U.S. gas prices—December 31, 2007

Gas prices jump significantly higher in most areas around the country.

National retail fuel price averages

Price

Change from last week

Regular gasoline/gallon	$3.05	↑  .07
Diesel fuel/gallon	$3.35	↑ .04

Regional regular gasoline prices

Price

Change from last week

East Coast	$3.07	↑ .06
-New England	$3.09	↑  .02
-Central Atlantic	$3.10	↑  .04
-Lower Atlantic	$3.03	↑  .08
Midwest	$3.03	↑  .11
Gulf Coast	$2.92	↑  .08
Rocky Mountain	$2.92	↓ .01
West Coast	$3.22	↑  .04
-California	$3.30	↑  .04

Source: Energy Information Administration, 12/31/07

Automotive resolutions

The end of 2007 is fast approaching and that means it’s time for New Year’s resolutions. Many people make resolutions to lose weight, get into shape, or save money—while all good goals, what is the fun in that? Being the CR Cars blog, we thought we would invite readers to share their automotive resolutions.

Some suggestions are to resolve to be a safer driver by stopping distractions such as not talking on the cell phone or texting while driving. The New Year could be the time to finally indulge in your driving fantasy and buy the dream car you’ve always wanted, or “go green” and buy a hybrid or more fuel efficient vehicle. The year 2008 could be the time to break in the new portable GPS you received for the holidays and take a road trip. Thinking big: If each motorist vowed to improve their driving behavior and reduce fuel consumption, together, we could make the automotive world shine brighter one driveway at a time.

Whatever your resolutions may be, we invite you to share your ideas and thoughts in the Comments below.

Have a safe and healthy New Year!

—Liza Barth

Winter driving safety

The winter season is upon us and that means—for those of us living in frosty locations—snow, ice, and cold. It can also mean hazardous road conditions and dangerous driving situations. Here are some tips on how to be prepared on the roads this winter. Also, check out our winter driving hub for advice on car maintenance, tires, and safety.

• Visibility is vital. In the winter months, visibility is compromised by the salt, dirt, and precipitation that are kicked up from other vehicles onto your windshield. Make sure you have enough windshield fluid and choose one that has antifreeze. If your wipers are showing streaks of water, it’s time to clean or possibly replace the blades.

• Check your charge. Before you go shopping for a new battery, get your battery tested by a repair shop as part of an annual safety inspection. It is particularly important to test your battery if it is more than two years old and you live in a warmer climate or four years old and you live in a colder climate.

• Inspect tires. It’s a good idea to replace worn tires before the winter months. Partially worn or fully worn tires can significantly reduce your ability to get going, turn and stop in snowy conditions. Consider replacing summer or all-season tires with a set of dedicated winter tires, which have tread patterns and rubber compounds specially designed to grip snow and ice.

• Check your cooling system. Extreme cold can cause rubber parts to become brittle and fail. Check the radiator and heater hoses for cracking, leaking, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable when you squeeze them. Replace them if they feel brittle or overly soft. For most vehicles, the cooling system should be flushed at least every two years (check your owner's manual). This helps keep corrosion from building up in the system. The system should be refilled with a mixture of antifreeze and water, typically in a 50/50 ratio. This will keep your coolant from freezing to well below zero.

• Fill ‘er up. Make sure you have half a tank of gas in your car during the winter months as it will help prevent it from freezing in very cold temperatures.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR WINTER DRIVING

For the cold, wet conditions of winter, you may need additional items in an emergency kit, especially if you travel in remote areas or in severe conditions.

Windshield scraper. Good visibility is your most important safety item, but persistent snow and ice can build up quickly and make it hard to see. A long-handled, soft-bristled brush can also come in handy.

Tire chains and tow strap. Familiarize yourself with how to put the chains on your vehicle's tires or attach a tow strap before you need to do it in cold and possibly dark conditions.

Blanket and winter hat. If you run out of fuel or if your battery dies, the vehicle won't be able to provide heat. A blanket and hat can help keep you warm if you have to wait for a long time in cold conditions.

Chemical hand warmers. These small, inexpensive packets are available at ski shops and sporting-goods stores.

Small folding shovel. If you get stuck in snow, this can be a vital tool. A folding camping-style shovel will require more digging effort than a longer-handled shovel, but is more convenient to store in the vehicle.

Bag of cat litter. This can help provide some traction on an especially slick road surface.

—Liza Barth

From the logbook: Subaru WRX

Ask anyone who works at the track about which five or so cars have left an indelible mark and it's possible that the Subaru WRX might make everyone's list. We've tested several iterations over the years: 2002 WRX, 2004 WRX STi, and 2006 WRX TR. And since the WRX is redesigned for 2008, well, naturally we MUST test one. Our Blue Mica sedan set us back $25,169, and it has been on the road several months already. This new model has drawn lots of comments - both pro and con - on what Subaru has done to one of our favorite cars.

Below are our testers raw, initial impressions as the WRX continues through the testing process:

"Still love the powertrain - awesome midrange punch pulls really hard."

"Feels like a pared-down Legacy GT now rather than a WRX."

"Good shifter feel, and the clutch seems just about right."

"Although a little softer [than the last model], it does ride better and quieter - still fun to drive, still very agile."

"Very good snow traction. ESC kicks in quickly and works well - unlike the Outback 3.0RVDC we tested in '06."

"Rides a bit better, but much less confident when pushed."

"Steering is linear but could be quicker."

"This WRX simply isn't as edgy as the last one...and I'm not sold on the new styling."

"Meager 200-plus mile fuel range."

"Interior has been upgraded, but seats still aren't very nice."

"Fun, fun, fun: A joy to drive, just not to sit in...I can't find a comfortable seat position."

"Seat bolsters are way too wide and the seats don't have enough lower-back support."

"Steering wheel doesn't go high enough - blocks some gauges."

"Complaints include a still too cramped rear seat and buried LATCH anchors."

"Automatic climate control calibration is either 'freeze' or 'roast.'"

"[The trunk] has no place to lift the lid; consequently, the chrome trim is loose from people using it as a handle."

"More refined than previous WRX, and now has drivability for normal use around town."

