Consumer groups back 54.5 mpg standard as hearings commence

Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, USA

Experts have already predicted that toughened fuel efficiency standards will lead to cleaner air and help wean the United States from its reliance on foreign oil. Turns out, they could benefit consumer’s wallets too.
That’s the conclusion of the Consumers Union and Consumer Federation of America, which briefed reporters on [...]

Consumer group cries foul on Hyundai’s 40-mpg claim

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Hyundai

Right when it looks like Hyundai can do no wrong, we have this: A consumer protection group is asking the United States Environmental Protection Agency to look into claims that the Elantra has exaggerated fuel economy numbers.
Consumer Watchdog sent the EPA a letter citing a litany of public criticism of [...]

Nissan Leaf nets middling 78-point Consumer Reports score, still beats Volt

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan

Consumer Reports has wrapped up its five-month road test of the 2011 Nissan Leaf and reports the electric hatch scored 78 points. That puts the EV into the middle of six recently tested fuel-efficient hatchbacks. The Leaf ranked two points shy of the Toyota Prius and 11 points above the Chevrolet Volt. [...]

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #220 with Consumer Reports’ John Linkov

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Etc., Ford, Jeep, Smart, Design/Style

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We record Episode #220 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we’ll be joined by John Linkov of Consumer Reports, as well. We’ll of course discuss the Annual Autos Issue, as well as the other topics [...]

Consumer Reports: Interest in alt-energy vehicles on the rise; buyers deterred by drawbacks

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Hydrogen, MPG, Natural Gas

Consumer Reports recently surveyed 1,713 car owners in the U.S. and discovered that 39 percent of them will consider buying a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) for their next vehicle. Out of that group, 60 percent are leaning towards a conventional hybrid, 16 percent are considering [...]

Video: 2011 Chevrolet Volt visits Consumer Reports

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM

“What do you think about the Chevrolet Volt?” It’s a question we get asked all the time. For most of us, the answer is, “I’m anxious to check it out.” The staff of Consumer Reports’ Automotive Test Center can offer more substantive replies. General Motors drove two Volts out to [...]

Consumer Reports may restore Toyota “Recommended” ratings next week

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Consumer Reports may be ready to offer a vote of confidence in Toyota, depending on the outcome of the Japanese automaker’s current Congressional Hearings on Toyota Safety here in the United States, says CR Senior Director David Champion.
At the end of January as news was starting to pile [...]

Toyota reportedly mulling longer warranties, cash incentives to rekindle consumer confidence

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Recalls, Toyota

In light of the litany of recall-related problems Toyota is facing right now, executives at the Japanese automaker are predictably being very selective about what they say – and when they say it. But while Toyota brass is playing its cards close to the vest, dealers are apparently [...]