It's not too unusual to see a vintage car "out for an airing" in our area in the summer. But to see over 100 of them would be unusual. The Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance in California, is just such a car event, but as Jody Victor  tells below, it is more than just a show.

Jody Victor: The Tour d'Elegance is a car show, but it also proves these beautiful cars from the past are more than just works of art - they were built to be driven and are still driving today.

Ten years ago J. Heumann, then chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours, had grown tired of critiques by the english motoring press that referred to the cars at Pebble Beach as "trailer queens," a disparaging term used to describe a behicle that is perfectly restored, carefully moved from the trailer to the display, and quickly returned to the trailer - and rarely, if ever, driven on the open road.

As a driving enthusiast, Heumann wanted to see cars that compete on the lawn at Pebble Beach on the basis of beauty and authenticity prove their mettle in a driving event - thus the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance was born.

On Thursday August 16th, more than 150 of the finest cars from the last 100 years - cars that graced the golf links at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday August 18th - joined in the tenth-annual PB Tour d'Elegance.

The Tour kicked off four solid days of automotive events throughout the Monterey Peninsula, culminating with the Concours d'Elegance, where one car is named Best of Show from among individual class winners.

Each year the Concours honors particular automotive marques, or what would nowadays be called brands. This year's honorees are Aston Martin and Auburn/Cord/Duesenberg, and these marques were well represented on the Tour. The beautiful duesenbergs from the 1930s that rolled along the Peninsula included Clark Gable's car, and more than half of the 40 Aston Martins from all over the world that also graced the field on Sunday, drove the Tour.

It must have been a real treat to see those cars driving along the coast to Big Sur or on the streets of Carmel.

Thanks, Jody!

Joe Victor

A roadside emergency can happen at any time, whether your car is new or old. A range of problems can cause it, from a tire failure or mechanical breakdown to running out of fuel. At best, it's an annoyance; at worst, it can compromise your safety. Being prepared with a basic emergency kit can increase your safety, reduce stress, and help you get back on the road faster. I asked Jody Victor to tell us what we should include in a basic kit.

Jody Victor: This kit is intended to aid you in getting help, signaling your car's presence to other motorists, and tackling simple challenges.

Cell Phone : Of course, we don't recommend that you talk on a cell phone while driving, but in an emergency, this can be the single most valuable component of your kit. Make sure your phone is charged up and turned on. If you have to dial 911, remember that your location and phone number aren't always available to an emergency operator when calling from a cell phone. So give the operator your number and any information you have about your location.

First-aid kit : Choose one that allows you to treat a range of problems, from small cuts or burns to ones that require major bandaging. Make sure to open it up and familiarize yourself with the contents and their uses.

Fire extinguisher : A car fire can start from something as simple as a wiring short circuit or leaking oil. You should get away from a vehicle that's on fire as quickly as possible. But to quickly douse a small flame that's just begun keep a multipurpose dry-chemical fire extinguisher labeled 1A10BC or 2A10BC in your car.

Warning light, hazard triangle, or flares : If your vehicle is stuck on the side of the road, it's vital that you give other motorists as much warning of its presence as possible, especially at night. Look for a battery-powered warning light that can be placed far from the vehicle. Reflective hazard triangles and flares are also effective and don't need batteries.

Tire gauge : This should be used on a monthly basis to check the inflation pressure in all four tires and the spare tire. Because the ambient temperature effects tire pressure, it's also advisable to check the pressure after a significant change in temperature.

Jack and lug wrench : Almost all vehicles come with these items for changing a tire. Refer to your owner's manual on where they're located in the vehicle and how to use them. Models that come with run-flat tires do not have a spare tire. Run-flat tires can be driven a limited number of miles with little or no air in them.

Jumper cables or a portable battery booster : Jumper cables are easy to use as long as you have a second car available to provide a jump. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions. A portable battery booster eliminates the need for a second car.

Flashlight : This can really help at night. Choose one that is bright and weatherproof. In addition, a flashlight with a magnet, flexible mounting system, or a stand will free up your hands for other tasks. Carry extra batteries and a bulb or check it frequently.

