Buying Guides
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Last week, we looked at the pros and cons of buying and running a hybrid vehicle. We concluded that, provided you didn't mind paying a little more on the purchase price, that their smooth driving characteristics and great gas mileage makes them hard to beat for green-minded buyers. Now it's the turn of diesels. With more manufacturers offering diesel than ever before, and even more on the way, should you go diesel for your next car? Pros Diesel is rapidly increasing in popularity, and much of that is down to manufacturers like Volkswagen and BMW, with their powerful, efficient diesel engine...
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2013 Ford Escape Vs. 2013 Mazda CX-5: Crossover Comparison
It's no surprise that crossovers are having such a surge in popularity right now. By offering the sort of chunky styling and high driving position that draws people to SUVs, with gas mileage and driving characteristics more in common with regular compact cars, they offer the best of both worlds for...
Antony Ingram -
2012 Ford Focus SFE Vs 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Compact Sedans Compared
You want a compact sedan that gives great gas mileage, comes from an American company, and costs less than a hybrid car. If that sounds like you, the chances are you’ve considered test-driving the 2012 Ford Focus SFE and 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco. But what comes as standard on each car? Which...
Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield -
Hybrids: Should You Buy One? The Pros And Cons
If you want to cut down on gas and reduce your tailpipe emissions, there's never been a better selection of vehicles to choose from. Whether you go the whole hog with an electric car or simply buy a more efficient gasoline vehicle, you're spoiled for choice. Each fuel and vehicle variation has its...
Antony Ingram -
2012 Toyota Yaris Vs 2012 Honda Fit: Subcompact Hatches Compared
The trendy 2012 Toyota Yaris is certainly an improvement on its predecessor, attracting a lot of attention wherever it goes. But can Toyota’s latest offering in the subcompact hatch war compete with the granddaddy of the segment, the venerable, flexible, upright but jaunty Honda Fit? Both...
Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield -
2012 Toyota Camry Vs 2012 Hyundai Sonata: Midsize Sedans Compared
Camrys have topped the passenger car sales charts since the dawn of time, but with the 2012 Hyundai Sonata on the market, it's no longer a given that the Camry is the car to go for. Both provide five seats, four doors and decent gas mileage, both are affordable, and both should provide many miles...
Antony Ingram -
Americans won't buy hatchbacks, or so goes the hoary old conventional wisdom. That may no longer be true, as Ford found out, but most compact cars are still four-door sedans. With the 2013 launch of its Elantra GT hatchback and Elantra Coupe, however, Hyundai has expanded its compact line to offer more body style variants than any other maker. The original Elantra sedan, introduced as a 2011 model, has been a big hit and anchored the model firmly among the top-selling compacts in the U.S.--helped by its highway rating of 40 mpg for all models. At times, the Montgomery, Alabama, factory has...
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2012 Honda Civic Vs 2012 Toyota Corolla: Compact Comparo
Other cars may steal the headlines, but the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla have spent plenty of time in the best-sellers lists. That's because each offers a wide range of talents to a wide range of individuals and families. They may lack the excitement of other models, but if you want a safe...
Antony Ingram -
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5: First Drive
The all-new 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 does a surprisingly good job of blending fuel economy, performance, comfort and value in a midsize sedan.
Kurt Ernst -
5 Good Green Cars For Your Teen: Frugal, Fun, But Responsible Too
It's summer, the kid wants a car, what are ya gonna do? Chances are you want your kid driving around in something safe. Almost certainly something not too fun or stylish, unless you want them showing off with a car full of friends. And you probably want something with good gas mileage too--it ain't...
Antony Ingram -
2013 Ford Fiesta: Ideal First Green Car For New Drivers?
If you're looking to buy your son or daughter a first car, the choice on offer might seem a little overwhelming at first. With gas prices on the increase, you may be tempted to get them something with good gas mileage, without spending too much money to buy it. The good news is, cars like the 2013...
Antony Ingram -
Green-Car Death List: 2012 Models To Which We Bid Adieu
Every year, some car models pass from our midst, often dying quietly and unnoticed. Here's our list of the green cars that are no longer with us. There were, of course, more cars than just this handful of the greenest models that died in 2012; here's a more complete list. Chevrolet Aveo While the...
