Sometimes the best-selling cars are popular for a reason. Fan favorite automobiles frequently boast great features, handling, exemplary safety features and more, making them well-known and sought after. If that's the case, then the Ford Focus must be a stellar drive, as the car was the world's best selling model last year. 

According to figures from R.L. Polk & Co., the Ford Focus was the top selling car of 2012. The model moved more than 1.02 million units, outdistancing the Toyota Corolla by about 17 percent, NBC News reports. In the U.S. alone, sales of the Focus grew by an astonishing 40 percent and also posted significant increases in China and several European markets. 

Part of the reason Ford performed so well is because it started shifting its focus to more compact, fuel-efficient vehicles. Constructing superior small cars has boosted its prestige in Europe as well as the U.S., where drivers are beginning to look for more economic and environmentally friendly options. 

While Ford is rejoicing in its victory, Toyota maintains that the results are incomplete. Reuters reports the manufacturer claims its figures are missing a few derivatives of the Corolla, which may impact the final count – the actual final number could be as high as 1.16 million models sold. While there can be no official winner until these results come in, it appears as though the Focus reigns supreme. 

Drivers who are interested in shopping around for a Ford Focus or a similar car can make their way to NJ State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of CARFAX certified used vehicles. With so many makes and models to choose from, prospective buyers shouldn't have a problem finding an automobile that can meet all of their driving needs. 

Once you start a family, the type of car you drive becomes an even more important topic than ever before. Parents are constantly on the lookout for vehicles that have the best safety features, entertainment options and cargo space for everything a growing family needs, but it can be difficult to narrow down the choices. U.S. News & World Report compiled a list of the Best Cars for Families based on the quality, features and space that people today need, and the cars recognized could be worthy selections for most families. 

"We created the Best Cars for Families awards to make it easier for parents to find cars, SUVs and vans that will help make their lives easier," said Jamie Page Deaton, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars. "With such a broad range of award winners, any family can find the best car for their lifestyle." 

GM earned the most awards of any manufacturer, with three brands and six individual models recognized in the different categories. The Cadillac Escalade, Buick Lacrosse, Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Traverse and Chevrolet Suburban were among the winning vehicles in areas like compact cars, full-size automobiles, midsize vehicles and luxury cars. 

Lists like this one from U.S. News & World Report can help you decide which pre-owned vehicles would be best for you and your family, as the car companies that won awards have proven themselves to be dependable rides for any type of group. Whether you're looking for one of the offerings from GM or any other automaker, you can head to NJ State Auto Auction to find just what you're searching for. The dealer has a wide selection of makes and models to choose from.

Used cars have always been a hot commodity, but it seems as if their popularity is continuing to grow. This past March saw sales of pre-owned vehicles top 3 million for the first time in 11 years, with many of the buyers consisting of younger drivers, Auto Remarketing reports. This growing youthful segment, along with lower average prices and an influx of automobiles for sale, helped to drive the overall increase. 

In total, used car sales in March grew 11 percent over this time last year, but this was only a small part of a strong month for the auto industry.  

According to The Salt Lake Tribune, all automobile sales have been on the rise recently, and as people snatch up new cars, their older vehicles go up for sale. Many of these used cars are still in great condition and have a lot to offer a driver – not the least of which is an affordable price. Auto Remarketing reports that a greater number of older vehicles entered the market in March, and their generally lower prices made the cars more accessible to young buyers who may be on a tighter budget than other shoppers. 

Any driver, regardless of budget, can find an adequate used car. There are many benefits to buying a pre-owned automobile, and people who want to explore the opportunities available to them can capitalize on the large number of vehicles they have to choose from. That's certainly the case for those who go shopping at New Jersey Auto Auction, which features many different models at affordable price points to meet any family's needs. Drivers who don't know exactly what they want out of a used car can come to New Jersey Auto and try out a few models until they find one that works for them.

Despite the fact that many drivers can get a tax credit for donating used vehicles, many choose to sell their old cars for a profit. 

According to a recent survey from Kars4Kids, a nonprofit organization that collects old automobiles and then puts the funds toward charitable endeavors, found that only 5.4 percent of adults currently donate their cars after making a new purchase. Another 4.6 percent will keep their old cars and just not use them, but the vast majority choose to sell the rides to another individual. 

Although donating a vehicle to charity may ease the burden on a driver's wallet, only about 10.5 percent of people in the U.S. have ever done it, and few are looking into the possibility of donating one in the future. 

"We were surprised to learn that a very low number of adults donate their car to charity despite the financial and environmental benefits," said Avi Gordon, CEO of Kars4Kids. 

Not all used cars are ready to be relegated to the donation box, however. Plenty of pre-owned vehicles are more than capable of handling the demands of everyday driving, and in some cases they are relatively modern automobiles that can provide an upgrade for others on the road. For those who aren't ready to invest in a brand new vehicle, a used car is a great option. 

There are many benefits to buying a used car, whether you're looking to replace a donated vehicle or just searching for the right model to upgrade to. Those who go shopping at New Jersey Auto Auction, which features a variety of CARFAX certified used cars, can find the model that best suits their needs. 

German automaker Volkswagen has always been a big seller, but a recent award for the company's Golf model could send sales skyrocketing.

Volkswagen Golf was declared the 2013 World Car of the Year during the New York International Auto Show. The automaker is no stranger to the event, as it has won the honor four times since 2009, with its Up!, Polo and Golf VI models all taking been given the title in the past.

"We at Volkswagen are all delighted that the Golf has been named 'World Car of the Year,'" said Dr. Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft. "To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world. This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials. Soon, for instance, the Golf will also be launched as a plug-in hybrid and as a 100 percent electric car."

