Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Dodge Challenger tops <i>Consumer Reports</i> owner satisfaction survey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/dodge-challenger-tops-consumer-reports-owner-satisfaction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/dodge-challenger-tops-consumer-reports-owner-satisfaction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/dodge-challenger-tops-consumer-reports-owner-satisfaction/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery

Consumer Reports has surveyed 380,000 subscribers to rank the most satisfied new car owners and a newcomer came in and dethroned the Toyota Prius. An amazing 92 percent of V8-powered Dodge Challenger owners said that they would definitely buy another Mopar pony car if they had the chance to do it all over again. That's a big-time win for Chrysler, as the Pentastar has been getting dinged badly in recent CR studies. Hybrids have been very popular in the satisfaction survey over the past few years, but the perennial champ Prius wasn't even the number one battery-assisted model. That honor goes to the new Ford Fusion Hybrid, which came in second overall with a 91 percent rating. The Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911 and Prius round out the top five. To make the top of the satisfaction list at least 80 percent of customers need to say that they would definitely buy the same vehicle again.

Detroit automakers substantially improved their standing in the annual survey versus last year, as nine percent of overall Motown models were at the top of the list. That's still down substantially against the 12 percent Asian automakers and 23 percent of European automakers scored in the top tier. While GM, Ford and Chrysler each found success at the top, each scoring a hit in the top five, two of the three automakers also filled out the entire bottom ten. Owners of the four cylinder Chrysler Sebring were the least satisfied among all surveyed. In all, GM had seven of the bottom ten while Chrysler had three unlovable losers. Head over to the Consumer Reports site for more details.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Dodge Challenger tops Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 dodge challenger2010DodgeChallengerconsumer reportsConsumerReportsdodge challengerDodgeChallengerowner satisfactionOwnerSatisfactiontoyota priusToyotaPriusMon, 07 Dec 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler pledges to be quality leader by 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/report-chrysler-pledges-to-be-quality-leader-by-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/report-chrysler-pledges-to-be-quality-leader-by-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/report-chrysler-pledges-to-be-quality-leader-by-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A quick glance at recent Consumer Reports or JD Power data shows that the Pentastar has a big problem on its hands, but the new Chrysler says that will change in a big way by the end of 2012. Chrysler is planning to be a quality leader in only three years by dramatically increasing staffing levels in its quality team while working to dramatically clean up its engineering processes. Just one year ago, there were only 200 staff members on the quality team. Chrysler is now hiring 200 additional workers and shifting head count to beef up its quality team to over 1,700.

Quality boss Doug Betts, who was hired from Nissan during the Cerberus acquistion, tried to address quality before the automaker descended into bankruptcy, but Chrysler's woeful money situation led to the postponement of the Pentastar's long overdue quality renaissance. With bankruptcy in the rearview mirror and Fiat's full blessing to dig deep to fix Chrysler's competitive disadvantages, Betts now has the tools needed to make drastic changes. And some progress has already been made.

For starters, Chrysler has cut per-vehicle spending by $240 million, and warranty spending is down 30 percent to an all-time low. In 2008, 75 percent of all quality problems were design issues, and that number has reportedly dropped to 50 percent this year though better engineering. The factory floor is also receiving attention, as Chrysler is adopting Fiat's "world class" manufacturing system.

Chrysler has also made several departmental shifts to give workers more autonomy to make changes faster. In the past, problems were shifted from one department to another, resulting in an average delay of 71 days to fix a problem. Now cross-departmental teams are organized by 14 vehicle groups, like brakes or transmissions instead of by model alone. Many of the quality fixes will occur as Chrysler unveils new or heavily updated products between now and 2013. The Detroit News reports that 75 percent of all models will receive heavy duty attention within the next 14 months, and all vehicles will be updated by 2013.

[Source: Detroit News | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler pledges to be quality leader by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports annual reliability survey - Click above for results charts

Consumer Reports has just released results from its annual reliability survey and the findings show that Ford has made major gains to place itself among or ahead the most reliable Japanese brands. CR reports that 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products scored average or better reliability, and important models like the mid-size Fusion scored above the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Not all was rosy for FoMoCo, however, as all-wheel-drive versions of the Lincoln MKS, MKX and MKZ all scored below average in reliability.

