Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2013 Toyota Prius C doesn't get much love from <i>Consumer Reports</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-prius-c-doesnt-get-much-love-from-consumer-repor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-prius-c-doesnt-get-much-love-from-consumer-repor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-prius-c-doesnt-get-much-love-from-consumer-repor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Consumer Reports' 2012 Toyota Prius C road test - screencap

Consumer Reports has panned the 2012 Toyota Prius C in a new video review that urges car shoppers to get a used regular Prius over the new baby model, "it's a much better car overall," said Mike Quincy in the review.

The problems Toyota ran into in creating the Prius C appear to be in making it cheaper, according to Consumer Reports. The list of adjectives during the video review included: "lackluster," "hard plastic," "cheap materials," "dead steering" and "slow."

Toyota may see those words as misplaced modifiers compared to the glowing recommendations the larger mainstream Prius has received in its decade-long Synergy drive to becoming the eco-poster child for hypermiling greenies out to save the Earth and ride in California HOV lanes with a single person aboard. (HOV access for most gas-electric hybrids has been discontinued in the Golden State.)

While the Prius C may start at $18,995, its price climbs quickly and its value does not, Consumer Reports said. A new regular Prius starts at $24,000.

However, the bad news from Consumer Reports hasn't hurt Prius C sales, which began in April. During its first month, Toyota sold 4,782 Prius C models, outpacing the other Prius variant, the family-minded Prius V, as well as the subcompact Yaris, which donates its platform for the Prius C.

Scroll down to watch Consumer Reports' full Prius C video review or read more at the source link.

Continue reading 2013 Toyota Prius C doesn't get much love from Consumer Reports

2013 Toyota Prius C doesn't get much love from Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota prius cconsumer reportsgreenpriusprius ctoyotavideoTue, 29 May 2012 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246865/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-prius-c-doesnt-get-much-love-from-consumer-repor/20246865/article-detail.xml 20246865 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-toyota-prius-c-consumer-reports-20120529_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-toyota-prius-c-consumer-reports-20120529.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #284 LIVE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-284-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-284-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-284-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We record Episode #284 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, meaning you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below and chime in to direct our conversation. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #284
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #284 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin am310autoblogautoblog podcast liveautoblog podcast topicsconsumer reportsdany baharfiat mazdafiat roadsterlotus dany baharmazda mx-5 miatamazda roadstermiatamx-5podcastvilla desteTue, 29 May 2012 16:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20247018/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-284-live/20247018/article-detail.xml 20247018 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> tests small eco models, best only saves $145/year in fuel [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/consumer-reports-tests-small-eco-models-best-only-saves/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/consumer-reports-tests-small-eco-models-best-only-saves/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/consumer-reports-tests-small-eco-models-best-only-saves/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Consumer Reports

The good people at Consumer Reports appear to have a dim view of fuel-economy packages on small cars. The organization recently tested the Ford Focus SFE, Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Honda Civic HF to determine whether the cars' annual fuel savings actually offset the additional cost of opting for the package to begin with. During their mixed city and highway loop testing, the Ford actually fared the best by returning 31 mpg overall. That's three miles per gallon better than the standard Focus SE, and represents an annual fuel cost savings of just $145. The SFE package costs $495.

Likewise, the Honda Civic HF returned 33 mpg, which is also three mpg better than the base Civic LX, The Honda serves up an annual fuel cost savings of $135, though the HF package commands the largest premium over its base model at $800. Then there's our personal favorite of the lot, the Cruze Eco. Surprisingly enough, the Chevrolet compact netted just 27 mpg. That's just one mpg better than the Cruze 1LT in CR's testing, representing a savings of a mere $20 annually. Pretty rough considering Eco trim sets buyers back $770.

It is worth noting Consumer Reports opted for the automatic-equipped Cruze Eco, which is only good for 31 mpg highway. When equipped with a six-speed manual, the model returns a more palatable 33 combined. Still, as CR points out, there are plenty of other vehicles on the market that attain similar fuel economy ratings without the added cost. Check out the video for yourself by scrolling below.

Continue reading Consumer Reports tests small eco models, best only saves $145/year in fuel [w/video]

Consumer Reports tests small eco models, best only saves $145/year in fuel [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet cruzechevrolet cruze ecochevycivicconsumer reportscruzefocusfordford focusford focus sfehondahonda civichonda civic hfvideoTue, 29 May 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246757/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/consumer-reports-tests-small-eco-models-best-only-saves/20246757/article-detail.xml 20246757 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/consumer-reports-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/consumer-reports-628.jpg <![CDATA[Survey Says: Fuel economy is #1 factor when buying a car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/survey-says-fuel-economy-is-1-factor-when-buying-a-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/survey-says-fuel-economy-is-1-factor-when-buying-a-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/survey-says-fuel-economy-is-1-factor-when-buying-a-car/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota Prius C

It seems like it was just a few years ago that car manufacturers used to laugh at us when we'd ask why a new model didn't get any better fuel economy than its outgoing predecessor. "Car buyers don't care about fuel economy," was the refrain, "They certainly won't pay for it."

A few years of three- and four-dollar-per-gallon gas has apparently changed that attitude. According to a new study by Consumer Reports, 37 percent of respondents said fuel economy was now their leading consideration in car shopping, topping all others by a landslide. Quality was the second-most-important factor at 17 percent, while safety was mentioned by 16 percent, and value by 14 percent of shoppers. Two-thirds of respondents said they expected their next new vehicle to beat their current one on fuel economy. And yes, it is the economy, stupid, as 90 percent of those surveyed said high gas prices were the reason why they wanted a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

None of this is too surprising, given what has been going on both in the auto industry and in the larger economy since the economic meltdown of 2008. But we still kind of wonder how performance managed to rate number one with just six percent of those surveyed? Is that it then, there are six times as many tee-totalers than auto enthusiasts out there in the world?

CR says that it called 2,009 people across the country to get its results, obtaining 1,702 responses from adult car owners. Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading Survey Says: Fuel economy is #1 factor when buying a car

Survey Says: Fuel economy is #1 factor when buying a car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsfuel economyfuel mileageTue, 22 May 2012 06:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242109/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/22/survey-says-fuel-economy-is-1-factor-when-buying-a-car/20242109/article-detail.xml 20242109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/13-2012-toyota-prius-c-fd-opt-opt1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/13-2012-toyota-prius-c-fd-opt-opt1.jpg <![CDATA[Young drivers know distracted driving is dangerous, do it anyway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/young-drivers-know-distracted-driving-is-dangerous-do-it-anyway/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/young-drivers-know-distracted-driving-is-dangerous-do-it-anyway/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/young-drivers-know-distracted-driving-is-dangerous-do-it-anyway/#commentsFiled under:

Teenage girl driving

Distracted driving has joined smoking, drinking, drug use, and unprotected sex on the list of behaviors that teens know are risky but engage in nonetheless.

According to a national survey by Consumer Reports, half of all teens surveyed had used a handheld phone while driving in the past 30 days, while 30 percent copped to texting. Eight percent said they operated a smart phone app and seven percent used email or social media while driving. But how many considered this behavior a bad idea? Fully 63 percent said talking on the phone could be considered "dangerous," while almost all of them thought the others qualified, with about 80 percent agreeing to adding the word "very" to that description, according to CR.

We've already seen clever public service announcements attempting to curb this behavior, and CR's survey says the publicity is working. Over 60 percent of respondents said they were influenced to stop or reduce phone use while driving by reading or hearing about the problem, while only 40 percent responded to legal bans. And of course, family members laying down the law fared the worst, at only 30 percent saying that caused them to knock it off and put the phone down when behind the wheel.

Unsurprisingly, CR found that positive peer pressure could help curb the behavior, as almost 50 percent said they were less likely to talk on the a handheld cell phone or text if they had a buddy in the car. The magazine inferred that this could have to do with the half of respondents who said they had asked someone to stop using their phone while they were a passenger.

Of course, this problem with talking and texting while driving isn't restricted to teenagers. Just like kids growing up in the 1980s learned to do drugs by watching their parents, the youth of today are witnessing mom and dad engaging in distracted driving. CR says 48 percent of young drivers said they'd seen a parent talking on the phone while driving and 15 percent caught one texting.

This got us thinking: Maybe it's time to reboot our favorite PSA of all time. Scroll down to watch.

Continue reading Young drivers know distracted driving is dangerous, do it anyway

Young drivers know distracted driving is dangerous, do it anyway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsdistracted drivingi learned it from yousafetyteen driverstextingTexting while drivingTue, 08 May 2012 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233972/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/young-drivers-know-distracted-driving-is-dangerous-do-it-anyway/20233972/article-detail.xml 20233972 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/teen-girl-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/teen-girl-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Honda CR-V edges Mazda CX-5 in <em>Consumer Reports</em> small CUV test [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/honda-cr-v-edges-mazda-cx-5-in-consumer-reports-small-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/honda-cr-v-edges-mazda-cx-5-in-consumer-reports-small-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/honda-cr-v-edges-mazda-cx-5-in-consumer-reports-small-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Honda CR-V - front three-quarter static view

2013 Mazda CX-5 front three-quarter static viewWhenever Consumer Reports weighs in on the automotive landscape, we're always eager to hear what its editors have to say. We value their opinions, not because we necessarily agree or disagree, but because CR plays it straight. And sometimes, amidst all the folderol spewed about new models in the pages of car magazines and on the myriad websites devoted to automotive minutiae, it helps to read someone write things like this:

Overall, CR's testers found the CR-V is functional and easy to live with, if not particularly exciting to drive. The CX-5 Touring... is more athletic and engaging to drive, thanks to its agile handling, taut cornering, and responsive steering.

Now this may strike most of you as nothing more than CR displaying its usually astute command of the obvious. But it reads that way for a reason - call it art imitating life. So when the mainstreamers read that the CR-V narrowly beat out the CX-5, it will not just reflect the reality of a market in which the Mazda brand lags well behind Honda, but confirm their worldview. The Honda CR-V will continue to appear on the magazine's "Recommended" list, while the jury will await reliability reports before nominating the Mazda CX-5.

The sun will rise in the east and set in the west.

To read CR's full press release, which also spills the beans on the June issue's head-to-head test between the Mercedes-Benz ML350 and BMW X5, as well as road tests of the Subaru Impreza hatchback and Kia Soul, scroll down. We also have the magazine's video reviews of the crossover pair in video form, so have a look.

Continue reading Honda CR-V edges Mazda CX-5 in Consumer Reports small CUV test [w/video]

Honda CR-V edges Mazda CX-5 in Consumer Reports small CUV test [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 honda cr-v2012 mazda cx-5consumer reportscr-vcx-5hondamazdavideoThu, 26 Apr 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20224804/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/honda-cr-v-edges-mazda-cx-5-in-consumer-reports-small-c/20224804/article-detail.xml 20224804 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2012-honda-cr-v-first-drive---01-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2012-honda-cr-v-first-drive---01-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> lets its hair down, drifts Subaru BRZ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/consumer-reports-lets-its-hair-down-drifts-subaru-brz/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/consumer-reports-lets-its-hair-down-drifts-subaru-brz/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/consumer-reports-lets-its-hair-down-drifts-subaru-brz/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Consumer Reports tests the 2013 Subaru BRZ

Our colleagues at Consumer Reports, when not professing their love for all things Toyota, have recently taken a real shine to Subarus. First they crowned the 2012 Impreza the top small sedan, while elevating the Subaru brand to the top of the 2012 CR ratings. Now comes this surprisingly entertaining "first look" video featuring the 2013 BRZ.

CR loved hot-shoeing the BRZ around the track, of course. As we've seen, this car is fun enough that anyone with a pulse should be able to enjoy it. But more importantly, the magazine answered a few important questions about the car's suitability for the low-budget racing crowd. Those that might be interested in campaigning a BRZ in local autocross events or track days will be happy to know that a helmeted, six-foot-tall driver can fit inside the car with proper head clearance. Equally as important, the BRZ's stability control can be switched entirely off, enabling the kinds of power slides that are great fun but sure to place you last in your SCCA Solo II class behind all the Miatas, Z cars and E36 M3's.

Go ahead and scroll down to watch the whole video.

Continue reading Consumer Reports lets its hair down, drifts Subaru BRZ

Consumer Reports lets its hair down, drifts Subaru BRZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbr-zbrzconsumer reportsfr-sfrsscionsubaruvideoTue, 17 Apr 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217928/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/consumer-reports-lets-its-hair-down-drifts-subaru-brz/20217928/article-detail.xml 20217928 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/consumer-reports-tests-subaru-brz-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/consumer-reports-tests-subaru-brz-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Sonic top <i>Consumer Reports</i> subcompact shootout]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/kia-rio-hyundai-accent-and-chevy-sonic-top-consumer-reports/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/kia-rio-hyundai-accent-and-chevy-sonic-top-consumer-reports/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/kia-rio-hyundai-accent-and-chevy-sonic-top-consumer-reports/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

2012 Kia Rio sedan

Consumer Reports has just wrapped up an evaluation of subcompact sedans, and the Kia Rio EX has rolled out ahead of the class. The four-door beat out its corporate clone, the Hyundai Accent and the Chevrolet Sonic to take the top spot. Evaluators pointed to the sharp handling and well-optioned interior in the Rio as reasons for the vehicle's win. The newly redesigned Nissan Versa and unloved Toyota Yaris filled out the top five sedans. And what of the baby hatchbacks? CR once again credited the Honda Fit as leader of the pack, followed closely by the Versa Hatchback and Rio Hatchback.

