Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2012

A U T O R E L I A B I L I T Y 185

DETAILED AUTO RELIABILITY

The charts on the following pagesgive you a model's complete reli-ability picture for both its usedversions (2005 through 2010)and the new one currently on

sale. These detailed reliability Ratings arebased on our 2010 Annual Car ReliabilitySurvey, for which we received responses on1.3 million vehicles.

The Annual Car Reliability Survey is sentto subscribers of CONSUMER REPORTS and

ConsumerReports.org. Respondents re-ported on any serious problems they had

with their vehicles in any of the trouble spotsincluded in the following charts, during theprevious 12 months. These were consideredserious because of cost, failure, safety, ordowntime. Because high-mileage vehiclestend to have more problems than low-mile-age ones, problem rates are standardizedto minimize differences related to mileage.The 2010 models were generally less than sixmonths old at the time of the survey and hadbeen driven an average of about 3,000 miles.Models with insufficient data are noted witha column of asterisks (").

How to use the chartsMAJOR REDESIGNSA model year In boid iden-

tifies the year the model

was introduced or under-

went a major redesign.

TROUBLE SPOTS

To assess a used car in

more detail, look at the

individual Ratings for

each of the 17 trouble spots.

They will pinpoint a model's

strengths and weaknesses.

Ratings are based on the

percentage of survey

respondents who reported

problems for that trouble

spot, compared with the

average of all vehicles for

that year.

Models that score a •

are not necessarily unreli-

able, but they have a higher

problem rate than the

Average Probiem Ratesnoiau

SPOTS

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003

8

6

3

3

5

10

7

9

8

9

4

8

9

12

9

3

013

6

5

3

3

5

12

7

8

8

9

3

7

9

11

8

3

023

5

4

2

3

5

9

6

7

7

8

2

5

8

10

7

3

032

4

4

2

2

5

7

5

6

6

8

2

4

7

9

7

3

041

3

3

1

2

4

5

4

4

5

7

1

4

6

8

7

3

OS1

2

2

1

2

3

4

4

3

4

6

1

3

6

6

6

3

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1

1

1

2

2

3

3

3

3

5

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2

5

5

5

3

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1

1

1

1

2

3

2

2

2

4

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2

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4

S

2

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1

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2

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3

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average model. Similarly,

models that score a © are

not necessarily problem-

free, but they had relatively

few problems compared

with other models.

Because problem rates in

some trouble spots are very

low, we do not assign a • or

© unless the model's prob-

lem rate exceeds 3 percent.

If a problem rate is beiow

2 percent, it will be assigned

8 9; below 1 percent, it will

be assigned a ©.

USED CAR VERDICTSTo check the overall reli-

ability of a used car, look at

the Used Car Verdict. This

Rating shows whether the

model had more or fewer

problems overall than the

average model of that year.

186 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 2

The verdict is calculated from

the total number of problems

reported by subscribers in all

trouble spots. Our calculations

give extra weight to problems

with major engine and trans-

mission systems, the cooling

system, and the drive system

because they can be serious

and expensive to repair.

NEW CAR PREDICTIONSTo determine the New Car Pre-diction, we averaged a model'sUsed Car Verdict for the mostrecent three years, providedthe vehicle did not changesignificantly in that time andwasn't redesigned for 2010or 2011. We have found thatseveral model years' data area better predictor than thesingle most recent model year.

One or two years' data maybe used if the model was rede-signed in 2010 or 2009, or ifthere were insufficient datafor more years. Sometimes weinclude a prediction for a mod-el that is new or has been re-designed, provided its reliabilityhistory or the manufacturer'strack record has been consis-tently above average. "NA"means there were insufficientdata for a prediction.

WHAT THE TROUBLE SPOTSINCLUDE

Engine, major: Enginerebuild or replacement,cylinder head, head gasket,turbo or supercharger,timing chain or timing belt.

Engine, minor. Oii leaks, acces-sory belts and pulleys, enginemounts, engine knock or ping.Engine, cooling: Radiator, cool-ing fan, antifreeze leaks, waterpump, thermostat, overheating.Transmission, major: Trans-mission rebuild or replace-ment, torque converter, pre-mature clutch replacement.Transmission, minor: Gearselector or linkage, coolersand lines, rough shifting, slip-ping transmission, leaks, trans-mission computer, transmis-sion sensor or solenoid, clutchadjustment, hydraulics (clutchmaster or slave cylinder).Drive system: Driveshaft oraxle, CV joint, wheel bearing(s),differential, transfer case,4WD/AWD components, drive-line vibration, electrical failure.Fuel system: Check enginelight, sensors (inciudes 02 oroxygen sensor), emission con-trol devices (inciudes EGR),engine computer, fuel cap,fuel gauge/sender, fuel injec-tion system, fuel pump, fuelleaks, stalling or hesitation.Eiectrlcai: Alternator, starter,hybrid battery and related sys-tems, regular battery, batterycables, engine harness, coil,ignition switch, electronic igni-tion, distributor or rotor failure,spark plugs and wires failure.Climate system: Blower(fan) motor, A/C compressor,condenser, evaporator, heatersystem, automatic climatecontrol, refrigerant leakage.

electrical failure.Suspension: Shocks or struts,ball joints, tie rods, wheelbearings, alignment, steeringlinkage (includes rack andpinion), power steering, wheelbalance, springs or torsionbars, bushings, electronic orair suspension.Brakes: Premature wear, pul-sation or vibration, squeaking,master cylinder, calipers,antilock brake system (ABS),parking brake, brake failure.Exhaust: Muffler, pipes,catalytic converter, exhaustmanifold, leaks.Paint/trim: Paint (fading, chalk-ing, cracking, peeling), looseexterior trim or moldings, rust.Body Integrity: Squeaks orrattles, seals, and/or weatherstripping, air or water leaks,loose interior trim and mold-ings, wind noise.Body hardware: Windows,locks and latches, tailgate,hatch or trunk, doors orsliding doors, mirrors, seatcontrols, safety belts, sunroof,convertible top, glass defect.Power equipment and acces-sories: Cruise control, clock,warning lights, body controlmodule, keyless entry, wipermotor or washer, tire pressuremonitor, interior or exteriorlight, horn, gauges, 12V powerplug, alarm or security system.Audio system: Audio systems,entertainment systems, naviga-tion system, backup camera/sensors, communication system.


TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

BodY Hardware

Power Eguip.

Audio System

TROUBLESPOTS

1 8 8 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 2

TROUBLESPOTS

BMW 32Si,328i (RWD)

'05'06'07'08'09 '10

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PalntArlm

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

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Buick Enclave(AWD)

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Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

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Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Egiiip.

Audio System

Cadillac SRX(AWD)

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TROUBLESPOTS

ChevroletCámaro (y8)

'OS'06'07'08'0910

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate Svstem

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Eguip.

Audio System

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

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TROUBLESPOTS

Chrysler 300(V6)

'05'06'07'08'09 '10

Engine, maioi

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Ma|or

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

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'05'06'07'08'09'10

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TROUBLESPOTS

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

©©

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'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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Dodge Ram150(3 (2WD)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Dodge Ram1500(4WD)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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'OS'06'07'08'0910

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Eguip.

Audio System

Ford Explorer(4WD)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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•05'06'07'08'09'10

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'05'06W08'09'10

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Ford F-150(V8,4WD)

05'06'07'08'0910

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Ford Mustang(V6)

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1 9 4 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U i D E 2 0 1 2

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Eiectricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Ford Ranger(4WD)

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Eiectricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

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'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

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Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

TROUBLESPOTS

Honda AccordCrosstour

•05 '06 '0708W10

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

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Brakes

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Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

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TROUBLESPOTS

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

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Audio System

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'05'06'07'08'0910

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'OS'O6'D7'08'O9't0

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Braiies

Exhaust

PaintArIm

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Hyundai SantaFe (V5)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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'OS'06'07'08'0910