General Motors had 20 of 48 models score average reliability, while Chrysler saw one-third of its models place below average. The Asian brands, meanwhile, are still the standard bearer for reliability. Of all the Asian models included in the report, 69 percent scored above average reliability, while only 47 percent of European models and 42 percent of American models could claim the same. European brands, however, are improving according to CR. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi have all improved in the survey this year, though some BMW models like the 535i and X3 have declined and the Porsche Boxster fell below average in reliability and lost its spot on the CR Recommended list.

Follow the jump for an official press release from Consumer Reports that wades through all the data better than we can and click below for charts that further reveal which brands and models performed well and which didn't. You can also hop on over to ConsumerReports.org for a live chat to discuss the results with the CR team.


Gallery: Consumer Reports annual reliability report


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Ford makes biggest gains in Consumer Reports annual reliability report, Japanese still lead

Ford makes biggest gains in Consumer Reports annual reliability report, Japanese still lead originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the wake of Toyota's huge floor mat recall, theorists have come up with several survival strategies designed to overcome a throttle that's stuck wide-open. Putting some of these theories to the test - and debunking several myths in the process - is the team over at Consumer Reports.

With a large test track and a fleet of vehicles at their disposal, the magazine's engineers initially focused on the "just step hard on the brakes" method of bringing the car to a halt. Interestingly enough, CR tested a Mercedes-Benz E350 and a Volkswagen Jetta Wagon - both fitted with drive-by-wire "smart throttles" that are designed to ignore conflicting inputs (throttle and brake at the same time). CR reports that these cars simply shut down to idle and came safety to a stop. The story was a bit different with a Toyota Venza and Chevrolet HHR, however. When the brakes on those vehicles were firmly applied at 20 mph, their transmissions downshifted to fight the deceleration. The vehicles were both eventually brought to a stop after the first test. However, when the test was repeated at 60 mph on brakes that had been cooled since the earlier run, both vehicles quickly suffered fade from their overheated brakes and were unable to come to a complete stop.

As is the general rule, a vehicle's braking system is stronger than the engine when the car is standing still. However, the tests conducted by Consumer Reports demonstrate that the power of the engine combined with the momentum of a car at highway speed is often enough to overtax the braking system's ability to bring the car to a stop (the brakes overheat and fade). Their suggestion is to simply slide the transmission lever to neutral - removing the engine's power from the equation - and apply the brakes firmly to bring the car to a stop. Once stopped, shut the engine off and then shift safely into Park. This "shift-to-neutral" action was equally effective on all four vehicles. The CR team also explored shutting off the engine (turn the key or hold the Start/Stop button down for more than a few seconds). This method also worked well, but it does present some danger. Switching off the engine disables power steering on most vehicles, eliminates brake boost, and may lock the steering wheel if the key is turned back too far - making a safe stop nearly impossible.

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: George Heyer/Getty]]

Consumer Reports sees what happens when your floor mat sticks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!


For Episode #148 of the Autoblog Podcast, Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports managing editor for autos, fills Sam's chair and mulls some timely topics with Chris and Dan. First up is the wheels coming off Penske's deal to take on the Saturn brand. Honda's CRZ concept, holding great promise in its CRX-like bodywork, comes under scrutiny next, before talk turns to the Chevrolet Caprice police vehicle. There's a tire discussion in there somewhere that takes the 'cast on a tangent, and the Audi E-Tron surfaces briefly before we touch on some Buff Book tricks: The Motor Trend and Automobile effort 6 vs. 8, and Car & Driver's fun with Photoshop. As always, we wrap with some questions as we ride off into the sunset. Thanks for listening, drop us more fodder at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, and let us know how we're doing by adding a review at the iTunes page and filling out our survey. As always, when you get lonely for Weblogs, Inc, check out what the guys at Engadget and Joystiq are doing on their shows, and we'll see you back here next week!



Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #148 with Jon Linkov from Consumer Reports

Autoblog Podcast #148 with Jon Linkov from Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastautomobilecar and drivercar driverCarAndDriverCarDriverchevrolet capriceChevroletCapriceconsumer reportsConsumerReportsfeaturedhonda crzHondaCrzjohn linkovJohnLinkovmotor trendMotorTrendpenskepenske saturnPenskeSaturnpodcast 148Podcast148police vehiclePoliceVehicleTue, 06 Oct 2009 18:15:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #148Autoblog1:38:59featured; autoblog podcast; audi etron; chevrolet caprice; chevrolet police; holden statesman; car and driver; car & driver; photochop; car and driver photo; motor trend; ecoboost; automobile; 6 vs 8; honda crz; tokyo motor show; penske saturn; saturn; pe<![CDATA[Michelin sweeps Consumer Reports' largest ever tire test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/michelin-sweeps-consumer-reports-largest-ever-tire-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/michelin-sweeps-consumer-reports-largest-ever-tire-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/michelin-sweeps-consumer-reports-largest-ever-tire-test/#commentsFiled under:



No one can dispute the importance of tires on dry, wet or snowy pavement, but some buyers tend to pick their rubber based on price alone. For the more quality-minded customer, Consumer Reports conducts an annual tire test and this year's battle of the road rubber was the biggest ever with 69 models duking it out for supremacy. CR's tire engineers rated models based on several categories, including dry and wet braking, handling, hydroplaning resistance, snow traction, ice braking, ride comfort, noise, rolling resistance, and tread life. CR also claims that the new ratings, available in the November edition of the magazine, gives consumers the ability to compare individual performance characteristics like grip and tread life within a specific category.

The biggest winner this year was the Michelin Man, with the puffy white tire boss scoring top scores in all four categories. The Michelin HydroEdge was the top model among S- and T-rated all-season tires, the Michelin Primacy MXV4 scored top marks for H-rated tires and Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S won in the V-rated all-season radial category. The Michelin X-Ice XI 2 topped CR's ratings for winter tires for passenger cars.

While Michelin won big, the top-notch radials were also among the highest priced in many categories. Other stand-out performers costing less include the Hankook Optimo H727, Nokian WR G2, and Dunlop Signature in the all season H and V speed rating category. The General Altimax Arctic took second place for winter tires.

The November edition of Consumer Reports hits newsstands today, and the information is available to subscribers on ConsumerReports.org. Hit the jump to review CR's info-intensive press release.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Michelin sweeps Consumer Reports' largest ever tire test

Michelin sweeps Consumer Reports' largest ever tire test originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It seems like only yesterday we brought you news that Consumer Reports recommends the Mustang over the Camaro and Challenger. In fact, it was yesterday. Now, if you read the post's fine print, you saw that the Ford racked up 78 points to the Chevy's 71 and the bloated big old Dodge managed just 53. We mention this because CR just released the results of a new survey where 80% of the respondents said they would consider purchasing an American car, whereas less than 50% said they would consider an Asian or European brand. But as it turns out, not all American cars are created equal.

Almost least surprisingly, confidence in Ford is up the most -- a big 17% over last year. Why aren't we surprised? With products like the new 2010 Mustang, Flex, Taurus (and SHO), F-150 and Transit Connect (with the Euro-Focus looming) how could consumers not stop and take a second look? And with all-stars like the Shelby GT500 and Raptor SVT, third, fourth and fifth looks are in order.

Most surprisingly, confidence in recently bankrupt and mondo-pruned back General Motors is up 6% compared to last year, possibly proving the maxim that GM is too big too fail. Least surprising is the word on Chrysler -- consumer confidence has fallen off a whopping 25%. True, like GM they went belly up. Unlike GM, the Pentastar'd maker sells the Caliber, Sebring, Journey and Nitro -- Jeep Compass, too. And of course, Mopar's fate now rests in the hands of Fiat. Not exactly a sleep-easy prescription. Fun poll for you to participate in after the jump.

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Continue reading Survey: 80% of public considering American brand for next car purchase [w/POLL]

Survey: 80% of public considering American brand for next car purchase [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerConsumer ReportsConsumerReportsFordGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsWed, 02 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger better than Ford's Mustang? <i> Consumer Reports</i> says 'neigh']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/chevy-camaro-and-dodge-challenger-better-than-fords-mustang-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/chevy-camaro-and-dodge-challenger-better-than-fords-mustang-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/chevy-camaro-and-dodge-challenger-better-than-fords-mustang-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2010 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sorry Transformers fans, but your precious Bumblebee just got his butt whooped. Color us not surprised. Because for anyone that's ever driven the Detroit Three's nouveau muscle cars (and seriously evaluated them), the 2010 Mustang GT is clearly Best of Show material. It's just too refined, too capable and let's be honest, too good. Especially when compared to the cetacean Dodge Challenger R/T. How obvious? Even Consumer Reports says so.

