Autos

Consumer Reports develops new figure to compare fuel-effiecient cars
[Jul. 12, 2008] With four-dollar-a-gallon gas now a reality and many considering a move to more fuel-efficient vehicles, the auto experts at Consumer Reports have developed a new figure for consumers to compare a vehicle's cost effectiveness.

Consumer Reports warns that rushing into a smaller car may not save money
[Jun. 22, 2008] With national average fuel prices around $4 a gallon, many consumers are clamoring to trade in their current vehicles for smaller, more fuel-efficient ones. But a new study from Consumer Reports warns drivers that downsizing too soon can cost them more in other owner costs than they’ll save at the pump.

Garmin tops Consumer Reports largest ever GPS ratings
[Jun. 14, 2008] Despite the influx of several new brands and models, longtime GPS brands—Garmin, TomTom and Magellan―are still making the best Global Garmin, TomTom and Magellan. The three brands accounted for 16 of the top 20 rated models in the latest tests in Consumer Reports June issue.

Consumer Reports top car picks for 2008: Hyundai Elantra SE, Hyundai Sante Fe, Chevrolet Silverado and Lexus LS 460L
[Jun. 6, 2008] A cheaper car can cost consumers more in the long run compared with a more expensive alternative, according to Consumer Reports' new owner-costs comparisons, which appear in the Annual April Auto Issue. In fact, says CR, a car's sticker price doesn't tell the whole story.

Consumer Reports finds that some cheaper cars may cost more to own than more expensive alternatives
[Mar. 31, 2008] A cheaper car can cost consumers more in the long run compared with a more expensive alternative, according to Consumer Reports' new owner-costs comparisons, which appear in the Annual April Auto Issue. In fact, says CR, a car's sticker price doesn't tell the whole story.

Consumer Reports find that the best cars sold in the U.S. are made by Honda
[Mar. 26, 2008] Overall, the best cars sold in the U.S. are still made by Honda, according to the Automaker Report Cards published in Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Issue on sale March 4. Honda also led the pack last year.

Consumer Reports names best used cars for every budget
[Mar. 25, 2008] Finding a reliable car for a reasonable price may seem difficult, but consumers willing to consider buying a used car may be in luck. Consumer Reports’ latest survey results reveal that there are hundreds of used-car models that provide good reliability. Many can also be safe, fuel-efficient, and affordable.

Consumer Reports new top picks for 2008: Elantra SE, Sante Fe, Silverado and LS 460L
[Mar. 24, 2008] Consumer Reports has named four new models to its Top Picks list for 2008—the Hyundai Elantra SE and Hyundai Santa Fe as top choices for small sedans and midsized SUVs, respectively; the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado as the top choice for pickup truck; and the Lexus LS 460L as the best luxury sedan.

Safer cars earn "Top Safety Pick" award for 2008
[Nov. 19, 2007] Thirty-four vehicles earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award for 2008. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute's tests. Winners also have to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC), which research shows can significantly reduce the risk of crashing.

Consumer Reports survey shows that many consumers could save more money
[Nov. 16, 2007] Overall, car buyers are largely satisfied with their dealership experiences when buying a new or used car, according to a new survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. But understanding key negotiating strategies could help shoppers get better deals.

Consumer Reports rates Falken, Michelin, Pirelli and Nitto best among ultra-high performance tires
[Nov. 16, 2007] Consumer Reports rated the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 and Pirelli P-Zero best overall in tests of 21 different ultra-high performance summer tires for the November issue, with both models achieving “Excellent” scores. Consumer Reports also tested a group of 15 different all-season, ultra-high performance tires for the same issue. In that group, CR rated the Falken Ziex ZE-912 and Nitto Neo Gen ZR best overall—again with “Excellent” scores.

Consumer Reports rates Infiniti M35 as class leader among six luxury sedans
[Oct. 25, 2007] The Infiniti M35 retained its spot as the class leader in Consumer Reports’ tests of six luxury sedans for the November issue. But two versions of the freshened Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the diesel-powered E320 BlueTec and the gasoline-powered E350, are close behind the M35, with “Excellent,” overall scores.

Consumer Reports announces Car Reliability Survey findings
[Oct. 19, 2007] Consumer Reports announced the highlights from its 2007 Annual Car Reliability Survey on Tuesday, revealing that Toyota is showing cracks in its armor, while Ford's domestic brands have made considerable improvements.

Consumer Reports rates Hyundai Elantra highest in tests of four small sedans
[Sep. 17, 2007] The redesigned Hyundai Elantra outscored the Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, and Scion xB in Consumer Reports’ testing of a group of four small sedans and wagons for the October issue. The Elantra now ranks sixth overall among the 14 small cars that CR has tested recently.