2009 Subaru Forester pricing

Subaru has announced that pricing for the redesigned 2009 Forester starts at $19,995--$1,200 less than the 2008 model. The updated Forester has grown considerably. Subaru says it is three inches longer and 4.5 inches taller. Further, it rides on a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase. This stretch, the company says, improves rear legroom--a critical weakness in on the previous model.

Two of Subaru's signature flat-four engines are available: a standard 170-hp four-cylinder and a turbocharged 224-hp version. The engine has been lowered nearly an inch in the chassis to keep the center of gravity low and Subaru says a new double-wishbone rear suspension improves cargo room.

Standard safety equipment on all models now includes electronic stability control and brake assist, which helps drivers apply maximum braking force in emergencies, as well as standard side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor.

Among the upgrades, the 2009 Forester offers more modern conveniences, including a rear DVD player and a navigation system with traffic updates.

The Forester will go on sale this spring.

Price / Model / Transmission
$19,995 - 2.5X manual 
$21,195 - 2.5X automatic
$22,495 - 2.5X Premium Package manual 
$23,495  - 2.5X Premium Package automatic
$25,995 - 2.5X L.L.Bean Edition automatic
$26,195 - 2.5XT automatic
$28,195 - 2.5XT Limited automatic

An All Weather Package is available ($400) on the Premium Package, and it is standard on the L.L.Bean & XT Limited. An in-dash navigation system is optional ($1,800) on L.L. Bean and XT Limited models.

See our 2009 Subaru Forester preview, complete with photo gallery. Discuss Subaru in the cars forums.

Consumer Reports' Top Picks 2008

This year's Top Picks in 10 categories include four new models. For the first time since 2005, a U.S. model, the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado, made the list as our choice in pickup trucks. And for the first time ever, a South Korean automaker is represented: The Hyundai Elantra SE and Santa Fe are our top small sedan and midsized SUV, respectively. The fourth new entry is the Lexus LS 460L, the highest-scoring vehicle we've tested and best among luxury sedans.

Choosing the Top Picks
Our Top Picks are the most well-rounded models in their categories. Each must meet these stringent requirements:

• Road tests: Each Top Pick scores at or near the top of its category among more than 260 vehicles we've recently tested at our Auto Test Center.
• Reliability: Each has an average or better predicted-reliability Rating, based on the problems subscribers reported on almost 1.3 million vehicles in our Annual Car Reliability Survey.
• Safety: Top Picks have performed adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or the insurance industry. Starting this year, they also must provide a critical safety feature, electronic stability control (ESC), either as standard equipment or as a readily available option. That's why the Honda Accord, for example, is the Top Pick in family sedans over the Nissan Altima. The Altima scored slightly higher in CR's testing, but offers ESC only as a pricey option on the V6 and standard on the hybrid model.

"All the vehicles in Consumer Reports' Top Picks list are standouts for performance, versatility, reliability, and safety," says David Champion, senior director of automotive testing, Consumer Reports. "CR's Top Picks list is a great place for consumers to start when they're looking for a new car."

Consumer Reports' testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any U.S. publication or Web site. More than 50 individual tests are performed on every vehicle, including evaluations of braking, handling, comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Around 6,000 miles of general driving and evaluations are racked up on each test car during the testing process.

Here, by category, are the Top Picks:

Green car - Toyota Prius
Small sedan - Hyundai Elantra SE
Family sedan - Honda Accord
Upscale sedan - Infiniti G35
Luxury sedan - Lexus LS 460L
Fun to drive - Mazda MX-5 Miata
Small SUV - Toyota RAV4
Midsized SUV - Hyundai Santa Fe
Minivan - Toyota Sienna
Pickup truck - Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

Read the full story and watch the Top Picks videos.

Consumer Reports' Annual April Auto Issue is on sale from March 4 through June 4, and it is available wherever magazines are sold. Visit the April Auto Issue special section.

Consumer Reports annual auto issue highlights

Top Picks 2008
First time a South Korean automaker is represented in Top Picks

Consumer Reports announced that it has named four new models to its Top Picks list for 2008--the Hyundai Elantra SE and Hyundai Santa Fe as top choices for small sedan and midsized SUV, respectively; the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado as the top choice for pickup truck; and the Lexus LS 460L as the best luxury sedan. This marks the first time that a South Korean automaker—Hyundai—is represented and the first time since 2005 that a U.S. model—the Chevrolet Silverado—has made the list as CR's choice for pickup trucks. Historically, Consumer Reports Top Picks have been a blend of Japanese, European, and domestic models.
Read the full story and watch the Top Picks videos.

Owner Costs
New owner-cost estimates help consumers find good deals on their next car
A cheaper car can cost consumers more in the long run than a more expensive alternative, according to Consumer Reports' new owner-costs comparisons. In fact, a car's sticker price doesn't tell the whole story, according to Consumer Reports. For example, at about $17,500, a Mitsubishi Lancer could cost $5,000 less than a Mini Cooper to drive home. But considering the total costs of ownership for each car, the Lancer could cost drivers around $3,000 more over five years. A Toyota Highlander can cost $3,000 more to purchase than a V6 Ford Explorer, but owning the Ford after five years can end up costing $6,500 more. Consumer Reports recommends that in addition to looking for a good deal on their next car, car shoppers also consider how much the model will cost them to own. CR's estimates include depreciation, fuel costs, interest, insurance, maintenance and repair, and sales tax. (Comprehensive data will be integrated into the model pages next week.)
Read the owner costs story.