True, it used to be getting your sports car endorsed by Consumer Reports was kinda like Tipper Gore and Joe Lieberman banging their heads and flashing approving devil signs at your band. But somewhere about ten years back, the ad-free, subscriber-funded mag began testing cars that enthusiasts might actually want to buy. And then they began factoring in metrics like acceleration, handling and braking, while still lowering eyelids with stats on mileage and reliability (we kid, we kid).

So yeah - straight up, the 315 horsepower Ford Mustang GT got a rating of "Very Good" and 78 points, whereas the 426 hp Chevrolet Camaro SS got "Very Good" but only 71 points, whereas the 370 hp Challenger R/T received a rating of merely "Good" and just 53 points.

But wait, there's more! CR also tested the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8, Subaru WRX and Nissan 370Z. How did the evolved-but-not-revolved 'Stang stack up? Funny you should ask. Consumer Reports' press release doesn't say. Specifically, it doesn't give numeric scores for the sporty Asian cars. However, all three non-domestics got the (apparently) coveted "Very Good" rating, meaning they all finished ahead of the Challenger. And yes, the big Dodge had the six-speed manual. Part of the Challenger's problem is no doubt this sentence: "Braking is mediocre and it has a big car feel rather than a sports car." But the real question is, which car won the competition outright? All we know is that the new issue comes out today. PR posted after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger better than Ford's Mustang? Consumer Reports says 'neigh'

Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger better than Ford's Mustang? Consumer Reports says 'neigh' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Mustang GT2010 Mustang2010 Mustang GT2010FordMustangGt2010Mustang2010MustangGt370ZChallenger RTChallengerRtChevroletChevrolet CamaroChevrolet Camaro SSChevroletCamaroChevroletCamaroSsChevyConsumer ReportsConsumerReportsDodgeDodge ChallengerDodge Challenger RTDodgeChallengerDodgeChallengerRtFordFord MustangFord Mustang GTFordMustangFordMustangGtGenesis CoupeGenesisCoupeHyundai Genesis CoupeHyundaiGenesisCoupeMustangMustang GTMustangGtNissanNissan 370Z TouringNissan370zTouringSubaru WRXSubaruWrxTue, 01 Sep 2009 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> says Ford's Fusion Hybrid is equal to Toyota Camry, only sportier]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/i-consumer-reports-i-says-fords-fusion-hybrid-is-equal-to-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/i-consumer-reports-i-says-fords-fusion-hybrid-is-equal-to-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/i-consumer-reports-i-says-fords-fusion-hybrid-is-equal-to-to/#comments
2010 Ford Fusion hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

Ford's new 2010 Fusion Hybrid has earned plenty of accolades since it debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show last fall, and the latest praise comes from Consumer Reports. In its most recent round of testing, the entire Fusion lineup did well, but CR singled out the hybrid model and declared it "essentially tied" with long-time favorite, the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Fusion racked up 34 mpg, beating out the Kia Optima in a test of mid-size family sedans.

Compared to the Camry, CR agreed with most other reviewers that the Fusion felt sportier:

"The new Fusions are very impressive especially the Hybrid," said David Champion, senior director of CR's Auto Test Center. "The Hybrid successfully blends excellent fuel economy with driving pleasure, something all other hybrids have failed to do."

Although we've disagreed with some of Consumer Reports' previous assessments, this is one case where we're of the same mind. Check out the official press release after the jump for more of CR's thoughts.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports says Ford's Fusion Hybrid is equal to Toyota Camry, only sportier

Consumer Reports says Ford's Fusion Hybrid is equal to Toyota Camry, only sportier originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsConsumerReportsfordford fusionford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid mpgFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridMpgTue, 04 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Does brake dust affect a car's quality? J.D. Power thinks so (w/POLL)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/does-brake-dust-affect-a-cars-quality-j-d-power-thinks-so-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/does-brake-dust-affect-a-cars-quality-j-d-power-thinks-so-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/does-brake-dust-affect-a-cars-quality-j-d-power-thinks-so-w/#commentsFiled under: ,



When wheels are covered with brake dust, the entire car looks dirty and in many cases, a basic wash will do little to rectify the problem. Most associate brake dust as a mere nuisance, but others actually see the sight of pad particles as a fundamental problem with the functionality of a vehicle's brakes. That may sound a bit strange to some, but J.D. Power seems to agree that brake dust is indeed a quality problem.

