

8. Zenvo ST1: 233 mph (374 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. Twin-Charged 7.0 liter V8 Engine forging 1,104 hp. Base price: $1,225,000. The first Supercar from Zenvo Automotive, a Danish sports car company in pursuit of speed and perfection. This 100% Danish made supercar is limited to 15 units and the company even promised “flying doctors” to keep your baby functioning.

9. Pagani Huayra: 230 mph (370 km/h), 0-60 in 3.0 secs. Twin TurboCharged 6.0 liter V12 Engine from Mercedes AMG. It pumps out 720 horsepower to go with its 738 lb ft of torque. It comes with a seven speed auto-manual transmission. Pagani gives the name after the legendary Incan god of wind, Huayra-tata. The starting price is at £849,000, or $1,273,500.

Two at 10th place at 225 mph.

10. Gumpert Apollo: 225 mph (362 km/h), 0-60 in 3.0 secs, 4.2 liter V8 Engine that houses 650 hp. Base price: $450,000. Gumpert claims that the Apollo was designed such that it could drive upside-down in a tunnel with speeds at 190 mph or above. Of course, no one has tested this yet.

10. Noble M600: 225 mph (362 km/h), 0-60 in 3.7 secs. Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 Engine with 650 hp. Base price is $330,000. The Noble M600 also happens to be a very cool car. Its inconspicuous design sports a slender and contoured body which does not scream out for attention at every second of the day.

What is an exotic car? It is rare, a work of art, a collectible. An exotic car is one that is extremely unique. It may perform at a high level compared to contemporary sports cars. To drive one of these would change your view of how cars should be made.

The following is a list of exotic cars & its manufacturers. Exotics often begin with a vision in mind, it comes from dreams, with intent and purpose, and swagger. That is what an exotic car is, when someone puts to reality a vision.

1. Ferrari – the spirit of Ferrari began with Enzo Ferrari who was an advent racer. The foundation of Ferrari marked the start of a burst of a frenetic sporting activity. This spurred the creation of powerful, exotic cars that are characteristic of Ferrari today. Because the visions behind Ferrari were one of the first innovators of exotic supercars, it deserves #1 for Best Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: Ferrari Enzo, Ferrari 599 GTB, Ferrari California, Ferrari 459 Italia, Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, Ferrari F430

2. Lamborghini – the founder of Lamborghini made his name building farm equipment. He owned a Ferrari but noticed that he had to keep replacing the clutch. To his surprise, his own farm equipment clutches were better replacements. Thus, the beginning of the rivalry between Ferrari and Lamborghini was born. The spirit of competition spurred continual innovation over the years, bringing ever-improved exotic cars every year. However, the power of the original idea belongs to Ferrari. As #2, Lamborghini is only behind Ferrari in the popularity of its innovations.
Pictures Above: Lamborghini Reventon, Lamborghini Furia, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lamborghini Murcielago

3. Bugatti – a 21st century “harmony of design and technology.” The heritage of Ettore Bugatti is the heart of impressive technical design and exterior beauty. This can be seen in Bugatti’s signature supercar, the exotic Veyron. Ettore Bugatti sometimes made technical compromises for the sake of aesthetic integrity. This is a very gutsy vision of exotic cars, one which can only belong to the #3 contender.
Pictures Above: Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

4. Pagani – Horacio Pagani originally teamed up with Lamborghini, doing composite research for them in 1988. The company was called “Pagani Composite Research.” In the late ‘80s Pagani wanted to start building his own car, which was coded as the “C8 Project.” The C8 would later be named the Fangio F1 in commemoration of the F1 champion, Juan Manuel Fangio. For its amazing designs, Pagani is the #4 Most Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: Pagani Huayra, Pagani Zonda, Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster, Pagani Zonda Roadster

5. Aston Martin – Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford found Aston Martin together in 1913. They had been in Callow Street, London selling cars made by Singer under the company name “Bamford & Martin.” After Martin raced cars at Aston Hill, the pair decided to start making their own cars. With Aston Martin’s eye-opening cars, it would be the #5 Most Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Aston Martin DBS, Aston Martin V12 Zagato Race, Aston Martin V8 Vantage