Other models up for the award included the Mercedes-Benz" target="_self">Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, and a combined entry of the Scion" target="_self">Scion FR-S, Subaru" target="_self">Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86 and GT86. These finalists had been chosen from a list of 42 models. In order to be considered eligible for the most recent honor, the models had to be on sale in at least two continents between January 1, 2012 and May 30, 2013.

With Volkswagen's most recent recognition, a lot of drivers could set their sights on the Golf. People who are interested in the Volkswagen Golf may want to consider heading to New Jersey Auto Auction, which has a variety of different used cars at affordable prices.

Families often have a lot of expenses, but there are ways to get some of the best products for a fraction of the cost. That can certainly be said for the automotive industry, as used cars are a great way to get a reliable vehicle that does not sacrifice quality.

Consumer Reports recently released its picks for best family sedans under $20,000. According to the source, people who buy used cars actually experience greater benefits, as they lose less money than drivers who buy new and experience higher depreciation rates.

In the report, analysts said that they looked for whether or not the sedans were comfortable, had proper driving dynamics and offered good fuel economy. As many people are concerned about gas prices, a good fuel economy is a crucial aspect of making a car purchase for a lot of families.

None of the models listed were older than 5 years, so families can rest assured that they wouldn't be driving in an outdated model if they choose one from the list. Brands that were heavily featured include Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mercury. Among the top models were the 2009 Toyota Prius, 2010 Mazda6 and 2010 Honda Accord EX.

There are many benefits to buying a used car. Car and Driver reports that plenty of times, people in the market for one have a lot of choices available to them. That can be said for those who go shopping at New Jersey Auto Auction, which features many different models at affordable price points to meet any family's needs. Families that don't know exactly what they want out of a used car can come to New Jersey Auto and try out a few models until they find one that works for them.

When you're shopping for a new or used car, getting the opinion of other drivers can be a valuable resource for narrowing down your choices. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) recently announced the winners of its 2013 Brand Image Awards, and Honda came out on top. The Japanese automaker was named the Best Overall Brand, and also took the awards for Most Trusted Brand and Best Value Brand.

"The Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards are unique because they reflect the opinions of actual in-market new-car shoppers, providing automakers with a glimpse into what potential customers really think of their brand and showcasing their perception strengths," said Hwei-Lin Oetken, vice president of market intelligence for KBB."While other awards from KBB.com are based on data calculated by Kelley Blue Book experts, the information that comprises the Brand Image Awards comes directly from the opinions of thousands of new-car shoppers over the period of an entire year."

MINI, the British car company responsible for the quirky subcompact Mini Cooper lineup, was named the Best Performance Brand, and Porsche took the awards for Best Performance Luxury Brand as well as Best Car Styling Luxury Brand. Among non-luxury vehicles, Ford took the prize for Best Car Styling Brand, and Toyota was named the Best Overall Truck Brand for its award-winning Tundra and Tacoma.

The Brand Image Awards can help you decide which vehicles would be best for you, as the car companies that won awards have proven themselves to be reliable and trusted among consumers. Whether you're in the market for a sedan like the Honda Civic or you're hoping to get behind the wheel of a luxurious model such as a Porsche Cayenne, you can head to NJ State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide selection of makes and models to choose from.

Conditions are in favor of the buyer for anyone looking to purchase a used car this spring. The most recent report from the NADA Used Car Guide indicates that the average price for a used vehicle up to 8 years old only rose 0.8 percent in February.

In previous years, the price increase in February was closer to 3 percent, showing that rising used car costs have slowed considerably. Federal financial issues like the fiscal cliff and sequester have contributed to the slow but continuous growth, as has the increased demand for used models following Hurricane Sandy.

"Price growth for used vehicles through early spring will be weaker than what is typically seen for the period," said Jonathan Banks, NADA Used Car Guide's executive automotive analyst. "Consumers and businesses are beginning to react to the expiration of the 2 percent payroll tax holiday as well as political activity surrounding the federal budget sequester and debt ceiling extension. These factors will have a negative impact on household income and reduce spending."

NADA also predicts that prices will remain flat in March and possibly even drop slightly come April. This means it could be a good time for motorists to begin researching their options. They can take their time finding the right car to suit their needs and be fully prepared to head to the dealership in the coming weeks to take advantage of the buying environment.

While used car prices have increased slightly, drivers looking to get behind the wheel of their next ride can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to find their next ride. The dealer carries a wide selection of affordably priced makes and models, and every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified. 

The Kia Soul was recently chosen as one of the six Best Car Deals Under $15,000 in the March edition of "Reader's Digest." This unique vehicle has been turning heads since it first appeared on the market back in 2009, as it not only has a fresh, boxy design, but also comes standard with state-of-the-art technology like Bluetooth connectivity and USB connections for nearly any handheld device. Plus, a brand-new model starts at $14,400, making it an affordable option whether new or used.

"The Soul is the vehicle that sparked Kia's design led transformation back in 2009, and it has been a runaway hit ever since," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications for Kia Motors America. "Inclusion in the 'Reader's Digest' list is another great honor for Kia, recognizing our funky, urban passenger vehicle's winning combination of technology and value. It's gratifying that the vehicle that jump-started our unprecedented growth continues to resonate so well."

Kelley Blue Book indicates a 2010 Kia Soul in excellent condition has a retail value of about $11,400, making it easy for drivers to save money and still get behind the wheel of a fun vehicle. Plus, purchasing a used car has other advantages, as the value will decrease far slower than that of a new model. This means, drivers will get a larger return on their investment when they trade in the car.

Car shoppers who want to drive something a bit more unconventional and modern can find used cars like the Kia Soul at NJ State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide selection of makes and models from which drivers to choose, making it easy to find an affordable and stylish ride.