Consumer Reports

Garmin Nuvi 760 scored best overall; High price tag doesn't always mean better in Consumer Reports largest GPS test group

YONKERS, N.Y., May 5, 2008 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- Despite the influx of several new brands and models, longtime GPS brands -- Garmin, TomTom and Magellan -- are still making the best Global Positioning Systems. The three brands accounted for 16 of the top 20 rated models in the latest tests in Consumer Reports June issue.

After months of in-lab and on-the-road tests of 39 GPS systems, the Garmin Nuvi 760 ($600) rated best with an "Excellent" overall score. CR's experts found the Nuvi 760 to be a good all-around package, easy to use, with intuitive controls, good guidance and a number of advanced features.

VW Rabbit achieves "Excellent" overall score in CR's ratings as Subaru Impreza & Toyota Matrix judged "Very Good"

YONKERS, N.Y., May 5, 2008 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- The Volkswagen Rabbit emerged as Consumer Reports' top-rated affordable hatchback following tests of six vehicles for the June issue. The VW Rabbit outpointed CR's previously top-rated hatchback, the Mazda3.

"With agile handling and a versatile, well-finished interior, the Rabbit feels solid and is a pleasant car to drive," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "The Rabbit has commendable fit and finish, a versatile interior, and agile handling."

Honda Again Valedictorian; Ford and GM Improve

YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2008 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- Overall, the best cars sold in the U.S. are still made by Honda, according to the Automaker Report Cards published in Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Issue on sale March 4. Honda also led the pack last year, the first time the country's largest expert, independent, non-profit consumer product testing organization issued such information.

Annual April Auto issue introduces new owner-cost estimates to help consumers find good deals on their next car

YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2008 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- A cheaper car can cost consumers more in the long run compared with a more expensive alternative, according to Consumer Reports' new owner-costs comparisons, which appear in the Annual April Auto Issue. In fact, says CR, a car's sticker price doesn't tell the whole story.

Consumer Reports identifies "Good Choices" and "Used Cars to Avoid" to help guide used-car buying decisions

YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2008 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- Finding a reliable car for a reasonable price may seem difficult, but consumers willing to consider buying a used car may be in luck. Consumer Reports' latest survey results reveal that there are hundreds of used-car models that provide good reliability. Many can also be safe, fuel-efficient, and affordable. The report, featured in the magazine's 2008 April Auto Issue, identifies the best and worst used vehicles for the last 10 model years, 1998 through 2007.

- First time a South Korean automaker represented in Top Picks
- First time since 2005 a U.S. model makes list for pickup truck

YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2008 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- Consumer Reports has named four new models to its Top Picks list for 2008 -- the Hyundai Elantra SE and Hyundai Santa Fe as top choices for small sedans and midsized SUVs, respectively; the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado as the top choice for pickup truck; and the Lexus LS 460L as the best luxury sedan.

The announcement was made today during a Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) press conference. Details can be found in CR's Annual April Auto Issue, on sale Tuesday, March 4.

Nissan Altima Inches Past Honda Accord to Become Consumer Reports' Top-Ranked, Midpriced Sedan

YONKERS, N.Y., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- The newly-redesigned Honda Accord V6 lost its standing as Consumer Reports' top-rated midpriced sedan following testing of seven sedans for the February 2008 issue. The V6-powered Nissan Altima is now ranked first in CR's ratings of midpriced sedans, followed closely by the Accord, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat in that order. A very narrow one-point difference in scores separates the Accord and Altima.

Buick Enclave also impresses, Ford Taurus X improves; New Chrysler minivans disappoint

YONKERS, N.Y., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- The redesigned Toyota Highlander received top scores in a new Consumer Reports test of four midsized three-row SUVs, though it did not earn the organization's Recommended designation. Still, the Highlander now tops a field of 14 similar vehicles. The Buick Enclave and Ford Taurus X didn't score as well in this test, but both bested the Subaru Tribeca.

In a test extra, the new Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans proved disappointing. Details are available in the January issue of Consumer Reports magazine, on sale December 4, and to subscribers to http://www.consumerreports.org/.

- South Korean Cars Make First Appearance on CR's Most Satisfying List
- Domestic Models Gain Ground in Family and Luxury/Upscale Categories for the First Time in Five Years

YONKERS, N.Y., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- Japanese vehicles continue their domination over domestic and European brands in Consumer Reports' Annual Car Owner Satisfaction Survey. Of the 39 car models that made Consumer Reports' latest Most Satisfying car list, 18 toted Japanese nameplates with 10 of those built by Toyota.

Toyota Reliability Slips in Consumer Reports' Survey

YONKERS, N.Y., Oct. 16 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- After years of sterling reliability, Toyota is showing cracks in its armor, according to data from Consumer Reports' 2007 Annual Car Reliability Survey. By contrast, Ford's domestic brands have made considerable improvements. The announcement was made before the Detroit-based Automotive Press Association (APA) today at the Detroit Athletic Club.