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Featured Car Articles
Featured Car Articles
by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
First Spin: 2013 Acura ILX
Date: 05.15.2012
By Rick Cotta
The ILX is Acura's all-new compact car. Check out our first impressions.
Read Full Article
First Spin: 2013 Dodge Dart
Date: 05.14.2012
By Rick Cotta
Dart joins the compact-car class for 2013. How does it measure up to the competition?
Read Full Article
First Spin: 2013 Scion FR-S
Date: 05.02.2012
By Dave Hall
Scion's new rear-wheel-drive sports car is lightweight and agile. But does the FR-S carry the spirit of the original Toyota Corolla AE86?
Read Full Article
First Spin: 2013 Acura RDX
Date: 04.26.2012
By Rick Cotta
Acura's premium-compact SUV is redesigned for 2013. But how does it stack up against the competition?
Read Full Article
Five Things You Should Know About the Ram C/V
Date: 04.24.2012
By Jack Stewart
Need a van for your business, but don’t want a full-size rig? The 2012 Ram C/V might be for you.
Read Full Article
First Spin: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550
Date: 04.24.2012
By Ed Piotrowski
The SL-Class has only been redesigned 6 times, including the 2013 model year. Find out what's been updated.
Read Full Article
State of the Diesel Art--Part II: What’s Due and What’s Coming After That
Date: 04.19.2012
By Rick Cotta
While diesel engines have long been popular in heavy-duty full-size pickups, they’ve recently become more common in cars and SUVs as well.
Read Full Article
Hey Chicagoans, Save Over $20,000 on the Mitsubishi i
Date: 04.18.2012
By David Aretha
While other electric vehicles may be too costly, the much-less-expensive i can be a pretty smart choice--especially for Chicagoans.
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Special Safety Features for 2012 Vehicles
Date: 04.18.2012
By David Aretha
Are today’s drivers smarter and safer? That’s open to debate. But one thing that’s certain is that the vehicles themselves are safer.
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First Spin: 2012 Toyota Prius c
Date: 04.10.2012
By Rick Cotta
The quintessential hybrid gets a little smaller. Check out our impressions of the 2012 Toyota Prius c.
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What's New for the 2013 Ford Taurus
Date: 04.10.2012
By Don Sikora II
Ford’s flagship sedan, the Taurus, received its last major redesign for 2010. Now for 2013, it receives some worthwhile updates.
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First Spin: 2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan
Date: 04.10.2012
By Damon Bell
For 2012, BMW redesigns its best-selling car. Does the 3-Series retain its classic character?
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Johnson Controls' Virtual Test Drive: Watch How Energy Efficient Vehicles Impact Your Wallet and the Environment
Date: 04.02.2012
By Rebecca Artz
Interested in comparing the fuel economy, CO2 emissions, and trip costs between 3 different types of vehicles all at once? Take this virtual test drive.
Read Full Article
First Spin: 2013 Mazda CX-5
Date: 03.28.2012
By Don Sikora
Check out our first impressions of Mazda's all-new 5-passenger crossover SUV equipped with SKYACTIV technology.
Read Full Article
First Spin: 2013 Infiniti JX
Date: 03.26.2012
By Ed Piotrowski
The 2013 Infiniti JX is the company's first 7-passenger premium-midsize crossover SUV. Does JX have what it takes to trump its competition?
Read Full Article
Four New Mercedes-Benz 4Matics: Fresh Soldiers for the Battle Against Mother Nature
Date: 03.20.2012
By Rick Cotta
What happens when a quartet of
Mercedes-Benz's
new all-wheel-drive 4Matic models invades snowy Jackson, Wyoming?
Read Full Article
Volvo’s Power-Boosting Polestar Upgrade: The Sporty Side of the Safety-Conscious Swede
Date: 03.20.2012
By Rick Cotta
You may not have heard of Polestar, but they've developed all sorts of go-fast goodies for Volvo. Find out which models get upgraded.
Read Full Article
Horsepower-per-Dollar Values for 2012 Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
Date: 03.19.2012
By David Aretha
Want to maximize speed but minimize cost? Consider these 2012 vehicles that deliver the most bang for your buck.
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Warm Up Your Winter with a Remote Engine Starter
Date: 03.08.2011
By David Aretha
Hate shivering while your car's interior warms up? Well, 85 model-year 2012 vehicles offer this feature.
Read Full Article
California’s HOV Lanes Welcome the 2012 Chevrolet Volt
Date: 03.07.2012
By Rebecca Artz
California's carpool lanes say hello to the Volt. Check out the latest alternative-fuel-vehicle news.
Read Full Article
What's in Bobby Rahal's Garage?
Date: 03.07.2012
By Dave Hall
Bobby Rahal is a racing legend. The former racecar driver now co-owns a race team and has acquired an impressive car collection.
Read Full Article
Goodbye to a Brand: Ten Memorable Saabs
Date: 03.06.2012
By John Biel and Jack Stewart
Saab's clever engineering, innovation, and quirkiness gained it a loyal following during its 61 years as an automaker.
Read Full Article
The Mercedes, Amex Card: Spend a Ton, Save a Fortune
Date: 03.05.2012
By David Aretha
Mercedes-Benz and other automakers are offering rewards cards to consumers. Check out what cardholders can earn with their points.
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Car Wars: 2012 Chevrolet Volt vs 2012 Nissan Leaf
Date: 03.01.2012
By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
Going green? Find out which of these alternative-fuel compact cars you should buy.
Read Full Article
A $7,500 Federal Tax Credit? Not for Joe Sixpack
Date: 02.29.2012
By David Aretha
If you buy an electric car, we've been told you'll qualify for a $7,500 tax credit. But what exactly does that mean?
Read Full Article
It's Diesel's Time to Shine
Date: 02.29.2012
By David Aretha
Many diesel cars and SUVs are earning critical acclaim in the U.S. due to their robust performance and outstanding fuel economy.
Read Full Article
The 25 Least Expensive 2012 Cars with Automatic Transmission
Date: 02.28.2012
By David Aretha
Find out which new cars offer the least expensive automatic transmission.
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AAA to Offer Recharge Services for Stranded Motorists
Date: 02.28.2012
By Rebecca Artz
Interested in purchasing an electric vehicle but have range anxiety? Check out the details on what AAA will soon offer for its members.
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Car Wars: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vs 2012 Ford Fiesta
Date: 02.22.2012
By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
The traditional “Chevy vs. Ford” battle continues with the Sonic and Fiesta. Which one would you buy?
Read Full Article
2012 International Car of the Year Awards
Date: 02.22.2012
By Rick Cotta
The International Car of the Year jury handed down its decisions at the recent 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
Read Full Article
Local Color 2012: Hot Hues at the Chicago Auto Show
Date: 02.22.2012
By Damon Bell
At the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, we took a lap of the show floor to find unusual factory color offerings.
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2012 Chicago Auto Show: the Old Cars at the New-Car Show
Date: 02.16.2012
By Jack Stewart
While people go to auto shows to see new cars, it’s nice to mix things up with a few vintage models.
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In Detail: A Few Vehicles From the 2012 Chicago Auto Show
Date: 02.15.2012
By Jack Stewart
Auto designers spend hours ensuring that certain small features are artistic or original, and those facets can be easily overlooked.
Read Full Article
Things That Caught My Eye at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show
Date: 02.14.2012
By Don Sikora
The 2012 Chicago Auto Show was a bit light on new-car introductions, but that doesn't mean there wasn't anything to see.
Read Full Article
14 Hot Red Cars for Valentine's Day
Date: 02.13.2012
By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
Forget the chocolate-covered cherries. We've got some special Valentine's Day candy for you right here. Eye candy, that is.
Read Full Article
Chrysler to Add 1,800 Jobs at Illinois Assembly Plant
Date: 02.07.2012
By Don Sikora
Chrysler invested over $700 million to build a new body shop for the 2013 Dodge Dart. Check out the news from our trip to the assembly plant.
Read Full Article
Challenges On the Front Line: Selling Cars During a Recession
Date: 01.30.2012
By Tom Appel
Consumer Guide spoke with the head of a local car dealer group about satisfying the needs of recession-era buyers.
Read Full Article
First Spin: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG
Date: 01.26.2012
By Ed Piotrowski
Can the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG continue to run with the pack of ultra-high-performance luxury SUVs?
Read Full Article
Things That Caught My Eye at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show
Date: 01.24.2012
By Don Sikora II
It was a hectic couple of days, but between the new-vehicle introductions, I made time to look around the rest of the show.
Read Full Article
First Spin: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Date: 01.20.2012
By Don Sikora II
Mercedes-Benz has given its volume-selling C-Class a significant mid-cycle update.
Read Full Article
First Spin: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco
Date: 01.19.2012
By Rick Cotta
The redesigned Malibu no longer offers a V6 or standard 4-cylinder engine. In their place is a "mild hybrid" powertrain.
Read Full Article
2012 Best Buy and Recommended Awards
Date: 01.16.2012
By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
Consumer Guide's editors offer Best Buy and Recommended picks in 18 distinct vehicle classes. Check out this year's awards.
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Cars We'd Like For Christmas
Date: 12.20.2011
By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
In lieu of big holiday bonuses and Secret Santas, CGA editors got to choose the cars they want for Christmas!
