Here's the Thing

Survey finds one in four Americans could not pay for major car repair

(August 7, 2011) ORLANDO, Fla. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — One in four American drivers could not pay for a car repair of $2,000 if faced with one today, according to the results of a survey released by AAA. The survey also found one in eight would be unable to pay for a repair bill of $1,000.

Long-term test of Mini electric cars finds driving habits don't change

(August 6, 2011) Understanding how electric cars are driven in the real world has taken an important step forward with the release of data from the MINI E field trial in the UK.

Year-long real-world tests of a fleet of electric Minis found that driving patterns were generally the same as those who drove conventionally powered cars.

Tune-up truths: What to know before getting a summer road trip 'tune-up'

(August 5, 2011) CARSON, Calif., — As that midsummer road trip approaches, it is time for the annual summer engine tune-up ... or is it?  Typically, car owners visit their local repair shop for a tune-up before hitting the road, but the traditional definition of a tune-up has changed. It may have made sense for our parents and grandparents to tune-up every 15,000 or 30,000 miles, but, today, the demand for fewer emissions and technological advancements have reduced the need. In fact, the 'tune-up' is becoming an outdated term with no real definition, according to AutoMD.com.

Something to ponder while filling up the tank

(Augut 3, 2011) We frequently hear about the high cost of gasoline in places like the U.K. or more recently we hear the tumult coming from Israel concerning gasoline prices of more than $8.00 per U.S. gallon. Much of the pricing around the world is a combination of material costs and added taxes.

Much of the debate in the U.S. centers on using taxes to force consumers to cut back on their driving or force the automakers to increase the miles per gallon average of their vehicles — the goal being a reduction of imported oil and a reduction of our dependence on sources from places where we may not want to do business.

Most overlooked cars

(August 3, 2011) Consumer Reports has a list for just about everything inside their automotive testing procedures and labs. Stuff like fuel efficiency that is very objective and a list of fun to drive cars that is very subjective.

Auto incentives could explode in August, Edmunds predicts

(August 3, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A surge in incentive spending by Japanese automakers last month may force U.S. car manufacturers to boost their own spending in the coming month, reports Edmunds.com.

According to an analysis of Edmunds.com's True Cost of Incentives (TCISM), Japanese brands increased spending 24.5 percent from June to July to an average of $1,990 per vehicle.

Survey shows Americans think they are great drivers

(August 3, 2011) NORTHBROOK, Ill. (PRNewswire) — The majority of Americans consider themselves to be good drivers, but a new study by Allstate Insurance reveals that their candor tells a different — and dangerous — story.

American drivers believe their own driving knowledge, ability and safe driving habits are well above other drivers on the road.

Car thieves preferred domestic over foreign in 2010

(August 2, 2011) DES PLAINES, Ill. — The National Insurance Crime Bureau has released its list of the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States. The report examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model, and model year most reported stolen in 2010.

Redesigned Honda Civic scores too low to be recommended

(August 1, 2011) YONKERS, NY — The highly anticipated redesigned Honda Civic LX, whose predecessors have often been Consumer Reports’ highest rated small sedans as well as Top Picks in five of the last 10 years,  now scores too low to be “Recommended” by the automotive testing organization.

Honda responds to Consumer Reports story

(August 1, 2011) TORRANCE, Calif — In a statement issued this afternoon from the company's U.S. headquarters Honda replied to the Consumer Reports story that gave the 2012 Civic a score too low to be "Recommended."

"In a broad sense, we disagree with Consumer Reports’ findings. Without question, the small sedan segment is more competitive than ever. In virtually every way, the completely redesigned 2012 Civic is a step forward. The new Civic excels in areas that matter to small-car customers, including fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability.