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Dorking Out Over Consumer Reports
Mar 28 2008 by Sara Lacey
3/28/08
Annual Auto Issue Full of Helpful Data
So you've come to Mother Proof to research a car. I got here myself the very same way a few years ago. Maybe you've just started looking at cars, or maybe you've been at it awhile and just want some support for a decision you've already made. Whatever the case, Mother Proof welcomes you!
Either way, odds are good that you're using more than Mother Proof for your research. In that case, your timing couldn't be better. Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Issue is out on newsstands now, chock full of high-quality, easily digestible information. I picked it up the other day, sat down with a cup of coffee and dove into it like other gals do InStyle, Cooking Light, People or Tiger Beat.
I flipped right to the list of the best and worst cars for 2008, where the Honda Accord is the top pick for best sedan. It beat out the Nissan Altima, but only by a bit because the Altima doesn't come with electronic stability control standard on all trim levels. The top minivan is the Toyota Sienna, which is also the only minivan available with all-wheel drive. Those Consumer Report-ers are safety nuts, and I love them for it.
Other top picks include the Toyota RAV-4 (best mpg of any nonhybrid small SUV), the Hyundai Santa Fe (excellent fit and finish, standard stability control), the Hyundai Elantra SE (again, standard stability control) and the Toyota Prius (best hybrid mpg and great reliability).
In addition to all the best and worst lists (which I love), I also enjoyed the Automaker Report Cards. The report cards give an overall grade to each manufacturer based on the average test score of all the models they produce, as well as on their predicted reliability ratings. The predicted reliability ratings are based on how all models from the 2007 survey compare with average scores over the past three years. Honda scored highest with a 78 out of 100, followed by Toyota with a 75. The tail end of the list shows a tie between Chrysler and Suzuki, both scoring 49.
Then we have the list of cars that are the most and least expensive to own, as well as vehicle ratings, profiles, safety ratings, and best and worst used cars (this list is sorted by price range and is an excellent resource). All this data makes my head spin, in a good way. I love to compare models and daydream about which car I'd buy next if I were in a position to do so.
If you're considering a new car, go grab yourself a copy of Consumer Reports. If you've got a significant other, get one for him, too. Shoot, get a picnic blanket and some snacks, take the kids to the park and sit and do research together. Later, you can cut out pictures of your favorite heartthrob from Tiger Beat and hang them on the wall. What could be dreamier?
you get more detailed testing info via the online subscription or if you have back issues in which specific cars you were interested were tested.
The annual car issue, though one of my favorite reads, is really not detailed enough for one to rely on it too much to make an informed purchase. since i swear by the publication, i had the online subscription for much more detail on specific models. it’s worth the money i think.