Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2013: Automobile

146 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3

RATING THE 2012-2013 MODELS

Included here are Ratings on nearly 300vehicles that CR has recently tested.Within each category, they are rankedby their overall road-test score.

To earn our Recommendation( 0 ) vehicles must perform well in ourroad tests; have average or better reliabil-ity; and perform adequately if includedin safety tests conducted by the Insur-ance Institute for Highway Safety and theNational Highway Traffic Safety Admin-istration (NHTSA).

The NHTSA has mandated that elec-tronic stability control(ESC), a proven life-sav-ing feature, be includedas standard equipmenton all light vehiclesstarting with the 2012

Scan this or see how.

Makes model

model year.

Survey results include predicted reli-ability, our forecast of how well a new caris likely to hold up, based on data fromour 2011 Annual Auto Survey. Ownersatisfaction also comes from our annualsurvey; it is based on a question where weask subscribers if they would definitelybuy or lease their vehicle again.

Owner cost is a Rating of the five-yearprojected cost to own a vehicle, includ-ing depreciation, fuel, interest, insurance,maintenance/repair, and sales tax.

Fuel economy is the overall mileage avehicle achieved in our real-world tests,based on results from several tests, andreflects a realistic mix of city, country-road, and highway driving.

An asterisk (*) means the powertrainhas changed since the last test.

For more Buying Advice, go towww.ConsumerReports.org/cars

Overall Surveyroad-test score results

S S sä

^1 10 100 "

p I F I G IVG l EHATCHBACKS: FUEL EFFICIENT

Volkswagen Golf TDI (MT) $24,764

Toyota Prius Four 26,750

Nissan Leaf 5L i 35,430

Lexus CT 200h Premium 32,012

Chevrolet Volt 43,700Honda Insight EX 21,790

Toyota Prius C Two 20,850

NA

Onew

NA

©

NA

38

44

106 Si

40

992 /328

38

43m Limited-range electric car. ï Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe). 3 Miles per gallon while running on gas engine.

RatingsKey © O Recommended

of 85Consume Report Buying Guide 2013

A U T O R A T I N G S 147

Mai(e8model Overall Surveyroad-test score results

Owner Fuelcost economy

0 100P I F I G I V G l E

HATCHBACKS: SUBCOMPACT

Honda Fit (base)

Kia Rio EX

Mazda2 Touring

Scion xD

Toyota Varis LE

Scion iQ

Smart ForTwo Passion

new new

NA NA

© O

© new

O NA

HATCHBACKS: SUBCOMPACT Equipped with manual tFansmission

Honda Fit SportHyundai Accent SEFord Fiesta SESMazda2 SportScion xD

Chevrolet Sonic tTZ(1.4T)

HATCHBACKS/WAGONS: SMALL

$16,730

16,695

17,795

14,770

15,820

19,870

30

29

30

29

32

34

39

33

32

32

33

34

30

L d Volkswagen Golf (2.5) $20,5650 Subaru Impreza Sport Premium 22,345

0 Mazda3 s Touring 22,795Ford Focus SEL 22,185

0 Suzuki SX4 Technology (AWD) 20,379

0 Toyota Matrix s (2.4L) .21,515

0 Kia Forte EX 19,340

0 Toyota Matrix (base, 1.8L) Z0,445

0 Scion xB 18,360

0 Kia Soul Plus 19,270

Nissan Cube 1.8S 16,790

Mini Cooper Clubman 24,700

WAGONS

0 Mazda5 Grand Touring $24,670

0 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI(MT) 27,204

O

O a

24

26

25

28

24

27

26

29

23

26

28

29

23

36 of 85Consume Report Buying Guide 2013


Make & model Overaii Surveyroad-test score results

" S 2H IGre oro

^ 1100F I G IVGl E

WAGOiVS continued

Toyota PriusV Three $28,217

Subaru Outbaci( 2.5¡ Limited 30,099

VolksvKagen Jetta Sportwagen SE (2.5) 24.324

Toyota Venza (V6,AWD) 34,209

Volvo XC70 42,560

Honda Crosstour EX-L (V6, AWO) 34,730

SEDANS: SUBCOMPACT

41

24

23

20

18

20

KiaRioEX

Hyundai Accent GLS

Chevrolet Sonic LT(L8)

Ford Fiesta SE

Nissan versa SV

SEDANS: SIUIALL

$17,275

16,050

17,290

16,595

15,490

new new

new new

new new

9 ©new 9

30

31

28

33

32

[ ^ Subaru Impreza Premium

[ ^ Hyundai Elantra GLS

0 Mazda3 i Touring (Skyactiv)

Ford Focus SE SFE

Chevrolet Cruze Eco

Ford Focus SE

[ ^ Toyota Corolia LE

0 Kia Forte EX

0 Toyota Corolla (base, MT)

Chevrolet cruze 1LT(1.4T)

Chevrolet Cruze LS (1.8)

Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda Civic EX

Honda Civic LX

Mitsubislii Lancer ES

Honda Civic HF

Voikswagen Jetta SE (2.5)

$21.345

18,445

20,145

21,650

21,775

20,280

18,404

19,040

16,4Í9

20,530

18,375

25,100

24,800

21,275

19,405

17,515

20,225

20,300

©

O o

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29

32

31

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28

32

28

32

26

26

34

40

29

30

25

33

25 of 85Consume Report Buying Guide 2013


Make S niodel Pnce as Overaii Surveytested road-test score resuits

-a >-cu ^

| îè: a

0 100p I F I G I V G l E


3 'tíO ™

SEDANS: FAMILY ENTRY-LEVEL0 Hyundai Sonata GLS (2.4)0 Toyota Camry LE (4-cyl.)0 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium

Suzuki Kizasiii SE0 Kia Optima LX (2.4)

Voikswagen Passat SE (2.5)0 Mazda6 i Sport (4-cyl.)

Dodge Avenger SXT (4-cyl.)

CARS: FAMILY

$21,800

23.830

23,830

22.489

21.885

25.595

22,035

22,290 a

27

27

25

25

25

25

24

21

0 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE $29.052

Toyota Camry XLE (V6) 32,603

0 Hyundai Sonata Limited (2.0T) 28,090

0 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited 30,094

0 Kia Optima SX (2.0T) 29.050

Voikswagen Passat SEL Premium (V6) 33,720

0 iUazdaô s Grand Touring (V6) 30,790Voikswagen Passat TDI SE 28,665

Ciievroiet Malibu Eco 28,285

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 26.695

Ciievroiet Impala LT 28,995Chrysler 200 Limited (V6) 27,825

SEDANS: COMPACT SPORTS

38

26

25

22

24

23

20

37

29

33

22

21

Infiniti G37 Journey $3Z225

BMW328Í 43.195

Mercedes-Benz C2S0 40,705

Lexus IS 250 33,734

Volkswagen CC Sport (2.0T) 32.800

Volvo S60 T5 35.100

Audi A4 Premium Quattro 35,895

21

28

24

24

26

23

25



Makes model Overall Surveyroad-test score results

Owner Fuelcost I economy

1Qi

Eo

i l SB0 100

P I F I G I V G l E

SEDANS: COMPACT UPSCALE

Lîil AcuraTSX(4-cyl.)

Buick Regal CXL (turbo)

0 Acura ILX {2.0L)

Buick Verano Leather (2.4)

SEDANS: UPSCALE

O e e

o NA o© new ©

new new o

25

23

28

24

0 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 $39.850

Chrysler 300 Limited (V6) 38.335

0 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 33,700

0 Lexus HS 25Oh Premium 38,939

0 AcuraTL(base) 36.465

Hyundai Azera 37.185

Buick Lacrosse (Leather, eAssist) 34,935

Dodge Charger SXT Pius (V6) 34,510

Buick Lacrosse Touring (V6) 37,555

Ford Taurus Limited (3.5, V6) 37,885

SEDANS: LUXURY

22222231242326222021

Audi A6 3.0 Premium Pius Quattro $56.295

Infiniti M37 53,825

Mercedes-Benz E35O BiueTec 57525

Hyundai Genesis 4.6* 43.800

Mercedes-Benz E3S0 57,965

Cadillac CTS Premium (3.6) 50,995

Lexus GS 350 58,858

Infiniti M3Sh 58.655

Chrysler 300 C 44.730

BMW 535i 58.375

Jaguar XF (base)* 54,075

Volvo SSO 3.2 45.305

Lincoln MKS (base, 3.7) 50,070

99

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19

21

25

18

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20

20

20



Make S model Overall Surveyroad-test score results


0P I F I G I V G l E

SEDANS: ULTRA-LUXURY

Lexus LS 460L

Audi A8 L*

Mercedes-Benz S55O*

Porsche Panamera 5

Jaguar XJL*

Hyundai Equus Signature*

BMW75OLÍ*

Fisker Karma Eco Sport m

SPORTS CARS: HIGH-END

$76,572

91.275

90,200

105.110

81,575

58,900

97,525

107,850

21

21

20

19

19

18

0 Chevroiet Corvette Z06(MT)

Jaguar XK Convertible' 85,635

NA

©

NA

9

9

•

O

Volkswagen GTI (4-door)

Subaru Impreza WRX

MazdaSpeed3 Sport

Scion FR-S

Subaru BRZ Premium

I' timited-range electric car. i

$27,504

26,088

24,090

25,025

27,117

Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe).

19

19

SPORTS CARS: HIGH-PERFORMANCE Equipped with manual transmission

BMW13SÍ $37.650

SubarulmprezaWRXSTi 37,640

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR 38,078

Ford Mustang GT Premium (V8) 36,310

Ford Mustang Premium (V6) 28,880

Chevrolet Cámaro 2SS (V8) 35,425

Hyundai Genesis Coupe -,„ .,rGrand Touring (V6)* 'Dodge Challenger R/T (V8) 35,015

Chevrolet cámaro 2LT(V6) 28.195

SPORTS CARS: SPORTY Equipped with manual transmission

23

21

21

22

24

18

23

19

21

O © © 27

O © O 24

NA NA © 26

© new © 30

© new © 30

Miles per gallon while running on gas engine.



Make S model Price as Overall Surveytested road-test score results


<ij .-t; s; o

o 100

p I F I G I V G l E

SPORTS CARS: SPORTY continued

aaa©©©a

0 Mini Cooper (base) $21,700

0 Kia Forte Koup SX 20,240

Voikswagen Jetta GLI Autobabn 26,8350 Volvo C30 T51.0 25,795

Mini Cooper S 26,400Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (AT) 28,344Hyundai Veloster 20,340

0 Honda Civic Si 23,175

Scion te 19,165Fiat 500 Sport 18,600Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L 20,835Fiat 500C Pop 21,000Honda CR-Z EX 21,510

SPORTS CARS: 2-SEAT & CONVERTIBLES Equipped with manual transmission

0 Mazda MX-5Miata Grand Touring $31,150

Nissan 37OZ Touring 38,565Mercedes-Benz SLK25O 48,045Audi TT Premium Plus (DSG) 45,300

0 Mini Cooper Convertible S 32,850BMWZ4s0rive28i 55,225 NA

a

CONVERTIBLES: 4-SEAT

33

27

27

25

30

20

31

29

28

33

26

34

35

28

23

26

25

30

28

Volkswagen Eos Lux $35,829

0 Infiniti G (base) 48,715

0 Lexus IS 250 44,400

0 BMW328Í 49,525

0 Ford Mustang GT Premium (\/8) 43,880

0 Audi A5 Premium Plus (2.0T)* 49,300

0 Volvo C7OT5 43,880'

Chevrolet Cámaro 2SS(V8) 43,510

©OOO

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©

©

25

20

23

21

23

22

21

17

Ratinqs Better •<Key © a O

- > - Worse 0 Recommended of 85Consume Report Buying Guide 2013


Make & model Overall Surveyroad-test score results


o 100p I F I G I V G l E

MiNIVANS

Honda Odyssey EX-L $36,830Nissan Quest SL 39,040Toyota Sienna XLE(FWO) 35,810Toyota Sienna XLE (AWO) 38,201Cbrysier Town & Country Touring L 37,505Dodge Grand Caravan R/T 37,295

SUVs: COMPACT SPORTY

NA

O9

99Oe99

19

19

20

19

17

17

BMW X3 xDrive28i (2.0T) $44,5950 Acura R0X(V6) 36,6050 Infiniti EX lourney* 39,4250 Audi Q5 Premium Plus (2.0T) 41,0750 Volkswagen Tiguan 5EL 37,020

Cadillac SRX Luxury 43,0850 Volvo XC60T6 42,245

0 Mercedes-Benz GLK3S0* 41,760

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Pure 45,745

Land Rover LR2 SE 36,450

SUVs: SMALL

new

O

O

O

O

O

©

O

O

O

O

new newNA NA

99999

99

23

22

18

21

21

18

17

18

21

18

0 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Premium0 Toyota RAV4 Limited (V6)0 Toyota RAV4 (base, 4-cyl.)0 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium

Ford Escape Titanium (2.0T)0 Honda CR-V EX

Ford Escape SE a.6T)Mazda CX-5 Touring

0 Mitsubishi Outlander SE (4-cyl.)0 Nissan Rogue SV

Kia Sportage SX (2.0T)0 Mitsubishi Outlander GT(V6)

30,328

25,405

25.720

36,600

26,455

28,040

27,125

25,305

25,850

31,440

30,615

O©

O©O

Oo

20

22

23

22

22

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Make S modei

"S

Overall Surveyroad-test score resuits

o 100p I F I G I V G l E


02

SUVs: SMALL continued

JE

1

0 Kia Sportage LX . $24.400

0 Hyundai Tucson GLS 24.090

0 Mini Cooper Countryman S 32.500

Mitsubishi Outiander Sport SE 23.995

0 Nissan Juke SV 23,300

Suzuki Grand Vitara Premium (4-cvl.) 22.563

Jeep Patriot Latitude 24,440

Jeep Compass Latitude 24.985

Jeep Liberty Sport 26,060

SUVs: MIDSIZED

©OONAONAONAO

eoNANAONAONAe

©©

©©©o

22

22

26

23

24

19

21

22

16

0 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited $47.255

KiaSorentoEX(V6) 32.390

0 Toyota Highiander Limited (V6) 38,578

0 Nissan Murano SL 36.330

0 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 38.615

0 Kia SorentoLX (4-cvl.) 26,455

0 Honda Pilot EX-L 36.980

0 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (V6) 39,010

0 Subaru Tribeca Limited 34,270

0 Ciievroiet Equinox 2LT (V6) 31,780

GMC Terrain SLT1(V6) 30,985

Ford Edge SEL (FWD, 2.0 EcoBoost) 36,910

0 Chevroiet Equinox ÍLT (4-cyl.) 26,350

GMC Terrain SLEl (4-cvi.) 26,745

FordExpiorerXLT(V6) 39,275

Ford Edge SEL (3.5) 37,625

Dodge Journey Crew (V6) 36,975

Nissan Xterra S 28,000

Toyota 4RunnerSR5(V6) 37,425

Toyota FJ Cruiser 30,881

jeep Wrangier Unlimited Sabara 36,340

©

©

©

O

©

oooo

©oe©oo

NA

O

O

new new

O O

O O

© O

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27

20

18

19

16

20

18

18

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18

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"g .s o.™

o 100p I F I G i V G l f

SUVS: LUXURY

0 Lexus RX450h $53.576

0 Acura MDX 46.715

Volkswagen Touareg TDI Sport 49,505

0 Lexus RX 350 47,381

infiniti JX 51,920

Buick Enclave CXL 43,260

Porsche Cayenne (base, V6) 63,805

Mercedes-Benz ML3S0 56,960

Land Rover LR4 54,010

0 Infiniti FX (V6)* . 51,635

Toyota Land Cruiser 67,707

BMW XS35Í Premium 62,675

0 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V8) 42,765

0 Lexus GX 460 58.428

Audi Q7 Premium Plus (V6)* 54,225

0 infiniti QX 56 63,395

0 Lincoln Navigator Ultimate 59,015

Lincoln MKX (3.7) 50.235

Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE* 61,900

Cadillac Escalade (base) 64.905

Volvo XC90 3.2 49.850

SUVS: LARGE

26

18

24

21

18

15

19

18

15

18

14

18

14

17

17

15

13

18

14

13

17

Chevrolet Traverse LT $39.920

GMCAcadiaSLT2 39,630

Ford Flex SEL 38,460

Dodge Durango Crew (\I8) 47,375

Toyota Sequoia Limited (5.7) 54.005

Chevrolet Suburban LT3 (5.3) 51,940

GMCyukonXLSLT3(5.3) 52,285

Dodge Durango Crew (V6) 43,785

O

O

©

NA

O

NA

999

16

16

18

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0 100P I F I G I V G l E

Over

SUVs: LARGE continued

Ford Expedition EL Eddie Bauer $48,730

Nissan Armada Platinum 55,400

Chevrolet TahoeLTZ (5.3) 57,435

GMC Yukon 5LT2 (5.3) 56,625

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 55,585

GMC Yukon Hybrid 56,045

PICKUPS: COMPACT

O

O

ooNA

NA

O

O

©

NA

NA

13

13

14

14

19

19

[ ^ Honda Ridgeiine RTS $30,825

0 Nissan Frontier SV (V6) 30,110

Toyota Tacoma(V6) 33,119

Chevrolet Colorado LS Z71 (5-cyl.)* 29,315

GMC Canyon SLEZ71(5-cvl.)* 30,080

PICKUPS: FULL-SIZED

OOoo

o

NA

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1515171616

Chevrolet Avalanche LT (5.3L V8) $47,435

Chevroiet Silverado 1500 LT (5.3L V8) 37,235

GMC Sierra 1500 5LT(5.3LV8) 39,115

Toyota Tundra SR5(5.7LV8) 34,738

FordF-lSOXLT(5.0LV8) 39,355

Ford F-150 XLT (3.5L EcoBoost V6) 40,410

Dodge Ram 1500 SLT(5.7LV8) 39,140

Nissan Titan SV (5.6L V8) 36,905

PICKUPS: HEAVY DUTY DIESEL

99©OO9

OO©

NA

9999999

14

14

14

15

15

15

14

14

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 LTZ(6.6L, V8)GMC Sierra 2500 (6.6L,V8)Ford F-250 Lariat (6.7L,V8)Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie(6.7L, inline 6)*

$55,755

55,755

54,765

53,290

O

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©

©

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14

14

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13


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T H E 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 M O D E L S 157

REVIEWS OF THE 2012-2013 MODELS

This rundown of all themajor 2012-13 models canstart you on your search fora new car, minivan, SUV, orpickup. You'll find a sum-

mary of each model, often based onrecent road tests that are applicable tothis year's models.

Most models include CONSUMERREPORTS' predicted reliability rating,an indication of how problematic weexpect a model to be. It is based on our2011 Annual Auto Survey, where weasked owners about any serious prob-lems they've had with their vehiclesin the previous 12 months. These dataallow us to predict how well new carsare likely to hold up.

Recommended models ( 0 ) must

perform well in our road tests; haveaverage or better reliability; andperform adequately if included insafety tests conducted by the InsuranceInstitute for Highway Safety and theNational Highway Traffic Safety Admin-istration (NHTSA).

The NHTSA has mandated thatelectronic stability control (ESC),a proven life-saving feature, be in-cluded as standard equipment on alllight vehicles starting with the 2012model year.

Entries include, where available, thedate of the last road test for that modelpublished in CONSUMER REPORTS mag-azine. These road-test reports are alsoavailable to subscribers of our website,at ConsumerReports.org.

Acura ILX

Predictedreliability

©Description/with last road-test date

Based on the Honda Civic, the ILX has more luxurious teatures.Three engines are available: a 2.0-liter, a 1.5-liter hybrid, anda sporty 2.4-liter. Transmission choices are six-speed manual or5-speed automatic, and a CVT with the hyÊrid. Nov. 2012

[•1 Acura MDX © The MDX has a refined and powerful 300-hp V5. It is more agüe and'—' guieter than its predecessor. The third-row seat folds easiiy into the

floor and is a better fit for kids than adults. The dashboard is a seaof tiny, similar-looking buttons. Crash-test resuits are impressive.Juh. 2010

[ • ] Acura RDX © ^^^ redesigned RDX is much improved. The smooth V6 managed a'—' respectable 22 mpg overall. Handling is sound if not especiaiiy ag-

ile, and the ride is a little stiff. The cabin is a bit plain, but the con-trois are simple to use. Reliability should be very good. Sep. 2012

Acura RLX © The redesigned RL promises the comfort and luxury of a largesedan in a mid-sized package. It will be available with front or all-wheel drive. The AWD Hybrid will get a \/6 matched with a seven-speed automated manual. The FWD version will have 310 hp. -

RatlnqsKey © O ©

Worsi0 Recommended



Predictedreliability Description/with last road-test date

[ • ] Acura TL ' © "^^^ ''''-' ''' ' powertrain returned a good 23 mpg overall. Handling'—' is taut and the ride compliant, but ttie vague steering lacks feedback.

Road noise stands out in ttie othervwise quiet interior. Ttie rear seatis tigtit and buttons litter the dash. AWD is available. Nov. 2011

0 Acura TSX O ^'^^ ^^^ sporty sedan has a smooth four-cylinder that got 25 mpgoverall. The slick transmission and agile handling make it enjoyable,but the steering is vague. The front seats are supportive, but rearseat room is tight. A v»agon and a V6 are available. Jun. 2009

[ • ] Audi A3 O ^^'^ sporty four-door hatchback uses a guick turbocharged 2.0-"'—' liter, four-cylinder engine, and the optional S-tronic transmission

works vi/ell. AWD is also available, as is FWD diesel. A redesignedsedan debuts in 2013. -

[ • ] Audi A4 ^' y^' supple and controlled ride, v»ith agile han-dling. The responsive four-cylinder turbo engine is mated to asmooth eight-speed automatic. AWD is optional. The interior hasexcellent fit and finish, but the rear seat is tight. An Allroad wagonand high-performance S4 are available. Jul. 2011

[• ] Audi A5 O ^^^ ^^^^ * ^ coupe and convertible are powered by a four-cylinder'—' turbocharged engine. Handling is agile. The cabin is quiet and nice-

ly furnished, but the rear seats are snug for two adults. The S5uses a 3.0-liter supercharged V6. May 2010

Audi A6 ^^ ^^^ * ^ "^^5 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder on FWD versions, and astrong 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with AWD. It got 22 mpg overall.The eight-speed automatic is smooth, an'd the car rides comfort-ably, with agile and secure handling. The interior is quiet andluxurious. Jan. 2012 ' ,

Audi A8 ^^ T^8 ^^ " ° ^ "5es the strong 3.0-liter surpercharged V6 and slickeight-speed automatic as the base powertrain. It handles crisplyfor a large sedan. The ride is firm, but supple. The interior is luxuri-ous, but the controls are overly complicated. Dec. 2011

Audi 03 ^^ T*is 03 compact SUV will slot below the 05 in price and size.Poviiertrains will Include the 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a four-cylinder turbodiesel in both front- and all-wheel-drive versions. A six-speed autofnated manual is standard. -

[•] Audi 05 O Stylish and sporty, the 05 is fun to drive. It rides well and has a'—' comfortable, quiet, and well-finished cabin. Rear-seat and cargo

space are fairly modest. The 211-hp, turbocharged four-cylinderreturned a commendable 21 mpg overall. The 3.0-liter superchargedV6 is optional. A diesel arrives for the 2013 model year. Sep. 2012

Audi 07 © Audi's luxury SUV shares components with the Porsche Cayenneand Volkswagen Touareg but offers a tight third-row seat. A 3.0-litersupercharged V6 and 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel are the only enginesoffered. Handling is fairly nimble but the 07 doesn't shine at itslimits. Jun. 2010

AudITT The TT is fun to drive with nimble handling, but the ride canbe stiff. Its punchy 2.0-llter, turbocharged four;-cylinder returneda respectable 25 mpg overall. The cloth convertible top can beoperated while the car is moving, but it limits side and rear visi-bility. AWD is available. Interior quality is impeccable. Mar. 2013


T H E 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 M O D E L S 159


BMW 1

BMW 3

^^ ^^'^ small two-door coupe or convertible has a base 3.0-liter six-cylinder. A turbocharged six-cylinder is optional. It is spectacular todrive with excellent steering. Although snug, the interior featureshigh levels ot fit and finish. A sportier 135is is new. Oct. 2008

^^ The excellent redesigned 3 Series sedan has impressive handling,ride comfort, quietness, and interior quality. The base four-cylinderturbo performs well and averaged 28 mpg overall. A 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo is also available. Coupe, convertible, wagon, and V8-powered M3 versions still use the old body style. Aug. 2012

Q The 5 Series is refined and relatively fuel efficient. Our tested turbosix-cylinder had strong acceleration and the eight-speed automaticis slick. The ride is impressive, but understeer and the slow andvague steering makes handling disappointing. Interior fit and finishis excellent. All-wheel drive is available. Nov. 2010

BMW 6 ^^ The 6 Series is available as a two-door coupe and convertible orSeries ^5 a four-door "coupe." This grand tourer is much sportier to drive

than its predecessor. Power comes from a 3.0-liter turbochargedsix or a 4.4-liter V8. The eight-speed automatic is very slick. -

Qlyiyy 7 Q The 7 Series is not the sporty luxury liner it once was. HandlingSeries ' ' ' ^ agility. The ride is steady and supple but stiffer than some

competitors. The turbo V8 is smooth, refined, and punchy. Manycontrols are complex and frustrating to use. The roomy, quiet cabinIs impeccably finished and seat comfort is tops. Dec. 2011

BMW XI ^^ The XI five-seat compact SUV arrives this fall and slots below the X3in price and size. Powertrains include the 300-hp, 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder and a 240-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder in both rear- andall-wheel-drive versions. An eight-speed automatic is standard. -

BMW X3 NR The X3 boasts a well-finished, quiet, and comfortable cabin. Thetaut ride is supple and well controlled. Handling is almost sports-sedan like. Our tested 240-hp, turbo four-cylinder got a very good23 mpg overall. A 300-hp, 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder is optional.Both use a smooth eight-speed automatic. Sep. 2012

BMW X5 © The X5 has a stiff and choppy ride, particularly at low speeds.Handling is capable and secure. Both gas engines deliver ampleacceleration. The transmission is quick to respond, but the compli-cated shifter is frustrating. The interior is impeccably trimmed. Thediesel version got 22 mpg overall, but lacks refinement. Jun. 2012

BMW X6 ^^ Based on the X5, the coupe-like X6 seats only four passengers.Most versions are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder, but a 4.4-liter V8 is also offered. AWO is standard. A high-performance M version and a hybrid are available. -

BMW Z4 ^^ The sleek Z4's base 240-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder got 28 mpgin our tests with the somewhat notchy six-speed manual. While thecar is quick and secure, its neatly finished cabin is snug and thesteering lacks feedback. The power retractable hardtop works well.Turbo six-cylinders are optional, as is a seven-speed automatic.Mar. 2013

RatingsKey a • o Recommended



Predictedreliabilltv Description/with last road-test date

Buick 9 This large car-based SUV has-three rows of seats and can seatEnciave . ^ight adults. It uses GM's smooth 3.6-liter V5 and six-speed auto-

matic. We found the ride comfortable and quiet. Handling is agileand secure. The third-row seat is roomy enough for adults andfit and finish is excellent. Jui. 2009

Buick Nf The Buick's new compact luxury SUV will be powered by a 140-hp,Encore 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with six-speed automatic.

Safety features include ABS with cornering control. Options includeforward collision and lane departure warnings, front and rear parkassist, and rear backup camera. -

Buick O The Lacrosse's powerful and refined 2B0-hp, 3.6-liter V6 got 20Lacrosse " PQ '" our tests. The mild-hybrid "eAssist" four-cylinder returned.

an impressive 26 mpg. Rear seat room and interior fit and finishare impressive, and AWD is available. The ride is steady ahd suppleand handling is responsive. However, visibility is not a strong suit.Crash test results are impressive. Oct. 2012

Buick Reqal 9 The Regal's 2.4-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic return23 mpg overall. The punchy 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder is strongerand gets the same mileage. Handling is agile and the car steers welLThe ride is supple and controlled and wind noise is well suppressed.The interior is nicely furnished but the rear is tight. Jul. 2011

Buick NR The entry-level Verano's 2.4-liter four-cylinder returned an unim-Verano pressive 24 mpg overall. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder

arrives for 2013. The ride is comfortable, but handling isn't sporty.The interior is quiet, but cramped, and the front seats lack adjust-able lumbar and only have manual recline. Nov. 2012

Cadillac ^^ The ATS compact sedan will offer three engines: a 2.5-liter fourATS cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a new 270-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged

four-cylinder. Transmission choices are six-speed manual orautomatic. -

[ • ] Cadillac'—' CTS

O rivals the best sports sedans. Steering is direct andprecise, and the ride is firm yet supple. The quiet interior is well-finished but the rear seats are snug. The standard 3.6-liter V6is smooth and refined. The cabin is quiet and the front seats arecomfortable, but the rear is snug. Wagon and coupe versions andthe 556-hp CTS-V are available. Feb. 2010

Cadillac © The luxurious Escalade uses a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine.Escalade Acceleration is strong, even when towing, but fuel economy is just

13 mpg. The plush interior is quiet and the ride is comfortable, buthandling is clumsy and braking distances are long. Extended-length,crew-cab pickup, and hybrid versiohs are offered. Nov. 2006

Cadiliac 9 The SRX has agile and sporty handling, but the ride is too firmSRX af lo™ speeds. The 308-hp, 3.6-liter V6 got 18 mpg overall in our

tests, but acceleration isn't lively at alL The six-speed automaticshifts smoothly. The interior is well finished and the front seatsare supportive, but the rear seat is snug. The controls are straight-forward, but have many similar looking buttons. Sep. 2012

RatingsKey O

— > Worse

e •I Recommended


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NRDescription/witii last road-test date

Cadillac '^^^ ''"' ^ ^'^^ 'äi'Qe sedan will feature the new CUE infotainment sys-XjS tem. Power comes from a 300-hp, 3.5-liter V6 coupled to a six-

speed automatic. It is offered in front- or all-wheel drive. Standardfeatures include a magnetic ride-cohtrol rear air suspension.A number of advanced safety features are also available. -

[ • [ ChevroletAvalanche

[ • I ChevroletCámaro

Q The Avalanche full-sized crew-cab pickup has a unified bed andcab, allowing for a partition that can be folded down to extend thecargo bed into the cab. The ride is comfortable and quiet. Thethirsty 5.3-liter V8 provides decent acceleration. There is a verylarge rear blind zone. 2012 is the last year for the truck. Sep. 2011

Q The Camaro's base 3.6-liter V6 is powerful, and our tested 6.2-lit8r,V8-powered SS was very quick. Handling is capable, but so-sosteering and the car's size and weight hurt its agility. Braking per-

. formance is excellent and the ride is taut and controlled. The styl-ing impacts practicality and visibility and some controls are hardto decipher. A convertible is available. Oct. 2009

Chevrolet O ^^^ Colorado's five-cylinder engine is unrefined and has worseColorado fuel-economy than competing V6s. Handling is sound but unexcep-

tional. The ride is unsettled, and the body constantly quivers. TheMHS side-crash result is poor despite standard curtain airbags.Overall, it trails the competition. Jul. 2005

0 Chevrolet O ^^^ Corvette delivers impressive performance. The ride is comfort-Corvette ^ ' ' l ^ ' 3"' ' handling is capable but less agile than other sports cars.

The interior is roomy for a sports car The sportier Z06 has a 7.0-liter,505-hp V8 and much better handling. A supercharged ZRl with638 hp is available and delivers super car performance. Oct. 2006

ChevroletCruze

Q Chevrolet's small sedan feels solid and substantial, with a firm butcontrolled ride. Both the base 1.8-liter four-cylinder and the refined,up-level turbocharged 1.4-liter returhed an unimpressive 26 mpg; theEco trim gets just one mpg more. The automatic now has smoothershifts. The well-finished cabih is cramped in the rear. May 2011

0 Chevrolet O ^^^ Equinox has a controlled ride, with responsive and secure han-

Equinox ^""9- ^^^ optional V6 gets 18 mpg; the raspy 2.4-liter four-cylinderreturned 21 mpg overall. The transmission is reluctant to downshift.The well-finished interior is easy to access, but wide roof pillars blockthe rear view. The roomy rear seat is comfortable. Nov. 2009

Chevrolet O ^^^ dated and unimpressive Impala sedan is replaced for 2013 witha model based on the much better Buick LaCrosse. The outgoingcar has easy to use controls and a large trunk, but offers little else.Even a low price doesn't make the car a value. Feb. 2012

Chevrolet ^^ ^^^ redesighed Malibu feels refined, with a cushy ride and a well-f^glllm finished interior. But the back seat is cramped and the handling is

soggy. The Eco mild-hybrid returned a good 30 mpg overall, butcompetitor hybrids better that for not much more money. Normallyaspirated and turbocharged engines go on sale later. Aug. 2012

Chevrolet 9 ^^^ Chevrolet Silverado is a well-rounded pickup with optional full-Silverado ^"^^ ^^'^ and a generous payload capacity. Ride quality is decent1500 and handling is secure. The six-speed automatic improved fuel econ-

omy and acceleration. Reliability has been average. May 2009




Chevrolet ^^ The Sonic has a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder; a quicker and-Sonic slightly more fuel-efficient 1.4-liter turbo is avaiiabie. Handling is

fairly nimble and the ride is civilized for this class. The sedan hasa huge trunk; the hatchback is more versatile. Both have a quietcabin, but the rear seats are cramped. May 2012

Chevrolet NR The Spark hatchback will have a 1.2-liter four-cylinder and a five-Spari« speed manual or four-speed automatic. Cargo space is enhanced

by the 60/40-split rear seats and a variety of interior storage_ I compartments. -

[ • ] Chevrolet O ^'^^ Suburban can tow a heavy trailer and swallow more cargo— Suburban " i ^ " "lost minivans. There is room for up to nine people, but

typical versions seat seven. The third-row seat sits too low andis uncomfortable. The standard 5.3-liter V8 is just adequateand returned 14 mpg overaii. Feb. 2011

Chevrolet O ^^^ Tahoe's ride is supple, but handling and braking are so-so.Tahoe Trailer-towing capability is impressive. There.is iittie cargo space

behind the very cramped third-row seat, which does not fold intothe floor. We got 14 mpg in our tests with the 5.3-liter V8. The

^ six-speed automatic slightly improved fuel economy. Feb. 2011rT l Chevrolet O Chevrolet's version of GM's large, car-based SUVs can seat seven— Traverse ' ^'^ eight people comfortably. Handling is responsive, the ride is

comfortable, and the weli-finished interior is quiet. The 3.6-iiter V6engine returned 16 mpg overall, but the six-speed automatic some-times hesitates to downshift when needed. Jul. 2009

[ • ] Chevrolet © Overall the Volt is guick, quiet, and responsive. It typically runs for—' Volt about 35 miles on an electric charge. Once the lithium-ion battery

is depleted, the 1.4-liter engine turns on to extend the drivingrange. As a four-seater, practicality is compromised. Rechargetimes are about 5 hours with a 220-volt supply and twice that with110 volts, taking in almost 13 kilowatt-hours on a charge. Oct. 2011

Chrysler © The 200 is uncompetitive among family sedans. The ride is compli-200 • 3"t and the optionai V6 is strong and smooth, while the noisy four-

cylinder is unrefined. Both get 21 mpg overall. The six-speed auto-matic doesn't shift smoothly or quickly, the soft suspension allowsfrequent body motions, and handling is underwhelming even atmoderate speeds. Aug. 2011

Chrysler NA The extensively freshened 300 is very coriipetitive. The new 3.6-300 litsr V6 is smooth and powerful, and its slick eight-speed automat-

ic helped it achieve 22 mpg overall. The 300C's strong V8 returnedjust 18 mpg. Ride and handling are competent and the interior isluxurious and refined. Oct. 2012

Chrysler © The Town & Country falls short of the best minivans. It has a veryTown & comfortable and settled ride, and passengers will find a quiet, well-Country equipped, and versatile cabin. But fuel economy is unimpressive

and the transmission shifts siowly. Handling is sound in everydaydriving but sloppy when pushed to the limits. Aug. 2011

DodgeAvenger

NA The Avenger is uncompetitive among family sedans. The ride iscompliant and the optionai V6 is strong and smooth, while thenoisy four-cylinder is unrefined. Both get 21 mpg overall. The six-speed automatic doesn't shift smoothly or quickly, the soft suspen-sion allows frequent body motions, and handling is underwhelmingeven at moderate speeds. Aug. 2011 • of 85Consume Report Buying Guide 2013

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[ • ] Dodge © The Challenger is a fairly comfortable and effortless cruiser. Recent— Challenger tweaks have made it more responsive in corners, and the steering

is sharper. It is very quitk in a straight line. Good coritrols, decentinterior quality, and the ability to seat five are pluses. Aug. 2012

Dodge ^^ The Dodge Charger now handles responsively and has a steady.Charger comfortable ride. The spacious cabin has well-fitting, good-quality

materials and the optional touch screen is easy to use. The refinedV6 performs well; a juicier 370-hp Hemi V8 is optional. Visibilityalso improved but is still not great. Oct. 2012 '__

Dodge Dart ^^ The new Dart sedan offers a choice of three four-cylinder engines;a 2.4-liter, a 2.0-liter, and a turbocharged 1.4-liter. Transmissionchoices include an automated manual with the turbo. The car feelssolid, and ride and handling are compliant. - ^

[ • ] Dodge © The Durango boasts a spacious, quiet, comfortable cabin with— Durango ^ usable third-row seat. Cargo and trailer-towing capacities are

generous. The muscular V8 gets just 14 mpg. The V6 is smooth,refined, and more economical but feels a bit sluggish. Handlingis relatively responsive and ultimately secure. Aug. 2011 .

