Volkswagen diesels may be practical and fuel efficient, but perhaps not flawless.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into stalling problems with 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI diesel cars. According to the investigation, there have been seven complaints that the cars have unexpectedly stumbled, then almost immediately stalled while driving. NHTSA [...]
Filed under: Cars on August 31st, 2010 | No Comments »
Cooper GFE
We recently added two new tire models, the Cooper GFE and Michelin Energy Saver A/S, to the T-speed rated all-season tire ratings, available to online subscribers. Both are marketed as fuel-efficient tires with good all-season grip. It used to be if you wanted a fuel-efficient tire, your choices were limited to original equipment tires. [...]
Filed under: Cars on August 31st, 2010 | No Comments »
Gasoline prices are down in most areas of the country compared to the week before. The national gasoline average is $.07 above the price this time last year. Diesel fuel is about $.26 above this time last year.
National regular gasoline prices
Price
Change from last week
Regular gasoline/gallon
$2.68
↓ .02
Diesel fuel/gallon
$2.94
↓ .02
Regional regular gasoline prices
East Coast
$2.61
[...]
Filed under: Cars on August 31st, 2010 | No Comments »
The Buick Regal is the latest in a fast-growing group of cars to earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). (Read the full results.)
Earning that designation means a car has performed well in all of the Institute's tests, including a front crash test, side-impact test, head-restraint design, and [...]
Filed under: Cars on August 31st, 2010 | No Comments »
Today the government proposed new fuel economy labels for the 2012 model year that will accommodate electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. There are two different proposals being offered to the public for consideration before about Nov. 1.
The proposal comes in response to a demand for new fuel economy labels from Congress that requires new [...]
Filed under: Cars on August 31st, 2010 | No Comments »
Drivers who need to carry more than five people can choose from models of various types and sizes. There are conventional minivans, three-row SUVs, and so-called microvans, each with their own pros and cons. For the September issue of Consumer Reports, on sale now, we tested a new or recently updated model from each group. [...]
Filed under: Cars on August 31st, 2010 | No Comments »
Photo: Courtesy of PLX Devices
The range of vehicle diagnostic tools available for mobile phones is expanding. We covered some upcoming models at last year’s Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association convention.
Now PLX, one of the device-makers we covered there, is releasing new technology for phones based on the Google Android operating system. As with other PLX [...]
Filed under: Cars on August 27th, 2010 | No Comments »
Problems like unintended acceleration and distracted driving have blinded public policymakers to more important traffic safety issues, according to a recent report by Adrian Lund, President of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The IIHS has become known as one of the nation’s leading safety advocates, mainly for its demanding testing and rating of vehicles’ [...]
Filed under: Cars on August 27th, 2010 | No Comments »
Like the Honda Accord Crosstour in our September magazine group, the Mazda5 is another segment-defying vehicle. Previously named a Top Pick in our April issue in the Family Hauler category, the Mazda5 continues to impress with its blend of comfort, versatility, and fuel economy.
Since our last test of the Mazda5, it received electronic stability [...]
Filed under: Cars on August 27th, 2010 | No Comments »
Following a federal investigation that was upgraded earlier this week, Toyota has announced a voluntary recall of more than 1.1 million Corolla and Matrix models from model years 2005 to 2008. The recall also includes more than 160,000 Pontiac Vibe models. The Vibe is a twin of the Matrix.
The models are reported to have [...]
Filed under: Cars on August 26th, 2010 | No Comments »