The organization found fault with the base Chevrolet Sonic's fuel economy, and found the turbocharged LTZ model to be too expensive. Evaluators also felt the Sonic Turbo "didn't live up to its sporty aspirations."

We'll politely agree to disagree on that one.

All of the vehicles in the evaluation are either too new or scored too low in CR evaluations to earn a coveted Recommended rating. Hit the jump for a look at the full press release and debate amongst yourselves in Comments.

Continue reading Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Sonic top Consumer Reports subcompact shootout

Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Sonic top Consumer Reports subcompact shootout originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accentchevroletchevrolet sonicconsumer reportscrfithondahonda fithyundaihyundai accentkiakia rionissannissan versariosonictoyotatoyota yarisversayarisFri, 23 Mar 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20199653/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/23/kia-rio-hyundai-accent-and-chevy-sonic-top-consumer-reports/20199653/article-detail.xml 20199653 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/kia-rio-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/kia-rio-628.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> finally posts Fisker review, finds litany of owners suffering from bad Karma]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/consumer-reports-finally-posts-fisker-review-finds-litan/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/consumer-reports-finally-posts-fisker-review-finds-litan/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/consumer-reports-finally-posts-fisker-review-finds-litan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Consumer Reports' Fisker Karma - front three-quarter view

You can buy a bunch of information for $107,000.

Consumer Reports is learning all sorts of things about the Fisker Karma now that it has purchased one for testing, only to have it die with less than 200 miles on the odometer. After 48 hours in the dealer's repair shop - under warranty - the car is back in the CR fleet and is starting to get put through its paces.

With that public breakdown making waves, CR discovered that lots of Karma owners have been reporting their own issues with their new and expensive plug-in hybrids. Things like needing a new differential after less than 1,000 miles, a car shutting itself off at 35 mph and lots of trouble with the shifter. Most of these reports were put up by owners on FiskerBuzz. Of course, before CR got its Karma, the company issued two recalls, one for a software glitch and another for battery issues.

So, with all the problems, how does CR like the Karma on the track? The design is "simply stunning," it says, but the range-extending gasoline engine is loud when the 22-kWh battery is depleted. And the Fisker's SUV-like 5,395-pound weight doesn't help with handling. On the inside, CR says the touchscreen is also less than ideal, with a grayscale look and plenty of menu flipping that "makes MyFord Touch look like a brilliant design." Ouch.

Then there's this:

Just this weekend, for example, the speedometer and energy meter display disappeared when driving, on top of having several other rogue warning indicators appear last week. It is expected we'll be revisiting the dealership soon. We've had cars in the past that have been troublesome, but never anything like this.

You can see what CR wrote about the car here and check out their new video review after the jump.

Continue reading Consumer Reports finally posts Fisker review, finds litany of owners suffering from bad Karma

Consumer Reports finally posts Fisker review, finds litany of owners suffering from bad Karma originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmaconsumer reportsconsumer reports fiskerfiskerfisker karmafisker reviewkarmakarma reviewvideoMon, 19 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196328/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/consumer-reports-finally-posts-fisker-review-finds-litan/20196328/article-detail.xml 20196328 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/karma-cr-review_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/karma-cr-review.png <![CDATA[The Saga Continues: <i>Consumer Reports'</i> Fisker Karma gets new battery pack]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/the-saga-continues-consumer-reports-fisker-karma-gets-new-batt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/the-saga-continues-consumer-reports-fisker-karma-gets-new-batt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/the-saga-continues-consumer-reports-fisker-karma-gets-new-batt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Fisker Karma from Consumer Reports on flatbed trailer

Send a $107,000 Fisker Karma to the dealer - after an incredibly public breakdown - and get a new battery pack in return. That's the lesson that Consumer Reports learned over the weekend and the repaired vehicle is now "operating fine at our test track" after 48 hours offline.

All that CR is saying about the problem is that the Fisker dealer said that a "fault was found in the battery and inverter cable. Both were replaced as a unit." Also, while lots of dealers wash your car after you take it in for servicing, CR's dealer also charged the brand-new pack. How kind. With everything back on track - for now - CR will get to what it intended to do days ago: put the Karma through its paces.

CR's Karma is not the only one with issues. All Karmas were affected by two recalls (due to a software glitch and then battery issues) and, as we discovered last week, owners are posting about their own problems over on FiskerBuzz.