Dodge © The Grand Caravan falls short of the best minivans. It does have aGrand ^^''V comfortable and settled ride, and passengers will find a quiet.Caravan well-equipped, and versatile cabin. But fuel economy is unimpres-

sive and the transmission shifts slowly. Handling is sound in every-day driving but sloppy when pushed to the lirnits. Aug. 2011

Dodge 9 Dodge's midsized SUV seats five, with an optional, but tiny, thirdJourney ''ow. The 3.6-liter V6 got only 16 mpg in our testing, and the noisy

2.4-liter engine is only available on FWD versions. Despite the new•engine and interior appointments, the Journey is still mediocre. Itrides well and is quiet, but it lacks agility. Aug. 2011

Dodge Ram 9 The Ram's coil-spring rear suspension delivers a very good ride1500 'cir a big pickup truck. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 has plenty of power.

Handling is secure. The cabin is quiet. Interior quality and comfortare good, with a roomy rear seat in the crew cab. Curtain air bagsare standard. May 2009

Flat 500 NR The Fiat 500 is a tiny, fun-to-drive hatchback. The 1.4-liter four-cylinder is sufficient to hustle this lightweight car. The five-speedmanual and clutch are smooth and precise. Handling is very agileand secure, but not to the level of a Mini Cooper. With supportiveleather seats, automatic climate control, and an on-board com-

' puter, it doesn't feel like a cheap car. Oct. 2011Fisker ^^ The Fisker Karma is a luxury four-seat plug-in hybrid. Although it'sKarma ä large"car, the cabin is snug. The car is electrically driven and has

a 260-hp turbo engine from GM that extends the 38-mile electric-only range for an additional 250 miles. The engine acts as a gener-ator to power the electric drive once the 20 kWh lithium-ion bat-tery is depleted. Nov. 2012

Ford C-MAX The C-MAX Energi will be the first plug-in hybrid from Ford, whichclaims it can charge overnight using a 120-volt outlet and will havean overall range of more than 500 miles. The non-plug-in versionC-Max will be capable of speeds greater than 47 mph on electricpower, according to Ford. -




Ford Edge © The MyFord Touch controls in the Edge are distracting. The touch-sensitive buttons give no tactile feedback, and the busy touchscreen requines too much attention. The 3.5-liter V6 engine andsix-speed automatic returned 18 mpg in our tests. But the power-train lacks refinement, and the transmission isn't the smoothest.The ride is a bit jittery and road noise is pronounced. Feb. 2011

Ford Escape '*'" The redesigned 2013 Escape is more refined and solid than its pre-decessor. Engine choices include a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder, a2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a carryoyer 2.5-liter four-cylinder. There won't be a hybrid or V6 offered. Auto parking andblind-spot sensors are available, as well as an upgraded Sync withthe MyFord Touch infotainment system. It also has a new 4WD sys-tem for improved handling on and off-road. Nov. 2012

[•] Ford OExpedition

The Expedition has a good interior and an independent suspen-sion, allowing the comfortable third-row seat to fold into the floor.The noisy V8 felt sluggish and returned 13 mpg overall; Handling isresponsive for such a large SUV, and towing capacity is generous.Aug. 2007

Pord Q The Explorer has a roomy and versatile interior, with usable third-Explorer ' ' ° ^ ^3t. Handling is secure but not particularly agile. The ride is

absorbent. The 3.5-liter V6 is punchy but a bit rough when revved.A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cyiinder is available with FWD. Theinterior is well-finished but the optional MyFord Touch controlinterface is complicated and distracting. Jun. 2011

[•I Ford F-150 O The F-150's 5.0-liter V8 and turbo V6 make the truck quick, andboth returned 15 mpg overall. The crew-cab version is very roomy,but step-in is high. Handling is clumsy but secure enough. Theride is now more tolerable than before. Sep. 2011

Ford Fiesta © The Fiesta subcompact drives nicely, with agile handling and asupple, controlled ride. Wind, road, and engine noise are well sup-pressed. Interior fit and finish are impressive, with soft-touch dashmaterials and Ford's Sync multimedia system. However, the rearseat is extremely cramped. Jan. 2011

[ •1 Ford Flex O The Flex combines SUV-like versatility with car-like driving dynam-ics. The 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic get 17 mpg overall.The optional turbo V6 is quick and doesn't hurt fuel economy. TheFlex's vast interior is very roomy. It rides comfortably and quietly,and has very good fit and finish. Handling isn't particularly agile,but it is responsive and secure. Nov. 2012

Ford Focus © îl^s Focus is sporty and fun to drive. Low noise levels and a solidinterior make it feel substantial. We got 28 mpg overall in SE andSEL trims, and 31 mpg overall in the SFE. The PowerShift auto-matic stumbles at parking lot speeds. The rear seat is tight andthe radio controls are confusing. Sep. 2011

Ford Fusion Ford's family-sedan Is redesigned for 2013. Powertrain choicesinclude a 1.6- and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinders, both matedto a six-speed automatic. There will also be a hybrid and a plug-inEV hybrid. Early impressions are that it is quiet, roomy, and agile. -

Ratlnqs Better •<Key © © O

- > - WorseRecommended


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[•] Ford OMustang

The Mustang's four-seat coupe or convertible has a refined andpunchy 3.7-liter V6 that gets 24 mpg overall, while the powerful5.0-liter VB is a scorcher. The six-speed manual is crisp. The ride isa bit jiggly, but not punishing. Handling is nimble, braking is good,and the Mustang steers well. Nov. 2010

Ford Taurus O ^^^ fs^Qe, quiet, and pleasant Taurus has good ride and handling,but a wide turning circle. The responsive 3.5-liter V6 has more pow-er and fuel economy of 21 mpg overall. The interior has plush mate-rials but this large car is small inside. AWD is optional. Oct. 2012

GMC Acadia 9 GMC's large, car-based SUV can seat seven or eight people com-fortably. Handling is responsive, the ride is comfortable, and thewell-finished interior is quiet. The 3.6-liter V6 engine returned16 mpg overall, but the six-speed automatic sometimes hesitatesto downshift when needed. Jul. 2009

QMC O ^^^ Canyon's five-cylinder engine is unrefined and has worse fuel-Canyon economy than competing V6s. The ride is unsettled, and the body

cohstantly quivers. Overall, it trails the competitioh. The IIHS side-crash result is poor. Jui. 2005

GMC Sierra 9 The Chevrolet Silverado is a well-rounded pickup with optional1500 full-time 4WD and a generous payload capacity. Ride quality

is decent and handling is secure. The new six-speed automaticslightly improves fuel economy and acceleration. May 2009

GMC O The Terrain has a controlled ride, with responsive and secure han-Terrain dling. The optional V6 gets IB mpg; the raspy 2.4-liter four-cylinder

got 21 mpg overall. The interior is well finished and cabin accessis easy, but wide roof pillars block the rear view. The rear seat is

I roomy and comfortable. Nov. 2009GMC Yukon O ^^^ Yukon has better hahdiing, braking, ride, and interior materials

than its predecessor. 4WD models have a selectable full-time sys-tem that can remain engaged indefinitely. A hybrid version gets19 mpg, a big Improvement. Feb. 2011

• GMC Yukon O— XL

Honda

This longer version of the Yukon has more agile handling and bet-ter steering and brakes than past versions. Interior quality is verygood. It can seat up to nine with cargo space left over and towa heavy trailer. Feb. 2011The 2013 Accord will get a bit smaller and more efficient. Enginechoice will be a revised 2.4-liter four-cylihder and a 3.5-liter V6. TheV6 will come with a six-speed automatic; the four-cylinder will havea CVT. A plug-in hybrid, with 10- to 15-mile EV range, is expected. -

Honda Civic • © Honda's small car gets impressive fuel economy, ranging from30 mpg for the LX trim to 40 for.the hybrid. But the Civic's cheapinterior, choppy ride, constant road noise, and lackluster handlingare big negatives. Reliability is likely to be above average, butmost versions score too low to recommend. Jul. 2012

[•I HondaCrosstour

This raised wagon has a high seating position, spacious cabin,comfy seats, and smooth 3.5-liter V6. When pushed hard theCrosstour feels bulky and handles clumsily. The styling blocks theview to the rear, and also diminishes cargo volume. A surprisinglywide turning circle makes parking a bit of a chore. Sep. 2010




[ • ] Honda a ^^^ redesigned CR-V is a little roomier and quieter The 185-hp'—' CR-V four-cylinder gets 23 mpg overall, and is paired with a five-speed

automatic. A new one-touch mechanism that folds the rear seatis handy. A rear backup camera is standard. Jun. 2012

Honda CR-Z © The CR-Z hybrid uses a 122-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder. The electricpower is used to enhance performance. We got 35 mpg overall in

' our tests, not terribly impressive. Handling isn't very sporty andthe ride is jumpy. Rear visibility is compromised. Jan. 2011

[ • ] Honda Fit © This small four-door hatchback offers easy access and very good'—' visibility, and has an amazing amount of interior room. While not

overly powerful, the Fit feels responsive, with a smooth and willingengine, and agile handling. The ride is a bit choppy. Mar. 2009

Honda a The Insight uses Honda's mild hybrid system, and got 38 mpg over-Insight 3ll. It is less roomy than a Toyota Prius and rear-seat access is awk-

ward. The ride is stiff and choppy and road noise is pronounced.Handling lacks agility and can be tricky at the limits. Aug. 2009

Honda 9 The Odyssey's handling is responsive, but steering lacks precision.Odyssey Tire grip is unimpressive and limits the van's performance in

emergency situations. Some road noise is evident. The nicelyfinished interior has a flat-folding third-row seat. Mar. 2011

[»71 Honda Pilot © The second generation Pilot offers seating for eight. The powertrainis smooth and ride and handling sound. However, acceleration, brak-ing, and interior fit and finish aren't very impressive. Road noise isvery pronounced. Crash-test results are impressive. Sep. 2012

Honda © This crew-cab pickup has a supple and steady ride and agile han-RIdgeline dling. Its 5-foot-long composite cargo bed features an all-weather,

lockable trunk. The 3.5-liter, V6 engine is quiet, smooth, andresponsive. Jul. 2005

Hyundai ^^ Hyundai's entry-level sedan and hatchback use a 138-hp, 1.6-literAccent ' '°u' ' cylinder, mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic

transmission. The new Accent is longer and wider than the car itreplaces. Standard safety gear Includes six airbags and active fronthead restraints. May 2012 ;

Hyundai ^^ The redesigned Azera has a quiet and spacious cabin. Its smooth3.3-liter V6 and six-speed automatic provide strong performanceand an impressive 23 mpg overall. But the ride is too stiff, handlinglacks agility, and the heavy steering feels artificial. Oct. 2012

[ • ] Hyundai O The Elantra's 1.8-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic returned— Elantra a very good 29 mpg overall. We found the ride to be compliant and

handling to be responsive and secure, but road noise is pronounced.The interior is nice and has decent rear-seat room. May 2011

Hyundai NA Hyundai's flagship has a comfortable ride, but motions can be busyand handling is less than agile. The powertrain is smooth and refined.The interior is spacious and well finished. But the Hyundai doesn'tquite measure up to the established luxury brands. Dec. 2011

[ • ] Hyundai O ^^^ Genesis is very impressive. The refined V6 delivers quick— Genesis acceleration and gets 22 mpg overall with the new 8-speed auto-

matic, and makes the optional V8 unnecessary. Handling is respon-sive and secure, but the ride is still unrefined. The roomy interioris very quiet and well finished with a large rear seat. Nov. 2011


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Predictedreiiabiiity Description/with last road-test date

[ • ] Hyundai O "^^^ Genesis coupe has capable and nimble handling, and the— Genesis 3.8-iiter V6 is powerful. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is some-

Coupe what noisy. But the car is let down by an imprecise manual trans-mission that requires extra attention to extract smooth shifts andthe ride is very stiff and can be unsettled. Oct. 2009

Hyundai ' ^^ The redesighed Hyundai Santa Fe will come in two sizes. The five-Santa Fe passenger Sport is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter,

turbocharged four-cyiinder. The seven-passenger version offersa 290-hp 3.3-liter V6. A 6-speed automatic is standard. -

[ • ] Hyundai O The Sonata has a comfortable ride, responsive hahdiing, and a well-— Sonata finished cabin. The four-cylinder and six-speed automatic returned

27 mpg in our tests. The quicker and stronger turbo got 25 mpgoverall, but has a firmer ride. Road noise is evident in both and styl-ing impedes rear-seat access. A hybrid is also available. Aug. 2010

[• ] Hyundai O ^^^ Tucson handles securely and responsively, but the ride is stiff— Tucson 3"'' ''°ä'* "°'56 is pronounced. Its smooth 2.4-liter, four-cyiinder

returns 22 mpg, and the six-speed automatic is responsive. Theinterior is spacious but the low rear seat lacks thigh support, andthe styling robs cargo space and blocks the rear view. Jul. 2010

Hyundai ^^ This sporty three-door hatchback has a rear door on the right side.Veloster The 1.6-liter, four-cyiinder is mated to either a manual transmission

or a six-speed automated manuai. The interior, has a funky, high-^ tech look. A turbocharged version is available. Jul. 2012

[•] Infiniti EX © Essentiaiiy a G wagon, the EX has agile handling and a steady ride.'—' The rear is very snug and the cargo area is tiny. Styling compro-

mises rear visibiiity, but the interior is nicely finished and the con-trols are logical enough. A seven-speed automatic is new. Crash-test resuits are impressive. Sep. 2008

[•] Infiniti FX ^^ The FX has responsive handiing. The 3.5-iiter V6 provides plenty'—' of power and 18 mpg overall. The ride is quite stiff. Well-finished

and fairly roomy, the stylish cabin is quiet. Outward visibiiity suffersfrom the styling. Cargo capacity is modest. Jul. 2009

[•1 Infiniti G © The G is quick, sporty, and pleasant. Handling is agüe and predict-'—' ' able, with a taut yet compliant ride. The interior has high-quality

materiais ahd easy-to-use controls. But the cabin is a bit snug andthe trunk is small. AWD is optional on the coupe and sedan, notthe convertible. Jün. 2009

infiniti JX ^^ The seven-passenger JX three-row SUV uses a 3.5-liter V6 matedto a CVT. Froht- and all-wheel drive are available. The cabin isroomy and weil finished, but the third-row seat is snug. Handlingisn't as responsive as other Infinitis. Nov. 2012

[• ] infiniti M O ^'^^ ^^ 3.7-liter V6 and seven-speed automatic make it quick,'—' and fuel economy is decent. Handling is fairly agile and the ride is

sporty, but relatively compliant. The new car is quiet, although' engine noise comes through under hard acceieration. Nov. 2010

Infiniti OX The OX is a piush fuil-sized SUV with a quiet cabin and very strongperformance, but gobbles premium fuel. Handling is a low point.It feels cumbersome in everyday driving and disconcerting whenpushed to its limits. Electronic safety aids include lane-departurean'd blind-spot warning systems. Feb. 2011




Jaguar XF © The XF has agile handling, responsive steering, and a comfortableride. Acceleration is effortless. The snug interior is nicely trimmed,but the coupe-like styling cuts into rear-seat room and access. Manycontrols, like the confounding touch screen, are overcomplicated.Feb. 2009

Jaguar XJ © The XJ is a capable, luxurious sports sedan. Its 5.0-liter V8 makesit very quick, but the car also handles with grace and delivers asupple and steady ride. The trunk is quite small for a large sedan.The touch screen for the climate, audio, and navigation systems

- is rather complex and responds slowly. Dec. 2011Jaguar XK NA The XK has a powerful V8 and smooth six-speed automatic. Handling

is athletic and capable. The ride is very supple and controlled. Thesoft-top convertible roof is well-insulated. The control touch screenwashes out in sunlight and operates very slowly. Oct. 2006

Jeep NA The Compass comes up short. Handling is not agile at its limits.Compass ' ' " ' "^^ low-speed ride is composed. The gutteral-sounding 2.4-

liter four-cylinder got just 22 mpg overall. The front seats areuncomfortable and the cabin is cramped. The controls are straight-forward. Rear visibility is poor. Aug. 2011

Jeep Grand O Tbe Grand Cherokee has a supple ride and responsive handling.Cherokee The smooth 3.6-liter V6 is refined but needs revs to move this

heavy SUV. The stronger 5.7-liter V8 gets only 14 mpg. Off-roadability is good. The cabin is well-trimmed, but the touch screenradio is awkward to use. A 6.4-liter V8 is in the SRT8. Dec. 2010

Jeep Q The Liberty has clumsy handling but overall is secure. The noisy3.7-liter V6 feels lethargic and returned just 16 mpg overall in ourtests. We found the cabin rather narrow and access awkward.The Liberty is suitable for off-road duty. Aug. 2008

Jeep o This small SUV has a compliant ride and mostly simple controls.Patriot but handling lacks agility and the coarse 2.4-liter four-cylinder gets

just 21 mpg overall. The spongy front seats offer little lateral sup-port. The narrow cabin, wide center console, and small windowsgive the car a closed-in feeling. Aug. 2011 .

