Click on Blog title to view full blog

Used-Car Prices Have Fallen, for Now

Used car prices have improved, but interest rates remain high and there looms potential impact from a tumultuous new-car market, depending on potential changes to regulations and tariffs in the year ahead. We reached out to industry experts for insights into what is going on now with used cars. Here’s what you need to know:. The used-car market is less volatile than it was only a few years ago. While prices have come down, the cost fo...
Posted:Fri Feb 07 12:25:44 EST 2025

Preview: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Brings More Power, Greater Efficiency

The recently redesigned Subaru Forester will gain a hybrid powertrain later this year, making this small SUV even more compelling. Hybrids have become de rigueur in this category for good reason: Buyers are drawn to small SUVs for their price, versatility, and low operating costs. Adding a hybrid can see fuel economy jump from the high 20s for a conventional powertrain all the way to the mid-30s in overall mpg.  Subaru Forester Hybrid....
Posted:Thu Feb 06 10:15:01 EST 2025

Best Infant Car Seats of 2025, Lab-Tested and Reviewed

It can be tricky to tell which child car seats are better—not to mention safer—as you shop. Here’s what parents need to know when choosing an infant car seat, including the best seats from CR’s infant car seat ratings.  Which Infant Car Seats Are Safest?. Best Infant Car Seats. When Do Babies Outgrow an Infant Car Seat?. What's a ‘Load Leg,’ and How Does It Affect Car Seat Safety?. How to Install a Car Seat Which Infant Car...
Posted:Thu Feb 06 07:06:42 EST 2025

How to Safely Use Unconventional Car Shifters

As the associate director of vehicle technology at CR’s Auto Test Center, Kelly Funkhouser drives a lot of cars and is always on the lookout for issues related to the usability of various automotive features. She discovered one of these issues quite by surprise last year, when the Rivian R1S she was driving on a public road shifted into Reverse when she attempted to turn off the adaptive cruise control. . "Traffic was slowing to a cr...
Posted:Tue Feb 04 13:21:17 EST 2025

Be Prepared With a Winter Car Emergency Kit

Everyone who drives in winter weather should have an emergency kit in their car. That’s because snow, sleet, and frozen road surfaces could leave you stranded. Having a well-stocked emergency kit can help you get back on the road, or at least make the time you spend waiting for assistance safer and more comfortable. The National Weather Service has a list of essential gear on its website. Winter Emergency Kit Items. Basic Car Safety ...
Posted:Mon Feb 03 17:16:12 EST 2025

Best Deals on Pet Products

Your pets are members of your family, so it’s no surprise that you would want only the best for them. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a pet water fountain or you need a better vacuum to keep their shedding in check, the last thing you want is to spend money on something that doesn’t work. Finding a high-quality product is key. And that’s where we come in. . We evaluate all sorts of pet products from GPS trackers to pet st...
Posted:Mon Feb 03 16:09:21 EST 2025

How to Handle Repairs From a Car Crash

Modern high-tech safety features—automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warning (BSW), lane departure warning (LDW)—have been very effective at preventing crashes, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute. (Learn more about car safety features and their names.) More on Car Repair How to Save Big on Your Car Insurance. .Car Brands Ranked by Maintenance and Repair Costs Over Time. .Car Owners Favor Independent Repair Shops....
Posted:Fri Jan 31 06:00:01 EST 2025

Acura and Honda Cars and SUVs Recalled for a Software Issue That Can Cause Vehicles to Stall

Acura and Honda issued a recall for nearly 295,000 vehicles, including the 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S SUV, 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S sedan, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot SUV. MORE ON Car RECALLS We Answer Your Car Recall Questions. .206,000 Honda Passport and Pilot SUVs Recalled to Fix Fire Risk. .1.7 Million Honda and Acura Vehicles Are Recalled to Fix a Steering Problem. A software error in the fuel injection control unit may cause thes...
Posted:Wed Jan 29 14:08:31 EST 2025

Talking Cars 464: Live From CR’s Auto Test Center

This special "Talking Cars" podcast serves as a "recap" of our first-ever live episode of a show focused on the state of electric vehicles in 2025. . We welcomed live viewers and listeners who shared questions for real-time engagement with the panel. As you might imagine, there was plenty to talk about. . Conversation focused on whether or not the EV products on the market were ahead of the infrastructure and repair network needed to ...
Posted:Wed Jan 29 10:10:26 EST 2025

Kia Niros Are Recalled to Fix Airbag and Seat Belt Problems

Kia is recalling more than 80,000 Niro EVs, plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs), and hybrid vehicles from the 2023 through 2025 model years to fix a problem with their airbags and seat belts. They may not work properly in a crash, or the side airbags might deploy when they aren’t supposed to. MORE ON RECALLS Car Recall Guide: Your Questions Answered. .Hybrids That Save You the Most Money on Gas—and Some That Don't. .Why So Many Hyundai, Kia,...
Posted:Mon Jan 27 11:54:55 EST 2025

Best Dash Cams of 2025

According to the National Safety Council, 94 percent of car accidents are caused by human error. A dash cam can document exactly what happens before, during, and after a crash. . The best dash cams capture clear and accurate videos of crashes and interactions with law enforcement. You can use these videos to dispute speeding tickets, as evidence or supporting documentation when filing insurance claims, or in legal proceedings related to...
Posted:Mon Jan 27 06:00:12 EST 2025

The Most-Loved Car Models That Keep Owners Satisfied

When it comes to buying a new car, Consumer Reports members have told us that a low price or a luxury badge doesn’t automatically translate into happiness. Some models that you might expect to put a smile on an owner’s face actually make them frown—or worse.. The models that top the owner satisfaction ratings deliver on the manufacturer’s promises of luxury, fuel and energy efficiency (gas or electric), or pulse-quickening perfo...
Posted:Fri Jan 24 12:53:00 EST 2025

How to File a Car Insurance Claim

Over the past few years, widespread flooding, wildfires, and violent storms have affected not only people’s homes but also their cars. Meanwhile, the number of crashes on U.S. roads has remained persistently high.. In 2023, insurers paid out nearly $260 billion in claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). If you find yourself in a collision, or if your car has been affected by theft or a natural disaster, it help...
Posted:Thu Jan 23 17:16:00 EST 2025

Land Rover and Jaguar Vehicles Are Recalled to Fix Faulty Backup Cameras

Jaguar Land Rover is recalling over 33,000 vehicles in two separate recalls because their display screens may go blank. As a result, these vehicles don’t comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards regarding backup cameras. MORE ON car RECALLS Range Rover SUVs Recalled to Fix Faulty Backup Cameras. .Car Recall Guide: Your Questions Answered. .Make Sure The Used Car You Want Doesn't Have an Open Recall. The recalled vehicles in...
Posted:Thu Jan 23 14:13:48 EST 2025

Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick Are Recalled to Fix Faulty Batteries

Ford is recalling over 272,000 Bronco Sport SUVs from the 2021 through 2023 model years and Maverick pickup trucks from the 2022 through 2023 model years. These vehicles have defective batteries that could suddenly fail while the SUV or pickup is in use. As a result, they may stall at low speeds or they may fail to restart when the engine’s stop/start function is in use. The vehicles’ hazard lights may not operate, either. MORE ON C...
Posted:Thu Jan 23 13:38:59 EST 2025