Autos

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.

Consumer Reports tests show that E85 ethanol offers poorer fuel economy
[Oct. 12, 2006] Tests and an investigation by Consumer Reports conclude that E85 ethanol will cost consumers more money than gasoline and that there are concerns about whether the government’s support of flexible fuel vehicles is really helping the U.S. achieve energy independence.

Consumer Reports rates Mazda3 best amongst four versatile hatchbacks
[Aug. 17, 2006] The Mazda3 achieved a “Very Good” overall score and became Consumer Reports’ top-rated hatchback following tests of four hatchbacks for the September issue. The Mazda3 outsocred the Audi A3, Saab 9-2x, and the Dodge Caliber in a battery of performance tests.

Honda Accord edges past Toyota Camry in Consumer Reports testing of family sedans
[Jun. 30, 2006] The freshened Honda Accord retained its position as Consumer Reports top-rated family sedan following a showdown between the Accord and the redesigned Toyota Camry for the August issue. The difference in scores is razor thin, and both vehicles are rated “Excellent” overall. Honda and Toyota have consistently set the standard for well-rounded, reliable family sedans with the Accord and the Camry. Along with the Volkswagen Passat, they regularly trade places as CR’s top-rated family sedan.

Consumer Reports warns drivers about the secret score behind auto insurance
[Jun. 28, 2006] Everyone knows that if you hit another car, your auto insurer will probably raise your premiums. But Consumer Reports warns that even drivers who have spotless driving records and have never had an at-fault accident may be faced with higher premiums if they run into a new breed of credit score used by insurers.

Black Magic and Turtle Wax car waxes rated best overall in Consumer Reports tests
[Jun. 26, 2006] Consumer Reports tested more than two dozen liquid, paste, and spray car waxes for the July issue and found two products, from Black Magic and Turtle Wax, that outperformed all the others. Black Magic Wet Shine Liquid Wax and Turtle Wax Carnauba Car Wax T-6 tied with “Excellent” overall scores. Both products, which sell nationally for around $7 apiece, were also named as CR Best Buys because of their combination of performance and comparatively low cost.

Consumer Reports rates Toyota Rav4 tops amongst six sport-utility vehicles
[Jun. 24, 2006] The newly-redesigned Toyota RAV4 emerged as Consumer Reports’ top-rated small sport-utility vehicle following tests of six SUVs for the July issue. The latest generation RAV4 earned an “Excellent” overall rating in Consumer Reports’ testing, surpassing such highly-rated vehicles as the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester.

Mazda MX-5 Miata, VW GTI top the charts in Consumer Reports' testing of five sporty cars
[May 17, 2006] The Mazda MX-5 Miata and Volkswagen GTI posted “Excellent” overall scores in Consumer Reports' testing of five sporty cars for the June issue. The GTI is now the top-ranked sporty car under $25,000 among the 11 different coupes and sedans recently tested by Consumer Reports. The Miata ranks best among three roadsters selling for under $35,000.

Consumer Reports rates Lexus IS250 "excellent" in test of six sporty sedans
[Apr. 14, 2006] The Lexus IS 250 achieved an “Excellent” overall score in Consumer Reports’ tests of six sports sedans for the May issue. The IS 250 is now ranked fourth overall among 18 sports sedans. The three top-ranked vehicles in the sports sedans class are the Acura TL, Volkswagen Passat, and Honda Accord, in that order.

Consumer Reports adds Honda Civic, Infiniti M35, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Ridgeline to 2006 Top Picks List
[Mar. 22, 2006] Consumer Reports has named four new models to its Top Picks list for 2006. The Honda Civic, Infiniti M35, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and the Honda Ridgeline are all new entrants into Consumer Reports annual list.

Consumer Reports annual cars survey ranks Lexus first in predicted reliability for 2006 models
[Mar. 22, 2006] Consumer Reports’ largest Annual Car Reliability Survey ranks Lexus in first place for predicted reliability of its 2006 models among 36 nameplates from domestic, European, and Asian automakers. Lexus was in second place last year behind Scion in CR’s survey.