JeepWrangler

Q The Wrangler may be as good as it's ever been but is seriouslyoutdated. The 3.6-liter V6 and five-speed automatic deliver morepower and refinement, and better fuel economy. IIHS side-crash-test results without the optional side airbags are poor. Mar. 2012

[ • ] Kla Forte O The Forte is competitive but lacks refinement. Handling is respon-'—' sive but the ride is stiff. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers

just average acceleration, lacks reserve power, and gets quite loudunder acceleration. The sporty coupe version, the Koup, handlesdeftly and is quicker than the sedan. Sep. 2011

[ • ] Kla Optima © The Optima handles very securely, and its standard 2.4-liter four-'—' cylinder performs welL Top trims get a powerful turbocharged

four-cylinder. A hybrid is also available. The front seats are com-fortable and the interior is refined. The styling detracts from rearvisibility and cabin access, and the rear seat is a bit low. Jun. 2011

Kla Rio The Rio's 1.6-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic returned29 mpg in the hatchback and 30 mpg overall in the sedan. A six-speed manual is available. The ride is stiff, but on par for the class,and the car feels more solid than its competitors. May 2012

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[ •1 Kia Sorento O ^^^ Sorento's tiny third-row seat extends seating to seven. The'—' ride is stiff, particularly in the EX V6 model, but handling is respon-

siye and secure. The optional 3.5-liter V6 delivers good power andacceptable fuel economy. The seats are comfortable and the highseating position giyes a good view out. Sep. 2012

[ • ] Kia Soul O ^*^^ Soul's six-speed automatic helped it return 26 mpg. The car'—' packs a lot of room and equipment into a small, inexpensive pack-

age. It has very easy access, abundant headroom, and a surprising-ly spacious rear seat. But braking distances are long. Jun. 2012

r ^ Kia © The Sportage has nimble handling and its 2.4-liter four-cylinder— Sportage 9° ' 22 mpg oyerall; the turbo 2.0-liter got 21 mpg, but that trim

has a stiffer ride. The styling robs cargo space and hurts visibility.The cabin is basic, but nicely fitted. Mar. 2011

Land Rover ^^ The LR2 provides good off-road ability. The ride is firm but steadyLP2 • and the car benefits from good steering. In our accident avoidance

test, the LR2 disconcertingly lifted two wheels at its hahdiing limits.The controls are confusing. Sep. 2008

Land Rover ^^ The LR4 is roomy and quiet, with a luxurious ihterior. The bump inLP4 engine size and power made it quicker, yet more fuel efficient. The

LR4 retains its traditional off-road ability and is able to traverserough terrain easily. Handling is not a strong suit but is ultimatelysecure. Controls can be confusing. Jun. 2010

Land Rover

Land RoverPangePoverEvogue

The Range Rover delivers smooth, strong acceleration and a very 'comfortable ride, but isn't agile. It features a height-adjustable airsuspension and luxury amenities. The seats are very comfortable,and the wood and leather interior is upscale. -The Evoque's 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and a six-speed automat-ic returned 21 mpg overall. Acceleration and braking are commend-^ ' ' l ^ ' ' "J ' handling becomes disconcerting at the limits. The ride ischoppy. The styling hurts Interior room and visibility. Mar. 2012

Land Rover ^^ The Sport is biased toward on-road handling, but isn't as agile asPange some competitors. The ride is quite stiff. The V8 does the job, but'Rover Sport works hard. Off-road capability is impressive. Visibility is yery good,

and the rear seat is accommodating. The interior is luxurious, butthe controls are frustrating. Dec. 2008

[ • I Lexus CT— 200h

The CT gets an impressiye 40 mpg overall, but acceleration isleisurely and the engine works hard to keep up. The ride is stiff,and the snug cabin can get noisy. Handling is capable but thesteering is vague on-center. The back seat and cargo area aresnug. The interior falls short of being luxurious. Oct. 2011

Lexus ES © ' °' 2013 the ES line gets a hybrid, using the same powertrain as inthe Camry Hybrid. The ES 350 continues with the 3.5-liter V6 anda six-speed automatic. The interior is luxurious, but the controlshave gotten complex. -

Lexus GS ^^ The redesigned GS has a 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic.AWD is optional. Interior space is improved, and features a mouse-like controller to work the nayigation system. The new car is a bitsportier to drive than the old car. A hybrid arrives later. Dec. 2012

Ratings Better -<Key © Ö O

— > • Worse

© • ID !ecommended of 85Consume Report Buying Guide 2013



[ • ] Lexus GX © The GX 460 is very quiet, quick, good for towing, and capable off-road. Handling is ungainly and clumsy but ultimately secure. Théslick 4.6-liter VB gets 17 mpg overall, the ride is comfortable, andthe cabin is plush. The third-row seat is tiny. Jun. 2010

Lexus IS © Lexus's small sedan has secure handling but the steering lacksfeedback and the ride is jittery. The 2.5-liter V6 gets 24 mpg over-all. A strong 3.5-liter V6 is optional. AWD is available. The cabih istight, and the rear seat is extremely cramped. The hard-top con-

. vertible has a very small trunk. May 2006

[ • ] Lexus LS © The luxurious LS has a comfortable and serene ride. The spaciouscabin is exceptionally quiet, and controls are user-friendly. Handling

• has been Improved, but the LS is not engaging to drive. The power-train is smooth and responsive. A hybrid is available. Nov. 2007

Lexus LX © This luxury SUV is plush, quiet, and upscale. The LX's 5.7-liter VBis strong, but we got only 14 mpg overall in the similar Toyota LandCruiser. The ride is comfortable ahd the Toyota was very impres-sive off-road. The power-folding third-row seat folds up to ttiesides of the interior, limiting cargo space. -

\y\ Lexus RX © The RX rides comfortably and has a well-finished and comfortableinterior. Handling is lackluster and the steering gives little feed-back. Emergency handling is ultimately secure. The 3.5-liter V6provides strong acceleration and an impressive 21 mpg overall. TheRX 450h hybrid got an impressive 26 mpg overall. Jul. 2009

Lincoln O Based on the Ford Taurus, this sedan has a strong, but unrefinedMKS 3.7-liter V6. Top-level models use a direct-Injection, turbocharged V6.

Front- and all-wheel drive are available. The ride is comfortable but• not always settled. Handling is secure but lacks agility. Dec. 2012

Lincoln 9 The Lincoln version of the Ford Flex has a roomy interior and manyMKT luxury amenities, but visibility is compromised. The base engine is a

3.7-liter V6, while the uplevel one is a turbo V6. The ride is comfort-able but stiffer than that of the Flex, and handling lacks agility. TheMKT is cumbersome at its cornering limits. -

Lincoln Q This upscale version of the Ford Edge uses thé same unrefined3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. Fuel economy is unimpres-sive. The ride is reasonably comfortable but hahdiing lacks agility.Interior materials are disappointing and many buttons are difficultto read at night. IIHS crash-test results are impressive. Feb. 2011

Lincoln ^^ Lincoln's upscale family-sedan is redesigned for 2013. PowertrainMKZ choices include a 1.6- and 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinders, and a six-

speed automatic. There will also be a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.Early impressions are that it Is quiet, roomy, and agile. -

Lincoln O ' Ttie Navigator comes in standard and long versions, the latterNavigator ^^ inches longer for increased cargo space. The VB is sluggish and

thirsty. The third-row seat is power operated, folds flat into thefloor, and is as comfortable as the second-row seats. Jul. 2007

Lotus Evora ^^ The Evora four-seat coupe is designed for everyday use. Powercomes from a midmounted Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter y6 that drivesthe rear wheels. Hahdiing is outstanding, but shift quality Is so-so. -


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Mazda CX-5 i * In o"'' 'ssts the sporty CX-5 delivered an impressive 25 mpg over-all with the six-speed automatic. But the engine feels underpow-ered and needs revving to keep up with traffic. The cabin is roomyand the controls are simple to use. Jun. 2012

[ • I Mazda CX-9 © The CX-9 has a small but easy to access third-row seat. The 3.7-literV6 is smooth ahd refined. Handling is taut and agile, and the ride isfirm and steady yet comfortable. Braking performance is better inthe Grand Touring model. The optional blind-spot detection systemworks well. Nov. 2008

[ • ] Mazda © The Miata's 2.0-liter four-cylinder and six-speed manual are a joy— MX-5 Miata ' " ^^^- ^ six-speed automatic is optional. The manual top is a

breeze tojower; a power hard top is available. Handling is superagile, and steering is quick and precise. The ride is reasonably com-fortable but the car is noisy. Interior space is cramped. May 2010

Mazda2 1^* The Mazda2 subcompact is a five-door hatchback with a 100-hp,1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission isstandard, and a four-speed automatic is optional. Handling is quitenimble, and the ride is tolerable, but the cabin is noisy. Rear-seatroom is relatively good. Jan. 2011

[•] Mazda3 © The Mazda3 uses a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine and a punchy'—' 2.5-liter Handling is precise and the firm ride is comfortable. Road

noise is pronounced. Interior quality is very good, but rear-seatroom is rather tight. The sporty turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 is veryquick but has a harsh ride ahd is noisy. May 2012

[ • ] Mazda5 © The Mazda5 microvan got a freshening for 2012, with a new 2.5-'—' liter four-cylinder engine replacing the old 2.3-liter. But even with

a bigger engine, the four-cylinder can be overtaxed on hills orwith a full load. And higher noise-levels can make it feel less sub-stantial than some larger alternatives. Dec. 2011

r¡7] Mazda6 a The Mazda6 gets a significant redesign this fall. The old car was'—' nimble, with nice steering and a supple and controlled ride, but

a lot of road noise. Interior fit and finish was impressive. Jan. 2009

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes' small sedan is solid, agile, and comfortable. The frontseats are excellent; the rear is tight. The punchy turbochargedfour-cylinder in the C250 is very smooth ahd returned 24 mpgoverall. Other engines include stronger V6s and a 450-hp V8.AWD is available only with the 3.0-liter V6. Aug. 2012

Mercedes- NR The CLS is a four-door sedan with a swoopy roof and seating forBenz CLS i^st four passengers. Rear-seat room is tight, and the angle of the

roof limits head room. The sedan is luxurious and comfortable,with strohg performance and agile handling. -

[ • ] Mercedes- O The capable, refined E-Class performs well in both gasoline and'—' Benz diesel versions. In tests we got 21 mpg overall with the gas engine,

E-Class 3"d 26 with the diesel. We prefer the Luxury trim to the harsher-riding Sport package. The cabin is very comfortable, plush, andquiet, but the rear Is cramped for three adults. Dec. 2012

Mercedes-Benz GL-'Class

The redesigned GL offers a 4.6-liter turbo V8 and a V6 turbodie-sel. Its Crosswind Stabilization system is to help with wind buffet-'"9- The outgoing model had relatively responsive hahdiing, quietinterior, and comfortable ride. -




Mercedes-Benz GLK-Ciass

The GLK's smooth 3.5-liter V6 delivers quick acceleration and18 mpg overall. The low-speed ride is a bit unsettled. Handling isnimble, but the GLK doesn't shine at its limits. The front seatsare firm and well shaped. Leg room in the rear is stihgy, and thewide door sills impede access. Sep. 2009

Mercedes- ^^ The M-Ciass luxury SUV got 18 mpg overall in our tests with theBen2 302-hp, 3.5-liter V6. A 3.0-liter V6 diesel is also available. HandlingM-Class 'S responsive, but the steering is vague. The ride is supple, but firm.

• Inside is a luxurious, guiet cabin with excellent seats. Jun. 2012

Mercedes- Q Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedah is roomy, quiet, and luxurious. TheS550 is powerful and athletic, with agile handling and a very com-fortable ride that is among the best we've ever tested. The newcar also adds a control system that is frustratihg to use at first.A hybrid version is also available. Nov. 2007

Mercedes- ^^ The new SL uses a 4.6-liter, 429-hp V8 and looks a lot like the oldBenz SL '• ' '"^' 'S slightly longer and wider, and made almost entirely of aiu-

minum. It's full of new high-tech features and safety equipment. -Mercedes- ^^ The SLK is a fun-to-drive two-seater with a retractable hard top.Benz SLK The SLK25O has an energetic four-cylinder and a six-speed manu-

al that returned 26 mpg overall in our tests. A 302-hp V6 and sev-en-speed automatic are available. The ride is firm but civilized,and the cabin is well finished if a bit narrow. Mar. 2013

Mini Cooper O ^^ '' handling and precise steering make the Mini fuh to drive, butthe ride is choppy. The base engine has adequate response, but theturbo in the Cooper S is quicker. Rear seat room is tight and thecontrols are convoluted. Convertible, roadster, and coupe versionsare available. Fuel economy ranges from 29 to 33 mpg. Sep. 2008

Mini CooperCountryman

Q The four-door Countryman is bigger and wider than other Minis butstill a small car. The quirky interior has well shaped and comfortableseats. The quick steering and fantastic agility make it fun to drive.But the controls are frustratihg and the ride is choppy. Powercomes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder. The S offers AWD. Jan. 2012

Mitsubishi I i^" The ' i ' electric car uses a 16 kwh lithium-ion battery. It takes sixhours to charge Oh a 240-volt charger, or 22 hours on a standard110-volt one. Range is about 80-85 miles, according to Mitsubishi.The motor puts out 66 hp. -

Mitsubishi NA We fouhd the Lancer agile in our testing, with a decent ride. ItsLancer engine tends to moan a bit at high revs, but has good acceleration.

The CVT transmission works very well. The ihterior is drab andcheap-feeling, but the controls are straightforward. Oct. 2007

Mitsubishi © The Outlander's smooth 3.0-liter V6 provides a lot of punch andOutlander returns 19 mpg overall, and the four-cylinder gets 22 mpg. Han-

dlihg is fairiy agile and secure at its iimits. due in part to the ESC.The ride is fairly stiff. Interior fit and finish is a bit disappointing.The top-level V6 offers a third-row seat. Aug. 2008

MitsubishiOutlanderSport •

This chopped version of the Outlander SUV is not fun to drive. Ithas reduced rear-seat and cargo space, handles less nimbly thani's sibling, and acceleration is adequate at best. AWD bumps theprice up where it competes with better SUVs. Mar. 2011


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Nissan '^*^ The redesigned Altima sedan comes with a choice of two engines;Aitlma ^ revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 hp and the existing

3.5-liter V6, both matched with CVT. A new infotainment system .as well as advanced safety features are offered. -

Nissan O The Armada seats eight, and uses a smooth but noisy 5.6-liter, V8Armada ^i^"^ ^ 5''' '* five-speed automatic that makes the big SUV quick.

Handling is relatively responsive, but the ride is guite stiff. Interiorquality is so-so. Jun. 2012

Nissan © This small car has a surprisingly roomy interior. It's powered by aCube 1.8-liter four-cylinder mated to either a CVT or a six-speed manual.

Handling is rather clumsy and the steering is vague. Wind and roadnoise are pronounced. Standard safety features include side andcurtain air bags. Nov. 2009

0 Nissan O ™^ found the Frontier quick and nimble, with a stiff but tolerable

Frontier • ' i ' ' ^ . The powerful 4.0-liter V6 revs smoothly. Base models usea 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Rear-seat room is tight in the crew cab.A longer bed is a new option. Jul. 2005

[ • ] Nissan O The Juke hatchback has a raised ride height and optional AWD.'—' Juke Power comes from a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder. A six-speed man-

ual is available on FWD models; AWD versions use a CVT. The 'cabin is snug and cargo space quite limited. Mar. 2011

Nissan Leaf The Leaf five-seat, electric-powered hatchback takes six hoursto charge on a 240-volt outlet, and 16 on 120. It is quick at lowspeeds, quiet, and rides comfortably. We got 3.16 miles per kWh,which equals 106 mpg. Nov. 2011

[ • ] Nissan O The Maxima has a smooth, powerful 3.5-liter V6 mated to a CVT— Maxima Acceleration is very quick. The steering is overly light at low speeds

and firms up rather abruptly, which takes away from handling. Theride is comfortable enough and the cabin is quiet. Feb. 2009

[•] Nissan © The Murano has a nice, quiet interior and a comfortable ride. The— Murano 3.5-liter V6 is powerful and delivers a respectable 19 mpg overall.

The CVT is one of the best on the market. Handling remainsresponsive and secure. The interior is functional, but limited rearvisibility is a drawback. Sep. 2008

Nissan ^R The seven-passenger Pathfinder three-row SUV goes on sale thisPathfinder f a" "vi'b a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a CVT. Front- and all-wheel drive

are available. In our test of the similar Infiniti JX we found thecabin roomy and well finished, but the third-row seat is snug andhandling wasn't that responsive. -

Nissan ^^ The Quest uses a 3.5-liter V6 and a CVT. It is quite luxurious, withQuest a plush and quiet interior and a smooth compliant ride. Just don't

expect sporty handling to go with its smooth and powerful drive-train. The top-line LE version coinés wjth a blind-spot warning sys-tem and a power-folding third-row seat. Dec. 2011

f^ l Nissan © The small Rogue is compact, pleasant, and competitive in the small— Rogue SUV class. The 2.5-liter engine gets a bit raspy at high revs. Expect

22 mpg overall. The ride is supple and handling is fairly nimble andsecure. Curtain air bags are standard. Aug. 2008

RatingsKey Recommended of 85Consume Report Buying Guide 2013



Nissan ^^ * redesigned Sentra with a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine is comingSentra s°°"- The outgoing Sentra is one of the better small sedans, with

a roomy rear seat, a civilized ride, and sound handling. -

{¡71 Nissan— Titan

The Titan is powerful and has a comfortable ride. It's relatiyelyagile and the cabin is large. The engine is strong but loud. Thecargo bed is smaller than competing trucks, and the payloadcapacity, once meager, has been increased. May 2012

Nissan ^^ The subcompact Versa sedan is disappointing. The interior is bla-Versa tantly cheap and the engine drones as it accelerates. Handling is

secure, but lacks agility. Fuel economy is a commendable 32 mpgoverall. May 2012

Nissan © The Xterra has good off-road capability and is relatively civilized.Xterra The 4.0-liter V6 delivers quick acceleration but just 17 mpg. The

4WD system is still part-time. The interior looks rugged and is well-assembled. Head-protection air bags are standard. Aug. 2005

Nissan Z © The Z has a wonderfully strong and smooth V6. The six-speedmanual is a bit notchy. The interior is well finished and upscale.Road and tire noise are constant and the two-seater cabin iscramped. A convertible version is available. Oct. 2009

Porsche 911 ^R The redesigned base 911 uses a 3.4-liter six-cylinder, while theCarrera S gets a 400-hp, 3.8-liter, both matched to the first seven-speed manual. Changes to help fuel efficiency include automaticengine start-stop, electronic power steering, and a coasting feature.A seven-speed automated manual is available. -

Porsche ^^ Porsche's entry-level roadster is all new for 2013, with a longerBoxster wheelbase and a wider track. It gains more horsepower in both

the base 2.7-liter six-cylinder and the 3.4-liter S. Handling is superagile and the car is fun to drive. The top can be operated atspeeds up to 45 mph. -

Porsche © The midsized Cayenne is a very sporty, agile SUV. Engine choicesCayenne ' include a V6, V8, turbo V8, and a hybrid. All use a supersmooth

eight-speed automatic. The ride is supple and steady, but stiff atlow speeds. The front and rear seats are comfortable. Interior fitand finish is impeccable, but the controls are confusing. Feb. 2011

Porsche ^'^ The Cayman uses a 2.9-liter, 265-hp flat-six engine. The higher-Cayman performance Cayman S has 320 hp. The fixed-roof coupe seats

two passengers and uses a hatchback design with increased rearstorage. A redesign based on the new Boxster is imminent.-

Porsche ^^ Porsche's four-door luxury car delivers strong performance withPanamera ' ' °° '^ ' ° ' ' ^°^'- Handling is agile and the ride is ciyilized. Our tested

Panamera S, with a 400-hp V8, got 20 mpg overall. Turbo V8s,a V6, and a hybrid are available. The interior is beautiful, but con-trois can be intimidating and access is tight. Nov. 2012

[ • ] Scion FR-S ©

Scion iO

Jointly developed with Subaru, the FR-S is a rear-drive coupe witha 200-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Handling is super responsive andthe ride is stiff, but livable. The cabin is noisy and the rear seat isyery tight. Oct. 2012The tiny iO four-seat hatchback is one of the lowest-scoring carswe've tested in years. Slow, noisy, and uncomfortable, the iO's fewpluses include reasonable nimbleness, ease of parking, and a verygood 34-mpg overall fuel economy. Seyeral similarly priced com-petitors are just as economical and much better cars. Aug. 2012


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Scion tC ^^ The tC's 2.5-liter engine provides good acceleration and got a verygood 28 mpg overall with the six-speed mahual. An automaticis available. It Is fairly nimble and pleasing to drive and the cabin isquite spacious. But the ride is jittery, interior fit and finish is unim-pressive, and rear visibility is difficult. May 2011

[ • ] Scion xB © The xB's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder delivers good performance but just'—' 23 mpg overall. The ride ¡5 compliant, and handling is responsive.

The radio controls are a bit confusing. The rear seat and cargoarea are enormous. Low windows and thick roof pillars hurt visibil-ity. Curtain air bags are standard. Oct. 2007

[•1 Scion xD © The small xD is nimble, but has a jittery, unsettled ride. The l.B-liter,'—' four-cylinder delivers only adequate performance, but a miserly

29 mpg overall with the automatic and 34 with the manual. Thecabin is noisy and the driving position is awkward, particularly fortaller drivers. The rear is roomy for two adults. Jun. 2008

Smart O ^^'^ " " ^ two-seater features a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine thatForTV/o does a decent job putting along with traffic. We measured 39 mpg

overall. The ride is harsh and handling clumsy, and the automatedmanual transmission causes the car to pause and heave. Curtainair bags are standard. Cabin access is easy. Nov. 2008

[ • ] Subaru © Jointly developed with Toyota, the rear-drive BRZ uses a 200-hp,'—' BR2 2.0-liter four-cylinder teamed with a choice of six-speed manual

or automatic transmissions. The ride is stiff, but livable, and thehandling is very agile. Oct. 2012

[ • ] Subaru © The Forester handles well, is spacious, and has straightforward— Forester controls. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder does little for acceleration or

fuel economy. The optional turbocharged engine is stronger butshaves off about 2 mpg. The four-speed automatic is dated. Thefront seats in the base model lack lumbar support. Mar. 2011

0 Subaru © The Impreza is tops amon^ small cars. The four-cylinder engine

Impreza ahd CVT returned 27 mpg overall with the sedan; the hatchbackgot 26 mpg. AWD is standard. Engine and road noise are pro-nounced, but the cabin is roomy and controls simple. May 2012

[ • ] Subaru O ^^^ '^^^ sedan and hatchback use a powerful turbo engine and— impreza ^^^ suspension is well-tuned. It is refined and roomy, but still

WRX/STi sporty. The STi is more powerful and sportier, but its rough edgeshave been somewhat smoothed. Oct. 2009

[ • ] Subaru © The Legacy is roomy and has a hice interior. The four-cylinder is— Legacy "oisv and a bit sluggish, but gets a good 25 mpg overall. The six-

cylinder is guieter and quicker, but less fuel efficient. The ride isimpressive and the cabin is quiet. Handling is responsive, but theESC kicks in late. Dec. 2009

SubaruOutback

The Outback is a raised, rugged-looking wagon. The cabin is quietand the rear-seat and cargo space are generous. Handling is respon-sive but sloppy at its limits. Acceleration is adequate with the noisyfour-cylinder, but fuel economy is good. The optional six-cylinderis quieter and quicker but not as fuel efficient. Nov. 2009




0 Subaru O ^^^ Tribeca has an impressive ride and handling balanpe. The six-

jrlbeca cylinder and automatic make a decent powertrain. Ride and hah-diing are very good. But the cabin is cramped. It's a long reach tothe navigation system's touch screen. The styling of the dashboardmakes some cohtrols difficult to see. Jan. 2008

Subaru XV ^^ The XV replaces the Impreza Outback. The four-cylinder is matedCrosstrek ' ° 3 continuously variable automatic or five-speed manual trans-

mission. AWD is standard. Aside from more ground clearance, theXV is essentially the same as the Impreza hatchback. -

Suzuki

Suzuki

[•] Suzuki SX4 a

Model S

The Grand Vitara's 2.4-liter four-cylinder was noisy and sluggishand yielded just 19 mpg overall. Handling is reluctant but ultimatelysecure. The ride Is stiff and jittery. Side and curtain air bags arestandard. May 2009The Kizashi is a sound and capable car that is among the smallerfamily sedans, and as a result it has a snug cabin and tight rearseat. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder is standard and comes with a six-speed mahual transmission, while a CVT is optional. All-wheel driveis available. Aug. 2010This small car has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. We got 24 mpgoverall in the AWD hatchback and 26 in our FWD sedan. Curtain airbags and ABS are standard. Access and visibility are excellent, butride and noise are so-so. Mar. 2010The all-electric Model S offers three battery pack choices withranges of 160,230, or 300 miles per charge. This low-slung hatch-back design offers an optional third-row seat. -

Toyota © The 4Runner is good for towing and off-roading, but is not the4Runner ^^^^ family vehicle. The rough-sounding 4.0-liter V6 is powerful

and relatively fuel-efficient. The ride is unsettled and handling ismediocre at best. The 4WD system is a rudimentary part-timesystem, eltcept in Limited trim. Dec. 2010

Toyota ^^ The redesigned Avalon will continue with a standard V6, but get" ^ " ^ stylish inside and out. Its roomy and plush interior retainsthe spacious rear seat of earlier models. Safety features includea blind spot monitoring system with cross-traffic detection anda pre-collision system. -

[ • ] Toyota © The Camry is refined, comfortable, and roomy. Handling is respon-— Camry ^'^^ ^nd the interior materials are good. Fuel economy for all

engines is impressive: the four-cylinder got 27 mpg and the hybridgot 38 mpg overall. The touch-screen radio controls are overlycomplicated. Feb. 2012

[ • I ToyotaCorolla

The rather bland Corolla is a good small sedan. We got a veryimpressive 32 mpg overall in our test of the 1.8-liter, among thebest for a current non-hybrid or diesel four-door sedan. Curtainair bags are standard. Jul. 2008

Toyota FJ O The FJ is superb off road but not the best everyday vehicle. Visi-''''''Y '^ difficult and the rear doors are awkward to use. The V6 issmooth, but fuel economy is 17 mpg. Crash-test results are excel-lent, but the FJ scores too low to be recommended. Jan. 2007


T H E 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 M O D E L S 177


[ • ] Toyota © The Highlahder has a cushy ride ahd a comfortable cabin. The 3.5-— Highlander liter V6 deiivers 18 mpg overall. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder is available.

The hybrid got ah impressive 27 mpg overall. Handling is not par-ticularly agile and the steering feels vague. The controls are easyto use and the interior has very good fit and finish. Jan. 200B

ToyotaLandCruiser

[ • ] Toyota— Seguoia

NA The Land Cruiser has a powerful 5.7-liter V8. It is guick, quiet,comfortable, and refined, but not agile. It rides very comfortablyand the interior is roomy and weii finished. Off-road performanceis terrific. Dec. 2008

[ • ] Toyota © The Matrix has easy cabin access, a roomy rear seat, and good— Matrix cargo versatility. Both available four-cylinder engines provide

impressive fuel economy. Engine and road noise levels are high.The Matrix isn't engaging to drive, but handling and ride arecompetent. The driving position is awkward, and fit and finish isunimpressive. Jun. 2008 ^ ^

[ • ] Toyota © The Prius averaged 44 mpg overall in our tests, and can propel'—' Prius itself on electric power up to 25 mph. The ride is firm yet steady,

and handing is sound and secure although not particularly agile.The interior is roomy and the driving position has improved, butsome controls take a bit of getting used to. Nov. 2009

Toyota © The Prius C is a smaller Prius that got 43 mpg overall in our tests.Prius C Ifs harsh ride, noisy engine and cabin, and slow acceleration result-

ed in a road test score too iow for us to recommend the car. Weexpect reiiabiiity to be very good. JuL 2012

[ • ] Toyota © This taller Prius has more interior and cargo space but still seats— Prius V five. The V uses the same 1.8-liter engine as the standard Prius,

but some fuel economy is given up due to the extra weight and a_^ worse aerodynamic shape, resulting in 41 mpg overall. Mar. 2012[ • ] Toyota © The RAV4 has a flexibie, weil-designed interior. Handling is agile— RAV4 3nd secure. The rear seat is roomy. A tiny third-row seat is option-

al. The optional 3.5-liter V6 is quick and returns 22 mpg. The four-cylinder gets 23 mpg overall. Front side- and curtain air bags arestandard. May 2009

O 5' sight-passenger Sequoia has a standard 4.6-liter V8. Weg°t 15 mpg overall with the optional 5.7-liter V8 and six-speedautomatic. Selectable full-time 4WD is avaiiabie. The third-row seatfolds flat. The ride is firm, and handling is clumsy but secure. Theinterior is very roomy, but the step-in is high. Nov. 2008

[ • ] Toyota O The Sienna rides comfortably, but handling is lackluster. The lively'—' Sienna 3.5-liter V6 returned 20 mpg overall with the six-speed automatic.

The AWD version is a bit quicker and sacrifices just 1 mpg. Interiorfit and finish is mediocre and the cabin is noisy. Sep. 2010 >

Toyota O The Tacoma workhorse compact pickup gets a competitive 17 mpgTacoma overaii and handling Js sound. The ride traiis some competitors,

• particularly with the stiff TRD suspension, and the driving positionis too low. Payload capacity is small. May 2012

RatingsKey

Better - < -© O

WorseI Recommended '


1 7 8 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3

Predictedreliability Descriptior)/with last road-test date

0 Toyota ©jundra

[ • ] ToyotaVenza

The Tundra offers three engines and three cab sizes. Handling isrelatively responsive, but the ride with the TRD package is stiff.The 5.7-liter V8 is very powerful. The tailgate is easy to raise andlower. A 4.6-liter V8 is also available. Sep. 2007The Venza fits in between a station wagon and a SUV. Assetsinclude easy cabin access, a quiet interior, and a roomy rear seat.The rear hatch and large cargo floor aid cargo flexibility. Therefined 3.5-liter V6 engine provides plenty of power and the2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is available. Jun. 2009

Toyota Yarls © Despite an excellent fuel economy of 32 mpg overall in our tests' and a relatively roomy rear seat, the Yaris scores too low to

recommend. Handling is ho-hum, the ride is choppy, the seatsare uncomfortable, and the radio is needlessly awkward. Crash-test results are impressive. May 2012 __^

Volkswagen ^^ ' The Beetle Is a little roomier, but not good enouijh to recommend.Beetle The ride is just OK and handling can get sloppy at its limits. The

. five-cylinder engine sounds gruff and only averaged 28 mpgwith the six-speed manual. Turbocharged gas and diesel 2.0-literengines are also available. Rear visibility is limited and the drivingposition is compromised. JuL 2012 ' "

Volkswagen 9 This four-door coupe is enjoyable to drive, with agile and respon-sive handling. The taut ride is compliant and composed. The 2.0-li-ter turbocharged engine gets 24 mpg; a 3.6-liter V6 and all-wheel-drive are optional. The interior is very well-finished, but some

^ controls are awkward to use or hard to read. Nov. 2012Volkswagen 9 The Eos Is equipped with a folding hard top. Power comes fromEos ' a 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder that delivers punchy acceleration

and good fuel economy at 25 mpg overall. Volkswagen's Impres-sive automated manual DSG transmission is smooth and shiftsquickly. IIHS crash-test results are impressive. May 2008

0 Volkswagen ©

0 Volkswagen OGTI

\

Volkswagen O

[ • ] Volkswagen— Jetta

Sportwagen

The Golf's 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine gets a mediocre 24 mpg over-all. The diesel got an impressive 38 mpg in our tests with a manual.The steering is responsive and the car feels agile. The ride is suppleand controlled. Interior quality is impressive and feels solid. The frontseats are supportive, but the rear is cramped. Mar. 2010The'GTI is one of the best performing and most practical choicesamong sporty cars. It is agile and quick, with a gutsy turbocharged2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that sounds good, all of which makeit fun to drive but not at the expense of comfort. May 2010The Jetta sedan's handling lacks agility and interior fit and finishis unimpressive, but the rear seat is roomy. The base 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine gets a so-so 25-mpg overall. The TDI diesel gets animpressive 34 mpg overall but the DSG transmission is sometimesjerky at low speeds. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder GLlsports version is available. May 2011 .The Jetta wagon continues with the older, bodystyle. It has-a quiet,composed ride and responsive handling, t)ut itis less agile than theGolf hatchback, which uses the same platform. Acceleration is a bitleisurely with the diesel, but with readily available power at lowrevs most will find it adequate. Jan. 2011


T H E 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 M O D E L S 179


Volkswagen NR • The Passat has a roomy cabin, particularly the rear seat. The lack-Passat luster 2.5-liter five-cylinder got 25 mpg overall, while the 2.0-liter

turbodiesel returned an impressiye 37 mpg. The car is quiet andrides comfortably, but falls short on cornering grip. Feb. 2012

Volkswagen O ^^^ Tiguan offers a roomy rear seat, and has excellent fit and fin--Tlquan ish. Handling is agile and secure. The ride can be stiff with super

low profile tires. The 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder is smooth and 'punchy, and it yielded 21 mpg overall in our tests. FWD is standard,with AWD available. Mar. 2012

Volkswagen NA The Touareg is a quiet and fairly agile SUV with a plush interior.Touareg The V6 turbodiesel, mated to a smooth eight-speed automatic,

pulls strongly and is relatiyely refined. A hybrid model is new, andthe base engine is 3.6-liter six-cylinder. It no longer has low-range,off-road gearing. Jun. 2011 ^ ^The Volvo C30 is a pleasant two-door hatchback. Power comesfrom the turbocharged 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that deliversgood performance and 25 mpg overall. The manual transmissionis pleasant. Although the C30 steers nicely, handling isn't particu-larly sporty. Oct. 2008The C70 has a power-operated metal folding top that works well.The car comes only with a turbocharged 2.S-liter, five-cylinderengine. Handling is sound but unexceptional, and the ride is some-what stiff. The interior is well finished, and features standard cur-tain air bags that deploy from the doors. May 2008The S60's fiye-cylinder engine can sound gruff but provides livelyacceleration and respectable fuel economy. The ride is taut andsteady. The T6 with AWD is quick, agile, and refined. The interioris quiet and nicely laid out, and the front seats are comfortable,although the rear is tight and the trunk is small. Jul. 2011

Volvo S80 O ^'^^ ^ ^ ° doesn't deliver the level of performance or luxury expect-ed in this class. Rear seat room is cramped and rear access is com-promised. Front-wheel-drive S80s get a 3.2-liter six-cylinder, whichdelivered 20 mpg overall in our testing. A turbocharged six-cylinderis available on the all-wheel-drive version. Nov. 2007

[ • I Volvo C30 O

[ • ] Volvo C70 ©

[ • I Volvo S60 ©

[¡71 Volvo XC60 O

[ • I Volvo XC70 O

The XC60 is pleasant to drive t)ut not very sporty. The ride is stiff,but handling is responsiye and secure. Wind and road noise are welisuppressed. The interior is nicely finished with high-quality materials.The seats are comfortable but rear legroom is tight. Sep. 2009The XC70 is an AWD wagon with a raised ride height. The pleasant3.2-liter six-cylinder and six-speed automatic deliyer adequate per-formance, but got just 18 mpg. A more powerful, turbochargedengine is available. The ride is fairly stiff, and handling is secure.

- Inside, the cabin is quiet and nicely trimmed. Sep. 2008Volvo XC90 © This aging design is not very competitive. The 3.2-liter six-cylinder

gets an unimpressive 17 mpg oyerall. The ride is stiff and unsettled,and handling lacks agility. The interior is flexible, but folding the tinythird-row seat is a frustrating experience. Jun. 2012



USED CARS: THE MOST RELIABLEMODELS & THE ONES TO AVOIDBEST OF THE BEST These are the top usedsedans, wagons, and SUVs available in fourdifferent price ranges. Each performed wellin our testing when they were new and havebeen consistently reliable over time. All ofthem come with standard Electronic Stabiiity

Controi (ESC) during the modei years listed.

WORST OF THE WORST These modelshave had multiple years of much-worse-than-average reliability among the 2002-2011models. All are listed alphabetically.

Best of the BestLess than $10,000

>SEDANHyundai Sonata (4-cyi.)2006In our tests, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine returned arespectable 23 mpg overall.The standard safety gearmakes this car a great choicefor teen drivers.

>WAGONScion xB 2004-05The xB is extremely roomyand practical. Visibility isvery good, and the nimblehandling makes it a finechoice on the highway andin the city. We got 30 mpgoverall with an automatictransmission.

$10,000-$15,000>SEDANinfiniti G35 2004-05The G35 has a strong V6engine that got 20 mpgoverall in our tests. Itprovides agile handling, andits ESC keeps it in checkat its limits. The ride is wellcontrolled, and the cabinis quiet.>WAGON

Pontiac Vibe 2009A twin of the Toyota Matrix,this small wagon is analternative to a small SUV.The optional AWD systemworks well, but hurtsacceleration and fueleconomy from the 1.8-literfour-cylinder. Reliability hasbeen excellent.

>suvToyota Highlander2004-05This quiet and comfortableSUV was available in eitherFWD or AWD, with four- andsix-cylinder engines. The V6got 19 mpg overall. Theinterior is roomy, and thecontrols are easy to use.Curtain air bags wereoptional.

$15,000-$20,00>SEDANAcura TL 2006-07The TL blends comfort,convenience, and sportiness.The firm ride is compliant,and its powerful V6 returned23 mpg overall. Reliabilityhas been outstanding.


T H E B E S T & W O R S T U S E D C A R S 181

>WAGONMazda5 2010This microvan is a compactwagon that seats six. Itreturns a decent 23 mpgoverall, but the engine istaxed when carrying a fullload. The flexible interior hasroom for four and a largecargo area, or room for sixwith minimal cargo spacewhen the small third-rowseat is used. Visibility andcabin access are excellent.

>suvToyota RAV4 2008-10The RAV4's 2006 redesigngave it a roomier interior, anavailable third-row seat, andan optional V6 engine. Itsnimble handling, good fueleconomy, and versatile,easy-to-access cabin helped

make it one of our top-ratedsmall SUVs. The V6 enginegets a very good 22 mpgoverall, and the four-cylindergets 23.

$20,000-$25,000>SEDANInfiniti M35 2006-07This generation of the M35provides a good blend ofsportiness and luxury. Itsstrong V6 returned goodoverall gas mileage; 19 mpgwith rear-wheel drive and18 mpg with the optionalAWD. The Infiniti has acomfortable and luxuriousinterior, and offers a fullcomplement of safety gear.

>WAGONSubaru Outback 2010-11The Outback is basically a

wagon version of the Legacysedan, but with a raised rideheight for mild off-road use.Handling is agile and theride is comfortable. The 2010redesign brought an improvedand quieter interior. Handlingis responsive in routinedriving. Fuel economy fromthe four-cylinder engine andCVT is quite good.

>suvAcura MDX 2006The MDX Is a well-rounded,family-friendly SUV withstandard all-wheel drive. Ithas a strong and refined V6powertrain that gets 17 mpgoverall, a firm but pleasantride, a well-appointed cabin,comfortable front seats, anda third-row seat. Curtain airbags are standard.

Worst of the WorstAudi 05 (V6)BMW 535iBMW X5 (6-cyl.)Cadillac STSChevrolet AveoChevroiet BlazerChevrolet UplanderChrysler PT Cruiser

Chrysler Town & CountryDodge CaravanDodge Grand CaravanDodge JourneyFord ThunderbirdGMC AcadiaJaguar S-Type, XFKia SedonaKia Sorento (V6)

Mercedes-Benz GL-ClassMini Cooper Clubman SMini Cooper Hatchback SPontiac Montana, Montana

SV6Saturn OutlookSaturn RelayVolkswagen New Beetle

convertible



RELIABLE USED CARSFOR EVERY BUDGET

As owners hold on to theirvehicles longer, fewer late-model used cars are avail-able for sale. The result:a limited supply and higher

prices. But there are still good buys tobe found. To steer you to the best bets,these lists show the 2002 through 2011vehicles, in four price categories, that

tested well when they were new and havehad above-average reliability.

Try to buy the newest vehicle that yourbudget allows so that you can get themost up-to-date safety features. To help,we show the first year each model offeredelectronic stability control as a standardor optional feature. NA means that ESCwasn't available.

Make & model

SMALL CARS

Under $10,000 - $1S,OOO - $20,000 -$10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000

Ford Focus

Honda Civic

Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda Fit

Hyundai Elantra (sedan)

Hyundai Elantra (wagon)

Kia Forte

Mazda3

itiissan Sentra

Nissan Versa

Pontiac Vibe

Scion xB

Scion xD

Subaru Impreza (nonturbo)

Suzuki SX4

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Echo

Toyota Matrix

Toyota Prius

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Rabbit

'05-07

'02-05

'03-05

-

'05

-

-

'04-05

-

-

'03-06

'04-05

-

'04-05

-

'02-06

'02-03,'05

'03-05

'02-04

-

'08-09

'06-08

'06-07

'07-11

'07-10

'09

-

'06-08

-

'08-09

'07-09

'06, '08

'08-09

'06-07

'08-10

'07-09

-

'06-08

'05-06

-

'07-09

'10

'09-11

'08

-

-

-

'10

'10-11

'10

-

'10

'09-11

'10

'09-11

-

'10

-

'09-10

'07-08

'10-11

-

'02-03,'09

'09

'10 - .

'09

'08

-

-

- - '07

'10

'10

'05-

'08

'08

'07

'05

-

'05

'09-11 '04

'03

'07

'10• _

'07

'11

'11

allali-'11

-

'09

ali'10

'09-

'10

NA

'10

'10

'10

'09


R E L I A B L E U S E D C A R S F O R E V E R Y B U D G E T 183

Makes model

MIDSIZtP S LARGE SEDANS

Under $10,000- $15,000- $20,000-$10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000

AcuraRL

Acura TL

Acura TSX

Chevrolet Malibu (4-cyl.)

Ford Fusion (4-cyl.)

Ford Fusion (V6, AWD)

Ford Fusion (V6, FWD)

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford Taurus (FWD)

Honda Accord (4-cyl.)

Honda Accord (V6)

Honda Accord Hybrid

Hyundai Azera

.Hyundai Sonata (4-cyl.)

Hyundai Sonata (V6)

HyundaiXG35O

infinitiG

Infiniti135

Infiniti M

Kia Optima

Lexus ES

Lexus GS

Lexus IS

Lexus LS

Lincoln MKZ (FWD)

Lincoln Town Car

Lincoln Zephyr

Mazda6

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (RWD)

Mercury Milan (4-cyl.)

Mercury Milan (V6, FWD)

Mercury Milan (V6, AWD)

Mercury Milan Hybrid

Mercury Sable

Nissan Altima (4-cyl.)

Nissan Altima (V6)

'02

-

-

-

'06

-

-

'04

'02-04

'02-03

-

-

'06

. '03-05

'04-05

-

'02-04

-

-

-

. '02

• -

-

'02

. -

-

• -

;o6-

• -

-

, '04

'03-05

'03

'04

'04-05 •

'04-06

-

'87-08

'08

'06-08

-

7

'05-07

'04-07 \

'05-07

'07.

'08

'07-08

'04-05

-

-

'08

'02-05

'02-05

'03-05 -

-

-

'04, 'Q6

'06

'07

-

'07-08

'06-08

'08

-

'06-07

'04-06

'05-06

'06-07

'07-08

. '09

'09

'09-10

-

'09

'10

-

-

-

'09-10

'10-

'06-

-

'11

• '06

' • -

-

'02-04

'07-08

-

-

'09-10

'03

; '09

• '09-10

-

. -

'09

'09-11

-

'07-08

'08

-

-

'11

'11

'10-11

-

'11

-

-

-

-

'07-08

-

'06-07

-

'07-08

'06

'06-07

'05

'09-10

'09

-

-

-

'11

'11

'10-11

-

-

'09-10

'02

• '08

'09

'09

1 '09

-

'08-

' -

-

-

•

. -

-

-

'06

'02

'02-

, -

-

-

' '05

'09

'09

'09- •

'08-

'07

all'04

all

'09

'10

'10

'10

all'09

'08 '

'06

'06

all

'06

'06

NA

'03

NA

all'10 '

'07all'06all ,

'09 .

NA '

NA

'09

all'10

'10

'10

all'09

'10

'10 ,



Make & model under $10,000- $15,000- $20,000-$10,000 $15,000 !S20,000 $25,000

MIDSIZED S LARGE SEDANS Continued

Nissan Altima Hybrid

Subaru Legacy (4-cyl.)

Subaru Legacy (6-cyl.)

Toyota Avalon

Toyota Camry (4-cyl.)

Toyota Camry (V6)

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Volvo S60

• -

1 -1 -i '02-04

1 '02-04

! '02-03

f _

Í -

;

1 '06

1 -1 '05-06

) '05-07

i '04-06

Í -1

1 '07-10

I '07-08

( -

.( '07-08

1 '08-11

1 '07-10

1 '07-10

Í '07-08

; -

1 '09-11

! '08-09

i '09

, • -

1

) .'U

1 -

11

1

1Iiii

-'07

-

'02

'05

'02

-

'02

all

'09

'08

'09

'10

'10

all

'07

11:]

1

•

1SPORTS & SPORTY CARS

AcuraRSX

BMWZ4

Chevrolet Corvette

Dodge Challenger

Ford Mustang (V6)

Ford Mustang (V8)

Honda Civic Si

HondaS2000

Lexus SC

Mazda MX-SMiata

Mazdaspeed3

Mini Cooper Hatchback

Nissan 3S0Z

Porsche Boxster

Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

Toyota Cami'y Solara

Toyota Célica

Volvo C30

; '02-04

¡ -f _

1 -( '04

.( '02-04

f -, -; -Í '02-03

1 -r

j • -

i -! '03

• '02-04

1 '02-03

, -

i '05-06

1 '03

1 -

i' 1 '06

1 '05

i '06

1 '02-04

1 -,'04,'06.-07

1 -1 ' -; '03-04

I -! '05

1 '05-07

! -

' -

iij

i111í1

í1iii

ií1i

-'05

-

-

'09

'06-07

'07-09

'05-06

'02-03

'08-09

'08

'08,'10

-

'03

-

'08

-

-

1

1

(

11-i1

1

11

1i1

11

-'06

.'04

'09

-

'10

-

'07'04

'10

-

'11

-

'05

- '

-

-

'08-09

t11í\i111ii

1

1íi1\i

.---------'06

-

'02

'03

-

-

•'04.

-

-

NA

all

all

all

'10

'10

'07

'06all

-

all

'09

'10

all

'08

-

NA

all

•

MINIVANS & WAGONS

Honda Accord Crosstour

Honda Odyssey

Mazdas

Subaru Outback (4-cyl.)

Subaru Outback (6-cyl.)

Toyota Sienna (FWD)

Toyota Venza (V6)

Volvo XC70

1

I '02

1 -i -( -

; '02-031 -

: -

1 - .1 '03-04

Í

1 -1

1 '04-05

í' ~

1 '04

1 -

Í '-i '10' '07-08

í '06-07

( '06-07

, -

1 -

, '10

1 -

t ~

1 '09-11

i '08

1 '08-09

i '0911

i -1 -

1 -1 '07

1 '02

! '02

1 -1 '02

ail 1

'05 1

'10 1

'09 • 1

'07 1

'08

ail

'07


R E L I A B L E U S E D C A R S F O R E V E R Y B U D G E T 185

Make S model Under $10,000 - $15,000 - $20,000 -$10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000

ESC ('02-11)

SMALL SUVsAcura RDX 1Ford Escape (V6, AWD) 1Ford Escape Hyhrid (AWD) 1Honda CR-V 1Hyundai TucsonKia SportageMazda Trihute(V6, AWD)Mercury Mariner (V6, AWD)Mercury Mariner Hyhrid (AWD)Mitsuhishi OutlanderNissan RogueSuharu Forester (nonturbo)Suharu Forester (turbo)Toyota RAV4

MIDSIZED & URGE SUVS

Acura MDXFord ExpeditionHonda PilotHyundai Santa Fe(V6) -Infiniti FXLexus GX 'Lexus RXLexus RX HyhridMazda CX-9Nissan MuranoNissan XterraSubaru B9 TrihecaToyota 4Runner(V6)Toyota Highlander (V6)Toyota Highlander HyhridToyota Sequoia

PICKUP TRUCKSFordF-lSO(V8,4WD)Honda RidgelineNissan Frontier (4WD)Nissan TitanSuharu BajaToyota Tacoma(V6,4WD)

Toyota Tundra (V8,4WD)

-•04-

•02-03----

'03-

.-

'02-03

-

'05-

'04-06'05; '07•06-07•04-05

•05-

•07

•05

•04-07 J

---

'07-08'09----

'08-10'09-10'06-10

•08-10

-

'02

•03-04

--

_--.- .

•02-03--

--

--

-

•04-

•03-05_

--

'02-03--

--

\ ^02-04•04-05

-

•02-04

'05-

t '06-07

•07•03-05

'03•04-05

--

•08•06-07•05-06

I ^06-07

1 06

—•

•02-03---

•05•05

•02-04

1 -

•06-07-

I -

1 -; '06-08

( '05-06

'07-08•11'10

•09-11- •

"11'11•11'10-

•11•11

•10-11•11

•06-

•08•09

•06-07•04-05'06-07

'06'08-10

'10'09-10

-

•07-08'08•07-

-

i ^08

1- ^09

1 •lO-

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USED CARS TO AVOIDThese 2002 to 2011 models have records of below-average reliability.They are Usted alphabetically by make and model.

Audi A3 '06, •!!; A4(4-cyl.) '02-05, '09; A5/S5 '10; A6 (3.0T) '10; A6(V6) '04; 05 (V6) '09-11;07 '07, '11; S4 11; TT '08BMW 135i ^08; 325i(AWD) '02-05; 325i (RWD)'02-03, ^05; 330i (RWD)'02; 335i (AWD) '08-09;335i (RWD) '07-10; 5Series (6-cyl., nonturbo)•03, '06, ^09, '11; 5 Series(V8) '02-03, '08, '11; 5Series (VIO) '08; 535i'08-11; 7 Series '06-08;X5 (6-cyl.) '02-05, '07-09,•11; X5 (V8) '08; X5 35d•10; Z4 ^04Buick Century '02;Enclave (AWD) '08-09,•11; Enclave (FWD) '08-09;LaCrosse (AWD) '10;LaCrosse (FWD) ^08, '11;Lucerne, '11; Rainier '06;Regal 11; Rendezvous'02-03, '06; Terraza '05Cadiliac CTS (V6, AWD)•08-09; CTS (V6, RWD)•05, ^09; CTS Coupe '11;DeVille ^02-04; DTS '06;Escalade '05, '07-09;Seville '02-03; SRX (V6)'04-08, '10; SRX (V8)'04; STS '05-09Chevroiet Astro ^02-03,'05; Avalanche '04-08;Aveo ^05, 08-09; 8lazer'02-04; Cámaro '11;

Cavalier ^05;. Cobalt•06-08, •IO; Colorado '05,•07, ^II; Corvette '02, '09;Cruze '11; Equinox•05-08; Express '02; HHR•06-08; Impala '02,•04-08, '11; Malibu (4-cyl.)•05; Malibu (V6) '02,•07-08, 11; Monte Carlo'02; S-10 Pickup '02;Silverado 1500 (V6,2WD) ^06-07; Silverado1500 (V8, 2WD) 08-09;Silverado 1500 (V8,4WD) '04-06, '09, 11;Silverado 2500 •03, ^05,'11; Silverado 2500(turbodiesel) '06, 11;Suburban ^04-05, 07-09,'11; Tahoe '07-08; TahoeHybrid '08; TrailBlazer(6-cyl.) '05-09;TrailBlazer (V8) '04,'06-08; Traverse ^09;Uplander; '05-08;Venture '02-05Ciirysier 300M '04;Concorde '04; Pacifica'04, '07-08; PT Cruiser(nonturbo) '02-08, '10;PT Cruiser (turbo)'03-06; SebringConvertible '04-06, '08;Sebring Sedan '02-05,'07; Town & Country•02-09, '11; Voyager•02-03Dodqe Avenger ^08;

Caiiber '07; Caravan•02-07; Charger ^07;Dakota (4WD) '02,'04-08; Durango '02;Grand Caravan '02-09,•11; Intrepid '02, 04;Journey '09-11; Magnum•06; Neon ^03; Nitro '07;Ram 1500 (2WD) '02;Ram 1500 (4WD) '02-03,'06,'10-11; Ram 2500'03;Ram 2500 (turbodiesel)'06-10; Stratus Sedan'02-05Ford Crown Victoria '10;Edge '11; Escape (4-cyl.,AWD) '09; Escape (V6,AWD) '09-10; Escape (V6,FWD) '09; Expedition 07;Explorer (V6, 2WD) '02,•04, '06-07, 11; Explorer(V6, 4WD) '02-04, '06,•11; Explorer (V8) '02-04,'06-08; Explorer SportTrac '07; F-250 '10-11;F-250 (turbodiesel)•04-09; Fiesta '11; Flex•09; Flex (EcoBoost)•10-11; Focus '02, '12; 'Freestar '04-05; Ranger(4WD) '08; Taurus (AWD)•08, '10; Taurus SHO '10;Thunderbird '02-03, '05;Transit Connect '10;Windstar '02-03GMC Acadia (AWD)•07-09; Acadia (FWD)'07-10; Canyon ^05, '07,


U S E D C A R S T O A V O I D 187

'11; Envoy (6-cyi.) '05-09;Envoy (V8) '04, '06-08;S-15 Sonoma '02; Safari'02-03, '05; Savana '02;Sierra 1500 (V6, 2WD)'06-07; Sierra 1500 (V8,2WD) '08-09; Sierra1500 (V8, 4WD) '04-06,'09, '11; Sierra 2500 '03,'05, '11; Sierra 2500(turbodiesel) '06, '11;Yukon '07-08; YukonHybrid '08; Yukon XL'04-05, '07-09, '11Honda Civic Si '10;Odyssey '11Hummer ÍH3 '06Hyundai Accent '02;Elantra '02; Entourage'07-08; Santa Fe (4-cyl.)'11; Santa Fe (V6) '10-11;Sonata (4-cyi.) '05;Veracruz '08Infiniti G Conv^ertible '10Jaguar S-Type*'03;X F'09-10; XJ '11; X-Type '02Jeep Commander '06,'08; Compass '07; GrandCherokee (6-cyi., V6)'02-06; Grand Cherokee(V8) '02-05, '08, '10;Liberty '02, '06-07, '10;Patriot '07-08; Wrangler(2-door) '06, '08, '10;Wrangler (4-door) '07-10Kia Forte '11; Optima '04;Sedona '02-11; Sorento(V6) '03-06, '08, '11Land Rover LR3 06Lexus GS '10Lincoin Aviator '03-05;LS '03-04; MKS '09; MKT'10; MKX '11; MKZ (FWD)

'11; Navigator '03, '06Mazda 626 '02; B-Series(4WD) '08; CX-7 '07; MPV'03; RX-8 '04-05; Tribute(4-cyi., AWD) '09; Tribute(V6, AWD) '09-10; Tribute(V6, FWD) '09; Mazda5'06-07, '09Mercedes-Benz C-Ciass(AWD) '11; E-Class (AWD)'09-10; E-Class (RWD)'06; GL-Ciass '07-09, '11;M-Class (V6) '02, '06-07,'09; R-Ciass '06; S-Class'04, '06-07, '09; SL '05Mercury Grand Marquis'10; Mariner (4-cyi., AWD)'09; Mariner (V6, AWD)'09-10; Mariner (V6,FWD) '09; Monterey'04-05; Mountaineer(V6, 2WD) '02, '04,'06-07; Mountaineer (V6,4WD) '02-04, '06;Mountaineer (V8)'02-04,'06-08; Sable(AWD) '08Mini Cooper Clubman S'08-10; Convertibie'05-06, '09; Hatchback'04-06; Hatchback S '03,'05-09Nissan 370Z '09-10;Armada '04; Frontier(2WD) '05; Frontier (4WD)'05, '11; Maxima '06; Path-finder '05-06, '10; Ouest'04^08; Titan '04-06,'08; Xterra.'05-06Oidsmobiie Aiero 02;Siihouette '02-04Pontiac 8onneviiie '02,'05; G6 Coupe &

Convertibie '06-07; G6Sedan '06; G8 '09;Grand Am '02-03; GrandPrix '02-03; Montana'02-04; Montana SV6'05; Soistice '07; Sunfire'05; Torrent '06-08Porsche 911 '06;Cayenne '11; Cayman '07Saab 9-3 '03, '10; 9-5'02-03, '05Saturn Astra '08; Aura'07; Outiook '07-09;Relay '05-07; Sky '07;Vue (4-cyL) '08; Vue (V6)'02, '07-08Smart ForTwo '08Subaru Impreza WRX/STi '08; Legacy (4-cyl.)'02; Legacy (turbo)'05-06; Outback (turbo)'05-06Toyota Sequoia '11;Sienna (AWD) '07, '11;Tacoma'(V6)'11Voikswaqen CC '11; Eos'07-08, '10; GTi (4-cyl.)'07, '09; Jetta Sedan(4-cyi.) '02, '05; JettaSedan (5-cyl.) '06; JettaSedan (turbo) '02-03;Jetta Sedan (TDI) '02, '11;New Beetle Convertible'04-07; New BeetieHatchback '02-03, '06;.Passat (4-cyi.) '03-07,'10; Passat (TDI) '05;Passat (V6) '02-04,'06-07; Routa n '09-10;Touareg '04Voivo C30 '11; C70 '04;S40 '02; V40 '02; XC90(6-cyi.) '04-05, '10



DETAILED AUTO RELIABILITY

The charts on the following pagesgive you a model's complete re-liability picture for both its usedversions (2006 through 2011)and the new one currently on

sale. These detailed reliability Ratings arebased on our 2011 Annual Car ReliabilitySurvey, for which we received responseson 1.3 million vehicles.

The Annual Car Reliability Survey is sentto subscribers of CONSUMER REPORTS and

ConsumerReports.org. Respondents report-ed on any serious problems they had with

their vehicles in any of the trouble spots in-cluded in the following charts, during theprevious 12 months. These were consideredserious because of cost, failure, safety, ordowntime. Because high-mileage vehiclestend to have more problems than low-mileage ohes, problem rates are standard-ized to minimize differences related to mile-age. The 2011 models were generally lessthan six months old at the time of the sur-vey and had been driven an average of about3,000 miles. Models with insufficient dataare noted with a column of asterisks (*).

How to use the chartsMAJOR REDESIGNS

A model year in bold iden-tifies the year the model

was introduced or under-

went a major redesign.

TROUBLE SPOTS

To assess a used car in

more detaii, look at the

individuai Ratings foreach of the 17 trouble spots.

They wiii pinpoint a model's

strengths and weaknesses.

Ratings are based on thepercentage of survey

respondents who reported

problems for that trouble

spot, compared with the

average of all vehicles for

that year.

Models that score a •

are not necessarily unreli-

able, but they have a higher

problem rate than the

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine lUJor

Engine Minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Malor

Trans. Miner

Drtve System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

BodyArím

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED OUIVEMHCTSNEWCU

PREOKTKM

061

3

2

1

2

3

5

4

4

5

6

1

3

6

8

7

4

problem Rates

07I

2

1

1

2

2

4

3

3

4

5

1

2

(,

7

6

4

08

I

2

1

1

1

2

3

3

2

3

4

<1

2

5

6

6

4

09

1

1

1

,1

1

J

3

2

2

2

3

<1

2

5

5

5

5

10

<1

1

1

4

1

I

1

1

1

1

2

<1

1

3

4

3

4

11

<1

<1

<1

4

^

1

1

I

<1

1

,l

1

2

2

23

average model. Simiiarly,

modeis that score a © arenot necessarily problem-

free, but they had relatively

few problems compared

with other models.

Because problem rates in

some trouble spots are very

iow, we do not assign a • or

a unless the model's prob-

lem rate exceeds 3 percent.

If a problem rate is beiow

2 percent, it will be assigned

a 6; beiow 1 percent, it will

be assigned a ©.

USED CAR VERDICTSTo check the overall reli-

abiiity of a used car, look at

the Used Car Verdict. This

Rating shows whether the

modei had more or fewer

problems overail than the

average model of that year.


A U T O R E L I A B I L I T Y 189

The verdict is calculated fromthe total number of problemsreported by subscribers in alltrouble spots. Our calculationsgive extra Vïeight to problemswith major engine and trans-mission systems, the coolingsystem, and the driye systembecause they cah be seriousahd expensive to repair.

NEW CAR PREDICTIONSTo determine the New CarPredictioh, we averaged amodel's Used Car Verdict forthe most recent three years,provided the vehicle did notchange significantly in thattime ahd wash't redesigned for2011 or 2012. We have foundthat several model years' dataare a better predictor than thesingle most recent model year.

One or two years' data maybe used if the model was rede-signed in 2011 or 2010, or ifthere were insufficient data formore years. Sometimes we in-clude a prediction for a modelthat is new or has been rede-signed, provided its reliabilityhistory or the manufacturer'strack record has been consis-tently above average. "NA"means there were insufficientdata for a prediction.

WHAT THE TROUBLESPOTS INCLUDE

Enqine, major: Enginerebuild or replacement,cylinder head, head gasket,turbo or supercharger,timing chain or timing belt.

Engine, minon Oil leaks, acces-sory belts and pulleys, enginemounts, engine knock or ping.Engine, cooling: Radiator, cool-ing fan, antifreeze leaks, waterpump, thermostat, overheating.Transmission, major: Trans-mission rebuild or replace-ment, torque converter, pre-mature clutch replacement.Transmission, minor: Gearselector or linkage, coolers andlines, rough shifting, slippingtransmission, leaks, transmis-sion computer, transmissionsensor or solenoid, clutchadjustmeht, hydraulics (clutchmaster or slave cylinder).Drive system: Driveshaft oraxle, CV joint, wheel bearing(s),differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, drivelinevibration, electrical failure.Fuel system: Check enginelight, sensors (includes 02 oroxygen sensor), emission con-trol devices (includes EGR),engine computer, fuel cap, fuelgauge/sender, fuel injectionsystem, fuel pump, fuel leaks,stalling or hesitation.Electrical: Alternator, starter,hybrid battery and related sys-tems, regular battery, batterycables, engine harness, coil,ignition switch, electronic igni-tion, distributor or rotor failure,spark plugs and wires failure.Climate system: Blower(fan) motor, A/C compressor,condenser, evaporator, heatersystem, automatic climatecontrol, refrigerant leakage.

electrical failure.Suspension: Shocks or struts,ball joints, tie rods, wheelbearings, alignment, steeringlinkage (includes rack andpinion), power steering, wheelbalance, springs or torsionbars, bushings, electronic orair suspehsioh.Brakes: Premature wear,pulsation or vibration, sgueak-ing, master cylinder, calipers,antilock brake system (ABS),parking brake, brake failure.Exhaust: Muffler, pipes,catalytic converter, exhaustmanifold, leaks.Paint/trim: Paint (fading, chalk-ing, cracking, peeling), looseexterior trim or moldings, rust.Body Integrity: Squeaks orrattles, seals, and/or weatherstripping, air or water leaks,loose interior trim and mold-ings, wind noise.Body hardware: Windows,locks and latches, tailgate,hatch or trunk, doors orsliding doors, mirrors, seatcontrols, safety belts, sunroof,convertible top, glass defect.Power eguipment and acces-sories: Cruise control, clock,warning lights, body controlmodule, keyless entry, wipermotor or washer, tire pressuremonitor, interior or exteriorlight, horn, gauges, 12V powerplug, alarm or security system.Audio system: Audio systems,entertainment systems, naviga-tion system, backup camera/sensors, communication system.



TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

TROUBLESPOTS

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Engine Cooling

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Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

'Exiiaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

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Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectrical

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exiuust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDiCTS

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Ciimate System

Suspension

Braiies

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

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Cadillac SRX(V6)

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Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooiinq

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body inteqrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

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Engine, major

Enqine, minor

Enqine Cooiinq

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Electricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Inteqrity

Body Hardware

Power Eguip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Eiectricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exiiaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

ChevroietSuburban

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(6-cyi.)

'O6'OT'08'09'10 '11

©•|eo

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ChevroletTraverse (AWD)

'06'07'08'09'iD 'ii

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O ao• ©8

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average ©

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Eiectricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Chrysler 300(V6)

'06'07'08'09'10 11

©OO©© •©©O

a*

o©o• • ©©©©

o©o©©o©*o©©o*OOO©*oop!o*

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Chrysler PTCruiser

(non-turbo)

'06'07'D8'09'10 'ii

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ChryslerSebring/200

'06'07'08'09'10 '11

©o*ooo*

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Dodge CaliberChrysler Town& Country

'06'07'08'D9'1D H 'O6'D7'O8'D9'1D '11

©o©• ooeeop

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• ••oO

©•©©••¡•pb••••©©©©•©©•oooooo

!Much worse than

average •

• ©

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©

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TROUBLESPOTS

DodgeChallenger

'D6'07'08'09'10 '11

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

e

********

p**

Ob*

oeo*eo*

*|ep*Better thanaveragee

Dodge Charger

'D6'07'08'D9'1D H

e©©

»»ee©ea©

o

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e*»»»©©kpo*

o*»Pleo*

ooo©*©©o

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'06'D7'08'D9'10

©Ooee*e

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»»©Discontinued

•06'07;08'0910 11

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Dodge GrandCaravan

'06'07'08'0910

© o e» 0 0

oo|ebaoele

©©o©pp

o»{»¡»o»»»»»e

o©»©©»»»{©»»»»©©©©»©©»oo»ooo»»»»o|»

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TROUBLESPOTS

Dodge Journey

'06'07'08'D9'1D HEngine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

e©o»o»olep

o»»

o»oe»o»»o©o»

|Worse thanaverage©

Dodge Ram1500 (2WD)

Dodge Ram1500 (4WD)

•06'07'D8'09'10 '11 '06'07-08'D910 11

eee©©e©©eo»o©ee

©e©e

©eoo©OO©eoe©

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»»»©OO

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oooeopo©|»Worse thanaverage Q

Ford Edge(AWD)

Ford Escape(V6, AWD)

'D6'D7'08'D9'ID 11 '06'07'08'D9'1D 11

oee

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©o

oo»ao|aeo©»©©»o»e

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ao

oe»oe

©eoee»»©a

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eoo

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Eiectricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

TROUBLESPOTS

Ford EscapeHybrid (AWD)

'06'07'08'09'10 '11

©O

• OOO

• 0©©|©

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brai(es

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

©©©

oo

©00©• o©

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©©©©***

©©poo*oopo©*

Discontinued

Ford F-150(y8, 4WD)

•06'07'08'09'10 '11

0 0

©©

o©o©©••©o©©

©©©©

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FordExpedition

'06'07'08'09'10'1t

o©©©••o©po©O• O

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•06'07'08'09'I0 11

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'06'07'08'09'10 '11

• ©O©©•o©

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Ford ExplorerSport Trac

•06'D7'08'09'10 '11

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* O

Ford F-150(y8, 2WD)

•06'07'08'09'10 '11

©©

©o

©o©©©o

©•

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©©©eooopooe©e©©o©©©e©eee©

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e

Ford Freestyle,Taurus X

'06'07'08'Q9'10 '11 '06'07'08'09'10

O

©©oee:

©©©©

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©©©©oo©©eeI©©

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O©

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O• ! •©©ooo

©©00eeopo©

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TROUBLESPOTS

Ford Fusion(4-cyi.)

'06'07'08'09'10'11

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDiCTS

eeolee

©©

eeaoeeeeeoeeeeeele

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ooBetter thanaverage a

Ford Fusion(V6, FWD)

•06'07'08'09'10 '11

o

ooaaaeeeeelee

o

©e

oe

aaaeeooeo

e|aBetter thanaverage ©

Ford Mustang(V6)

'O6'D7'O8'O9'1D '11

OOO

a©'ee

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o• o|©ea©oao©o©ob

a• •eo©obee

oo©oeeo

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Average O

Ford Mustanq(V8)

'06'07'08'09'10 '11

*

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© *

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e©o*o*

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Ford Ranger(4WD)

'06'D7'08'09'10 '11

* © *

©ee*©

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© **

eoo*e*abb*b**ob

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TROUBLESPOTS

Ford TaurusSedan (FWD)

'06'Q7'08'09'10 '11

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Eiectricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

O

©O

oo©•op

oo©eoootopeaaoobiaoaooaaoPieop|o|epb

Average o

GMC Acadia(AWD)

'06'07'08'09' l0 'II

oe©• o• ooo©• •e• oo

e• • ©• • • o©oee

00• •©ap©©©•©• ©©©o• •o©e


GMC Canyon

'06'07'08'09'10 '11

©©eoee

aao

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• ©©

© •

•©•••©

• a

oaa

ee©o©popp

Average O

GMC Sierra 1500(V8, 2WD)

'06'07'08'09'10 '11

OpOaa©po• ••©ooeooeeeoe

©ooola

oeooo©©©k©o

eoptopee©ooaoaop|©|©p|e

Average o

GMC Terrain(4-cvl.)

eOOOOoeoo

Average o of 85Consume Report Buying Guide 2013


TROUBLESPOTS

Enqine, major

Enqine, minor

Enqine Cooiinq

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectrlcal

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body inteqrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDiCTS

TROUBLESPOTS

Enqine, major

Enqine, minor

Enqine Cooiinq

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Honda AccordSedan (4-cyl.)

Honda AccordSedan(V6)

•06'07'Oa'D9'1D'11

©©eiepeep©©a©©©



A U T O R E L i A B I L i T Y 199

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

OO

aaaala

Honda insight

'D6'D7'08'D910 'II

©

©Better thanaverage ©

• ©OOo©

'D6'D7'D8'D9'1D H

©aaoo©o©

©a

oool©©a• •©p

oooo©pppoob©o©

©a©oalaaao

bbWorse thanaverage ©

'06'07'08'09'10 '11 'O6'D7'D8'D9'tD '11

©©po©

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©8O©

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average ©

o©

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a©eeeee

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pa

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Eiectricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Hyundai Azera

'06'07'D8'0910'fi

I *

o©

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*

•labo*o ©I© I©*©OO8*

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10 'II* *

HyundaiElantra Sedan

Hyundai GenesisSedan(y6)

Hyundai SantaFe (4-cyl.)

'D6'07'08'D9'1D H 'D6'D7'08'091D 'It 'D6'D7'08'09TO 11

©oooaaa©aoaoa

O

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OO

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2 0 0 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y i N G G U i D E 2 0 1 3

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Eguip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDiaS

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDiCTS

Hyundai SantaFe (V6)

*06'07*08'09T0 '11

oao

aoaoaaa©»oeao©e

e|aoeeoa

eeea|»|©o

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©»ee

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HyundaiSonata (4-cyi.)

'06'07'08'09'10 t l

©a

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eoeeae

eeo|»©e

aeo a

©bpeooo©ooeoe|©aoao

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infini t i GSedan (AWD)

'D6'07'08'D9'1D

o

a Ole©ee

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e©aolepp

ooíala lei© oeee©|ep


•06'07*08*0910 *11

a

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©00o©o

ooo

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Average O

infiniti GSedan (RWD)

'06'D7*08'09*10

ee

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o

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a©

oaa©

aa

o©©a©©©©o©ee

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TROUBLESPOTS

Jeep GrandCherokee

(6-cyl., y6)'06 '07'08'0910Tt

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

o©©I©

• • I©ooeee• • ©

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©000

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Average o

Jeep GrandCherokee(y8)

'06'07'08'0910 H

©©©©•O ©©©©©•©

O©©o©©ooo©

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Average O

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Jeep Liberty

'06'07'08'0910 '11

*

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©©©©o©*

{©*© *

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©©!©•©*©••o©*••©©o*©©©©•*0©000*

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Jeep Patriot

'06'07'08'09'1D '11

o©©o•p©©©oo©©I©• ©©

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**

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o*

*

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Jeep Wrangler(4-door)

•06'D7'08'D9'10'11

©o©o

• ©©©• • o ©• • ©• ©

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TROUBLESPOTS

op|©pp|©Better thanaverage ©

•06'07'08'D9'1D'11

•PPO

©©© © • o ©•^ppp©

I©©Pl©l©• •!•©©©©•©©©©I©• • • © © •

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Kia Sorento(V6)

•06'07'08'09'tO 11

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10

©©

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Average o of 85Consume Report Buying Guide 2013


TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

.Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Eiectricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

KiaSportage 1 1 Lexus CT200h

oieiepeeoo

o|eoebBetter thanaverage

©ooeee

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'O6'07'08'09'I0 '11

o

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o*e©*• ©*

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©eoe^*aooo©*

'06'07'08'0910 '11

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average ©

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'06'07'08'0910'11

e

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A U T O R E L i A B i L i T Y 2 0 3

TROUBLESPOTS

'06'07'08'0910 'It

Engine, major

Enqine, minor

Enqine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Electricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDiCTS

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

© •

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©o©

ee©o©©OO©I©


Lincoin TownCar

•06'07'08'0910

©a

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6*

©aa©• ••o

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©©•©oooo*o©eooe*

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Llncolit MKS(non-turbo)

to ' t l

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Mazda B-Series(2WD)

•06'07'08'0910'1l

a

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Discontinued

Lincoln MKX(AWD)

•06'07'08'0910 11

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Lincoin MKZ,Zephyr (FWD)

•06'07'08'D9'tD 't l

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LincolnNavigator

•06'07'08'D910 't l

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Mazda MX-5Miata

'06'07'Da'0910 '11

*

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDiCTS

'06'07'D8'0910 'II

Oeeeaa

oa

©I©©©©o©©

aap

©••©o©©©oa©

©©o©|©eee


'06'D7'08'0910 11

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©oaoo obo pp• •••a

©©ao• •©•o

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'D6'D7'D8'D9'ID 'It

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a*a*

Mercedes-BenzC-Class (RWD)

'06'D7'08'0910 '11

• ©O

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDICTS

Mercedes-BenzE-Class (RWD)

'06'07'D8'09'10

O• •p

• 8

a

• ©oa©

aaaOOOoao

©

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Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

'06'07'D8'0910 '11

o

o• aoo©o©• ••©00^0O8©O• ••©000

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Mercedes-Benz GLK

Mercedes-BenzM-Class (y6)

a

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8• a00©oob

Average O

06'07'08'0910 '11 '06'07'D8'D9'1D '11

• ©eeo• o

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'D6'07'08'09'1D '11

* *

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A U T O R E L i A B i L l T Y 2 0 5

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

USED CARVERDiCTS

TROUBLESPOTS

Mercury GrandMarquis

'06'D7'08'09't0 *t1

) *

» | e *) *

)O*

e©

I MercuryMountaineer (V8)

eoOO

eieaa

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Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

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PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

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USED CARVERDICTS

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

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Drive System

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Eiectricai

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Suspension

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TROUBLESPOTS

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Engine, major

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Drive System

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Toyota Venza(V6)

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Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

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USED CARVERDICTS

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

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Suspension

Brakes

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

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VolkswagenRoiitan

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T i R ES 213

QuickGuide TIRES

Tires have a direct impact on your car's handling, braking,ride, comfort qualities, and fuei economy. More important,the cornering grip, braking distances, and resistance tohydroplaning affect your safety on the road.

Shopping tipRemember that if youbuy your tires online,you may have to payfor shipping, and alsopay for mounting andbalancing when themail-order tires arrive.

Scan this or see how, page 11

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/tires

Types and featuresAll-season—These are thetires that come standardon many cars, minivans,and SUVs.• Best for: Year-roundtraction, long tread life,and a comfortable ride.But they typically lack theprecise handling and gripof performance tires.• Speed ratings: None, S(112 mph), T (118 mph).• Tread-wear warranty:None or 40,000 to 100,000miles.Performance all-season—These come standard onnewer cars.

