After Everybody Else Casts Their Vote on the New Lexus IS, It’s Time for the Verdict from CR

Most of the reviews we’ve seen of the new Lexus IS have been fairly positive, with some criticizing the car for not having enough power in its base specification, the IS250, as well as the strong styling which is opinion-splitting, with very little chance of a gray area in between – you either like it, or you absolutely think it’s too much… Read more »

Consumer Reports Finds Chevy Equinox Adequate, But a Bit Behind the Times

Car buyers looking for a vehicle which feels rugged, is simple to use and can take them from A to B in safety and relative comfort are not usually interested in quirky styling cues, or other similar touches which have no functional role, concentrating on the practical issues.

For me, the Chevy Equinox neatly fits into the category, as it’s inoffensive to look at and it’s average-sized (between a compact SUV like a Toyota RAV4 and a full-sized one like a Cadillac Escalade).

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Consumer Reports Gives Praise to Chevrolet for its 2014 Impala Sedan

I'm going to say that Consumer Reports is right when it states that the previous-generation Chevrolet Impala, built between 2006 and 2013 was a very bland car (visually), and that the 2014 model is a huge improvement in the image department.

Having tested the car, the publication remarks that it is not only more interesting to look at, but also drives and rides much better. They are keen to point out that it is considerably more comfortable than its direct rival from Toyota, the Avalon sedan.

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Consumer Reports’ Quick Take on the Cadillac SRX and Toyota Tacoma

Consumer Reports usually does a “quick take” before doing a full review on a vehicle, and the latest two cars to go through their battery of tests are the Cadillac SRX and the Toyota Tacoma pickup, both of which are deemed competent in their respective classes, but far from perfect. Read more »

Check Out the Latest Episode of Consumer Reports' Talking Cars Show

If you have a pertinent automotive-related question, you can now have it answered by the Consumer Reports staff, in their new podcast called Talking Cars. Now in its third installment, the series looks at some of the more important recent news from the industry, as well as doing what they do best, give advice to consumers on what cars to buy. Read more »

Consumer Reports Takes Quick Look at VW’s Jetta Hybrid

Up until recently, if you wanted an efficient Volkswagen, there was no better alternative than a diesel-powered model. Their diesels were and still are very competent, but now US car buyers can get a different kind of green V-dub, the Jetta Hybrid. Revealed in early 2012, at the Detroit auto show, the car has been on the market for a while now, and Consumer Reports recently got their hands on one to try it out. Read more »

Consumer Reports Takes the New Kia Cadenza for a Quick Spin

Based on the same platform as the Hyundai Azera sedan, the new Kia Cadenza is an understated car, which looks to have a quality interior and good space. Despite the fact that it is not yet available for purchase in the States, the Cadenza has been driven by Consumer Reports (CR), and it seems that they were pleased by the big Kia. Read more »

Consumer Reports Not Really Thrilled About New Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander has never been the kind of car one buys because of burning desire, but it was always competent and one of the better vehicles to drive in its class. Now, the all-new model, which is radically different from its predecessor, takes center stage, as Mitsubishi tries to keep itself relevant in the current context of the automotive industry, both in the US and the rest of the world.

The new 2014 Outlander needs to be very good, but if we are to listen to Consumer Reports (CR), which recently took it for a drive, things aren't looking up.

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Consumer Reports Airs Pilot Episode for 'Cars' Chat Show

Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted (and trust-worthy) automotive reviews sites. They pride themselves with actually being able to test a car in detail, not by borrowing it (not that there's nothing wrong with that), but by buying it. So, if you want buying advice, CR is a good place to start your inquiries.

Now, the publication's automotive testers have aired the pilot episode for a new chat show, called 'Cars', where viewers phone in and ask for advice. The three hosts then begin asking questions themselves, before both them and the caller agree on a course of action.

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Consumer Reports Tests the 2013 BMW X1, Isn't Really Thrilled About it

If you can't wait for the new Touring version of the BMW 3-Series to arrive in the States next month, or simply think that owning a wagon is less cool than owning a crossover, the Bavarian company offers two alternatives: the X1 and the X3. If you see the former on the street, you will be struck by how un-SUV-like it looks.

That's partially due to the fact that the X1 is based on the underpinnings of the previous generation, E91 3-Series Touring, featuring a jacked up suspension and chunkier proportions.

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Consumer Reports Names Best and Worst Used Cars up to $25k

When it comes to choosing a used car, actual owners of the model you're interested in, offer the most unbiased reviews. That is, of course, when they're not trying to sell you their own car… As you probably already know, Consumer Reports (CR) not only tests cars, but it also asks its almost 1 million subscribers each year how their vehicles are doing through its Annual Auto Survey.

While CR’s reviews may offer first-hand details on certain qualities and faults of new vehicles, usually long-term ownership reveals how good a car is. This is why the publication compiled a Best & Worst Used Cars list for model years 2003 through 2012.

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Consumer Reports Pans New Mercedes-Benz GL's Emergency Handling

The Mercedes-Benz GL is one of the top choices for US buyers looking for a seven-seater premium SUV, as it offers plenty of interior space, luxury appointments and towing capacity, and even a diesel engine option. However, as a recent test by Consumer Reports (CR) points out, it is by no means a perfect vehicle. Read more »

Consumer Reports Takes the New 2014 Mazda6 and 2013 Lexus LS for a Spin

The two latest arrivals in the garage of Consumer Reports is an early production version of the all-new 2014 Mazda6 sedan and Lexus' revised 2013 LS flagship, both of which were taken out for a first drive by the magazine's auto engineer, Tom Mutchler.

Beginning with the new generation of the Mazda6, Mutchler gives it praise for its "sleek" design calling it one of the sexiest models together with Ford's latest Fusion in the (mainstream) mid-size sedan segment, its modern amenities and tech gadgets, while his first driving impression of the early production model is that it's "quite agile and light on its feet".

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Honda Gets its Mojo Back: Consumer Reports Puts 2013 Accord on Top of its Class

Despite the (in)famous 2012 Civic episode, there seems to be no bad feelings between Honda and Consumer Reports (CR). The publication may have dropped the 2012 Civic from its recommended list pressuring for a quick redesign, but Honda can relax as far as its U.S. market best-seller is concerned.

In fact, it may even smile as CR has put the 2013 Accord at the top of its class in four-cylinder guise while it notes that the V6 version is “challenging the Toyota Camry for the top spot” in its ratings.

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