Autos

Consumer Reports ranks Saturn Outlook among the best midsized and large SUV models
[Jul. 19, 2007] The new Saturn Outlook emerged as one of Consumer Reports’ top-rated SUV models in tests of eight midsize and full-size vehicles for the August issue. It easily outpointed competitors and now ranks as the best SUV from domestic automakers in CR’s ratings.

Consider the alternatives: Alternative fueled vehicles and alternative fuels
[Jul. 9, 2007] Driving a car fueled by something other than gasoline or diesel fuel is no longer the stuff of science fiction. In addition to conventional gasoline and diesel fuel, reformulated — cleaner — gasoline and alternative fuels now are sold in many parts of the country. Alternative fuels such as methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and electricity produce fewer tail pipe pollutants than conventional gasoline and diesel fuel.

Consumer Reports rates Lexus RX350 and Acura MDX among the best luxury SUVs
[Jun. 18, 2007] The freshened Lexus RX350 and the redesigned Acura MDX outpointed competitors from Cadillac, BMW, and Lincoln in Consumer Reports’ tests of five midsize luxury SUVs for the July issue. The RX350 and MDX now rank in third and fourth places respectively among the 18 midsize SUVs recently tested by Consumer Reports.

Spring ahead with driving safety tips
[Apr. 22, 2007] When cold weather begins to warm, motorists may think their driving cares have melted away with the winter ice and snow. Not so. Just as you winterized your car with an eye to safety last fall, it’s time to begin work on your spring automotive safety check list. Here are some hints for ensuring your car is in top condition for safe spring motoring.

Debunking auto insurance myths
[Mar. 27, 2007] Just as there are many differences between a Toyota and a Lexus, there are many differences between auto insurance policies, although you have to look more closely to spot them. However, choosing a low-cost auto insurance policy may end up costing you thousands of dollars. The familiar pitch, “save hundreds of dollars in 15 minutes,” obscures complex coverage issues that may have you paying much more in the end.

Consumer Reports offers tips for car buying on the web:
[Mar. 23, 2007] Consumer Reports’ Annual April Auto Issue offers five quick tips for car shoppers who believe the perfect antidote to the dread of haggling face-to-face at the dealership is car shopping on the Web. The tips can help consumers zero in on the right model, take the car for a test drive, find the best price, and close the deal.

Consumer Reports’ annual new car reliability predictions see Lexus slip, Lincoln improve
[Mar. 20, 2007] Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand known for excellent reliability, slipped to fifth place from last year’s first in new car predicted reliability, based on Consumer Reports’ Annual Car Reliability Survey. Other drops seen by previously high-scoring brands show that even the best cars can stumble.

Consumer Reports names the worst and the best used cars
[Mar. 13, 2007] Used cars often offer consumers the best values in the automotive market since new vehicles undergo a rapid depreciation in the first few years. Consumer Reports 2007 April Auto Issue features the lists of the best and worst used vehicles for 10 model years, 1997 through 2006.

Consumer Reports' 2007 auto report cards: European cars excel in performance, fall short on reliability
[Mar. 9, 2007] Volkswagen and Audi build the cars that perform best on average in Consumer Reports' tests, followed by Honda, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Mazda and Nissan. But Honda, Subaru, and Toyota are best when it comes to reliability, as judged by CR's latest Annual Car Reliability Survey.

Consumer Reports annual April auto issue hits newstands
[Mar. 8, 2007] The April issue of Consumer Reports highlights winners and losers culled from more than 250 tested vehicles and nearly one million responses to the magazine’s annual subscriber survey.

Consumer Reports rates Nissan Altima tops among family sedans
[Feb. 10, 2007] The redesigned Nissan Altima accelerated to the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings of family sedans in tests for the March 2007 issue. Rated “Excellent” overall the Altima now ranks alongside CR’s top-rated Volkswagen Passat, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry.

Consumer Reports rates Honda CR-V best among group of five small SUVs
[Jan. 12, 2007] The sleekly redesigned Honda CR-V outscored four other car-based small SUVs in tests for the February 2007 issue of Consumer Reports. But the CR-V still fell short of the top-rated vehicle in the class, the previously-tested Toyota RAV4.

Consumer Reports rates BMW X3 “very good” among sporty suvs
[Dec. 5, 2006] Consumer Reports rated the BMW X3 best overall in tests against two of its competitors—the Acura RDX and Mazda CX7—for the January issue. The X3 achieved a “Very Good” score in testing conducted at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. The RDX and CX-7 finished with lower overall scores, though still in the “Very Good’ range.

Consumer Reports' 10 best and worst cars for depreciation
[Nov. 28, 2006] Which cars hold their value the best? According to Consumer Reports' depreciation ratings, several affordably priced models—such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, Mini Cooper, and youth-oriented Scion models—hold their value better than higher-priced sports and luxury models. And while all of the top 10 models have either Japanese or European nameplates, nine of the bottom 10 are domestic models. Contributing to their high depreciation is the fact that many are older models, commonly used by fleets and rental companies, and often heavily discounted.