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'OS'06'07'08'0910

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'05'06'07'08'0910

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'OS'06'07'08'09'10

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

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'05'06'07'08'09'10

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TROUBLESPOTS

Jaguar S-Type,

'OS'06'07'08'0910

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

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Audio System

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'OS'06'07'OB'09'10

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'05'06'07'08'09'10

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'05'06'07'08'09'10

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Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Eiectrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Jeep Patriot I I JeepWrangier 11 Jeep WranglerI I (2-door) I I (4-door)

05'06'07'08'09

TROUBLESPOTS

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Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

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Brakes

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Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

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Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

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Paint/Trim

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TROUBLESPOTS

Lincoln MKX(AWD)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

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TROUBLESPOTS

Mazda CX-7(turbo)

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'05'06'07'08'09'10

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'OS'06'07'08'0910

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

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'OS'06'07'08'0910

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Mercedes-BenzE-Class Sedan

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'OS'06'07'08'0910

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TROUBLESPOTS

Mercedes-BenzGL-Class (V8)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Electrical

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body integrity

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•OS'06'07'08'0910

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Mercury Grand 1 1 Mercury MarinerMarquis 1 1 Hybrid (AWD)

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Eguip.

Audio System

Mini CooperHatchback

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Nissan Altima(V6)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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•0S'06'07'0B'09'10

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

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Drive System

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Brakes

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Body Integrity

Body Hardware

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Audio System

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drivt Systtm

Fuel System

ElKtricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArtm

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Nissan Titan(4W0).

'05'06'07'08'09'10

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Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

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Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

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TROUBLESPOTS

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Saturn Aura(V6)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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'OS'M'07'08'09'10

I©

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'05'06'07'Oa'09'10

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Subaru B9Tribeca, Tribeca

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'OS'06'07'08'09'tO

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TROUBLESPOTS

SubaruImpreza WRX

'OS'06'OT'08'09'IO

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

|©*l©

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e©*e©a*e

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Subaru Legacy

'05'06'07'08'0910

aao

oaooeoeoabaoeeoo©ate

©a©e

aeeoe

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aeeeteteaee

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average ©

Subaru Outback(4-cyl.)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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eee©ooao

oe

oaee

oeeapb

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Toyota4Runner(V6)

'OS'06'07'08'0910

oooaaeele

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apAverage O

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectricai

Ciimate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Toyota Avaion

'05'06'07'08'09'10

ee

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Toyota Camry(4-cyi.)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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Toyota Camry(V6)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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'OS'06'07'08'0910

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Toyota CamrySolara (V6)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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ate©©o

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TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Toyota Corolla

'05'06'07'08'09'10

Toyota FJCruiser

ToyotaHighlander (V6)

I Toyota I¡Highlander Hybridl

'OS'06'07'08'0910

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a©a|©e

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Toyota RAV4(4-cyl.)

'OS'06'07'08'0910

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'OS'06'07'08'0910 'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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oa

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Toyota Matrix

'0S'06'07'08'O9'i0

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Toyota Sienna(V6, FWD)

'OS'06'07'0B'09'1O

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2 0 8 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y i N G G U i D E 2 0 1 2

T R O U B L ES P O T S

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System

Toyota Tacoma|V6,4WD)

Volkswagen CC

TROUBLESPOTS

Engine, major

Engine, minor

Engine Cooling

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuei System

Eiectrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

PaintArim

Body Integrity

Body Hardware

Power Equip.

Audio System


TROUBLESPOTS

yolkswagenNew BeetieConvertible

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

Engine, major

Enqine, minor

Engine Cooiing

Trans. Major

Trans. Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Eiectricai

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Body integrity

Body Hardware

Power Eguip.

Audio System

a©tob©

©©©

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• ©a©• tob |©*

©{©0 © 0 *

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yoikswaaenPassat

(4-cyl., FWD)

VolkswagenTiguan

New

Volvo S80(6-cyl.)

'OS'06'07'08'09'10

*

*

*

*

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'OS'06'07'08'09'10

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Copyright of Consumer Reports is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be copied or

emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission.

However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.


QuickGuide BLU-RAY PLAYERS

Blu-ray players are a good match for high-definition TVs, especially 1080p models, whichcan display ail the detail contained on Biu-ray discs.

