Autos

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.

Consumer Reports rates seven paint scratch removers
[Aug. 10, 2007] Sometimes you have to pay for performance, especially when it comes to removing unwanted scratches and swirl marks from car paint, according to the latest tests of scratch removers in Consumer Reports September issue.

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.