The long-running quality survey added brake dust as one of its 228 quality concerns back in 2006 in response to several survey-takers filling in "brake dust" as a write-in complaint. David Sargent, vice president for automotive research at J.D. Power, told The New York Times that brake dust is given the same weight as serious mechanical malfunctions. The reason, says Sargent, is that customers don't feel that brake dust is "trivial," and while malfunctions can be repaired, brake dust lingers for a very long time.

When asked by The Times why brake dust is even on a quality survey, Sargent mentioned that the survey gauges consumer perception, adding "the purpose of the study is to report back problems as defined by consumers."

Conversely, Consumer Reports does not use brake dust as a quality issue. Vehicle testing head Mark Champion admitted to the Times that cleaning brake dust is annoying, "but it is not actually a failure of the brakes." What say you? Hit the jump to take part in our poll.

[Source: NY Times Wheels Blog]

Continue reading Does brake dust affect a car's quality? J.D. Power thinks so (w/POLL)

Does brake dust affect a car's quality? J.D. Power thinks so (w/POLL) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Just in time for the July 4th holiday roadtrip, it's Episode #134 of the Autoblog Podcast! We've had a couple delays this week getting together to chat about recent events, but hopefully we're hitting your media player before you depart for this weekend's festivities.

Once seated around our digital roundtable, Chris, Sam, and Dan take a quick spin through June's sales numbers, and specifically, the Camaro's Mustang-topping numbers, official BMW X1 imagery, the demise of diesel programs, Consumer Reports' Honda Insight displeasure, BMW's challenge to Lexus as America's #1 luxury brand, and then we hit up your questions for the rest of the show. Thanks for listening, we appreciate your efforts to keep communication rolling in to Podcast at autoblog dot com, as well as all the responses to our survey, which you can still fill out to add your data in our quest for 'cast sponsorship.

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #134

Autoblog Podcast #134 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Calling it "the most disappointing Honda Consumer Reports has tested in a long time," America's most influential product testing magazine has given extremely poor marks to the Japanese automaker's new Insight hybrid.

In a verdict that reminds us of a certain Jeremy Clarkson review (albeit more kindly worded), Consumer Reports blasted the gas-electric hatchback for its "ride quality, handling, interior noise, acceleration, rear-seat, access, and visibility," consigning the hapless Honda to a 21 out of 22 ranking among other small hatchbacks and wagons. Tallying a road test score of 54 points, it was trailed only by the widely panned Dodge Caliber, which managed just 49 points.

Despite the fact that it won't receive a much-coveted CR "Recommended" nod, the Insight still managed to post a "Good" overall road test score (largely on the strength of its 38 miles-per-gallon as-tested fuel economy). Regardless, it was comprehensively beaten by both the Volkswagen Jetta Wagon and the Hyundai Elantra Touring, which scored 80 and 79 points, respectively.

The Insight was the only vehicle in CR's test group to not to be Recommended, save Kia's Soul, which was excluded because the organization hasn't compiled any reliability data on the vehicle yet. Check out the press release after the jump and our new review of the car by clicking here.


Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports lambasts Honda Insight, ranks it 21 out of 22 vehicles tested

Consumer Reports lambasts Honda Insight, ranks it 21 out of 22 vehicles tested originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports has counted down the forty best deals on domestic new cars - those you can get from 10% to 25% below MSRP. Since CR doesn't have any Chrysler products that it feels it can recommend, there are no Pentastar products on the list, and General Motors products features but twice (the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1LT 4X4 Crew Cab can be had for 15% below retail and the 2009 GMC Sierra 4WD Crew Cab SLT SWB for a 10% discount).

Topping the chart is the 2009 Nissan Titan SE 4X4 Crew Cab SWB, for which CR figures Nissan will slice off upwards of one fourth of the price. Otherwise, dominating the top of the list are Ford products in the 15% to 20% bracket, while the lower half is owned by "domestics" in the guise of Toyota and Honda with a smattering of Nissan and Subaru.