Gloves, hand cleaner, clean rags : Even the simplest jobs can get your hands dirty. Having these on hand will help keep that dirt from getting on your clothes or your vehicle's interior.

Auto-club card or roadside-assistance number : If you belong to an auto club or roadside-assistance program, be sure you have the necessary information in your vehicle.

Disposable flash camera : Following an accident, this lets you record the condition of your vehicle and other vehicles for insurance purposes.

$20.00 in small bills and change : Keep this available for miscellaneous use. And resist dipping into it for a spontaneous ice cream cone on a hot day.

Pen and pad of paper : This can come in handy for a range of uses, from leaving a note on the windshield should you have to leave your car to jotting down infromation after an accident.

Thanks, Jody! We'll start getting our kit together today!

Joe Victor 

While you're shopping for that essential back-to-school list you might want to include a new vehicle for the whole family. There is still time for a road trip or two so why not get a new car that's safe, reliable, and comfortable for a more relaxing and enjoyable trip with the whole gang. I asked Jody Victor to share the Consumer Reports' auto experts list of 10 best travel vehicles for families.

Jody Victor: The Consumer Reports' list includes models that have done well in safety tests, reliability ratings, and are comfortable, quiet, and spacious. These babies can even get you through a traffic jam!

Audi A6. This upscale family car is a good choice, with a comfortable, well-appointed, quiet cabin and excellent seats. The all-wheel drive version has a controlled, steady ride and relatively good fuel economy while sedan models have a big trunk for hauling suitcases, and a wagon is available for bulkier vacation gear.

BMW 5 Series. Agile handling and a comfortable ride, excellent seats, and a quiet, well-crafted interior make the BMW 5 Series a good choice for long-distance travel. The available six-cylinder and V8 engines are all very smooth. The 5 Series is available as a sedan or wagon, and with rear- or all-wheel drive.

Cadillac CTS. The CTS strikes a good balance between sporty and comfortable. Like the Audi and BMW, the CTS has good handling and a comfortable interior with great front seats for less money than those European models.

Honda Accord EX. A top-rated family sedan, the Accord is roomy and comfortable, with ample storage and logical controls. Agile handling and a compliant ride are pluses.

Honda Odyssey EX. For families who need more room, the Odyssey offers three rows of seats for up to eight passengers. The rear seat folds into the floor for more cargo room.

Infiniti M. The top pick among luxury sedans, the M is roomy and comfortable with a well-appointed interior and logical controls. Reliability is above average, and all-wheel drive is available.

Lexus RX. With a spacious and quiet interior as plush as those found in some luxury cars, this well-rounded SUV is very refined and comfortable. The V6 engine is smooth, and all-wheel drive combined with standard electronic stability control make it a good choice for winter driving. Reliability is very good.

Toyota Avalon. Quality materials, lots of interior room, and even a reclining backseat make for a limo-like interior. Very quiet and comfortable, and with a smooth and quick V6 engine, Toyota's biggest sedan is a good value with excellent reliability and crash-test results.

Toyota Highlander Limited. Built on the same platform as the upscale Lexus RX, this more-affordable midsized SUV has many of the same virtues. It is quiet and refined, with good fit and finish. The Highlander has earned excellent reliability ratings. Unlike the RX, the Highlander has a third seat, although it is only big enough for children.

Toyota Sienna XLE. Toyota's minivan offers seating for up to eight, and like the Odyssey, it has a third seat that folds into the floor. While not as agile as the Odyssey, it is quieter, with a comfortable ride and impressive crash-test and reliability ratings.

Thanks, Jody! Looking forward to trips in comfort!

Joe Victor

Car buyers have been struggling to understand concepts like electric motors helping a gasoline engine and regenerative braking since 2004 when hybrid models first came out. I asked Jody Victor to give us a peek at the hybrids that will be available soon.

Jody Victor: Today there are 14 hybrid models, including an ultra-luxury sedan priced north of six figures, and five more will arrive by the end of the year. Regardless of a hybrid system's design, each combines two sources of power to achieve the same results in varying degrees, increase fuel economy and reduce harmful emissions. Here's a look at the emerging hybrid vehicle technologies.

Two-Mode Hybrid : It's a system many people may not have heard about, but its design could make a substantial impact on the hybridization of the automobile.