Automaker Report Cards
We answer the question: Who makes the best cars?
Overall, the best cars sold in the United States are still made by Honda, according to the Consumer Reports' Automaker Report Cards. Honda also led the pack last year, the first time CR issued such information. With an overall score of 78 out of 100 points, Honda was followed closely by Toyota (75) and Subaru (72). BMW, Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen tied at 71, after rounding. Only Honda and Subaru earned the distinction of having all of the models tested make Consumer Reports' Recommended list. Detroit automakers garnered some of the lowest scores, but there have been significant signs of improvement in Ford and GM vehicles this past year. Of all the Ford vehicles tested, the percentage Consumer Reports recommended jumped to 64 percent from 54 percent last year, due to improved reliability. Ninety-three percent of Ford models had average or better reliability in Consumer Reports' latest survey, up from 63 percent last year.
Read Who makes the best cars?

Consumer Reports' Annual April Auto Issue is on sale from March 4 through June 4, and it is available wherever magazines are sold. Visit the April Auto Issue special section.

Consumer Reports annual auto issue now online

Consumer Reports has rolled out its annual auto issue features and data at ConsumerReports.org. This release follows the site unveiling a redesign of the Cars channel just days prior.

With the April issue content, the latest findings are collected into a special section to ease navigation. The data itself is reflected in ratings charts, the updated New Car Selector, and model overview pages—all available to online subscribers.

Videos of the 2008 Top Picks are posted, joining the latest road test and crash tests videos in the expanding multimedia offerings. 

Below are highlights from the annual auto issue:

TOP PICKS
The best vehicles in 10 categories, including the top family sedan and our first American pick in three years.

BEST & WORST
Winners and losers for performance, fuel economy, and more. Plus a sampling of the highs and lows from this year's testing.

SNEAK PEEKS FOR 2008-09
Drivers will see more SUVs and other vehicles with diesel and hybrid engines.

WHO MAKES THE BEST CARS?
Some manufacturers consistently turn out great cars while others are struggling. Find out how they compare.

RELIABILITY TRENDS
Asian brands continue to dominate, but Ford is improving.

WHAT THAT CAR REALLY COSTS
You can save thousands of dollars by comparing how much cars cost to own.

EXTENDED WARRANTIES
Our new survey shows why the odds are usually stacked against you.

RATINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Ratings for predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, and fuel economy.

VEHICLE PROFILES 
Reviews of 250 models, including prices, reliability, specifications, and judgments by Consumer Reports'  automotive experts.

BEST & WORST USED CARS
The models least likely to cause problems, plus ones to avoid.

The growing - and surprisingly large - ethanol movement

The search for alternative fuels is moving fast and furiously this week at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando. Or, in the words of Energy Department Undersecretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner: "Acting with a sense of urgency to develop alternatives to traditional energy supplies is no longer optional." Risks to traditional petroleum supplies have never been higher and are still growing, he says.

That seems to be the conclusion of a surprisingly large contingent of ethanol investors, producers, corn farmers, and advocates gathered here at the conference. Estimates range from 2,000 to 2,700 of them are in attendance.

No surprise, much of the reason for all the interest is financial: Last year's Energy Act included a provision requiring the production of 30 billion gallons of ethanol to be blended with gasoline by 2020.

The ethanol industry is putting its collective efforts into marketing a blend of ethanol called E85, so-named because it is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. A promising supplement to gasoline, there are many sides to E85. For instance, when we tested a flex-fuel Chevrolet Tahoe running on E85 in 2006, we found its fuel economy dropped 27 percent overall, compared with running on gasoline. Likewise, there is debate over the net energy benefits of creating fuel from food crops, with some analysts questioning the energy return when factoring the petroleum used in farm machines and for transporting.

Some stations sell E85 for less than gasoline, while others charge more, hitting consumers with a double-whammy: more fuel cost per gallon and less efficiency. Availability and pricing may change as competition heats up in the ethanol market. Today, only a small fraction of gas stations carry E85, but the number has been growing.

Two recent announcements may push that trend along. The first came last October, when Underwriters Laboratories adopted a safety standard for E85 fuel pumps. Since ethanol is more corrosive than gasoline, some station owners were concerned that ordinary gas pumps could fail when pumping gasoline. The organization says it is now testing the first commercial E85 fuel pumps and expects them to be available later this year.

Then in December, Congress passed amendments to a law called the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, forbidding oil companies from restricting the sale of E85 at their franchised gas stations. Some franchise contracts had effectively forbidden the sale, or forced E85 pumps to be located away from other pumps. With those two obstacles eliminated, more gas station owners may consider E85. However, building infrastructure to transport enough ethanol to fuel cars nationwide remains a challenge.

In addition to E85, ethanol is sold in a 10-percent blend with gasoline known as E10 at most gas pumps around the country. Karsner also revealed that the Energy Department is studying setting additional standards for intermediate blends of E15 and E20 to absorb increasing ethanol supplies and decrease gasoline demand.

The jury is out on whether ethanol saves money or not. Undersecretary Karsner says without mixtures of ethanol in gasoline today, gas prices might be even higher. But like any emerging environmental technology, the costs are likely to come down as supplies grow.

So far, according to Dow Jones and USA Today pollster Bruce Scherr, the problem most Americans have with ethanol is they don't know about it. But they support the idea of a domestically produced fuel that can substitute for oil. Today, the United States produces more ethanol than it imports oil from Iraq. (To see where we import oil from, read "The drive for energy independence.")

To learn more about ethanol and alternative fuels, visit our green cars and fuel economy hub. In the meantime, tell us how you feel about ethanol and what would make you switch to using it instead of gasoline in the comments below.

Watch for a future installment on ethanol production and its connection to rising food prices.

—Eric Evarts

Video review - Nissan Altima

As we found in our recent family sedan tests, the Altima 3.5 SE V6 and the four-cylinder Altima 2.5 S are relatively refined. Both are coupled to a smooth continuously variable transmission, which helps them attain commendable fuel economy. (A hybrid model has just gone on sale.) In our testing, the Altima had good ride and handling, although the sportier 3.5 SE was stiff. At $31,995, our 3.5 SE had options such as heated leather seats, a backup camera, bi-xenon headlights, and a navigation system. Despite its hefty price, our tested car didn’t have optional stability control. At $22,705, our 2.5 S came with antilock brakes and a power driver’s seat as options.