All of the cars on the list have been tested by CR and have good overall safety scores, including rollover results. To come up with the final discount number, the magazine included customer rebates and dealer incentives. If you're looking for any one of these cars, the negotiating tactic you're probably looking for is "hard bargain." Check out the complete list of CR's Top 40 at the link below.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Move over, Kasem, Consumer Reports charts American Top 40 (new car deals) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to watch video after the jump

Consumer Reports has never compared the predicted reliability of a Ferrari versus a Lamborghini. Rather, these guys and gals are famous for testing the vehicles we actually buy: econoboxes, mid-size sedans, CUVs and the like. They're the NPR of the auto reviewing world, except they're really not. We know the people at CR's automotive department, and they're true car fans. That fact is on display in this video, which previews the mag's upcoming triple comparo of the Ford Mustang GT, Chevy Camaro SS and Dodge Challenger R/T. While CR usually buys all of the vehicles that get reviewed in its pages, the team is still shopping for a Mustang and Camaro and so had to borrow examples for this video. We hope they gave the owners some money for new tires, because most of that rubber went up in smoke during filming. Follow the jump to watch the CR crew kick off their loafers and get crazy.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading VIDEO: Consumer Reports previews muscle car comparo

VIDEO: Consumer Reports previews muscle car comparo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For the second straight year, Consumer Reports has seen fit to release a second set of Top Picks comprised solely of American automobiles, and we're betting there will be plenty of discussion regarding the merits of such a distinction from both the pro-import and pro-domestic crowds, just as there was a year ago. We'll leave that up to you in the comments, but please remember to be civil.

Getting to the actual rankings, there were enough surprising omissions from the list that CR decided to list its Top Performers, which don't necessarily earn a Recommended rating, alongside the actual Top Picks. Taking top honors in the Small Car category for '09 is the Ford Focus. Back in 2008, no American automaker had a small car that CR felt comfortable recommending. Ford also took the win in the hotly-contested Midsize SUV category with its Taurus X, though that model is currently scheduled to be cancelled after MY2009.

CR's Top Pick for an American Family Sedan is the Chevy Malibu, which narrowly beat out the previous generation of the highly reliable Ford Fusion. Expect those wars to heat up when the revised 2010 Fusion makes it through CR's barrage of testing procedures. If there's one category that U.S. automaker have on lock down, it's pickup trucks. This year, the Chevy Avalanche grabbed the win away from last year's winner and its corporate sibling, the Chevy Silverado. See the full rundown after the jump.

[Source: Consumer Reports, Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Continue reading The Consolation Bracket: Consumer Reports releases American Top Picks for 2009

The Consolation Bracket: Consumer Reports releases American Top Picks for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As we reported yesterday, Consumer Reports' annual 2009 Auto Issue has just been released, and it seems that American automakers just can't catch a break from the popular magazine. Included alongside the Automaker's Report Cards are a list of cars that offer the best calculated value over a five year period. Hybrids, despite their initial cost disadvantage when the dotted line is first signed, managed to take five of the top several slots. The 2009 Toyota Prius Touring model bested all contenders as the top overall value out of all 300 vehicles CR tested for the '09 season.

While perusing the results, we noticed the complete absence of any American automobiles on the Best Value list. We'd expect to see horrible performances from such vehicles as the HUMMER H2, which CR says will cost its owners $82,250 after just five years of ownership, but we're a little surprised to see that cars like the Ford Fusion or Chevy Malibu couldn't crack the top 5 family sedan list. Better luck next year.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Toyota Prius earns Best Value ranking from Consumer Reports, American brands fail to make the grade

Toyota Prius earns Best Value ranking from Consumer Reports, American brands fail to make the grade originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Feb 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In what may be the least surprising news you read all day, Consumer Reports has released its annual 2009 Auto Issue that contains Automaker Report Cards. These report cards compile all of CR's road test data and predicted reliability ratings for all vehicles in its database, and Japanese automakers have again earned top rankings just as they have for as long as we can recall.

Honda, Subaru and Toyota came out on top after all the scores were tallied, with every single Subaru model earning a Recommended rating from CR. Honda was the brand that fared the absolute best in predicted reliability, with just its Element small SUV barely failing to make the grade as a Recommended nameplate. Toyota also fared very well in reliability testing, as we've come to expect from the world's largest automaker. European automakers managed to get a shout out for offering unmatched performance, comfort and safety along with incremental increases in overall vehicle reliability.