The Saga Continues: Consumer Reports' Fisker Karma gets new battery pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsfiskerfisker batteryfisker karmafisker li-ion batterykarma batteryli-ionli-ion batteryplug-in hybridWed, 14 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20193232/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/14/the-saga-continues-consumer-reports-fisker-karma-gets-new-batt/20193232/article-detail.xml 20193232 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/consumer-reports-fisker-karma_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/consumer-reports-fisker-karma.png <![CDATA[Fisker Karma owned by <em>Consumer Reports</em> breaks down]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/fisker-karma-owned-by-consumer-reports-breaks-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/fisker-karma-owned-by-consumer-reports-breaks-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/fisker-karma-owned-by-consumer-reports-breaks-down/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Like pretty much any driver, we've had our share of car trouble over the years, both with vehicles loaned to us for review by automakers and our own private rides. What we haven't experienced is being the first media outlet to plunk down over $100,000 for a luxury plug-in hybrid, only to have it konk out before we even put 200 miles on it.

That "honor" goes to Consumer Reports and their brand new Fisker Karma, which broke down during calibration tests, just a few days into CR's ownership period. After the dashboard flashed a warning, the driver stopped to see what was wrong, and then couldn't get the PHEV into gear again. Self-repairs (i.e., let's leave it alone for an hour and see what happens) didn't work and the manual was no help, so the nearby dealer sent out a flatbed truck to haul the Karma away. As CR writes:

We buy about 80 cars a year and this is the first time in memory that we have had a car that is undriveable before it has finished our check-in process.

The Karma's problems are widespread. It has been plagued by a variety of problems, including two recalls, one for a software glitch and one for battery issues, following a long delay getting the car to market. Owners commenting on the FiskerBuzz forum are also reporting various issues. Not exactly behavior that leads to a "Recommended" rating.

Continue reading Fisker Karma owned by Consumer Reports breaks down

Fisker Karma owned by Consumer Reports breaks down originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsconsumer reports fiskerfiskerkarmaThu, 08 Mar 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20189324/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/08/fisker-karma-owned-by-consumer-reports-breaks-down/20189324/article-detail.xml 20189324 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/consumer-reports-fisker-karma_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/consumer-reports-fisker-karma.png <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> Top Pickup for 2012 is... the Chevrolet Avalanche?!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/consumer-reports-top-pickup-for-2012-is-the-chevrolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/consumer-reports-top-pickup-for-2012-is-the-chevrolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/consumer-reports-top-pickup-for-2012-is-the-chevrolet/#commentsFiled under: ,



Four Wheeler magazine named the Ram Power Wagon its 2012 Pickup Truck of the Year, and it's an award that celebrates features we associate with so-called "serious" pickups, like a two-speed transfer case, trail performance and vinyl flooring. But what if you want a Pickup Truck of the Year that's got a little less pickup in it? Consumer Reports holds your answer, as it chose the Chevrolet Avalanche as the 2012 Top Pick Pickup Truck.

Why? Because of, as far as we can tell, its versatility and the ways it feels more like a Chevrolet Suburban than a Power Wagon: interior, fire-and-forget four-wheel drive, decent acceleration and comfy ride. Or, put another way, because even though it's not a Chevrolet Suburban it can do almost everything a Suburban can do as well as hold a kayak. But you can't see out the back, because there's a bed there. Follow the jump for the CR video report.

Continue reading Consumer Reports Top Pickup for 2012 is... the Chevrolet Avalanche?!

Consumer Reports Top Pickup for 2012 is... the Chevrolet Avalanche?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet avalancheavalanchechevroletconsumer reportspickuptop pick pickup trucktruck of the yearyoutubeWed, 29 Feb 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20182347/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/consumer-reports-top-pickup-for-2012-is-the-chevrolet/20182347/article-detail.xml 20182347 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/cravalancetoty_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/cravalancetoty.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota dominates <em>Consumer Reports</em> annual Top Picks list]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/toyota-dominates-consumer-reports-annual-top-picks-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/toyota-dominates-consumer-reports-annual-top-picks-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/toyota-dominates-consumer-reports-annual-top-picks-list/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Toyota Sienna

Two years after Consumer Reports smacked Toyota by pulling its coveted Recommended label from the Japanese automaker's vehicles in the wake of safety concerns, the venerable consumer products testing magazine has slipped back into its comfortable role of being one of Toyota's biggest fans. In announcing its annual Top Picks list, CR lauded five Toyota models as best-in-class, meaning the once beleaguered brand captured fully half of the category awards.