Hydraulic : Heavy vehicles that operate in constant stop-and-go driving would see huge benefits.

Plug-In Hybrids : Advances in battery technology would allow commutes of 40 miles or less to be made entirely on electricity.

V2G Technology on Plug-In Electric Vehicles : The vehicle's battery can also be used to power homes and businesses.

A Zero-Pollution Air-Powered Car : It's not just a bunch of hot air. The air car will hit the streets of India in 2008.

Steam Engine Technology in the German Driving Machine : BMW is using the same principle from more than 100 years ago to improve fuel-efficiency.

While hybrid vehicles hven't exactly swept the automotive world, it's clear they have muscled their way into consumer acceptance and have grabbed the attention of automakers. It's also clear that electricity in the drivetrain isn't the only way to hybridize a vehicle.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be looking for hybrids on the road!

Joe Victor

More and more consumers are flocking from traditional SUVs to crossovers. And it's no wonder - they offer driving characteristics of a car and cargo verstility of a truck. I asked Jody Victor to tell us about the top ten SUVs from MSN Autos (based on visits to the site's vehicle research pages from April through June of 2007).

Jody Victor: The newest crossover SUVs are coming out with more amenities, more seating, and more style. This impressive list is just a small sampling of the many out there.

1. The redesigned 2007 Honda CR-V's most notable change is the signature spare tire on the trunk being replaced with a rear liftgate. Available in two- and all-wheel drive, the compact SUV added more power for 2007 but kept its fuel efficiency.

2. The Toyota RAV4 is a strong competitor in the small SUV segment. Toyota gave the RAV4 a boost in power and size in the 2006 model year to go with an all-new, sporty look. With the optional third-row seating, the RAV4 can fit a total of seven passengers.

3. The GMC Acadia is an all-new midsize crossover SUV that debuted for the 2007 model year. Although it's almost as long as the Cadillac Escalade, the well-proportioned Acadia drives as if it is smaller than a midsize SUV. It gets an estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway with FWD and 17 and 24 mpg with AWD. Depending on whether the second row has bucket seats or a bench, the Acadia can carry seven or eight people.

4. The all-new Ford Edge for 2007 is boldly styled with a three-bar chromed grille, aggressively raked windshield and the wheels pushed to the corners of its body for a powerful stance. The Edge has decent fuel economy at 18/25 mpg for city/hwy with the front-wheel drive and 17/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.

5. The Ford Escape was redesigned for 2008, featuring a more rugged look that has a stronger family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Expedition. The interior is more upscale, and a number of updates have been made to reduce noise and vibration levels. Fuel economy is rated slightly lower because of stricter EPA estimates: 22/28 city/hwy mpg for a 4-cylinder with the manual gearbox.

6. The Honda Pilot was named one of the most reliable vehicles by Consumer Reports and a Top Safety Pick for 2007 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It is an eight-passenger midsize SUV that is based on the Acura MDX - available in two- and all-wheel drive.

7. The revamped Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is so well-appointed with safety features and standard equipment that it could easily sway consumers. Built bigger than its predecessor, the midsize SUV can accommodate a maximum of seven passengers with its first-ever third-row seating.

8. Jeep Wrangler fans will now have to identify it as Limited or Unlimited. That's because two extra doors have been added to the off-road SUV for 2007, and the bigger Unlimited will offer more cargo space than ever before. Also, both versions are wider and have a longer wheelbase than previous versions, providing better stability.

9. The Acura MDX, after being redisigned for 2007, is the most powerful vehicle in the Acura lineup and the only SUV in the top 10 list that can be classified as a luxury sport-utility vehicle.The MDX features standard equipment that includes everything from leather upholstery and heated front seats to a wireless cell-phone link. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive and anti-skid systems give the SUV good balance and cornering ability.

10. Ford Explorer, once the top-selling sport-utility vehicle for 15 straight years, has become a very mainstream vehicle. Ford's midsize SUV received an exterior update for 2006 but looks similar to its predecessor. The Explorer comes with rear- or four-wheel drive and is available in XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels.

Thanks, Jody! As always, we now have a list of great vehicles to check out.

Joe Victor