So, as you can see, the new WRX is a mixed bag. It's still powerful and fun to drive. However, it might have lost some of its appeal in a cautious step toward the mainstream (a term I never imagined using when describing a WRX). This line about sums it up for us: "Lost some of its raw character, but still fun to drive."

—Mike Quincy

U.S. gas prices—December 24, 2007

Gas prices decrease or remain unchanged around the country.

National retail fuel price averages

Price

Change from last week

Regular gasoline/gallon	$2.98	↓ .02
Diesel fuel/gallon	$3.31	0

Regional regular gasoline prices

Price

Change from last week

East Coast	$3.01	↓ .01
-New England	$3.07	↓ .01
-Central Atlantic	$3.06	0
-Lower Atlantic	$2.95	↓ .02
Midwest	$2.92	↓ .03
Gulf Coast	$2.84	↓ .01
Rocky Mountain	$2.93	↓ .04
West Coast	$3.18	↓ .02
-California	$3.26	↓ .02

Source: Energy Information Administration, 12/24/07

Personal picks: 3-row SUVs

This month’s test group, 3-row SUVs, covered a segment often cited as the family vehicle of choice for many suburban families. The reason? Three-row SUVs have near-minivan practicality but with an adventurous, truck-like appearance. Several staffers here at the track praise minivans as the single, best family vehicle of all time. Yet, at least in my kid-filled neighborhood, I hear parents say over and over, “I know minivans are practical, but I just can’t see myself as a minivan driver.”

Along with 3-row SUVs, we also tested the redesigned Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. Neither impressed us very much and didn’t come close to unseating the perennial top-scoring Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.

Here are our picks for this month:

Rick Small: My choice here is the Honda Pilot. Being the tallest auto tester (I'm 6’ 4”), I appreciate the roomy, comfortable driving position with ample leg and head room. The Pilot is reliable and has a responsive drivetrain. It also has more car-like in handling and ride than many SUVs in this class. It excels in utility by having three rows of seats and being able to carry 4x8 building materials. Finally, it has a decent towing capacity. I would also consider the new Mazda CX-9, since it also has three rows of seats and feels sporty for its size. Its driving position is also roomy. The new Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia is also worth a look, but the drivetrain tends to shift gears more often than I like.

Gabe Shenhar: After our July ’07 group of upscale SUVs, my choice was the Acura MDX. But in this category of mid-priced $30,000-$40,000 models, it’s not so clear-cut anymore. Now I would probably choose the Honda Pilot, since it feels very similar to the MDX but costs a whole lot less. Plus, this way I would be putting my money where my mouth is—I’ve recommended the Pilot to several of my friends and neighbors. (They’re still my friends, by the way.) But the Pilot’s redesign is right around the corner —the 2009 redesign arrives in early summer 2008—and I’m hoping Honda does away with the column shifter, which was the only thing that bugged me about the Pilot.

Tom Mutchler: My family has owned Buicks in the past—my first car was a hand-me-down 1981 Buick Electra. I also drove my dad’s ‘86 Park Avenue to my prom. So driving our Buick Enclave creates something of a disconnect for me, as it is a clear sign of how so-very-far Buick (and GM) has come. This big SUV looks great, inside and out, and handles quite well. I took our Enclave to Pennsylvania with our kayaks in the minivan-like cargo area and found it to be a wonderfully quiet and relaxing way to travel.

Well, mostly. I also drove our Enclave to Lime Rock Park race track for a Skip Barber driving class. There’s nothing relaxing about how the 3.6-liter V6 has to struggle to keep the 5100-lb Enclave at speed on hills. Despite having the transmission reprogrammed, it still has to frequently shift two or three gears to keep up, creating big jumps in engine rpm that break the calm and frustrate the driver. Several of my fellow staff members consider this a deal-breaker. A bit of advice: if you’re considering one of GM’s excellent Lambda SUVs (Enclave/Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia) and you live where there are hills, make sure your test drive ventures from the straight and flat. Rumor has it that GM will add the more powerful direct-injection version of this engine at some point—it needs it STAT.

So what would I pick? The Toyota Highlander is very, very competent, but I find it downright boring. Same goes for the Ford Taurus X. Sure, the cramped Subaru Tribeca is enjoyable to drive. But the stylish Mazda CX-9 has more room and an earlier trip on the back roads to Lime Rock showed that it’s ready for the hills and curves. (Pity about the below average reliability, though.)

Mike Quincy: Since all these models make fairly decent family vehicles, I spent a lot of time in all of them. My young sons loved the rear-seat DVD player in the Ford Taurus X that we drove to Maine. I appreciated the Subaru Tribeca’s handling on some of CT’s beautiful back roads en route to the Fall Vintage Festival at Lime Rock Park. And the Buick Enclave’s cavernous cargo area has made holiday shopping a snap. All of them are remarkably adequate, but none (especially the top-scoring Toyota Highlander) are engaging. However, I like the approach GM is taking with the Enclave/Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia. With a bit more horsepower under the hood and better transmission performance, these, to me, are the ones to beat. And if GM could put a torquey turbo-diesel engine in them, the bummer of the standard V6’s 15 mpg overall might be solved.

2007 SEMA - A few of our favorite things

As the end of the year draws near, we have been talking around the offices about our dream automotive gifts, from improbable crate-engine transplants to benchmark production cars. The team who attended the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show last month was eager to share their personal picks from this massive Las Vegas event, with a decided classic-car bent. So we present a few of our favorite things... from SEMA.

Jim Travers: If you missed your chance to snap up a Yenko Stinger Camaro back when they were available to Nehru-jacketed customers in 1969, you've got another chance. Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists of Belews Creek, N.C., will be happy to build you a brand-new one. Using a new body shell from Dynacorn, a crate 427 motor from General Motors, and suspension, interior, trim and pieces from other suppliers, the Stinger Camaro shown at the 2007 SEMA show is accurate right down to the Yenko striping.

For those of you too young to remember, Don Yenko was the son of a Pennsylvania Chevrolet dealer who started a little cottage industry in the 1960s modifying Chevys for more performance and distributing them through a network of dealers in the Northeast. His Camaros got a 427-cubic inch V8 engine in place of the biggest powerplant offered in the Camaro at the time, a 396. Yenko also made suspension and cosmetic modifications, and, with very few built, his cars remain some of the most sought-after by Camaro collectors today.