The five triumphant Toyota models included the Camry Hybrid (hybrid), RAV4 (small SUV), Sienna V6 (family hauler), Prius (green car), and Highlander (Family SUV). It is the first time since 2003 that a single automaker has scored five class awards. Honda, the last automaker to do so, did not land a single vehicle on the list for the second time in three years.

Other vehicles landing a spot on the list include the Ford Mustang (sporty car), Hyundai Sonata (affordable family sedan), Infiniti G (sports sedan), Subaru Impreza (small car), and Chevrolet Avalanche (pickup truck).

CR says it evaluates vehicles for their road test performance, as well as reliability and safety, requiring that winners rank at least near the top of their category on the organization's overall road test scores while having average or better reliability on reader surveys and performing "well" on crash tests.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Toyota dominates Consumer Reports annual Top Picks list

Toyota dominates Consumer Reports annual Top Picks list originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camry hybridconsumer reportsconsumer reports top pickscr recomendedhighlanderpriusrav4siennatop pickstoyotaWed, 29 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181908/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/toyota-dominates-consumer-reports-annual-top-picks-list/20181908/article-detail.xml 20181908 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/lead1toyotasiennaxlereview2011-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/lead1toyotasiennaxlereview2011-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru tops <em>Consumer Reports</em> Automaker Report Cards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/subaru-tops-consumer-reports-automaker-report-cards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/subaru-tops-consumer-reports-automaker-report-cards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/subaru-tops-consumer-reports-automaker-report-cards/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Subaru Impreza

Report cards are headed home in automakers' backpacks today, and provided there isn't any grade-changing subterfuge, Subaru has managed to land itself atop the Consumer Reports dean's list. The triumph comes thanks to a class-topping essay entitled "What I Did Over Winter Break: Redesigning the 2012 Impreza," which earned the rugged brand top marks in Small Sedans 101. Combined with high scores in other vehicle classes, Subaru knocked Honda from the valedictorian's position it has held for the past four years.

Also passing Honda were salutatorian Mazda and perennial top-three performer Toyota, who reliably proved that whether it's the smartest kid in the class or not, it's well liked. Mazda climbed in the rankings thanks to a lighter class load, while Honda's drop from the top reflected a year spent drawing giant spaceships and hoping that in Civics class nobody would notice when it turned in a weak rewrite of it's own popular essay from last semester.

Honda wasn't alone in spending the grading period not paying attention. Also spotted wandering the halls was Ford, which dropped out of the top five. While Chrysler found itself with the worst grades in the class - again - the carmaker did see some results from hitting the books lately, earning it the title of second most improved behind Mazda.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Subaru tops Consumer Reports Automaker Report Cards

Subaru tops Consumer Reports Automaker Report Cards originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 subaru imprezaautomaker report cardsconsumer reportsconsumer reports automaker report cardsimprezasubarusubaru imprezatop automakerTue, 28 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181909/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/subaru-tops-consumer-reports-automaker-report-cards/20181909/article-detail.xml 20181909 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-subaru-impreza-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-subaru-impreza-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> survey suggests buyers don't see differences between car companies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/consumer-reports-survey-suggests-buyers-dont-see-differe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/consumer-reports-survey-suggests-buyers-dont-see-differe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/consumer-reports-survey-suggests-buyers-dont-see-differe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Consumer Reports Brand Perception Survey

Today's vehicles are more powerful, more efficient and safer than ever before. In fact, today's car buyer would be hard pressed to spend his or her money on a genuinely bad vehicle. But those overall improvements may have also led consumers to believe there are no real differences between the various products offered by the world's major automakers. According to the Consumer Reports 2012 Car-Brand Perception Survey, Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevrolet have all seen their scores drop by double digits compared to last year.

The survey asks consumers to rate brands across seven categories. Consumer Reports says that by combining those categories, the organization can get a handle on how each brand is perceived in the marketplace.

This year, Toyota continued to lead in the survey, though its persistent recalls saw the brand's perception fall by 17 points this year. Ford, Honda and BMW all saw their perception scores plummet more than 20 points. The results may indicate consumers are seeing fewer differences between automakers as products continue to improve. While that's good news for smaller automakers like Hyundai, Kia and Subaru, larger names in the industry should be worried. Head over to Consumer Reports for the full report.