• Best for: Improved han-dling and grip over all-season tires on wet anddry pavement. But theyoften have shorter treadwear than many all-seasontires.• Speed ratings: H (130mph), V (149 mph).• Tread-wear warranty:None or 40,000 to 70,000miles.Ultra-high performanceall-season—Found onsports cars, sports sedans,and some lower-pricedsporty models.• Best for: Wet and drybraking and handling. Butthey trade ultimate warm-weather grip for passablewinter performance.• Speed ratings: Z (morethan 149 mph), W (168 mph),Y (186 mph).• Tread-wear warranty:None or 30,000 to 40,000miles.Ultra-high performancesummer—Found mostlyon high-performance sportscars and sports sedans,t Best for: Wet and drybraking and handling. Butthey are not suited for usein winter conditions.

• Speed ratings: Z (morethan 149 mph), W (168mph), Y (186 mph).• Tread-wear warranty:Typically none.Winter—Specially madefor use in freezing tem-peratures and on snowand ice.• Best for: Maintainingtraction on snow and ice.But fast wear and so-sowet and dry braking makethem suitable only for cold-weather use.• Speed ratings: Q (99 mphand higher).• Tread-wear warranty:None.SUV/Pickup—Designedfor the rigors of truck use.• Best for: All-terrainmodels are designed foron-road and light-duty off-pavement use; all-seasonmodels are made primarilyfor on-road use. But someautomakers recommendstaying with whatevertype of tire came with yourvehicle.• Speed ratings: S (112 mphand higher).• Tread-wear warranty:None or 40,000 to 70,000miles.



Within types, in performance order.

Brand & model Overall score Three-seasondriving

Winter Comfortdriving

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Michelin Defender

Continentai ProContact EcoPlus

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred

All-Season

Pirelli P4 Four Seasons

Michelin Energy Saver A/S

Yokohama Avid Ascend

Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring

Falken Sincera Touring SN211

Cooper CS4 Touring

Hankook Optima H727

Firestone FR710

Yokohama Avid Touring-S

Cooper GFE

Kumho Solus KR21

Firestone Precision Touring

Toyo Extensa A/S

Maxxis MATl Escapade

Firestone Affinity Touring

Sumitomo HTRT4 , . , -,...

Kelly Explorer Plus !

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ALL SEASON TiRES T-SPEED RATEDBest for ail-weather perfornfiance:

Michelin DefenderContinental ProContact EcoPlus

Best baiance of three'-season perfornnanceand iong tread iife:

Michelin DefenderGoodyear Assurance TripleTred All-SeasonPirelli P4 Four SeasonsYokohama Avid Ascend


T i R ES 215

Within types, in perfornnance order.

Brand & model Overall score Three-seasDndriving

'S1ai

Winter Comfortdriving

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PERFORMANCE ALL SEASON H-SPEED RATED

^ Michelin Primacy iVIXV4

^ Continental PureContact

Nexen CP672

Pirelli P7Cinturato A/5

Michelin Piiot Exalto A/S

BFGoodrich Advantage T/A

DunlopSP Sport 7000 A/S

Cooper CS4 Touring

FUzion Touring

Falken Ziex ZE912

Uniroyai Tiger Paw Touring

Kumho Soius KHt6

Nokian WRG2

Duntop Signature il

:f Sumitomo HTR A/S POl

GT Radiai CliampiroVPl

Yokohama Avid ENVigor

Firestone Champion HR

. Firestone Precision Sport

Bridgestone Ecopia EP422

Quick Picks

PERFORMANCE ALL SEASONH-SPEED RATEDBest for ail weather conditions:

Michelin Primacy MXV4Continental PureContact

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Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Season

DuniopSP Sport 5000

Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring

DuniopSP Sport 7000 A/S

GT Radial Champiro 228

BFGoodrich Advantage T/A

Cooper C54 Touring

Sumitomo HTR A/S POl

Yoiioiiama VK580

Kumlio Ecsta LX Platinum

Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring

Bridgestone Turanza Serenity

i1ani(ook Optimo H426

Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval AS

Bridgestone Ecopia EP422

Yokohama Avid ENVigor

Toyo Versado LX II

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PERFORMANCE ALL SEASON

V-SPEED RATED

Best for all-weather performance:

Continental PureContact

Michelin Primacy MXV4

Best balance of three-season performance

and lonq tread life:

Mictielin Primacy MXV4


Ti R ES 217

Within types, in perfornuance order.

Brand S model Overall score Three-season driving Winter |Comrort|drivin

100

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UHP ALL-SEASON

Pirelli P Zero Nero All SeasonCooper Zeon RS3-ASumitomo HTR A/S POlMicheiin Pilot Sport A/S PlusYokohama Avid ENVigorContinental Extreme ContactDWSSumitomo HTR *Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTZ A/SBFGoodrich g-Force SuperSport A/SHitto Premium NT850Bridgestone PotenzaRE960AS, Pole PositionGoodyear Eagle Fl All SeasonGoodyear Eagle GTFalken ZiexZE9l2Kumho Ecsta ASXYokohama Advan S.4.Dunlop SP Sport SignatureMaxxis Victra Z4SNittoNeoGen

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Quick Picks

UHP ALL-SEASON TIRESBest for all weather oondltlons:

Pirelli P Zero Nero All SeasonCooper Zeon RS3-ASumitomo HTR A/S POl

Other very good choices:iviichelin Piiot Sport A/S PlusYoiiohama Avid ENViqorContinental Extreme Contact DWS

Best for long tread life:Cooper Zeon RS3-AMicheiin Pilot Sport A/S Plus of 85Consume Report Buying Guide 2013



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0 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

0 Continental Extreme Contact DW

0 Hankook Ventus V12 evo

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Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT

BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW

Kumho Ecsta SPT

Bridqestone Potenza RE050A PolePosition

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Dunlop Direzza Sport Zl Star Spec

Bridgestone Potenza RE76O Sport

Yokohama Advan Sport

Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy

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Sumitomo HTR Zlll

Maxxis Victra MA-Zl

Nitto iNVO

Falken FK-452

Fuzion Zri

Yokohama S.drive

Quick Picks

UHP SUMMER TiRES

Best Ui-iP summer tires overail:

Michelin Pilot Super Sport

Goodyear Eagle Fl Asymmetric

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

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Continental Extreme Contact DW

Hankook Ventus V12 evo


T I R E S 219


Brand & modei Overall score Winter Three-season Comfortdriving driving

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WINTER TiRES

[ 7 ] Michelin X-lce Xi3 I

0 Michelin X-lce Xi2 I

0 Hankook Winter Tcept evo I

0 Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero Serie II I

0 Uniroyal Tiger Paw Ice & Snov» II I

0 Bridgestone BlizzakWS70 INokian Hakkapeliitta R I

Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT I

BFGoodrich Winter Slalom KSI I

Continental ExtremeWinterContact I

General Alrimax Arctic I

Hankook Winter l*Pike I

Falken Espia EPZ I

Dunlop Graspic DS-3 I

Yokohama iceGuard ig20 I

Firestone Winterforce I

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WINTER TIRES

Best for severe winter drivinq conditions:

Michelin X-lce Xi3

Michelin X-lce Xi2.

Uniroyal Tiger Paw Ice & Snow II

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

Best for most driving conditions:

Hankook Winter l*cept evo

Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero Serie II




Brand & model Overall score Winter Three-season Comfortdriving driving

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PERFORiMANCE WINTER TIRES

Nokian WR G2

Hankook Winter i*cept evo

Michelin Piiot Aipin PA3

Nokian Hai<kapeiiitta R

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 30

Bridgestone Biizzai< WS60

Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme

Toyo Snowprox S952

Bridgestone Biizzai< LM-60

Nokian Hai<i<apeiiitta5

Pirelli Sottozero Winter 240 Series II

Yokohama W.drive

Ratings Better <Key © a O Recommended

Quick Picks

PERFORMANCE WiNTER TiRESBest for severe winter conditions:

Nokian WRG2Hankook Winter i*cept evoMichelin Pilot Alpin PA3


T I R E S 221


Brand & model Overallscore

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Micheiin LTX M/S'

Micheiin X Radial IV

Continentai CrossContact LX20

EcoPlus

Micheiin Latitude Tour HP

Micheiin Latitude Tour

Hankook Dynapro HT

Nokian WR G2 Sport Utility

Gênerai General Grabber HTS

Goodyear Wrangler SR-A

Cooper Discoverer CTS

Nokian HT Sport Utility '"

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza H

Kumho Road Venture APT KL51

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza T

BFGoodrich Long Trail T/A Tour

Duniop Rover H/T

Maxxis 750 Bravo H/T

Firestone Destination LE

NexenRoad¡anHT5UV

Toyo Open Country H/T

Uniroyai Laredo Cross Country

Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S G051

Pireiii Scorpion STR A

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ALL-SEASON TRUCK TIRES

Best for most weather conditions:

Michelin LTX M/S'

Michelin X Radial LT'

Continental CrossContact LX20 EicoPlus

Michelin Latitude Tour HP

Michelin Latitude Tour


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0 Cooper Discoverer MV I

0 Micheiin LTX MV I

0 Hankook Dynapro ATM I

0 Kumho Road Venture AT KL-78 I

0 Kumho Road Venture SAT KL61 I

Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2 I

BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain I

Pireiii Scorpion ATR I

Toyo Open Country A/T I

Firestone Destination A/T I

Bridgestone Dueler APT IV I

Nexen Roadian AT II I

Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S G0121

Quick Picks

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ALL-TERRAIN TRUCK TIRESBest for most weather conditions:

Cooper Discoverer A/VMichelin LTX (K/VHani(ook Dynapro ATM

Kumho Road Venture AT KL-78Kumho Road Venture SAT KL51

For longer tread life:Michelin LTX A/V

Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based on 12 to 14 tests, with braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance weighedmost heaviiy for most tires. Snow traction and ice braking weigh more heavily for winter tires. Brakingtests on dry pavement are from 60 mph; on wet pavement, from 40 or 60 mph; and on ice, from10 mph. Handling, in most cases, combines how weil a tire did in wet and dry cornering grip, steer-ing feel, and an emergency handling maneuver. Wet handling for UHP tires is evaluated by drivingthe car through a wet slalom course, and includes wet cornering grip. Dry handling for UHP tirescombines the emergency handling maneuver, dry cornering grip, and steering feel. Hydroplaningdenotes a tire's ability to resist skimming along the surface of standing water and causing loss ofsteering abiiity. Snow traction tests denote how far a vehicle has to travel to accelerate from 5 to20 mph on fiat, moderately packed snow. Ride and noise are evaluated subjectively, on rough andsmooth roads. Rolling resistance, as measured on a dynamometer, is a factor in fuel economy. Treadlife is an indicator of wear potential from CR's extended mixed driving test run on the government'stread wear course. of 85Consume Report Buying Guide 2013

223

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2013 VOLUME 77, No. 13

CONSUMER REPORTSPresident: James GuestChief Operating Officer: Laurence Bunin

THE BUYING GUIDEEditor, Books and Special Publications: David SchiffEditor, Buying Guide: Susan RandolManaging Editor, Autos: Jonathan LinkovAssociate Director, Scheduling: Nancy CrowfootCoordinating Editor/Master Content: Merideth MergelEditorial Assistants: Decarris Bryant, Karen GrantDesign Manager: Rosemary SimmonsSenior Art Director: Lisa SlaterPage Composition: Terri KazinTechnology Specialist: Jennifer DixonProduction Manager: Eric NorlanderPrepress: Frank Collado, Wayne Lizardi,Anthony Terzo

EDITORIALDIVISIONDeputy Editorial Director; Editor in Chief, CR:Kimberly KlemanDirector, Content Operations: David FoxExecutive Editor, Franchises: Greg DaughertyDesign Director: Timothy LaPaimeEditor ih Chief, Online Media: Rachel HagerCRTV News Director: Kathryn BegleyAutomotive Editor: Rik PaulElectronics Editor: Paul ReynoldsDeputy Editor, Electronics: Eileen McCooeyEditorial Director, Health: Ronni SandroffHome Editor: Robert Markovich

PUBLISHING DIVISIONSenior Director and Chief Marketing Officer:Jamie DarnowVice President, Health: Paige AmidonDirector, Business Development: Carol LappinDirector, Content Ouality Management: Franklacopellj

. Associate Director, Newsstand Marketing: PatriciaMcSorleySenior Circulation Associate: Josephine BiondiAssociate Director, Publishing Operations & BusinessAffairs: Steve Schiavone

Vice President, Communications: Kenneth Weine

TECHNICAL DIVISIONVice President and Technical Director:Liam McCormack

Deputy Technical Director, Yonkers: Mark ConnellyDirector, Consumer Safety Group: Urvashi RanganAssociate Director, Appliances & Home Improve-ment Operation: James NanniAssociate Director, Home Improvement:John GaleotafioreProgram Manager, Product intelligence. Appliancesand Home Improvement: Celeste MonteManager, Technical Support, Appliances and Homeimprovement: Michael ViscontiFacilities Manager, Auto Test Center: Erik DillSenior Director, Electronics Operation: EvonBeckfordAssociate Director, Audio, Video, & Imaging:Gerard CatapanoManager, Technical Support, Electronics Operation:James LangehennigProgram Manager, Product Intelligence,Electronics Operation: Michael VallarloVice President, Operations Division: CarolynClifford-FerraraDirector, Health & Consumer Science Operation:Karen RauenAssociate Director, Product Intelligence, Health &Consumer Science Operation: Julie LevineManager, Food and Sensory Sciences: Maxine SiegelDirector, Statistics & Data Ouality Management:Michael Saccucci

CONSUMER REPORTS NATIONAL RESEARCHCENTER, SURVEY DIVISIONDirector: Mark KotkinAssociate Director: Donato VaccaroManager: Elissa Schuler-AdairProigram Leader: David GopoianSenior Associate: Rosalind TordesillasAssociates: Andrew Schwartz, Simon Slater, KarenJaffe, Amanda MorenoSurvey Research Coordinator: John McCowen

BOARD or DIRECTORSWalter Bristol, ChairThomas A. Wathen, Vice ChairSteven Hill, TreasurerDiane Archer, SecretaryMarcia Aronoff, Robert Baensch, Barbara Friedman,Anthony Iton, Carol Izumi, Annette LoVoi, HeatherMcGhee, Edmund Mierzwinski, Craig Newmark,Willard Ogburn, Martin Schneider, Micah Sifry.Thomas C. Voice

CONSUMER REPORTS magazine (ISSN 0010-7174} is published monthly, except twice in December, by CONSUMER REPORTS, 101 TrumanAvenuo, Yonkers, NY 10703-1057. Periodicals postage paid at Yonkers, NY, and at other mailing offices. Canadian postage paid at Mississauga,Ontario, Canada. Canadian publications registralion no. 2665247-98, agreement number 400Î5H8. CONSUMUR REPORTS' is a registeredtrademark in the United Stales, Canada and Mexico. Contents of this issue copyright © 2012 by CONSUMER REPORTS. Al! rights reserved.Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without prior written permission (and is never permitted for commercial purposes). CR is amember of Consumers International. Mailing lists: CR rents or exchanges its customer postal list so it can be provided to other publications,companies, and nonprofit organizations. If you wish your name deleted from lists and rentals, send your address label with a request fordeletion to CONSUMER REPORTS, P.O. Box 2127, Hadan, IA 51593-0316. U.S. Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 2109. Harlan,IA 51593-0298. If the Post Office alerts us that your magazines are undeliverable, we have no further obligation to fulfill your ^v- "»^magazines unless we have a corrected address within two years. Canada Post; If copies are undeliverabie, return to CONSUMER / QrREPORTS, P.O. Box 1051, STN MAIN, Port Erie, ON L2A 6C7. Back issues: Single copies of 12 preceding issues, $7.95 each; 7Buying Guide, $14.49 each (includes shipping and handling). Write Back Issues, CONSUMER REPORTS, Customer Relations,101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, N.Y. 10703-1057. •



StateiTient of Ownership, Management, and Circulation(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)

1. Publication Title; Consumer Reports.2. Publication No: 0010-7174.3. Filing Date:August 22,2012.4. Issue Frequency: Monthly,except two issues in December.5. No. ot Issues Published Annually: 13.6. Annual Subscription Price: $29.7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Otficeof Publication: Consumer Reports Inc.,101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10703-1057.8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquartersor General Business Office of Publisher:Consumer Reports Inc., 101 Truman Avenue,Yonkers, NY 10703-1057.9. Full Names andComplete Mailing Addresses of Publisher,Editor, and Managing Editor. Publisher:Consumer Reports Inc., 101 Truman Avenue,Yonkers, NY 10703-1057.President: James A. Guest; Editorial Director,Editor in Chief: Kimberly Kleman;

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation:Print Magazine, U.S. and Canada

Managing Editor: Robert Tiernan. 10. Owner:(If the publication is published by a nonprofitorganization, its name and address must bestated.) Full Name: Consumer Reports Inc.,a nonprofit organization. Complete MailingAddress: 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY10703-1057.11. Known Bondholders, Mort-gagees, and Other Security Holders Owningor Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amountof Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities.If none, so state: None. 12/For Completion byNonprofit Organizations Authorized to Mailat Special Rates: The purpose, function, and.nonprofit status of this organization andthe exempt status for federal income taxpurposes has not changed during preceding12 months. 13. Publication title:Consumer Reports. 14. Issue Date forCirculation Data below: October 2012.

Average no. copieseach issue duringpast 12 mo.

No. copies ofsingle issue published-nearest to filing date

A. Total no. of copies (net press run) 4,544.790B. Paid circulation

1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptionsstated on Form 3541 3.969,6922. Maiied in-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541 03. Saies through deaiers. carriers, street vendors,counter saies, and other non-USPS paid distribution 102,7834. Other ciasses maiied through the USPS 0

C. Totai paid distribution(sum of 15ba), (2), (3), and (4)) 4,072,475

D. 1. Free or Nominai Rate Outside-CountyCopies included on PS Form 3541 1,129

2. Free or Nominai Rate in-County inciuded on PS form 3541 03. Free or Nominai Rate Copies Maiied at Other 0

Ciasses Through the USPS (e.g. First-Ciass Maii)4. Free or Nominai Rate Distribution Outside the Maii

(Carriers or other means) 13,072E. Totai free distribution (sum of 15d(l) and (4)) 14,201F Totai distribution (sum of 15c and 15e) 4,086,677G. Copies not distributed 458,113H. TOTAL (sum of 15f and 15g) 4,544790I. Percent paid and/or requested circuiation 99.65%

4,561,738

4,034.5200

80,0000

4,114,520

1,13300

11,90513,038

4,127.558434,180

4,561,738

99.68%

17. r certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.JoAnne Boyd, Sr. Director, Business Planning S Analysis


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