Shopping tipWith almost allplayers, you won'thave unlimitedWeb browsing,only access tospecific sites asarranged by themanufacturer.

Scan this or see how, page 11

For more buying advice,go to ConsumerReports.org/bluray.

What to look for• Streaming video capabil-ity will give you access tocountless movies and TVepisodes online, usually fora fee (either a subscriptionor pay-per-view).• Wireless-ready modelsrequire an adapter (calleda dongle) to enable wirelessconnections.• For the ultimate in future-proofing, check out a 3D-capable player.

What to skip• A standard DVD player, ifyou have an HDTV, becausethe superior picture quality

of Blu-ray is well worth theslight additional cost• A Blu-ray player, if youhave a standard-def TV andhave no immediate plans toby a new HDTV, because youwon't be able to see Blu-ray'ssuperior picture quality

What you'll payBlu-ray players generallystart at about $100, thoughyou may find some modelson sale for less. Many full-featured models from majorbrands are going for $130to $250. 3D-capable playersstart at about $150 and cango up to $400 or more.

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results

A 3D PLAYERS

tí a

0 100P I F I G I V G l E

^ ^ ^ í ^ -^ —

•— — — oa — ^ -M

s - ° I i 3

0 1 tGBD670 $230

0 2 OppoBDP-93 500

0 3 Samsung BD-D6700 270

Q 4 SonyBDP'S480 180Q 5 Panasonic .„^

DMP-BDT210

e e O e© e e o e© e e o e

© © e e o oe e e o

17-33 13

14-27 14

13-33 11

1830 16

11-25 18

B L U - R A Y P L A Y E R S 13


o 100

p I F I G IVG l E

•ila a

z: f=r n3 cË E O ='^ R >- 'S

A 3D PLAYERS continued

In ^0 8

91011

PanasonicDMP-BDTllO

DenonOBP-lóllUD

MaranbUD5OO5

Sharp BD-HP35U

Sharp BD-HP25U

Pioneer BDP-430

B STANDARD PLAYERS

0 1• 2B 3

0 56

Samsung BD-05700Panasonic

DMP-BD75

LGBD63OSony Internet TV

NSZ-GTl

Sony BDP-S380

(Black)

Insignia NS-WBRDVD2

© © e

© © e

© © e

© © ©

© © ©

© © ©

e O eo e e9 o e© 0 0

9 O O

9 9 e

• 13-33 15

• 13-25 12

• 19-27 15

• 17-23 17

• 19-30 16

• 19-38 13

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood 9Fair ©Poor

Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended,

B Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mainly on picture guality. Displayed score is out of a total of 100 points,HD and DVD picture quality evaluate clarity and color accuracy from Blu-ray discs at 1080pand DVDs upconverted to quasi-1080p; signals for both are sent via HDMI, Ease of use pertains tothe controls on the front panel and remote, and navigation through the player's menu. Usefulfeatures include audio/video outputs, Internet connectivity and services, and 3D capability, Blu-ray and DVD load time is the average time it took to load test discs. Price is approximate retail.


QuickGuide CELL PHONES

Many of the newest models have large displays,keyboards, and Internet capabilities.

Shopping tipFlat or virtualkeypads makedialing withoutlooking moredifficult.

Scan this or see how. page 11

For more buying advice,go to ConsumerReports.orgketlphones

What to look for• Rebates and special offersfrom the carrier, comparedwith what independent deal-ers offer• Useful features such as sup-port for wireless Bluetoothheadsets and high-speed dataaccess• A cellular service provider'snetwork, which plays a bigpart in the capabilities ofthephone

What to skip• Buying a cell phone instead

ofa smart phone, if you wantmore than what a cell phonecan typically offer—mainlyvoice and text-messagingcapability

What you'll payMost models are priced from$20 to $150, but they oftencome free with a two-yearcontract. You can also buyphones associated with pre-paid plans, which are quicklybecoming the leading low-price option in cellular.