Consumer Reports survey suggests buyers don't see differences between car companies originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 car-brand perception studycar brandscarmakerschevroletconsumer reportsconsumer reports car brand perception studyfordhondaowner loyaltystudytoyotaSun, 29 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20158299/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/29/consumer-reports-survey-suggests-buyers-dont-see-differe/20158299/article-detail.xml 20158299 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/consumer-reports-cars-brand-perception-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/consumer-reports-cars-brand-perception-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Bucking trend, <em>Consumer Reports</em> gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover Evoque]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-bmw-x3-ove/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-bmw-x3-ove/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-bmw-x3-ove/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 BMW X3 in the grass

The turn of the year didn't merely lead us into the Year of the Dragon, but also the year of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. Halewood's small softroader won a boodle of awards: Autoweek's Best of the Best, Top Gear magazine's and Jeremy Clarkson's choice for Car of the Year, Motor Trend magazine's SUV of the Year and the North American Truck of the Year. For starters. Consumer Reports, however, isn't as swayed, saying that the new BMW X3 "handily outpointed its European rival" in a head-to-head between the two compact luxury crossovers.

We expect there's an Evoque out there with a sore backside because CR did not spare the rod, saying the Evoque scored near the bottom of its category because of "a cramped cabin, stiff ride, artificial-feeling steering and troubling emergency handling." On top of that, its "rear view is poor," its "cargo area is small" and its interior is "noisy" albeit "well finished," and was outdone by the X3's "lavish interior." The baby Land Rover finished so far in the hole that CR couldn't give the vehicle its coveted Recommend rating.

That seems a bit harsh at first glance, especially since comparing interior measurements between the two seems disingenuous when the BMW is so much larger that it's basically in another class. That said, we haven't read the full piece yet, so we'll withhold further commentary. For CR's press release on the Evoque vs. X3 cage match and its comments on the Toyota Prius V, Volkswagen Tiguan and Jeep Wrangler, look no further than after the jump.

Continue reading Bucking trend, Consumer Reports gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover Evoque

Bucking trend, Consumer Reports gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover Evoque originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw x32012 land rover range rover evoquebmw x3consumer reportsevoqueland rover evoquex3Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157105/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-bmw-x3-ove/20157105/article-detail.xml 20157105 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bmwx3cr-award_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bmwx3cr-award.jpg <![CDATA[Honda Fit tops Japanese-dominated <i>Consumer Reports</i> best new car values]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/honda-fit-tops-japanese-dominated-consumer-reports-best-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/honda-fit-tops-japanese-dominated-consumer-reports-best-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/honda-fit-tops-japanese-dominated-consumer-reports-best-n/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Honda Fit

Looking for the best value in a new car? Better make it Japanese, according to Consumer Reports. The go-to buyer's guide has just finished compiling its list of the best values in the new-car market, and an overwhelming proportion of them hail from the Land of the Rising Sun.

CR took some 200 different vehicles into account, catalogued them into eleven categories and picked the best values based on the outcome of their own road tests, their reliability ratings and overall ownership costs (including depreciation) over a five-year term. The resulting 48 best values included 34 picks from Japanese automakers, six European, five American and three South Korean.

At the very top of the list sits the Honda Fit, which not only ranked as the best value in its category, but the best value overall. Consumer Reports concludes that, even discounting the Fit from your shopping list, the small car category still represents the best value no matter which model you choose. Case in point: The Chevrolet Cruze, which was ranked as the worst value in the small car category, still ranked above average overall. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Honda Fit tops Japanese-dominated Consumer Reports best new car values

Honda Fit tops Japanese-dominated Consumer Reports best new car values originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 honda fitbest valueconsumer reportsdepreciationfithondahonda fitownership costsvalueTue, 03 Jan 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139396/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/03/honda-fit-tops-japanese-dominated-consumer-reports-best-n/20139396/article-detail.xml 20139396 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/13-2012-honda-fit-sport_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/13-2012-honda-fit-sport.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Toyota Camry gets <i>Consumer Reports</i> "Recommended" rating]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2012-toyota-camry-gets-consumer-reports-recommended-rat/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2012-toyota-camry-gets-consumer-reports-recommended-rat/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2012-toyota-camry-gets-consumer-reports-recommended-rat/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Toyota Camry SE front three-quarter view

Toyota was once the unquestioned lead sled dog when it comes to the Consumer Reports "Recommended" list, but the automaker and the consumer advocacy group have had a bit of a falling out over the past couple years. In 2010, the publication removed the Recommended ratings of many models as a result of Toyota's unintended acceleration controversy. In January Ford nearly overtook Toyota in overall Recommended ratings.

We're on the verge of a new year, and it appears that the Toyota is getting back on CR's good side. Bloomberg reports that the February issue of CR reveals that the 2012 Camry has scored the coveted tag. The non-profit lauded the Camry for its improved interior and fuel economy, along with an upgraded ride. The four-cylinder Camry averaged 27 miles per gallon during CR testing, tying the Hyundai Sonata for most efficient in the mid-size segment.