Classic Automotive Restoration will even update the car if you like, keeping the look but adding a greater measure of safety and drivability with options like four-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension. The cost? The Hugger Orange model displayed at SEMA was priced at $125,000. That may seem like a considerable chunk of change for a brand new old car, but consider this: Vintage car pricing guide Cars That Matter shows a 1969 original Yenko Camaro in excellent condition could fetch about $399,000 today. Try getting that for your Nehru jacket.   

Tom Mutchler: You can take Tom to SEMA, but you can't quite take the minivan out of Tom. Way in the corner of Honda's SEMA stand sat a Honda Odyssey. This isn't any Odyssey though; it competed in the One Lap of America race. With a gutted interior, this Odyssey packs a turbocharged V6 with 400 horsepower at the wheels mated to a six-speed manual borrowed from an Acura TL Type-S. Forget rear video screens, heated seats, and "Lazy Susan" under-floor storage compartments. This hot-rod Odyssey had two racing seats with race harnesses, no air bags - and no dashboard, with just a racing digital display. (For some reason, the DVD drive remains.)  Sure, the One Lap Odyssey is a bit extreme, even for me, but it gets me thinking about an Odyssey with an Acura RL AWD drivetrain underneath...

My other pick is something completely different: a Volvo-based street rod. The Caresto V8 Speedster has a rear-mounted Volvo V8, Volvo's egg crate grille, and an aluminum and carbon-fiber body. Beautifully rendered, it updates a classic form (and I'm a sucker for the deep copper brown Scottish leather seats).

Bob Huerster: My favorite car among hundreds at the massive SEMA show was a humble 1965 Ford Mustang that appeals to me as much for the automobile as the story behind it. This Mustang revived a lot of fond memories. I recall being taken by the car's styling when it first came out. It was amazing how many of them quickly appeared in my neighborhood where my friend and I used to sit on the front porch of my house and count them as they went by. As sales grew, even two of my sisters bought a blue convertible and a red hard top.

This pristine example belonged to the wife of a former high-school drafting teacher of Scott Drake, a budding car enthusiast who went on to start a company that sells parts for Mustangs. This Mustang deteriorated badly over the years, and Drake decided to restore it as a gesture of gratitude to his former teacher, who he said helped shape the attitudes that lead to his success in business. A heart-warming story and a job well done, both recall the introduction of an American classic and fuel for my own automotive passion that still burns strong today.

We're interested to hear what automotive gifts you would most like to receive. Post in the Comments below.

Happy holidays!

—The CR Cars blog team.

Bagging the electronics

A friend recently remarked that he's had it with all of his mobile electronics. It's not that he doesn't find them useful and convenient, because he does. In fact, he loves them. But he says that he's finding himself more distracted by them than ever before.

"I was running late one morning," he said. "I confess that I put on my earpiece and paired it with my phone while merging onto the highway. It took me three tries.

"And I noticed that my phone was nearly out of juice so I plugged it into the cigarette lighter. On my iPod was my daughter's playlist, which contains songs by The Wiggles and Danna Banana, so I fumbled with the scroll wheel until I found Emmylou Harris. Later, I found myself staring at the GPS more than the road, because I didn't want to get lost. I nearly sledded into another car while trying to decipher what street I was supposed to merge onto."

So, my friend is attempting to forego the cabin gadgets for a few weeks (especially with our northeast roads morphing to ice), but he's really jonesing for that GPS unit. "It's the one thing I find hard to live without," he says. "But I fear I'll do some damage if I don't keep my eyes on the road."

Its ironic that so many cars come with so many newfangled safety devices, such as curtain air bags, stability control, blind-spot warning, and pre-collision systems at the very same time the electronics manufacturers are shoveling distracting devices to us. It's almost like the auto companies are building safer cars to protect consumers from their gadget addictions. Then again, automakers are tempting us with built-in nav systems, menu-based controls such as iDrive, iPod connections, and over 150 channels of satellite radio to scan through, perpetually.

If I had a holiday wish for automotive consumers, it would be that the next wave of mobile electronics would emphasize driving safety over finding other inventive ways to lure our attention away from driving.

I'd like to see stockings stuffed with GPS units with head-up displays that glisten on windshields. It would be a Bluetooth Christmas if mobile phones really paired seamlessly and invisibly with any car. Even better if they only take calls when the vehicle is not in motion. And surely, there's some miraculous workshop where somebody is tinkering with an MP3 player that employs voice-recognition technology.

Heck, while I'm in the spirit, let's go for some real holiday magic: I'd like to wake up one cold, crisp morning and discover that every car on the road once again has a conventional radio tuning knob, rather than an array of Chiclet-scale buttons or hockey-puck rotary controllers. If technology truly made life simpler and safer, befuddled commuters like my friend wouldn't scream "bah, humbug" in frustration.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

—Cliff Weathers

Understanding GPS navigation traffic services

Finding the right route to your destination is only part of the challenge with a road trip, be it daily commuting or a long-distance vacation. All the planning in the world can't account for sporadic traffic congestion. As any portable navigation device (PND) shopper soon discovers, there are traffic services available for GPS units to warn of imminent slow downs and even route around a problem area.

Adding true value to the basic mapping functions, traffic services can make a GPS unit a helpful travel companion on even familiar roads. However, not all traffic services work in the same manner. Before committing to a purchase, it is important to understand the differences.

There are three basic ways to receive traffic information:

Bluetooth—The navigation device uses your cell phone to receive the traffic information, which is beamed to the unit via Bluetooth technology. This method effectively requires your cell phone to have a data package, as a constant connection is needed to ensure continuous updates along your route. There are a limited amount of compatible phones, almost exclusive to T-Mobile and Cingular. TomTom units use this approach for the TomTom PLUS services.

FM—Using the same FM Radio Data System (RDS) that delivers station IDs and song information to modern stereos, sources like Navteq and Clear Channel Radio deliver traffic updates over the airwaves. An external antenna may be optional to assist with reception. FM traffic is most often a premium service, although some devices, like the recently evaluated Navigon 5100, include it for free.

A new twist on the traffic sources is MSN Direct from Microsoft. An FM-based service, MSN Direct is available on just a handful of models out of the box and several more are compatible with the purchase of an additional FM receiver. This service combines traffic information with weather, movie times, and gas prices. It costs $49.95 a year, or $129.95 for the lifetime of the device. It is non-transferable.

XM—XM NavTraffic is a premium service powered by Navteq. Plans allow for a$9.95/month stand-alone fee or $3.99/month when combined with XM Radio service. Some portable devices can be used to bring XM Radio service to the car, played through an FM transmitter. While convenient, this may not be the ideal solution for audio fidelity. FM transmitters run the risk of station overlap in major metropolitan areas where the services are most likely to be available. XM requires an antenna.

Living with traffic
With a traffic service, the navigation device will receive periodic updates based on your driving path or (if entered) programmed destination. It can provide on-screen alerts and even indicate the traffic flow rate. Usually the driver can tap a traffic icon to receive info on how long the delay is, what type of obstruction (accident, construction, lane closing), and then decide whether or not to detour around a trouble-spot.  Also, general traffic in the area can often be displayed by going into the menu of the unit and just browsing the traffic incidents.

While we do not specifically test traffic performance for our ratings (available to online subscribers), we certainly have used the functions as we drive around the New York City region. The major providers have coverage in about 80 major metro areas, covering the bulk of the nation's congested areas.

Drivers benefit from these services by receiving only the information appropriate to their route, rather than having to filter through periodic, on-air traffic reports. Such radio updates tend to focus on major trouble spots and may not address the road you're on. In New York, for example, it is not uncommon for reports to be focused on the city bridges and New Jersey, areas far from where we may be driving.

Like traditional radio reports, the traffic services can be spotty and experience time delays before some information enters the corporate system and is fed to your device. A week ago, I was in bumper-to-bumper, walking-pace traffic on an Interstate for an hour before the nav system indicated a traffic slow down. ("Gee, you finally noticed," I thought.) On the other hand, driving on a smaller parkway recently, I was impressed when the same device warned there was a disabled truck just moments before I saw an 18-wheeler at the side of the road with flares around it.

Traffic services can be a real convenience, and even a time saver, but they aren't  perfect. They can, however, add value to your GPS purchase by making it more useful on a daily basis. If you are drawn to a traffic service, look at all the costs associated before choosing a device. Many systems are "traffic compatible" but require a $125 receiver. That may be money better spent on a more feature-rich unit or even one with a wide screen.

Just as with the device itself, consider how many features you will truly need from a traffic service. If you buy gas at the same local station and look online for movie times, for example, you may be able to forgo MSN Direct. Likewise, if you don't think a traffic service is truly worth paying for, put the money toward a better, non-traffic unit, or just keep it in your pocket.

—Jeff Bartlett and Frank Spinelli


For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

Latest portable GPS navigation ratings

For you last-minute shoppers, as well as those looking to treat themselves with a helpful electronic gadget, we've just posted ratings on 13 new portable GPS navigation devices. This latest update includes units from Alpine, Cobra, Garmin, Harman-Kardon, LG, Magellan, Mio, Navigon, Pharos, and TomTom. The ratings are available to online subscribers, and they include scores for factors to help you make a better buying decision. We also posted a free First Look at the Garmin nuvi 200. (Full ratings of the nuvi 200 are in the charts and its product page.)

In addition, if you click on the brand name in the ratings chart, there is a detailed product page for each unit, with more testing data, specifications, and insights from our detailed evaluation. There is also a relatively new tool that may prove helpful: a GPS product selector. This selector allows you to filter the ratings list by myriad parameters to help find the one that's best for you. This interactive tool includes both tested and non-tested models.

One thing is clear from reviewing these products—it's  very hard to judge which does what simply by looking at the packaging or even the manufacturer's online information. Some enticing features, like real-time traffic information, can be confusing. Other considerations, such as ease of use and battery life, are just not possible to discern before buying. This is where we come in, as we do the testing for you. For these and many other reasons, we think you'll find the ratings valuable in making your purchase decision.

If you're not taking the plunge this month, look for continued coverage in the near future. We will further expand the ratings when we complete testing on units from Hewlett-Packard (HP), Jensen, Lowrance, Magellan, and ViaMichelin.

—Jeff Bartlett

Also read: "Road map to the best last-minute GPS deals."

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS with other shoppers and owners in the forums.

Minivan bumper tests show potential impact to your wallet

Bumpers don't bump well on the latest minivans, according to a recent test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Institute tested six minivans and found that the front and rear bumpers sustained from $5,000 to as much as $8,000 worth of damage in a series of four impacts. The tests included running each bumper directly into a barrier at 6 mph, as well as striking the  corner of each bumper at 3 mph.

Even though it is conducted at a higher speed, the flat barrier test should be easier to pass, according to IIHS, because the impact is spread over the full length of the bumper. Nevertheless, in the rear full-width test, the tailgate was bent and had to be replaced on both the Nissan Quest and the Toyota Sienna. The tail gates of the Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey,and Kia Sedona had more minor damage and could be repaired.  The Chevrolet Uplander did not sustain damage in this test. The Quest also fared poorly in the front full-width test, the only minivan to sustain damage to its hood in that test.

In the corner tests, all the minivans, except the Chevrolet Uplander and the Toyota Sienna, sustained damage to their headlights—expensive assemblies to repair.

The Nissan Quest sustained the most damage, overall, a total of $8,102 in the four tests. The Honda Odyssey performed the best, with $5,258 in damage.

Vehicle repair costs

• $5,258     Honda Odyssey 
• $5,495     Dodge Grand Caravan
• $5,726     Toyota Sienna
• $5,799     Chevrolet Uplander
• $6,525     Kia Sedona
• $8,102     Nissan Quest

None of the minivans are among the worst performers the Institute has subjected to its bumper tests. On average, the minivans' bumpers ride about an inch higher than those of passenger cars, so they're less likely to underride the bumpers of other cars than smaller cars are.

These tests don't indicate a safety problem with the minivans, but they do reveal how minor parking lot impacts can hit consumers in the pocketbook.

—Eric Evarts

See how vehicles performance IIHS crash tests, by choosing from over 200 videos.

