Autos

Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX score too low in Consumer Reports' SUV tests to recommend
[Jan. 14, 2011] The Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX scored to low in testing to be recommended by Consumer Reports. The vehicles are part of a test group in the February issue comprised of six midsized, midsized luxury, and large luxury SUVs.

Consumer Reports finds that redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee outperforms Toyota 4Runner in face-off
[Nov. 7, 2010] The redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee midsized SUV earned a Very Good road test score and outscored its traditional rival, the Toyota 4Runner, which earned a Good score, in a face-off between the two vehicles in Consumer Reports’ December issue.

What happens if you use the wrong fluids in your car?
[Oct. 24, 2010] It’s not uncommon for people to mix up or use the wrong fluids in their cars, and if they do, the results can vary from irritating to deadly. Consumer Reports outlines the potential damage you can do to your car, or to yourself, in a story that appears in the November issue.

Redesigned Infiniti M37 gets highest score in Consumer Reports' ratings among luxury sedans
[Oct. 20, 2010] The redesigned Infiniti M37 posted an “Excellent” score in Consumer Reports’ ratings, as part of a test in the November issue that featured three luxury cars. The M37 remains Consumer Reports’ top-rated midsized luxury sedan.

Mazda5 posts highest score in Consumer Reports' ratings among a diverse group of family movers
[Aug. 19, 2010] The Mazda5 microvan posted an “Excellent” score in Consumer Reports’ ratings, as part of a test in the September issue that featured three different types of family movers. Although smaller than a standard minivan, it is ideal for families on a budget. Also included was the Ford Flex EcoBoost three-row SUV and the redesigned Toyota Sienna minivan which posted “Excellent” and “Very Good” test scores, respectively. Prices for the vehicles in this test group ranged from $23,805 for the Mazda5 to $46,720 for the Flex.

Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors
[Aug. 17, 2010] With the fall semester just around the corner, Consumer Reports offers its best choices for parents and teens out shopping for a car to bring back to school. When looking for the right car for teens, including used models, Consumer Reports recommends picking cars with safety features such as electronic stability control and curtain air bags and good crash-test results.

Consumer Reports compiles list of useful smart-phone apps for motorists
[Jul. 5, 2010] Consumer Reports provides a list of useful smart-phone apps for drivers, tested for the major smart-phone platforms, in the August issue of the magazine. Some of the apps are free.

Consumer Reports finds that low-rolling-resistance tires can save fuel & provide good all-around performance
[Jun. 20, 2010] Consumer Reports’ tests of two all-season, low-rolling resistance tires—the Michelin Energy Saver A/S and the Cooper GFE—revealed that they not only save gas, but also deliver good stopping and handling capabilities. In the past, consumers had to weigh a trade-off between a tire’s fuel efficiency and its overall performance.

Acura MDX tops Consumer Reports’ tests of luxury three-row Suvs
[Jun. 20, 2010] The freshened Acura MDX posted an “Excellent” overall score topping Consumer Reports tests’ of four luxury SUVs for the June 2010 issue. The Acura MDX earned an overall road-test score of 85, outperforming the Land Rover LR4 which earned a “Very Good” 73, the new Lincoln MKT, which earned a “Very Good” 72, and the Audi Q7 which earned a “Very Good” 68.

Kia Sorento tops Consumer Reports' tests Of small and midsized SUVs
[Jun. 12, 2010] The redesigned Kia Sorento EX V6 model posted an “Excellent” overall score topping Consumer Reports’ tests of four small and midsized SUVs for the July 2010 issue. The Kia Sorento EX V6 earned an overall road-test score of 82, outperforming two versions of the freshened Hyundai Santa Fe, including the Limited V6, which earned an “Excellent” 80, and the 4-cylinder GLS, which earned a “Very Good” 73.

Consumer Reports names six new top pick cars for 2010
[Apr. 10, 2010] Consumer Reports names six new models to its annual Top Picks car list for 2010. Comprised of nine different car brands, this year’s list is the most diverse group of Top Picks in over a decade. The Mazda5, Nissan Altima, Subaru Forester, Volkswagen GTI, and Chevrolet Traverse and Silverado join the Hyundai Elantra SE, Infiniti G37, Toyota Prius and Lexus LS460L as Consumer Reports’ selections for best models of the year based on performance, reliability, and safety.

Seven car problems that can leave you stranded and how to prevent them
[Mar. 21, 2010] Most of us don’t like surprises when it comes to our cars, especially the kind that leave us stranded on the highway in bad weather. In the magazine’s Annual Auto Issue, the editors of Consumer Reports provide advice on how to avoid unwelcome surprises like blowouts, dead batteries, blown fuses, and broken drive belts, and suggest how to deal with them if they do happen.

Honda Fit and Toyota Prius top Consumer Reports' new-car best value list
[Mar. 21, 2010] The Honda Fit and the Toyota Prius topped the list of new-car best values according to Consumer Reports’ 2010 Annual Auto Issue beating out more than 280 cars in eight categories.

Consumer Reports automaker report cards: Honda and Subaru lead, Hyundai makes strides, Chrysler lags
[Mar. 21, 2010] Honda and Subaru have earned class leader status for building the best all-around vehicles for American drivers, according to the Automaker Report Cards published in Consumer Reports’ 2010 Annual Auto Issue. This is the fourth consecutive year that Honda has topped CR’s list. At the opposite end of the annual ranking is Chrysler, which fared even worse than last year.