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First Spin: 2012 Buick Verano
Date: 12.14.2011
By Dave Hall
We spent some time with the 2012 Buick Verano to see if the company's newest entry is up to snuff in the premium-compact class.
Read Full Article
First Spin: 2013 Lexus GS
Date: 12.14.2011
By Ed Piotrowski
The GS is redesigned, but does it have what it takes to vault to the head of the very tough premium-midsize-car class?
Read Full Article
Wish You Were Here: 2012 Volkswagen Up!
Date: 12.08.2011
By Chris Poole
Volkswagen Group’s all-new minicar, called the Up,
is getting good reviews overseas
, but it’s not coming to America. Why?
Read Full Article
2011 SEMA Show Gallery: Vintage Classics
Date: 12.07.2011
By Damon Bell
Take a look at some of the vintage vehicles that were on display at this year's SEMA Show.
Read Full Article
Five New Things About the 2012 Honda CR-V
Date: 12.07.2011
By Jennifer Geiger
Though CR-V's always been on the A-list, will the new one catch buyers’ eye in this increasingly crowded and competitive class?
Read Full Article
Aftermarket Backup Cameras: Adding Eyes to the Back of Your Head
Date: 12.06.2011
By Rick Cotta
Considering buying an aftermarket rearview camera for your car? Check out what the installation process is like.
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A Day in the Life of a Fuel-Cell Vehicle
Date: 11.30.2011
By Rick Cotta
Our resident "green car" expert spends some time with a Mercedes-Benz powered by hydrogen.
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Car Wars: 2012 Chevrolet Cruze vs 2012 Ford Focus
Date: 11.30.2011
By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
Cruze and Focus go head-to-head in our comparison. Which would you buy?
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Car Wars: Camaro vs Ford Mustang
Date: 11.22.2011
By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
Pony power or bow-tie brawn? Which of these sporty/performance rivals would you buy?
Read Full Article
Driving on Sunshine: Can You Afford to Do it?
Date: 11.21.2011
By David Aretha
Ford and partner SunPower recently announced a joint venture to generate enough electricity to power the 2012 Ford Focus Electric via solar energy.
Read Full Article
SEMA 2011 Gallery - Made in the Suede
Date: 11.15.2011
By Damon Bell
Over the past few years, low-gloss finishes have proliferated at SEMA, with a growing number of show vehicles sporting “suede” hues.
Read Full Article
SEMA 2011 Gallery - Weird and Wild
Date: 11.14.2011
By Damon Bell
The annual Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas can be summed up in two words: sensory overload.
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SEMA 2011 Gallery - A Kaleidoscope of Products and Concepts
Date: 11.09.2011
By Harry Kapsalis
Enjoy this gallery of just a fraction of the visual overload that the SEMA show has to offer.
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Car Wars: 2012 Honda Accord vs 2012 Toyota Camry
Date: 11.09.2011
By The Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
They're two of the most popular midsize cars on the market. Which one should you buy?
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SEMA 2011 Gallery - Wheels of Fortune
Date: 11.08.2011
By Harry Kapsalis
This gallery is just a small glimpse of the wide range of wheel styles spotted at the 2011 SEMA show this year.
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First Spin: 2012 Mazda 3 SKYACTIV
Date: 11.08.2011
By Rick Cotta
With Mazda's SKYACTIV technology, the 2012 Mazda 3 has joined the "40-mpg club."
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First Spin: Ford's 2012 EcoBoost SUVs
Date: 11.07.2011
By Damon Bell
For 2012, Ford is expanding the EcoBoost line to include a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder.
Read Full Article
What's New For 2012: Nissan Trucks & SUVs
Date: 11.02.2011
By Don Sikora II
Here's a rundown of what to expect from Nissan next year.
Read Full Article
Aftermarket Wonderland: A 2011 SEMA Show Gallery
Date: 11.01.2011
By Damon Bell and Harry Kapsalis
Consumer Guide is at SEMA, cameras in hand, to capture the action. Check out our gallery of OEM manufacturer show vehicles.
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Hot Lap: 2011 BMW1-Series M
Date: 11.01.2011
By Dave Hall
We recently had the chance to pilot the 2011 BMW 1-Series M around the track at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL.
Read Full Article
World Traveler: At 100 Years Old, Chevrolet is a Global Brand
Date: 11.01.2011
By John Biel
Chevrolet, the brand that long billed itself “USA-1,” is, in fact, a fixture of the automotive landscape around the world.
Read Full Article
Meet the Editors
By The Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
Meet the test-car editors behind Consumer Guide's new- and used-car reviews and articles
.
Read Full Article
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