From the logbook: Kia Amanti

Retro vehicles like the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Volkswagen New Beetle appeal to buyers who want to reach back to the past. But styling isn't the only way for a car to be retro.

Consider the Kia Amanti. Unlike many other cars, this big sedan isn't gunning for the BMW 3 Series. Instead, it's the modern reincarnation of the large Buicks, Mercurys, and Oldsmobiles of yore. (Since I owned a 1981 Buick Electra, I am really familiar with this type of car.) It's a "doctor's car"—something the town doctor bought that was posh and quiet, but not as flashy or expensive as a Lincoln or Cadillac.

Still, there is heart-warming retro—and then there is bad. When we tested the Amanti back in 2005, we wrote that "with reluctant handling and a lack of agility, the Amanti is the worst-handling passenger car we've recently tested." Since then, Kia altered the suspension and added a bigger engine with 64 more horsepower, so we bought a new Amanti to see what these changes bring. Here are some raw testers' notes from its logbook for our early impressions:

"Owner's manual is for an Optima, not Amanti!"

"Big sofa-like seats—and I sink into them just like my sofa."

"Certainly not my style, but lots of car for the $26K we paid."

"Ride is now stiffer with more impact harshness."

"Nice powertrain—smooth, refined, punchy, and good automatic."

"Much less floaty than it was."

"Interior is nicely finished and is very quiet even at speed."

"Radio controls are low. They should have switched with seat heaters and all those controls on the top row."

"Steering is overly light"

"I prefer the Azera. I got a wave from an (earlier) Amanti owner...joy."

"Beats Buick at its own game."

Do these changes improve the Amanti enough to elevate it in our Ratings? We'll soon see when we publish our test results in the February issue, to be posted online in January.

—Tom Mutchler

No flash-to-pass for Cadillac CTS, part 2

We've received an unusually high amount of feedback in response to my piece "The stalk that broke the Cadillac CTS' back" concerning the lack of flash-to-pass feature on some 2008 Cadillac CTS models. Some people's posts were more civilized than others, and evidently, a few hadn't finished reading the piece before (a-hem) pouncing. The common theme was how such a missing "minor feature" could detract from a car that's otherwise very impressive. Thanks to all who wrote. Well, almost all.

To restate: Flash-to-pass is a handy driver-communication tool. It's often used as a courtesy, say, in front of a school entrance, at a four-way stop sign as a "go ahead, after you" statement, or "Please let me pass, thank you" on a freeway. Other uses are to signal to a tractor-trailer truck that just passed you that it's OK to merge back to the right lane.

The feature also has safety implications. Let's say you are on a two-lane highway and a distracted motorist is veering toward you, poised for a head-on collision. Able to get his/her attention with a few high-intensity flashes with a simple pull of the stalk gives you a fighting chance to avoid a disaster. (Sounding the horn is unlikely to help in this instance because of the speed and the direction of the sound waves.) I experienced such a scenario years ago in Arizona. Luckily, flashing my high beams alerted the other driver in time to avert a potential crash.

Some posters/owners have commented that the CTS has flash-to-pass even with the (HID) bi-xenon headlights. It is easy to think that you have it if the headlights are in "Auto" mode and the ambient light is low enough to dictate that the low beams should be on. But there is NO flash-to-pass with the bi-xenon lights. We confirmed this with GM. It only exists on CTS models with the base FE1 suspension equipped with halogen lamps.

All in all, I'm delighted with the discussion the previous post initiated. The issue is being discussed on other forums as well, such as at VW Vortex and GM Inside News. Ultimately, this discussion could benefit all drivers, as well as GM's engineers and designers. It may have even hastened an update to the CTS: The latest word from GM is that the flash-to-pass fix will arrive sooner than 2010, which was the original target date.

Needless to say, we enjoy shedding light on subjects such as these. And value your feedback.

—Gabe Shenhar

Cars as status symbols

With cars, you wear your status on the road. Everyone knows which ones are the most expensive. The brand marking is clear. In our recent Mercedes E-Class sedan, I was constantly reminded of what vehicle I was driving, because the emblem on the hood was staring right at me, as well as several Tri-Star logos throughout the interior. With clothing, you can buy cheap knock offs and still look presentable. There is no hiding a brand while driving a car. Removing the trunk-mounted badge doesn't fool anyone.

A friend of mine recently learned a thing about rolling status symbols when he purchased a Lexus ES350. He was previously driving a Corolla and spends a lot of time on the road. He was looking for something roomier and more comfortable. He bought the 2007 ES used and got a great deal, spending about as much as one would for a new, well-equipped Toyota Camry. He drove the new car to work and immediately got many comments from co-workers like, "Nice car, you must be doing well." His colleagues inquired about his increase in status and remarked on his assumed financial situation. He told me he felt very uncomfortable by everyone's comments and didn't expect those reactions.

Of course, many people buy expensive cars (even if they can't afford it) just to show-off or project an image or wealth or importance. Those people would probably welcome the comments my friend received. However, not all wealthy people prefer driving expensive cars. For Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, he preferred practical over showy. He commented on his choice of vehicle: "Why do I drive a pickup truck? What am I supposed to haul my dogs around in, a Rolls-Royce?"

The hybrid image
Besides buying a car for status, now people buy cars for the image or message it makes. Take the Toyota Prius, for example. It has become a rolling bumper sticker for the environmental movement. Driving one makes a strong statement, proving the owner practices what they preach. In a recent New York Times article Prius owners said they liked the fact that they drive a car that is known as a hybrid rather than buying, for example, a Ford Escape with a small hybrid logo. They like that it is obvious and clear. It seems others agree since sales of the Prius are up almost 70 percent so far this year. At a time when conscious environmentalism has become cool and politically correct--and high fuel economy desirable—a hybrid vehicle serves as a symbol of commitment to saving fuel and preserving the environment.

As learned from my automotive personality experiment, whether you buy a car for status, fashion, comfort, or the environment, you are what you drive. For me, it's nice to drive various test vehicles that I wouldn't normally have the opportunity to, but I still enjoy getting back into my own cars. They are more a reflection of me. I don't need to be showy, bold, or flashy. I opt for safe, reliable, affordable and fuel efficient. Of course, there are cars on my list that I would like to own someday, but in the meantime, I'll enjoy taking on these temporary personalities.

—Liza Barth 

What does your car say about your personality? Is that the image you want to convey? Or does image not matter to you? Post your comments below.

U.S. gas prices—December 17, 2007

Gas prices go down in most areas, but increase in the Midwest.

National retail fuel price averages

Price

Change from last week

Regular gasoline/gallon	$3.00	0
Diesel fuel/gallon	$3.31	↓ .02

Regional regular gasoline prices

Price

Change from last week

East Coast	$3.02	↓ .01
-New England	$3.08	↓ .01
-Central Atlantic	$3.06	↓ .02
-Lower Atlantic	$2.97	↓ .01
Midwest	$2.94	↑ .05
Gulf Coast	$2.85	↓ .03
Rocky Mountain	$2.97	↓ .04
West Coast	$3.21	↓ .04
-California	$3.29	↓ .04

Source: Energy Information Administration, 12/17/07

GPS navigation system owners are highly satisfied

Owners of portable GPS navigation systems are a satisfied bunch, but the systems are not without their problems. According to a recent J.D. Power and Associates survey, 95 percent of people said their GPS unit meets or exceeds their expectations, but nearly two-thirds of owners have experienced problems.

Consumers are most satisfied with the appearance and voice directions of the systems, but the speed of information ranks lowest in the survey. The most problematic issues found among portable navigation devices are the accuracy of the route and mounting the system in the car.

Other findings reveal that owners would like to have additional features on their GPS units such as real-time traffic, weather forecasts, voice commands, and speed alerts. These features are absent on the low-cost, heavily advertised devices, but they are readily available on mid- and high-priced units. A significant 25 percent of owners want an iPod compatible device and 26 percent would like a camera in their unit.

The study was based on responses from 4,013 GPS owners of major brands such as Garmin, Magellan, Mio, and TomTom and measured six factors of satisfaction: ease of use, routing, appearance, speed, voice directions, and display screen.

How to be even more satisfied
When looking to buy a GPS unit, make sure you know the retail or online store’s return policy, so if you are dissatisfied with the model you purchased, you can return it easily. The study noted that customers who contacted the manufacturer directly for support were more satisfied than those who returned the model back to the store.

GPS units have a variety of features, but they vary between models. For example, traffic capabilities on most models are provided with a subscription service and some need an additional receiver, so you would have to pay extra. This may not be readily apparent when browsing units in a store. Research the products to understand their performance, features, and determine the right balance for your budget.

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS with other shoppers and owners in the forums.

—Liza Barth

Road map to the best last-minute GPS deals

For holiday shoppers, the countdown is on for buying a high-tech gift—especially for those looking to order online. To allow for shipping time, many online retailers are urging consumers to order by December 18th. For some, there is real encouragement to do so, with sites like Amazon providing free shipping. Wait any longer and you’ll have to buck up for a premium shipping solution, or buy locally.

In scanning advertised deals and online prices, we find that the current offers generally don’t match the deep, door-busting deals from Black Friday. However, there are attractive prices available on portable navigation devices (PNDs) that are often significantly less than full-priced offerings just one month ago. (We’ve seen it with our own purchases, having acquired more than 20 units in the past month for testing. For example, we bought the Navigon 5100 for $550 and have recently seen it priced under $300.)

Many of the retailers we’ve been monitoring are of the click-and-mortar variety, providing all the research and convenience benefits of online shopping, with the ability to pick-up and/or return the merchandise locally. However, each store has its own rules, and it pays to check the details before purchasing. For example, most SamsClub.com deals are online only, but you can return the products at a local store. Some items are eligible to be ordered online and picked up locally. Costco.com offers convenient return to stores or by mail. A members-only site, Bjs.com does not allow for local returns. The details can be dizzying. Chase the best prices, and then scan the FAQs before placing an order. While there, be sure to look for a price-matching policy. Given the volatility of GPS prices this season, this can add extra protection.

Finding the deals
In searching for last-minute deals, we focused on major, brand-name retailers, though some online-only stores grabbed our attention. Of course, other retailers may offer similar or even better deals. It is worth doing your own online price search, though these deals do give you a good benchmark by which to judge other offers. In all cases, be sure to confirm the sale specifics. Prices, dates, and availability are all subject to change.

In the end, remember to do your research. (Complete portable GPS navigation system ratings are available to CR online subscribers. From the main ratings chart, click on any model for detailed specs and information.) The devices we've tested in the past will all handle basic mapping chores, though there are key differences in ease of use, screen size, features, battery life, routing options, and driver information. Read our free buying advice to learn more. Or watch our video on GPS buying.

We've collected a few standout offers on units that have tested well, as well as other untested models from Garmin, Magellan, and TomTom that warrant a closer look. These brands have typically performed average or better in our recent tests.

Christmas shipping cut-offs
Below are the dates that the featured online retailers are advising orders be placed by to ensure the items are received by December 25th without a rush shipping premium. Clearly, the countdown is on.

Best Buy—Order by 11am EST 12/20 (standard).
Amazon*—Order by 12/17 for free shipping, order by 12/18 for standard shipping.
BJ’s—Shipping varies.
BuyDig—7-9 business days for free shipping.
Circuit City—Order by 1pm 12/19. Standard shipping.
Costco—Express shipping is 3-5 days.
Sam’s Club—Order by 12/18. Standard shipping.
Wal-Mart—Order by 12/18. Standard shipping.
West Marine—Free ground shipping. No date guidelines.
*Note: On Amazon, a number of models are fulfilled by outside companies and may have different shipping deadlines.