6. Mclaren – The Mclaren heritage rests upon the legendary soul of Bruce Mclaren, who was born in New Zealand in 1937 and passed away in 1970 while testing one of his cars. A sickly child with Perthes Disease, Bruce Mclaren went on to become a world class international motor racing driver, engineer and designer whose name is still used in Formula 1 motor racing today. Bruce’s success in the international racing scene was all about team work, and even today his contributions are remembered. His spirit is reflected in the exotic cars of Mclaren, which is the #6 Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: McLaren F1, McLaren MP4-12C

7. Bentley – after a stint of making airplane engines in WWI, Bentley went on to make exotic cars. This venture was short-lived as Bentley was bought out by Rolls-Royce from 1930 to 1982. It was slowly revived as Volkswagen bought Rolls-Royce and Bentley in 1998. VW invested nearly one-billion dollars to get Bentley up and running again. From 2006 onwards Bentley became bent on producing ever-faster exotic sedans. For its strong spirit of endurance, Bentley is tied for #7.
Pictures Above: Bentley Continental GTC, Bentley Azure T, Bentley Arnage, Bentley Continental Flying Spur

7. Rolls-Royce – the name derives from the surnames of the company founders, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. With a strong global engineering operation, Rolls-Royce maintains a vision of setting new standards and creating the “best car in the world.” With a strong heritage and work ethic, Rolls-Royce is tied for the #7 Most Exotic Car Maker in the world.
Pictures Above: Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Rolls-Royce Ghost

8. Maybach – Maybach holds a track record of manufacturing military engines. However it did not see light after WWII. In 2003 the sleeping beauty awoke with a new line of exotic cars, including the 57 and 62. With its luxurious cars, Maybach sits at #8.
Pictures Above: Maybach Exelero, Maybach 62, Maybach 57

9. Shelby SuperCars (SSC) – the vision of founder Jerod Shelby was to produce the perfect car. Growing up as a kart racer, his dream began at an early age and never ceased. Shelby not only wished to participate in the market but also to excel and redefine it. He learned that the key to winning was in the smaller details which fabricated a complete larger image. SSC gets #9 for Most Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: SSC Ultimate Aero

10. Koenigsegg – this Swede exotic supercar maker thrived on the dream of Christian von Koenigsegg to make the perfect supercar. The company is rather young compared to other exotic car makers, having only launched in 1993. Its staff consists of a dedicated group of enthusiasts who had connections to the Swedish car industry and the universities. Koenigsegg is the #10 Most Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: Koenigsegg CCX, Koenigsegg CCR, Koenigsegg Agera

Lexus LFA just announced its new supercar – the 2012 Lexus LFA. The two-seat exotic sports coupe is powered with a 4.8L V10 engine which generates 552HP at 8,700 rpm; and 354 pound-feet of torque at 6,800 rpm. It’s a really sophisticated, really classy vehicle. This supercar’s transmission is a unique six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox with an ultra-quick gear shift.

The 2012 Lexus LFA accelerates from 0-60mph in a whooping 3.6 seconds. As for top speed, it can reach 202 mph because of its dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), high-volume 12-hole injectors, equal length exhaust manifold, and low-friction engine components. To gain more speed, the 2012 Lexus LFA is made lightweight. It features a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for its bodywork and chassis for a lighter and structure that’s considerably more impact-resistant. This exotic sports coupe has a base price of $375,000, not including shipping and handling fees.

German automotive manufacturer Porsche and car parts brand Vorsteiner recently unveiled the new evolution – the 2011 Vorsteiner Porsche 911 Turbo V-RT. The luxurious sports coupe 911 Turbo is enhanced by the V-RT’s aerodynamic and performance booster.

The 2011 Vorsteiner Porsche 911 Turbo V-RT’s front end displays a sporty add-on with the newly-designed bumper cover; plus a carbon fiber chin spoiler, bigger duct openings without fog lights for more visual appeal. The same sport performance motif is continued to the sports coupe’s rear end. This V-RT’s noble objective is to achieve or enjoy maximum performance by optimization of its weight to power ratio. Vorsteiner accomplishes this in the 2011 Vorsteiner Porsche 911 Turbo V-RT’s aerodynamic design with the dry carbon and fiber vacuum technology. This enables the vehicle to have greater strength and firmness than steel and aluminum, but at the same time decrease the weight to as much as 40%.