If Americans are buying more fuel-efficient cars, is it making any difference? The latest study by the University of Michigan cites benefits far greater than the fuel economy improvements would indicate.

Every time Consumer Reports complains about an overly complicated vehicle control system, like Cadillac's CUE or MyFord/MyLincoln Touch, we hear critics call us Luddites who hate all touch screens. But that misses a rather big point. It isn't the technology that's the problem, but rather how well it's implemented.

"Would you get that same car again?" That is the key question we ask subscribers in our annual owner satisfaction survey to discover how happy owners are with their car. And once again, we see a link between excitement and satisfaction.

Ford has been making some eye-opening claims about the fuel economy of the redesigned 2013 Fusion Hybrid sedan and new C-Max Hybrid wagon: "47 city/47 highway/47 combined mpg." After running both vehicles through our real-world tests, we have gotten very good results. But they are far below Ford's ambitious triple-47 figures.

If you're considering giving the gift of navigation this holiday season, we can point you in the right direction with our test-based advice.

If the idea of a car battery that could last 10 years, has more cranking power than conventional batteries, can stand more charge and discharge cycles, and offers faster recharge time appeals to you, you're in luck. It's coming soon. And as a bonus, it weighs just 6.6 pounds.

As winter and the holiday season fast approaches, now can be a great time to purchase a meaningful gift for the driver on your list--something that can give them convenience, safety, and security.

Ford will issue yet another update to MyFord and MyLincoln Touch, as well as adding two more years of warranty coverage, according to Automotive News. Our experience with these cars, backed up by Consumer Reports reliability survey data, shows why Ford had to take these steps.

The benefits of electronic stability control (ESC) have been increasing each year, according to a three-year study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that estimates over 2,200 lives were saved during that period.

Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system been treated to a major overhaul for 2013. When the next-generation version appears this spring in the 2014 Impala, it will have a number of new features that let users customize it to their personal preferences.

If you rely on winter tires and still haven't gotten them installed, don't delay. I'm reminded to make that public service announcement after an obscure government ruling held up my own winter-tire installation this year. Don't let this happen to you.

Automakers have answered new fuel economy requirements and increased consumer demand with some lofty mpg claims. But it seems some of these claims have been a little too high, at least on paper.

Tragedies involving distracted driving are becoming all too familiar. Hearing firsthand about how a careless act can ruin lives can be shocking, but as I was recently reminded, learning what can be done to prevent such accidents can be inspiring.

Ford is issuing a voluntary safety recall of 2013 Escape SUV and Fusion sedans equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine over concerns they can overheat, creating a fire risk.

Subaru previously took their time with Forester redesigns, with the car's basics going nearly unchanged through most of the last decade. But Subaru is no longer letting the Forester rest on its laurels. While still highly competitive, the all-new-in-2009 Forester comes in for a thorough update for 2014.