We're quite certain that the 2012 Camry would have sold like gangbusters whether or not it was Recommended by Consumer Reports. But at the same time, CR subscribers seem to really like their Toyota models, so it certainly helps to have a thumbs-up from the powerful publication.

2012 Toyota Camry gets Consumer Reports "Recommended" rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 toyota camrycamryconsumer reportsconsumer reports recommendedfuel economyrecommendedtoyotaFri, 30 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137392/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/30/2012-toyota-camry-gets-consumer-reports-recommended-rat/20137392/article-detail.xml 20137392 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2012-toyota-camry-se-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2012-toyota-camry-se-fd.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> recommends Civic Si, but ranks Jetta GLI higher]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/consumer-reports-recommends-civic-si-but-ranks-jetta-gli/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/consumer-reports-recommends-civic-si-but-ranks-jetta-gli/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/consumer-reports-recommends-civic-si-but-ranks-jetta-gli/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Consumer Reports and the 2012 Honda Civic haven't had the best of relationships. The model failed to earn the publication's coveted "recommended" designation for the first time in the vehicle's history after an extensive redesign, but CR has found space in its heart for the 2012 Civic SI.

The more sporting version of the venerable compact managed to pickup a recommended rating thanks to additional torque from its revised 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as well as a quality transmission and good fuel economy. Unfortunately, CR still docked the vehicle for many of the same problems it had with the base Civic, including vague steering, cheap plastics inside and a noisy cabin.

Those faults helped the Volkswagen Jetta GLI beat out the Honda Civic SI in a recent head-to-head competition. Evaluators specifically cited the precise steering of the GLI as well as suspension tuning that yields little body lean as benefits, though at 27 miles per gallon, the model averaged 2 mpg less than the Honda. It's worth noting that the Jetta GLI is still to new to have earned a recommended rating. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Consumer Reports recommends Civic Si, but ranks Jetta GLI higher

Consumer Reports recommends Civic Si, but ranks Jetta GLI higher originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 honda civic si2012 volkswagen jetta gliciviccivic siconsumer reportshondajettajetta glivolkswagenWed, 21 Dec 2011 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20133100/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/21/consumer-reports-recommends-civic-si-but-ranks-jetta-gli/20133100/article-detail.xml 20133100 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/volkswagen-jetta-gli-628-1324496438_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/volkswagen-jetta-gli-628-1324496438.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt tops <i>Consumer Reports</i> latest Owner Satisfaction Survey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/chevy-volt-tops-consumer-reports-latest-owner-satisfactio/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/chevy-volt-tops-consumer-reports-latest-owner-satisfactio/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/chevy-volt-tops-consumer-reports-latest-owner-satisfactio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt

"Considering all factors (price, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.), would you get this car if you had it to do all over again?"

Perhaps no other question could produce a result as indicative of overall vehicle satisfaction, and so it's no surprise that's the query Consumer Reports poses to its subscribers every year, and for 2011, the Chevrolet Volt scored highest of all with 93 percent of respondents indicating they definitely would buy GM's plug-in hatchback again.

It's not all lollipops and rainbows with the Volt these days, though, as Consumer Reports points out in the press release pasted after the break. For one thing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had not yet opened its investigation into the Volt and other plug-in cars for spontaneous combustion after an accident. Plus, owners of the Volt had only been in possession of the keys to their PHEVs for a few months when the survey was sent out.

Second and third place went to the V8-powered Dodge Challenger and Porsche 911, respectively, each with a rating of 91 percent. Somewhat paradoxically, CR says its readers tend to give higher scores both to cars with fuel-saving powertrain technology and those with high-powered engines, which helps explain the top three finishers.

Audi, Chevrolet, and Ford each had four models earning scores of 80 percent or higher. A total of 27 vehicles scored in that 80th-percentile group. Cars receiving the lowest scores were the Chevrolet Aveo (37 percent), all-wheel-drive Toyota Matrix (43 percent), and Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck (47 percent). Read more in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Chevy Volt tops Consumer Reports latest Owner Satisfaction Survey

Chevy Volt tops Consumer Reports latest Owner Satisfaction Survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet voltchevroletconsumer reportsgeneral motorsgmhighest owner satisfactionowner satisfactionvoltThu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118072/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/chevy-volt-tops-consumer-reports-latest-owner-satisfactio/20118072/article-detail.xml 20118072 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chevy-volt-garage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chevy-volt-garage.jpg -1 2