Archive for the ‘Features’ Category

Most ordinary gasoline models look like guzzlers next to the hybrids—and a few compact diesel models—that dominate the upper echelon of this year's EPA fuel economy ratings. For instance, according to the EPA's Fuel Economy Guide information released last week, a 2010 Toyota Prius will cost less than half as much to keep fueled for a year's worth of driving than the seemingly fuel-efficient four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive 2010 Toyota RAV4. According to EPA estimates, the savings would rack up to $850; and that's with gas prices at a relatively low $2.58 a gallon.

At least you're not driving a 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago (8 mpg City) or a 2010...

Never let it be said that users don't read our reviews with an eagle eye. Reader Keith Siegel shot us a note this morning, asking the following question:

I was surprised to see a score of "8" for Features in your 2010 Subaru Outback review. The only negative was the failure to offer memory seats for driver/passenger. If that was the only noted feature that wasn't offered, shouldn't it have been awarded a "9"?

Good question, Keith. Our reasoning is that other vehicles in the crossover category offer a wider set of features, albeit some without the practical versatility of the Subaru or at a higher price.

Our ratings are comparative, although...

You thought you got a great deal on a nearly new vehicle that was used as a company car. Yet weeks or months later, you find out that it doesn’t actually have the side bags on board.

With any luck, you’ll find that out before serious accident or injury, or before signing on the dotted line in the first place.

This could happen to you if you’re not careful. If you look at a late-model used car that was formerly in a rental fleet, there’s a chance that it won’t have side airbags—even if it’s a model for which side or side-curtain bags were listed as standard equipment.

Last month, rental giant Enterprise Rent-A-Car admitted that it had...