Watch our video review below on this high-scoring sedan.   

Read the full review (available to online subscribers), complete with detailed testing data and report.

See more car review videos, auto show videos, and crash test videos.

Midsized SUV crash test results - Nissan Murano Top Safety Pick

Nine out of 10 SUVs in the latest tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provide good frontal crash protection. However, the ratings in the side crash tests are mixed, once again reinforcing the need for consumers to carefully review the safety equipment and safety ratings for models under consideration for purchase. (These tests and over 200 others can be viewed in the Consumer Reports crash test video player.)

In this group, the 2009 Nissan Murano was the best performer, getting good ratings for front-, side-, and rear-crash protection. The Murano earned the Top Safety Pick designation, joining a growing list of midsized SUVs to earn that accolade. (However, read "Nissan recalls SUVs for air bag fix.")

At the other end of the spectrum, the Jeep Liberty, four-door Jeep Wrangler, and Kia Sorento are the worst performers in the side test. The Liberty, its mechanical sibling Dodge Nitro, and Wrangler earn the second lowest rating of marginal for protection in side crashes. The Sorento earns the lowest rating of poor.

In 2001 only half of the midsized models that were tested earned good ratings in the IIHS frontal offset test. In the latest evaluations, only the Hummer H3 falls short, and it earns an acceptable rating. The H3 is one of only two midsized SUV designs the Institute has recently tested that doesn't earn a good rating in the frontal test. (The other is the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and related GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X).

As manufacturers introduce improved designs, the Institute sees more SUVs qualifying for Top Safety Pick by earning good ratings in all three tests and having electronic stability control (ESC).

"Performance of some of these models in the side test was surprising," said Institute senior vice president Joe Nolan in a statement. "SUVs should have an inherent advantage in such crashes because drivers and passengers ride higher up than in cars. People often think they're safer in an SUV, but many cars perform much better in our side test than some of the SUVs in this group."

Midsized, four-door SUVs
The February crash-test group is listed below in rank order, with the specific air bag configuration tested and applicable model years listed.

Nissan Murano
Front - Good; Side - Good
Front and rear head curtain air bags and front torso air bags.
Front and side: 2009 models

Mazda CX-7
Front - Good; Side - Good
Front and rear head curtain air bags and front torso air bags.
Front and side: 2007-08 models

Mazda CX-9
Front - Good; Side - Good
Head-curtain air bags for all three rows and front torso air bags
Front and side: 2007-08 models

Mitsubishi Endeavor
Front - Good; Side - Good
Front and rear head-curtain air bags and front torso air bags.
Front: 2004-08 models, side: 2007-08 models

Suzuki XL7
Front - Good; Side - Acceptable; Rear - Marginal
Head-curtain air bags for all three rows
Front: 2008 models, side: 2007-08 models

Hummer H3
Front - Acceptable; Side - Acceptable
Front and rear head-curtain air bags.
Front and side: 2006-08 models. (Head-curtain air bags optional in 2006-2007)

Jeep Wrangler
Front - Good; Side - Marginal
Without optional side air bags
Front and side: 2007-08 models

Jeep Liberty & Dodge Nitro
Front - Good; Side - Marginal
Front and rear head-curtain air bags
Front and side: 2008 Liberty models and 2007-08 Nitro models

Kia Sorento
Front - Good; Side - Poor
Front and rear head-curtain air bags
Front: 2007-08 models, side: 2003-08 models

See how these SUVs perform in the crash test videos.

—Jeff Bartlett

U.S. gas prices—February 25, 2008

Gas prices rise again this week.

National retail fuel price averages

Price

Change from last week

Regular gasoline/gallon	$3.13	↑ .09
Diesel fuel/gallon	$3.55	↑ .16

Regional regular gasoline prices

Price

Change from last week

East Coast	$3.15	↑ .10
-New England	$3.13	↑ .09
-Central Atlantic	$3.15	↑ .09
-Lower Atlantic	$3.15	↑ .12
Midwest	$3.08	↑ .03
Gulf Coast	$3.06	↑ .12
Rocky Mountain	$3.05	↑ .09
West Coast	$3.27	↑ .13
-California	$3.33	↑ .14

Source: Energy Information Administration, 2/25/08

How cars are crash tested

Although vehicles, in general, are much safer in collisions than they used to be, about 30,000 people traveling in passenger vehicles still die in crashes every year. Many factors contribute to fatal crashes, including safety-belt use, driving behavior, road conditions, and a vehicle's crash-avoidance capabilities. But the actual vehicle you're in when a crash does occur can make a life-or-death difference.

This point has been driven home for us in producing nearly 250 crash test videos in cooperation with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These high-impact segments show how vehicles hold up in the Institute's stringent frontal off-set barrier test and side-impact test, using a moving barrier that simulates the strike from an SUV. The results from these tests provide valuable insights into the passenger injury risks, allowing consumers to seek the safest models that satisfy their needs, as well as encourage manufacturers to deliver vehicles with safe structures.

In addition to the IIHS, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a branch of the Transportation Department, also conducts crash tests and other safety evaluations.

These organizations each conduct front- and side-impact crash tests using different methodologies. Of the two, IIHS challenges vehicle designs more. (Learn more about how NHTSA tests cars.)

Let's take a closer look at how the IIHS crash tests vehicles.

Front
The IIHS front-crash test simulates what would happen if two cars of the same weight and type crashed head-on, left headlight to left headlight. In contrast to the NHTSA test, the impact speed is 40 mph instead of 35 mph, the barrier is deformable rather than rigid, and only the left front of the car hits the barrier.

This is a more severe test than NHTSA's because the speed is higher and the crash energy is concentrated on a smaller area. An instrument-equipped crash dummy in the driver's seat records forces to the head and neck, chest, legs, and feet. Vehicles are rated as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor based on what happens to vehicle structure, as well as forces on the dummies. Consumer Reports puts more emphasis on the IIHS tests when it derives its "crash protection" rating.