John Voelcker -
For the past five years or more, the iconic Tesla Roadster has been the poster child for electric cars. Produced between 2008 and 2011, the two-seat Tesla Roadster combines the desirability of a luxury sports car with race-car performance, while its massive 53 kilowatt-hour battery pack gives enough power for up to grand-tourer style road-trips. Sold in the U.S. until the end of December 2011, most of the Teslas on the roads of the U.S. today are still with their original owners, but with the 2012 Tesla Model S launch imminent, some Tesla owners are selling their Roadster in preparation for...
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Best Used Green Car To Buy: Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Last week we started a series of the Five Best Used Green Cars To Buy. We've already looked at two of the best-known green cars, the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius and the 2006-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid. Now it's the turn of a car known for its fuel, rather than its drivetrain--the Volkswagen Jetta TDI...
Antony Ingram -
Best Used Green Cars To Buy: 2006-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
Now in its third generation, the Honda Civic Hybrid is one of the stalwarts of the compact hybrid class, having been around in one form or another since its introduction to the U.S. in 2002. Here we're looking at the popular 2006-2011 model, as one of our Five Best Used Green Cars To Buy. While not...
Antony Ingram -
Five Best Used Green Cars To Buy: 2004-2009 Toyota Prius
Yesterday, we introduced a five-part series taking an in-depth look into some of the best used green cars you can buy today. Ranging from the humble hatchback to a mighty sport-utility vehicle, we’ve selected five cars we think deserve your attention when shopping for your next used car...
Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield -
2012 Toyota Prius Vs. 2012 Chevrolet Volt: Which Is Right For You?
With gasoline prices on the increase, many consumers are looking to buy a hybrid or plug-in hybrid as their next car in order to save gas and money. If going whole hog and ditching gasoline entirely in favor of an all-electric car like the 2012 Nissan Leaf or 2012 Mitsubishi i isn’t an...
Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield -
Want A Used Small Car? Consumer Reports Rates Best Deals
Shopping for a used car can be one of life’s more frustrating experiences. If you know what you’re looking for in terms of year, make and model, the trouble is often in finding the specific car you’re seeking. If you're just shopping for a used small car, and you're flexible...
Kurt Ernst -
People have many reasons for choosing hybrid vehicles. For some, the chance of cutting down on fuel bills may be a priority. For others, knowing that they're doing less damage to the environment is very appealing. We've noticed that you, our readers, prioritize many different factors when choosing a green car. Some of you accept that spending a little extra initially can have financial benefits in the future, while others prefer to spend a little less in the short term. That's why we're looking at two leading midsize hybrids, the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid and 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and...
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2012 Lexus CT 200h Vs 2012 Ford Focus Titanium: Compact Comparo
As carmakers work to satiate consumers' desire to downsize, it's becoming easier than ever to buy a quality car in the subcompact and compact classes. The 2012 Lexus CT 200h illustrates this perfectly. Lexus hit the big time with the LS400 luxury sedan over two decades ago now, but its biggest...
Antony Ingram -
2012 Honda CR-Z Vs. 2012 Hyundai Veloster: Gas-Saver Coupes
Carmakers are beginning to realise that saving gas and reducing emissions, and making a fun car to drive aren't mutually exclusive. At the top of the market there are now plenty of high-performance hybrids to choose from, but what if your budget is a little lower - nearer the $20,000 mark? That's...
Antony Ingram -
Kelley Blue Book Lists Gas-Savers With Sub-$30k 5-Year Cost
Yesterday, as we were publishing our own basic guide to some of the costs you can expect from gasoline, diesel, electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, vehicle information resource Kelly Blue Book (KBB) released a similar list. Rather than comparing energy types, the KBB list shows you all...
Antony Ingram -
Gas, Hybrid, Diesel, Electric: What Do They Cost Over 5 Yrs?
So you're in the market for a new car. Fantastic. You've done the research--looking at list prices, EPA fuel ratings, and all manner of other factors--and you know you want something fuel-efficient and easy on the environment. But what will that car really cost over, say, five years of ownership?...
Antony Ingram -
Five Top Used High Mileage Cars To Help You Survive High Gas Prices
Unless you don’t own a car, or happen to drive an all-electric car, the chances are you’ll have noticed that gas prices have risen dramatically over the past few days. But as growing uncertainly in the Middle East -- not to mention the knock-on effects of a large gasoline refinery fire...
Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield