Autos

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.

Consumer Reports rates portable gps navigation systems
[Sep. 14, 2007] As the popularity of portable Global Positioning System (GPS) navigators continues to grow, experts at Consumer Reports say consumers don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good one.

Consumer Reports finds maintaining cars for 200,000 miles can save owners thousands of dollars
[Sep. 11, 2007] With proper care, many of today’s cars can last 200,000 miles or more, and owners seeking to limit repair costs by trading in their vehicle every three to five years may lose out on thousands of savings, says Consumer Reports October issue.

Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety team up on vehicle crash test videos
[Sep. 6, 2007] Consumers now have free access to more than 200 crash test videos as part of a collaboration between Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These online videos bring a new level of research detail to shoppers looking for a new or used car, minivan, truck, or SUV.
Also: Vehicle crash test videos

Consumer Reports finds hidden new-car incentives leave room for more negotiation
[Sep. 6, 2007] Labor Day weekend is one of the biggest for new-car shoppers as manufacturers clear out 2007 models with dramatic discounts and cash incentives. But a new analysis from Consumer Reports shows there is more potential savings than shoppers may realize.

Consumer Reports rates the Toyota Tundra and Chevy Silverado best among four, full-sized, crew-cab pick-ups
[Aug. 20, 2007] The Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado placed first and second in Consumer Reports’ tests of four full-sized, crew-cab pickups for the September issue. In separate tests of heavy-duty diesel pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 easily outpointed competitors from Dodge and Ford. The Tundra slightly outscored the Silverado in CR’s tests, though both achieved “Very Good” overall scores.

Six tips to save on auto insurance
[Aug. 15, 2007] When it comes to your insurance premiums, it's all about what you drive, how you drive and where you drive.