Side
The IIHS side-impact test is more sophisticated and also more severe than NHTSA's. The test uses a heavier striking barrier (3,300 pounds), compared with NHTSA's (3,015 pounds). Further, the IIHS barrier strikes higher up on the tested vehicle to simulate a car being hit on the side at 90 degrees by a typical-height SUV or truck. The IIHS bases its scores on head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and leg injury rather than just chest injury, as NHTSA does.

The two dummies in the IIHS side-crash test represent a small adult female or a 12-year-old adolescent. One is the driver, the other a left-rear passenger. Other crash tests performed by NHTSA and the IIHS use a dummy that simulates an average-sized adult male.

Before buying your next car, be sure to check the safety ratings and watch the crash test videos, available at ConsumerReports.org. The difference between Good and Acceptable crash-test ratings come through loud and clear when you can see the damage done to the vehicle and learn about the potential injuries.

See videos of how cars perform in IIHS' front and side crash tests.

Learn more about how crash tests are performed in Crash Test 101.

Dear Chevrolet Travers(e) - Welcome to the family

I'd like to take a moment to thank the good people of Chevrolet for naming their latest SUV after me. I'm deeply moved. Really.

I'm so moved I hate to have to point out a couple of problems, but here goes: The first is, as some of you know, employees of Consumer Reports cannot accept gifts from manufacturers—not even small ones. However, given that the Traverse is a clear tribute to my paternal name, it does feel like a gift and it creates an ethical quandary. The second thing is, they spelled my name with one "e" too many. (A clear sign of excess budget.) For the record, it is "T-r-a-v-e-r-s."

Still, it's the thought that counts. And making it all the more of an honor, the Chevy SUV is based on the excellent Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook, which scored highly enough in our ratings to become our highest ranked recommended large SUVs. I trust our ranking didn't have anything to do with Chevy naming their version after me, but still, it would be more comfortable having my name pasted on the flanks of this thing than say the Chevy Uplander—the minivan with the lowest owner satisfaction rating of any vehicle in our annual survey.

Curiously, this is not the first time I've been so honored. The GMC Jimmy was a popular rebadging of the Chevy Blazer SUV back in the '90s. I could go out and buy a Jimmy and a Traverse and have a garage full of namesakes if I could find a Jimmy still on the road. But then again, it's bad enough having my last name spelled wrong. Nobody gets away with calling me Jimmy.

What really bothers me is people have been spelling my name Traverse since at least as long as I've been able to notice. Given the expected popularity of this latest Chevy, I suspect that situation will get only worse. One of our own engineers has already adopted the spelling when addressing me. The only way things might improve is if car enthusiasts rally for the Travers cause and remove the silent E from the end, much like Toyota truck owners removing the "ota" decals from their tailgates.

So thanks again, GM. But honestly, you shouldn't have. Couldn't you have gone with Bivouac? Or Suburbanite?

Dear reader, what about you? Is there a vehicle you'd like named after you? Post your suggestions in the comments below.

—Jim Travers

Personal picks: sports sedans, part 2

Continuing our staff's personal insights into the March-issue upscale sedans test group.

Rick Small: I like most of the cars in this group. The new Cadillac CTS handles well and is now very competitive with the European sedans. The BMW 328i feels sporty, but I feel it’s not as sporty as the last generation. Plus, the 3 Series controls are needlessly awkward. My tall frame is still cramped in the front, and the back seat if for small kids only. For me, the Infiniti G35 really stands out as a sporty and fun car to drive – it’s also a good value. It has great road feel and a firm but sporty ride that isn’t punishing. The powerful V6 delivers strong performance, sounds great, and is quicker than many V8s. Fuel economy is decent considering the high level of performance. The AWD version is a little less sporty and uses a bit more fuel; I’d go with the rear-wheel drive model and get a set of good snow tires for the winter. I still also like the Acura TL, it has a good combination of luxury and sport and a better driving position than most in this class. Other good choices are the roomy Nissan Maxima, and less expensive Altima. Likewise, a Honda Accord V6 comes close to the Acura for less money.

Mike Leung: I felt the last generation Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport that we tested was better in every regard than the newer one we just tested. The old one had better controls and a superior driving experience. Plus, it was more comfortable and better looking.

That being said, in this category, the Infiniti G35 still reigns supreme when you take cost into account.  Even if you don’t take cost into account, the G’s performance is easily as good as the competition and it’s generally more reliable.

Mike Quincy: I agree with Mike Leung—the last C-Class was better than the new one, which seems to have lost an edge not only in performance but also in styling. And while I’m an admitted fan of Saabs, the V6-powered 9-3 Aero’s $37,000 price is simply too dear, with its cramped backseat and mediocre fuel economy (only 20 mpg, overall).

I think the star of this category is the rear-wheel-drive Infiniti G35. It combines excellent steering, a fabulous engine and transmission, and simple controls. It’s a sports sedan when you want it to be, as well as a (mostly) quiet and comfortable luxury car when you’re in the mood for a relaxing cruise. I also like the Lexus IS 350 (deceivingly fast, nice interior, great reliability) but at $44,000 fully optioned, it’s way over the price of all of the models in this group. And hat’s off to GM for actually producing a car that I’d consider buying: the new CTS is the only Cadillac in my lifetime that I wouldn’t be embarrassed to own. I’m WAY too young to be of the generation when Cadillac was considered “the world’s standard.” The brand was never an aspiration of mine (nor for any of my friends, family and neighbors). But the CTS has more than style: it’s quite substantive and a pleasure to drive.

There’s a lot to like about all the cars in this category. (Really, there wasn’t a “dog” in the test group). Consider yourself lucky if this is a car category in which you can shop.