—Liza Barth and Jeff Bartlett

Current online GPS deals

Garmin nuvi 200
$179.00 Amazon, free shipping
$185.74 Sam‘s Club
$187.00 BuyDig.com, free shipping
$199.99 Circuit City, free shipping
$198.54 Wal-Mart
$194.99 West Marine, free shipping

Garmin nuvi 200W
$230.26 Amazon
$249.99 West Marine, free shipping
$249.99 Costco

Garmin nuvi 250
$224.84 Amazon.com
$238.97 BuyDig.com, free shipping

Garmin nuvi 250W
$279.30 Amazon
$299.99 BJ’s

Garmin nuvi 260
$273.49 BuyDig, free shipping

Garmin nuvi 350
309.9 Amazon, free shipping
$326.49 Wal-Mart

Garmin nuvi 360
$309 BuyDig.com, free shipping
$333.95 Amazon.com

Garmin nuvi 650
$299.99 Costco
$369.00 BuyDig.com, Free shipping
$377.49 Amazon

Garmin nuvi 660
$449.49 BuyDig.com, free shipping
$459.99 Amazon

Garmin nuvi 680
$549.99 BJ’s

Garmin StreetPilot c330
$309.99 Amazon

Garmin StreetPilot c340
$229 BuyDig.com, free shipping

Garmin StreetPilot c580
$329.99 Amazon, free shipping

Garmin StreetPilot c550
$336.88 Sam‘s Club
$337.97 BuyDig.com, free shipping
$349.99 Circuit City

Garmin StreetPilot c530
$209.99 Amazon, free shipping

Magellan Crossover
$229.99 Costco

Magellan Maestro 3100
$146.95 BuyDig.com, free shipping
$148.82 Amazon, free shipping
$149.99 BJ’s

Magellan Maestro 3200
$209.95 BuyDig.com, free shipping

Magellan Maestro 3210
$239.00 BuyDig.com, free shipping

Magellan Maestro 3225
$199.99 Costco.com

Magellan Maestro 3250
$285 BuyDig.com, free shipping

Magellan Maestro 3140
$399.99 Best Buy
$219 Amazon
$268.86 Wal-Mart
$267.00 BuyDig.com, free shipping

Magellan Maestro 4000
$248.17 Amazon, free shipping
$249.99 Circuit City, free shipping

Magellan Maestro 4040
$315.95 BuyDig.com, free shipping
$399.99 BJ’s

Magellan Maestro 4050
$395.00 BuyDig.com, free shipping
$399.99 BJ’s

Magellan Maestro 4250
$449.99 Best Buy
$349.99 Costco
$449.00 BuyDig.com, free shipping
$386.94 Amazon, free shipping

TomTom One LE
$139.99 Best Buy

TomTom One (3rd edition)
$248.06 Amazon

TomTom One XL
$249.99 Best Buy
$249.99 Circuit City
$248.86 Wal-Mart

TomTom One XL Wide
$357.57 Amazon

TomTom Go920
$599.99 Best Buy
$499.99 Amazon

TomTom Go720
$329.64 Sam‘s Club
$348.63 Amazon
$349.99 BJ’s

The Big Apple is turning green

New York City taxi officials have unanimously voted to move forward with a plan to make their city’s taxis the “cleanest, greenest large city taxicab fleet in the world” in the words of Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Matthew Daus. Under the new regulation, first announced by Mayor Michael Bloomberg last spring, all new taxis put into the fleet beginning October 1, 2008 must be able to achieve 25 miles per gallon in city driving according to Environmental Protection Agency standards. One year later, all new cabs must be capable of 30 mpg. An exception will be made for handicap-accessible cabs.

Since Mayor Bloomberg’s announcement, timed to coincide with Earth Day on April 22, taxi operators in the city have begun adding electric-hybrid taxis to their fleets, and, at 627, it is now the largest hybrid fleet in the United States. Most hybrid taxis are Ford Escape SUVs. Expect that number to grow and to see fewer and fewer of the ubiquitous Ford Crown Victoria cabs prowling the streets of New York.

According to the TLC, in addition to environmental benefits, the new regulation will save as much as $140 million in fuel costs annually once fully phased in. That’ll be a bonus for fleet owners, who are reportedly already seeing a pass rate of 85 percent for hybrids during the three annual safety and emissions inspections required by the TLC. Crown Vics have a 54 percent pass rate.

Still, don’t count on a city full of Escapes. A TLC representative said discussions are underway with other potential suitors, and 2010 is still a couple of years away. No word yet if the Escapes will also have all those groovy air fresheners, either…

—Jim Travers

Also read:
Rally cry for a taxi revolution
Greener taxis coming to New York City
Real New York cars are yellow

GPS navigation reduces risk on Death Valley road trip

One of the benefits of portable navigation devices, as we've written more than twice, is that they're great to take along while vacationing in unfamiliar territory. And places don't come much more alien than Death Valley, where my wife and I recently spent most of a dusty week.

Beautiful, desolate, and appropriately named, Death Valley's three million acres of rock and sand wilderness make it the largest National Park in the continental United States. One of the driest and hottest places on earth, Death Valley once held the record for the hottest recorded air temperature on the planet: 134 degrees Fahrenheit. Elevations range from Badwater Valley, 282 feet below sea level, to soaring, rocky mountain ranges. With 600 miles of paved and dirt roads, several hundred miles of unimproved 4x4 trails, and only two gas stations, you don't want to get lost. And let's not even start on the rattlesnakes.

This is definitely a place where you can appreciate a navigation system, both for convenience and for safety.

Portable navigation in no man's land
Although we crossed the valley of death, we feared no evil. Partly because of our Garmin nuvi 660 test unit, partly thanks to the Magellan Neverlost system that came with our Hertz rental car, and partly because daily temperatures averaged in the mid 60s during our December visit.

Out in the surreal world, we were impressed with both the Garmin and the Magellan, and it definitely added a measure of security having them along. It was also interesting using both and comparing features. They were each remarkably good at identifying remote dirt roads by name and even showed us the way to the ghost town of Rhyolite. They guided us to and through Titus Canyon, a 28-mile, one-way 4x4 trail that was a highlight of the trip. The nuvi even let us know when we had officially entered the park because the entire background turned green—an odd color choice here given that there isn't a green field for many, many miles. Both devices always told us how far it was to the next turn and how far from our destination. While this is always nice to know, it is especially appreciated in a desolate landscape where you can be very difficult to judge distances.

When it was time to consult a point-of-interest (POI) menu to choose a restaurant for dinner, we preferred the nuvi because we could take it into our hotel room and browse our options on battery power. From a comfortable chair, we were able to choose from foods by category, and get a phone number for reservations. Neverlost stays with the car.

One odd glitch we experienced with the nuvi was a screen freeze in the middle of the desert, when it insisted we needed to make a sharp right on a nonexistent road and double back the way we had come. This can happen with any portable device. Simply shutting it off and restarting it cured the problem.

