It’s not often we think of any SUV as being fun to drive. But consider this: The BMW X3 truly fits that description. And seeing as how the original X3 basically invented the upscale sporty compact SUV segment, it’s refreshing that the latest version continues this tradition, while adding functionality.
The X3’s fun factor is enhanced [...]
Filed under: Cars on January 31st, 2012 | No Comments »
As people keep their cars longer, oxidation of commonly used plastic headlight lenses is an increasing problem. Oxidation creates a haze that is not only unsightly, but it can also reduce headlight illumination. This dulling happens over time, and it can be a true creeping danger. Fortunately, there are do-it-yourself products available to restore the [...]
Filed under: Cars on January 31st, 2012 | No Comments »
A latecomer to the small SUV market, Volkswagen introduced the Tiguan in 2009, after the segment pioneers were well into their third generation. Competing in a popular category that is seeing several key models redesigned, we bought an updated 2012 Tiguan SEL 4Motion to see how it has progressed and chart how it stacks up.
Compared [...]
Filed under: Cars on January 30th, 2012 | No Comments »
Gas prices are up around the country compared to the week before. The national gasoline average is $.34 above the price this time last year. Diesel fuel is about $.41 above this time last year. Premium fuel is $3.72, up seven cents from last week.
National regular gasoline prices
Price
Change from last week
Regular gasoline/gallon
$3.44
↑ .05
Diesel fuel/gallon
$3.85
[...]
Filed under: Cars on January 30th, 2012 | No Comments »
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into incidents of inadvertent air bag deployment without a crash in 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles.
According to NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations, 87 reports of inadvertent air bag deployment resulted in 50 alleged injuries. The injuries included burns, cuts and bruises. Forty two [...]
Filed under: Cars on January 30th, 2012 | No Comments »
As more electric and plug-in hybrid cars charge to market, most (87 percent) consumers have a concern, with range limitations being chief among them. There are also significant safety concerns, many of which may have been fanned by the widely covered Chevrolet Volt fires experienced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after conducting [...]
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Nearly 52,400 Mazda Tribute sport-utility vehicles are being recalled, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2001-2002 model year SUVs from Mazda may leak brake fluid from the master cylinder. If the fluid comes into contact with wiring for the anti-lock brake system (ABS), an engine fire could occur says the NHTSA.
According to the [...]
Filed under: Cars on January 30th, 2012 | No Comments »
Britax Child Safety is recalling about 14,220 Chaperone infant car seats because a defect in the harness adjuster can result in ineffective safety harness straps, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported today.
A defective rivet can cause the harness adjuster to detach from the seat, rendering the safety harness straps used to secure an [...]
Filed under: Cars on January 28th, 2012 | No Comments »
Consumers are well aware of fuel economy and concerned about tailpipe pollution. But it’s much harder to get information on the whole lifecycle environmental impact of cars: how much energy it takes to produce a car, the pollution generated, and recyclability. Now Chevrolet is taking a step toward making this information more readily available.
Starting [...]
Filed under: Cars on January 28th, 2012 | No Comments »
Here at Consumer Reports, we’re on record complaining about some of the less well-conceived features of push-button start buttons. Sometimes trying to turn off a car has begun to look like a Three Stooges routine. The same can be said for getting into a car and starting it, thanks to “convenient” new technologies. After driving [...]
Filed under: Cars on January 28th, 2012 | No Comments »