For more on this sports sedan group, read the road tests and Personal picks: sports sedans, part 2, and also watch our car review videos.

Best new car buys for President's Day

As the United States goes through the Primary process for selecting presidential candidates, the media is awash in promises and hyperbole. Likewise, in the car world, President's Day sales are often promoted with print and broadcast ads that pledge change and a better economic package. In both races, it is clear not all promises will be kept.

With some research, you can make a smart, informed decision, saving money along the way. As the sound bites fly, the multimedia propaganda can sidetrack you from choices that might be a better fit for your needs and distract you from thoroughly researching your prospective purchase. It is important to note that beyond the advertised promotions, dealers might be more willing to negotiate during this sales period, as winter weather can often mean fewer serious buyers are visiting showrooms in some parts of the country.

Consumer Reports Auto Price Service has cut through the marketing oratory to highlight the best deals for February. As they do each month, our analysts scrutinize the available incentives on Consumer Reports recommended vehicles to assist shoppers in finding good deals on good cars. (For the monthly best new-car deals for Canada, visit crcanadacars.org.)

Featured best new car deals for February

2008 Acura RL. This luxury sedan achieved a Very Good rating in Consumer Reports' testing, but ranks only mid-pack in the competitive luxury sedan class. The RL will be significantly updated for 2009.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab LT V8 4WD. This redesigned Silverado has a selectable, full-time, four-wheel-drive system and generous load capacity. The truck has a very good ride and it's fairly easy to get into the cabin, but its braking distances were long.

2008 Saturn Aura XE V6. The Aura uses the same platform as the new Chevrolet Malibu. The XE model has a coarse 3.5-liter V6 paired with a four-speed automatic and returned 20 mpg overall in our testing. Our tested XE was nimble and responsive and had well-weighted steering. We only recommend the XE; the XR trim line has below-average reliability.

See the complete list of best new car deals with prices.
Read our complete report on how to get a great deal during the President's Day sales.

—Jeff Bartlett

U.S. gas prices—February 18, 2008

Gas prices jump higher throughout the country.

National retail fuel price averages

Price

Change from last week

Regular gasoline/gallon	$3.04	↑ .08
Diesel fuel/gallon	$3.40	↑ .12

Regional regular gasoline prices

Price

Change from last week

East Coast	$3.05	↑ .07
-New England	$3.04	↑ .03
-Central Atlantic	$3.06	↑ .04
-Lower Atlantic	$3.04	↑ .10
Midwest	$3.05	↑ .10
Gulf Coast	$2.94	↑ .09
Rocky Mountain	$2.96	↑ .02
West Coast	$3.14	↑ .08
-California	$3.19	↑ .08

Source: Energy Information Administration, 2/18/08

Personal picks: sports sedans, part 1

This month's selections come from an entertaining group. Sports sedans have been favorites of ours for a long time. Most are fun to drive, deliver decent driver comfort, and just enough luxury touches to remind you that you're in something special. There were miles of smiles during the testing, with all of these cars having fairly distinct personalities.

Which ones rose to the top? Take a look.

Tom Mutchler: This group of sports sedans raises a basic question: Is it more important to look good or to feel good? And is either enough?

Two cars in this group appeal to me: the Cadillac CTS and BMW 328i. The CTS simply looks awesome, inside and out. It blends a uniquely American audacity without going over the top. This great-driving car requires very few excuses, something that couldn't be said for the last CTS (and I was a fan of that one, too).

But, the BMW 328i drives better. There is no getting around that. We drive our one-day trip test convoy over some very enjoyable, twisty roads. When driving the BMW, I wanted to run over the car ahead of me, like the one I was following was holding me back. Cliches fall easily to hand, like "The BMW is a back-road scalpel."

Does that alone make it my pick? After our sports sedan report was published, I read some enthusiast forum comments from BMW owners sniffing about where the 3 Series placed. Sure the car drives great. But in this class that isn't enough. It's small inside; it costs a ton of money for not much power; the standard 16-inch rolling stock looks lame in this class; and even without iDrive, some controls are stupid for stupid's sake.

So, while some online BMW owners deride it as the "blue light special" in this class, my vote winds up with the Infiniti G35. The combination of big power and exuberant handling goads you to have fun with the car. It's attractive inside and out--something I can't say for any current BMW. And unlike the 3 Series, you don't have to pay a big premium for decent tires and big power.

Gabe Shenhar: Out of this group, as well as this whole category, there's no question that I'm going with the BMW 3 Series. It's such a terrific driver's car that's thoroughly enjoyable, yet totally livable. In terms of what makes a sports sedan a sports sedan, in my opinion, no one has yet surpassed it, even though several competitors come close.

What makes the 3 Series special? It's that extra measure of steering feedback and response, tied-down ride control, and good compliance that speak to driving connoisseurs.

Unfortunately, BMW chose to equip the non-sports package cars with underachieving Bridgestone Turanza run-flat tires, which cost the car points in our testing in terms of empirical stopping distance and avoidance maneuver speed. To make this car really spectacular, I'd buy the optional sports package, bringing sharper steering response and more grip, yet a negligible loss of ride comfort. I realize I'd have to switch to winter tires, as the performance tires are not all-season, but I do that anyway.

What I also love about this car is the pull of the straight six-cylinder engine, which sings a perfect soundtrack, be it the 230 hp in the 328i or the 300 hp in the 335i. Thankfully, our 328i also delivers decent fuel economy, so I won't feel guilty. That awesome powertrain (even with the automatic) and sporty handling, augmented by supportive seats and the innate quality of the interior can really start my day on a good note. Yes, the car has a few flaws, such as some unnecessarily complicated controls and a cramped rear seat. But ultimately, when it comes to sports sedans, what matters is which car puts a bigger smile on your face.  And, for me, my smile is never broader than when I'm driving a 3 Series.

For more on this sports sedan group, read the road tests and watch our review videos.