In the end, each device had its benefits, but both ultimately guided us where we wanted to go. Having two units on the trip did seem like overkill, though the constant comparison proved interesting.

One key take-away lesson: don't go to Death Valley without at least one GPS device. The other conclusion, made en route back to civilization, is that the best part of renting a car with Neverlost is being able to push one little button to guide you back to the rental car return when it's time to go home. That can take some stress out of any trip. 

Next time, perhaps we'll take a handheld device for more adventurous hiking...

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

Video: How to buy a GPS

GPS navigation systems are the hot holiday gift this year. Prices are going down and there are many models to choose from, but with so many options and features, it can be difficult to determine which GPS unit to buy. Check out our video below for tips on how to make the right GPS purchase.

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

—Liza Barth

Who revived the electric car?

A special report from the EVS23 Electric Vehicle Symposium

The trend is clear: All the electric vehicles (EV) that emerged in the last decade and a half have vanished. The Ford Ranger EV, General Motors EV1, Toyota RAV4 EV, and others are all gone. The disappearance of such promising vehicles inspired the film "Who Killed the Electric Car?" Well, they're not dead, yet.

At the EVS23 Electric Vehicle Symposium I attended in Anaheim, CA in early December, I drove a few upcoming electric cars. Some were clunky, slow and vulnerable and didn't seem more advanced than other attempts we sampled a decade ago. However, two of them really stood out as viable vehicles in terms of performance and practicality. The price, however, could prove prohibitive.

The eBox by AC propulsion
The eBox is a previous-generation Scion xB that's gutted to rid itself of the original engine and transmission. It's converted by a company called AC Propulsion and uses the same technology found in the Tesla roadster. The eBox uses an electric direct-drive system, so there's no need for a shifter. Instead, there's a controller that interfaces with a special display on top of the steering column. Regenerative braking - the capture of braking energy that is channeled through the motor to recharge the batteries - can be adjusted.  Under the front seats resides a 400-volt lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery pack. It has a 120-mile range and takes two hours to charge through a 220-volt outlet; hooking it up to a regular household 110-volt outlet doubles the charge time.

On the road, the eBox feels quick and quiet. The company says it will reach 60 mph in seven seconds and has a top speed of 100 mph. In the most aggressive regenerative braking setting, decelerating takes place by lifting off the throttle, which I found to be quite abrupt. With practice, you can actually drive the car without using the brakes. With the conversion adding a whopping 600 pounds to the vehicle, you'd think that the ride and handling might be somewhat challenged. AC Propulsion President Tom Gage says that spacers have been added to the springs and the tire pressure was increased, but acknowledges that even with two passengers on board, the load exceeds the gross vehicle weight limit of the xB (a mere 825 pounds). However, the xB's stiff suspension seems to pull it off. The eBox costs $55,000, not including the Scion xB.

Phoenix SUT
This odd-looking compact pickup is actually a Korean model called the Ssanyong Actyon that's sold outside of North America. It's roughly the size of a Toyota Tacoma and will be offered for sale here starting in spring 2008 through a company called Phoenix Motorcars that converts it into electrical vehicle. It's intended for fleet buyers. Another version, converted by a company called Boshart Electric Vehicles, is intended only for low-speed use, such as patrolling malls and the like.

Under the Phoenix's truck bed resides a tray that contains a 435-volt lithium-titanate battery. This type is the next generation of the Li-Ion and is said to be more advanced, especially in withstanding cold and hot temperatures. It will be warranted for 250,000 miles or 12 years. It has a claimed range of 130 miles. The claimed consumption is 320 watts per mile. A full recharge takes 12 hours through a regular household 110V outlet, but there's a ten minute rapid recharge capability using a special industrial charger.

On the road, this truck felt very responsive and quiet. The 405 ft-lb of torque launches the 4,600-pound truck decisively; it seems like it could lend itself to towing. I did not experience the truck's claimed 95 mph top speed. The truck will be offered with a 268 hp electric motor. The company intends to use the four-wheel-drive version of the truck minus the live rear axle and propshaft to better utilize the space between the frame rails and the bed for the battery tray. This gives the vehicle front-wheel-drive as well as the electric powertrain - most unique combination for a pickup.

The price starts at $47,500 for the truck, or $49,000 for the SUV version that will follow. So far, the company has orders from Pacific Gas, the City of Sacramento, and the Port of Los Angeles.

After seemingly reaching a dead end, EVs might be making a comeback... albeit in very limited numbers and at enormous cost. For now, it looks like these vehicles will be sold mostly for commercial and fleet purposes, where the vehicles follow a prescribed route and can be charged overnight. Still, it's nice to see the technology evolving. Such development could benefit all who hope for cleaner air, sustained mobility, and less dependence on foreign oil.

Updated 12/14/07

—Gabe Shenhar

Discuss alternative-fuel vehicles in the forums.

U.S. gas prices—December 10, 2007

Gas prices continue to go down.

National retail fuel price averages

Price

Change from last week

Regular gasoline/gallon	$3.00	↓ .06
Diesel fuel/gallon	$3.33	↓ .09

Regional regular gasoline prices

Price

Change from last week

East Coast	$3.03	↓ .04
-New England	$3.09	↓ .01
-Central Atlantic	$3.08	↓ .03
-Lower Atlantic	$2.98	↓ .06
Midwest	$2.90	↓ .10
Gulf Coast	$2.88	↓ .06
Rocky Mountain	$3.01	↓ .05
West Coast	$3.24	↓ .03
-California	$3.33	↓ .03

Source: Energy Information Administration, 12/10/07

Three-row SUV tests and videos

For our test group in the January 2008 issue we drove 3-row SUVs. These vehicles, designed to fit seven or eight passengers, have become the popular choice among families. They also come with all-wheel-drive.

The full road tests from the magazine have been posted at ConsumerReports.org, along with videos from our auto staff experts. These videos highlight our tests of each vehicle, plus they demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each model.

"People movers" features the Buick Enclave, Ford Taurus X, Subaru Tribeca, and Toyota Highlander. Watch the videos.

We also look at the redesigned Chrysler minivans—the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.

—Liza Barth

2008 Toyota Sequoia pricing--up from last year