American automakers got their own separate report cards, which you can see by clicking here. Of the Detroit-based manufacturers, Ford came out victorious with its Flex and F-150 earning top ratings and many of the rest of its models scoring well. General Motors managed to sneak eight vehicles on the Recommended list: the new Pontiac G8, Cadillac CTS and Chevy Malibu, along with the Corvette and each of the Lambda-based CUVs. Chrysler pulled up the rear again this year among all automakers without a single vehicle earning a positive score from CR.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Honda tops Consumer Reports 2009 Automaker Report Cards... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As gas prices shot for the moon last summer, the tide of scooters and small-bore motorcycles began rising right alongside as commuters did all they could to save a buck or two on fuel bills. The folks at Consumer Reports took it upon themselves to reintroduce motorcycle testing to the popular magazine for the first time since 1981 in order to help their readership make informed purchasing decisions.

Safety is of paramount concern when riders first take up the switch from four to two wheels, and this fact is hammered home by the rag's editors who designed a new 5.2-mile course that tests each motorcycle's handling characteristics, acceleration and braking capabilities. So, uh, how'd it go?

The big winner was Vespa who's LX scooter managed to take top honors in the smallest 50cc class and also performed well against the slightly larger 150cc competitors where it tied with the Kymco People for the win. CR's first series of tests stopped at the 250cc class, where the Kawasaki Ninja handily dispatched the Honda Rebel to earn the recommendation. Full results are now available online to subscribers, who will also get to read the results in the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports tests motorcycles, scooters for first time since 1981

Consumer Reports tests motorcycles, scooters for first time since 1981 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport

The folks over at Consumer Reports have ranked the Honda Fit Sport top among tested subcompact cars in their March 2009 issue. "We found the new Fit the most practical and enjoyable car in this month's group," says Consumers Union. The world's largest independent consumer product testing organization, who don't claim to be enthusiasts, ran the small Honda against the Suzuki SX4, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, and Chevrolet Aveo.

Compared to the rest of the group, the Honda Fit Sport 5-speed was the quickest to 60 miles-per-hour (an asphalt-melting 9.2 seconds) and sipped the least amount of fuel during testing (a not too shabby 33 miles-per-gallon overall). The CU testers were pleased with the Honda's versatile and flexible interior, but not with its dismal headlights. Of the five, only the Fit and SX4 were recommended. The Yaris and Aveo scored too low in testing to make the cut, and the Renault-based Versa sedan has proven too unreliable. Better luck next year, guys. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport


[Source: Consumer Reports via PR Newswire]

Continue reading Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test

Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevrolet AveoChevroletAveoConsumer ReportsConsumerReportsConsumers UnionConsumersUnionHonda FitHonda Fit SportHondaFitHondaFitSportNissan VersaNissanVersaSubcompactSuzuki SX4SuzukiSx4Toyota YarisToyotaYarisTue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai Genesis pips Lexus ES350 for Consumer Reports' top-rated "upscale sedan"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/hyundai-genesis-pips-lexus-es350-for-consumer-reports-top-rated/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/hyundai-genesis-pips-lexus-es350-for-consumer-reports-top-rated/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/hyundai-genesis-pips-lexus-es350-for-consumer-reports-top-rated/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan

Hyundai made it clear from the onset that the new Genesis sedan would upset the balance in the luxury world, particularly at the expense of Lexus. Consumer Reports' latest round of testing proves that Hyundai has succeeded in dethroning Toyota's luxury arm as the latest credible entry into the "Upscale Sedan" arena. Just as Lexus was once the upstart that ruffled feathers, it's Hyundai's turn, and they are making the most of the opportunity with a win against all comers from the likes of Acura, Lincoln, Saab and Lexus, which had previously held the top overall spot with its ES350 sedan.

Despite the Genesis' win in direct testing, Consumer Reports doesn't have enough data to rate the sedan as "Recommended." The same goes for the ES350, which means that the Acura TL is the only competitor in the segment that officially gets CR's nod. Regardless, consider the gauntlet officially thrown at the feet of the established Japanese players, and we look forward to Round Two when Hyundai sends a shot over the bow of the sportscar world with the Genesis Coupe.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Hyundai Genesis pips Lexus ES350 for Consumer Reports' top-rated "upscale sedan"

Hyundai Genesis pips Lexus ES350 for Consumer Reports' top-rated "upscale sedan" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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