Take our new tire tread-wear test

In our November issue of Consumer Reports, we recommended using a quarter to determine when it’s good time to start shopping for new tires. (See “Tire Maintenance.”)

Since the story was published, some have mistakenly interpreted our recommendation as being that when tires have worn to 1/8” of tread depth that it’s time to replace tires. The measurement is about the distance between George Washington’s head on a quarter to the edge of the coin if you are using the quarter as a tread depth gauge. Let’s be clear: That’s a good time to start thinking about tire replacement, and begin researching and shopping.

At this depth, most tires still have some all-weather grip left, which gives you time to shop around for the best price and tire model that suits your car’s needs. Tires worn to the tread wear indicator bars (set at 1/16” and indicated by the use of a penny) in any or all of the grooves should be replaced immediately, leaving little time to shop for new tires.

In reality, consumers don’t often think about replacing tires based on tread depth alone.  Some wait until the steel belt edges show—that alarms us. We suggest changing tires earlier if your tires are losing grip in the wet or during winter driving conditions.   

If you’re in the market for car or truck tires, refer to our Ratings and all-new tire finder that can help identify the best tires for your ride. (Available to online subscribers.) 

—Gene Petersen

Not always keen going green: Honda Civic GX

We recently took delivery of a Honda Civic GX, which runs on compressed-natural-gas (CNG). At $25,185, it's the most expensive Civic we've ever tested. But that isn't even half the story.

A few days ago, I took it home on my daily commute. The same day, a truck carrying cylinders filled with hydrogen crashed on Route 84, closing it for most of the day. There isn't a direct connection, but it reminded us that the experiences we're having with the Civic show the challenges that a consumer will face during the development of new fueling infrastructure, be it hydrogen, CNG, or even E85. Had we been caught up in the traffic jam caused by this mishap, we could have become quite nervous about replenishing our natural gas.

For most people, it isn't really a big deal if you start running low of fuel in your gasoline-powered car. Unless you're in a few remote places, a gas station is likely only a few short miles away. That's not the case with our Civic GX. Starting here at the track, the nearest CNG fueling stations are either at a public utility in Norwich (about 25 miles away) or in the industrial outskirts of Hartford (30 miles).

Driving the car, which otherwise behaves just like a normal Civic, is complicated by the car's relatively short range. We can get approximately 180-200 miles out of a tank. For one of the commuters in the office, that means he can get to work and back - and then needs to refuel. Figuring out who will take the Civic when and how it will be refueled has required a level of logistics far beyond what we're used to, as well as simply taking up our time to drive to a distant station. (Honda does have a home refueling station available for the Civic; it allows you to refuel your car using the natural gas service in your home.) 

CNG has a fairly limited infrastructure in the United States. It's mostly used by fleets, particularly government vehicles. (There was a Connecticut-owned Civic GX refueling at the pump today when I was there.) And while E85 is relatively available in the Midwest, it's almost nonexistent here in the Northeast. But the infrastructure for CNG or E85 almost seems like normalcy compared to what exists for hydrogen. The limited availability of that fuel (as well as the cost of fuel cells) is going to be a notable hurdle for moving away from fossil-fueled cars.

Stay tuned for more of our experiences with this most unusual Civic.

—Tom Mutchler

Learn more about alternative fuels in our fuel economy special section.

Wintertime of our convertible discontent

We're working on a test group of four-seater convertibles for the May issue, just in time for the start of top-down season here in the Northeast.  But we're driving the cars around now, and it's gray, dreary, and cold outside. And on this particular day, it's raining hard enough to make Noah consider taking the Ark out of retirement. (Unlike other magazines or Web sites, we don't jet off to some sunny place with a fleet of borrowed ragtops to write a story.)

Then again, most of the cars in this group have folding hardtops. Part of the spin surrounding these complicated convertibles is that hardtops provide better interior isolation from noise and harsh weather. So despite the winter doom and gloom, we should be as happy as (hard-shell) clams, right?

Maybe not. Things started badly, right from when we picked up our Pontiac G6 GT at the dealer. The salesman took care to demonstrate the luggage blind; like most modern convertibles, you need to have a sliding cover in place in the trunk before the car allows you to fold the power top. This reduces trunk space, but it also prevents you from crushing your luggage with the top, or the top with your luggage. He lifted up the trunk lid, stuck his arm in to show how the blind worked - and then the heavy deck lid closed down on his arm. Seems our deck lid couldn't keep itself up. (We eventually got that fixed. And the salesman's arm was fine.)

Then the noises settled in. When it was cold, multiple noises and creaks came from the hardtop. Our G6 wasn't the only convertible in the fleet to do this; loud, nearly-continuous creaks came from the interface between the roof and windshield header in our hardtop Chrysler Sebring Limited convertible, as well. That's assuming you can hear them over the wind noise, suspension groans, or the luggage blind rattling around in the trunk. One logbook comment says that the Sebring is "noisier than a pickup truck loaded with plastic pipe."

The Sebring had another annoying problem. Like some other coupes, the power windows drop about an inch when you open the door. This lets cabin air out as you slam the big door, making it easier to shut the frameless glass against the weather stripping. But the windows developed a mind of their own - or maybe just plain lost it. Sometimes the window wouldn't automatically go all the way up. Other times the window seemed to freeze in place, so you had to slam the door to get it to close fully. Slamming the window across the weather stripping makes a sound like something is going to break. And once when parked and running, all four windows dropped about 3 inches on their own, as if the top was about to lower on its own.

So, are hardtops where it's at, modern convertible-speaking? One big plus: they do allow designers to put in larger rear windows. Our soft-top Mitsubishi Eclipse convertible is at the opposite extreme. The Eclipse's rear window is a narrow slit. Even backing it out of my narrow garage is scary and almost requires a seeing-eye dog to pull off this mundane task.

Like many things in the automotive world, how well a technology works depends on its execution. The Jaguar XK convertible we tested had a soft top that was nearly as quiet as some coupes. Our Saab 9-3 2.0T soft-top convertible isn't particularly noisy, and it has a decent sized rear window.

One last thought: even though it makes a car more desirable to rent during a Florida vacation, turning a crummy sedan into a crummy convertible doesn't make it better. 

Would someone please order a batch of warm, sunny weather? Soon. Life is too short to have a bunch of convertibles in the garage and lousy weather overhead. Especially when top-up is when they are least enjoyable.

—Tom Mutchler 

Consumer Reports new video hub

Consumer Reports has recently launched a new video platform that gathers all the videos of our testing all in one place. In the Cars tab you’ll find the latest videos from our March 2008 issue on sports sedans. It features the BMW 328i, Cadillac CTS, Mercedes-Benz C300, and Saab 9-3. Plus the best American family sedan we've tested, the Chevrolet Malibu. Our staff experts highlight the tests of each vehicle, plus they demonstrate their strengths and weaknesses.

In addition to car review videos, the main Cars tab includes videos on how we test batteries and tires. Scroll down and you’ll also find a segment with advice on how to choose the right portable GPS navigation device.

There are tabs for each major content category covered at ConsumerReports.org, allowing visitors to hone in on the topic of choice. If you click on the right-facing arrow, you’ll find even more categories, including our exclusive Auto Show coverage. There you’ll find the latest clips from the 2008 Detroit show.

This marks the beginning of a video revolution here, with better integration and more to come. Grab some popcorn and check it out. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

—Liza Barth

Vehicles crossing over

Last month, Toyota unveiled a new model to add to its lineup, the Venza, at the 2008 Detroit auto show. Toyota describes it as a “crossover sedan,” although “crossover wagon” would probably be more accurate. Toyota hopes the Venza will launch a new segment and claims that it will provide the comfort of a Camry, the functionality of a 4Runner, and the luxury of the Avalon. Wow. That really covers a lot, doesn’t it? Yet I highly doubt the Venza could scale our rock hill with anywhere near the proficiency of a four-wheel-drive 4Runner. Besides, Subaru could arguably claim owning the sedan/crossover segment this decade with the recently retired Outback sedan.

This so-called “new category” got me thinking as to what exactly is a crossover. The original Subaru Outback wagon and Toyota RAV4, for example, sparked this revolution, using car components to create a soft-roader SUV. The Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and others soon followed, with car-based vehicles with SUV looks dominating the compact and mid-sized SUV segments from 1996 on.

Likewise, when the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix appeared early in the decade, these twins were termed crossovers, combing a small hatchback package and soft-roader pretense, like the RAV4. Although, with their puny ground clearance (only 5 inches in our last tested model) meant that dirt roads were as far off-road as they went. Today, we’re seeing more crossovers with car-like unibody structures (rather than body-on-frame construction) and increased versatility. This approach has lead to the development of vehicles that tend to be more fuel efficient and ride better than traditional, truck-based SUVs like the Ford Explorer.

The crossover category continues to grow and become broader, now with large vehicles like the Saturn Outlook offering a milder alternative to the Chevrolet Tahoe. Both offer three-row seating, but the new Outlook (and similar Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia ) are easier to drive and get better fuel economy. Americans are known for wanting everything and more in their purchases, and this is reflected in the popularity of crossover vehicles today.

The Venza is splitting hairs to find its place, being a cross between the original Highlander (itself Camry based) and a Camry. Will this truly be a new segment, or just another means to challenge our staff in establishing ratings categories? Marketing messages aside, it will be the car shoppers that define the segments. What will be cross-shopped with the Venza? A Mazda CX-7, Subaru Outback, or Volvo XC70?

Regardless of what you call it, can the automotive buying public really accept another SUV-like vehicle? Probably so. Models like the Venza can be smart alternatives to larger, rougher, less efficient vehicles. Even if you don’t know how to classify it, crossover whatchamacallits may be worth a drive.

If this trend continues, we may be seeing crossovers establish, or re-establish, more categories soon—a crossover pickup anyone? Remember the Chevrolet El Camino? Well, cue the GMC Denali X/T concept from Chicago…

Liza Barth

U.S. gas prices

Most gas prices have gone down this week.

National retail fuel price averages

Price

Change from last week

Regular gasoline/gallon	$2.96	↓ .02
Diesel fuel/gallon	$3.28	0

Regional regular gasoline prices

Price

Change from last week

East Coast	$2.98	↓ .03
-New England	$3.01	↓ .03
-Central Atlantic	$3.02	↓ .03
-Lower Atlantic	$2.94	↓ .03
Midwest	$2.94	↓ .02
Gulf Coast	$2.85	↓ .02
Rocky Mountain	$2.94	↓ .01
West Coast	$3.06	0
-California	$3.11	0

Source: Energy Information Administration, 2/11/08

Chrysler threatens to pull plastic plug on “Playskool” interiors

Last week, the bankruptcy news of an auto parts supplier in Dearborn, Michigan, may have a direct impact on consumers. And it reveals some insight into what goes into the parts of the car that owners see and touch every day.

Plastech Engineered Products makes interior components for Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors vehicles. About a week ago, Plastech declared bankruptcy amidst a dispute with Chrysler, as widely reported. As a result, Plastech stopped supplying Chrysler interior components, causing the automaker to run short of parts and shut down four factories temporarily, with the potential to close many more.

The standoff didn’t last for long before a temporary agreement could be reached and production resumed. According to the trade paper Automotive News, the new arrangement will “allow the automaker to resume production at four idled plants and avoid shutdown of all its assembly operations.” Plastech has secured a line of credit to keep operations running for the time being.

Chrysler’s initial announcement of the four plant closings gives us an idea what cars have critical interior parts built by Plastech:
• The Belvidere, Ill., factory builds the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot SUVs.
• Newark, Delaware builds the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs.
• Sterling Heights, Michigan, builds the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger.
• The Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty, and Jeep Wrangler are built in Toledo, Ohio.

Consumer Reports has tested the Caliber, Compass, Patriot, Durango, Sebring (three of them), Avenger, Nitro, and Wrangler, and we are currently testing a Jeep Liberty.

When we tested the Nitro, we said its interior “looks cheap, with hard plastics, rough-finished components, large gaps, and loose pieces.” Likewise the Patriot, we said, “is full of cheap plastics, some of which are poorly finished.” We said the Sebring’s interior, “looks cheap and insubstantial.”

All these vehicles came in for similar harsh criticism. (Of course, suppliers like Plastech build components to manufacturer specs.) Some automotive writers have referred to this generation of Chrysler interiors as looking like they come from Playskool toys. One of our engineers likened driving the Compass to “sitting in an Igloo ice chest.”

Last year Chrysler announced it would create a new “advanced” interior design studio to focus on building better interiors. The first product of that effort, according to the company, is the new Dodge Ram pickup displayed at the Detroit Auto Show. It certainly had the highest initial quality interior we’ve seen on a new Chrysler design in a long time.

The particulars in this dispute remain a bit unclear. If Plastech had collapsed, many people would have been in trouble. The same Automotive News article mentioned that the company “owns more than 35 plants in North America and generated $1.4 billion in sales last year, [and] employs 7,700 people.”

In the end, we hope future Chrysler products will offer consumers more comfortable, better-finished interiors. (In theory, that could be good for everyone’s business.) The 2009 Ram has us optimistic. Just hope more jobs aren’t lost, or threatened, in the process.

—Eric Evarts

Edited 2/12/08

Chicago - Show me the green

The Chicago Auto Show seems to fall in a tough place on the calendar, that is, after the Los Angeles and Detroit shows where combined 60-80 vehicles may have been unveiled. Each event has a typical theme: LA is usually on the leading-edge of the Green movement and high fashion; Detroit tends to combine American muscle, technology innovation, and memorable design; Chicago is often a blend of truck news and also-rans (minor updates and decidedly unsexy models).

Disappointingly, the pattern holds true this year. The show itself isn't to blame, being a hapless victim of timing and circumstance. I place the blame on the manufacturers. Hear me out...

Reflecting back on the announcements after one last tour of the show floor, there were more than a fair share of mild updates and rebadged models. These may be all important to their respective companies, but not fodder for fueling consumer (or diehard automotive) passions.

Trucks did rule here in Chicago, with several interesting announcements although little that rocked my automotive world. The Chevrolet Traverse looks great. The Ford Works computer system is quite impressive. The GMC Sierra is welcomed to the hybrid revolution. The GMC Denali XT concept is, well, different.

What I wanted to see was inventive, thrifty trucks and SUVs. Rather than just targeting full-throttle, off-road assault monsters, I was looking forward to more vehicles that could commune in nature in a reasonably environmentally responsible way.

Turns out Detroit was the show for that, with the Ford Escape Plug-in, Hummer HX, Jeep Renegade (shown above), Land Rover LRX, Saturn Vue Plug-in, and Toyota A-BAT concepts. No question the Hummer H3T rocks in its own conquer-the-Earth way, but the HX concept from Detroit alongside it rocks harder. Fit it with a clean diesel engine and consider it the brand's savior.

The show season isn't over until New York next month. Just hope we don't have to wait until the next Detroit show to be tantalized with vehicles that combine fun and "green" in the same exciting package.

Meanwhile, I need to reread the Suzuki Equator materials to learn more about how it has an "exclusive" grille.

—Jeff Bartlett

Read our complete coverage of the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.

Car safety goes to the dogs

The automaker press conferences at the Chicago Auto Show today ended not with a whimper, but a bark, as Volvo brought canine safety center stage. The Volvo-dog connection is natural. Our recent Brand Perceptions Survey found that among new-car shoppers, safety (63 percent) is the most important consideration. And the Swedish brand owns the safety category, according to this nationwide survey.

Pet safety group BarkBuckleUp had pooches on hand as they addressed the avoidable dangers of traveling with dogs. Some are obvious, others less so. Given that more than 67 percent of U.S. households own a pet, with 44.8 million having a dog, chances are you have or will at some time travel with a dog.

Dogs present a variety of risks, beyond drooling, shedding, and scratching the interior. Dogs can also distract a driver with their behavior or insufferable cuteness.

Among the most threatening risks is simply being unrestrained in an accident. In a BarkBuckleUp example, a 60-pound dog in a 30-mph collision can impact a car seat, windshield, or a passenger with 1,200-pounds of force.

Less obvious are some of the other risks. In a prior interview, BarkBuckleUp co-founder Christina Selter told of how emergency workers face dangers from a wounded or overly protective animal preventing, or at least challenging, their access to a crashed automobile to help its occupants. Think German Shepherd scared witless, staring down mortal threats, with sirens, flashing lights, and strangely dressed people approaching its family…not a welcoming scenario.

Tragically, Selter says she hears reports of when emergency team members open a vehicle door, only to have a frightened animal run into traffic, causing another accident.

Dogs are beloved family members in many households and can bring lots of joy. It’s hard to envision Fido at such risk, but clearly the threat is there. Pet harness restraints and cargo-section barriers are available that can help keep the whole family safe. If safety really is a top concern, investing in a harness or barrier seems like a small price to pay to make the whole family safer.

—Jeff Bartlett

Read our complete coverage of the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.

Ford trucks redefine mobile office

A new competitor to the rugged Panasonic Toughbook laptop was introduced in Chicago—the Ford F-150. Ford unveiled an integrated, computerized office for commercial users, with more technical partners to thank than a NASCAR team. Together, Ford and this high-tech cabal have assembled a powerful suite of tools that can help manage businesses on the road.

Here’s a quick look:

Computer: An in-dash computer with high-speed Internet access via the Sprint mobile broadband netwo