Brands model Price Overall score Test results Features

s es s,lii

A AT&TP I F

100

G I V G l E

1 HTC FreestyleSamsungSolstice II

0 30 *0 S0 60 7

$100

20

Samsung Rugby II 130

Samsung Strive

Pantech Link

Pantech Impact

Pantech Breeze II

© O © O 3.1 MicroSD HSDPA VDS 3.2 •

© O © O 1.9 MicroSD HSDPA VDS 3 •

© O O © 1.9 MicroSD HSDPA VDS 2.2

© © © O 1.9 MicroSD HSDPA VDS 2.6

O O © O 1.3 MicroSD HSDPA VDS 2.4


O O O O 1.3 MicroSD HSDPA VDS 2.2

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair •Poor

Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.

bd Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

C E L L P H O N E S 15

Brand 8 model Price Overall score Test results Features

0 100

p F 1 G I V G l E

a S ^

re >..> ^c^ - 5 =

.Si

att

ca

re

Una

" ^

ipi:

DO

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re

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1

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gft) ^ ^c: .Eao ojre M

'S ':rt

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Q

ich

= 3

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B SPRINT NEXTEL

0 1 LG Rumor Touch O

0 2 Sanyo Innuendo $30

0 3 LG Remarq O

0 4 Samsung Seek O

C T-MOBILE

© O © © 1.9 MicroSO EV-DO VD5 3 •

O O © © 3.1 MicroSD EV-DO VD5 2.8 •

O O © O 1.2 MicroSD lxRTT VDS 2.4. iJO O © O 1.2 MicroSD lxRTT VDS 2.6 •

0 1 Samsung Gravity T0 2 Samsung

Comeback

0 3 Samsung Gravity 3

[71 4 Samsung Smiley' - ' :)t359

D VERIZON

© O © O 1.9 MicroSD HSDPA VDS 2.8




0

0 50 6

Casio G'zOneBrigadeLG Octane

Samsung Convoy

Casio G'zOneRavine

LG Cosmos Touch

LG Cosmos

© O © © 3.1 MicroSD EV-DO VDS 2.9

© © © O 3.1 MicroSD EV-DO VDS 2.6

© O O O 1.9 MicroSD EV-DO VDS 2.2

e O O O 3.1 MicroSD EV-DO VDS 2.2

O © © O 1.2 MicroSD l x R n VDS 2.8

O © © O 1.2 MicroSD lxRTT VD 2

Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mainly on ease of use, voice quaiity, messaging, and battery life. Phones arelisted in performance order, within categories. Ease of use maihiy considers step-saving functionsfor making and receiving calls, as vieil as display and keypad readability and multimedia versatility.Voice quality considers listening (what vie heard) and talking (what was heard at the other end)in noisy and quiet settings using live phone calls; we show the iower of the two scores. Messaqinqassesses keypad ergonomics, text-messaging features, support for Microsoft Outiook, and whetherthe phone can open e-maii attachments. Battery life is an average of talk time with strong and weaknetwork signals, and considers standby and dispiay times. Broadband data indicates the highest-speed mobiie broadband data network the phone supports in the U.S. Generaiiy, LTE, WiMAX, andHSPA- are considered the fastest, and EV-DO and HSPA and HSDPA are much faster than lxRTTand EDGE. For bluetooth, \/=Voice, D=Data, S=Stereo. Price is approximate retail.


QujckGuide COMPUTERS, DESKTOPS

Desktop computers are setting a new performancestandard, especially in models that use Intel's newestCore processors, the Core Í7-2600 series.

Shopping tipSave money onyour computerpurchase byusing coupon andforum sites suchas Techbargains,FatWallet.com,and Ebates.


What to looi( for• For browsing the Web andchecking e-mail, a low-end,dual-core processor such asthe Intel Pentium Dual-Coreor AMD Athlon/Turion X2• A faster processor such asthe Intel second-generationCore i3, i5, and i7, or AMD'sA4, A6, or A8 for watchingvideos or playing games• 4GB of memory, enough foranything other than heavymultitasking or video editing

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/computers

What to sitip• 3D capability, because thetechnology isn't perfect yet

What you'll paySome full-sized desktopsthat are excellent performerscould cost as little as $650 to$700. Once you add features,of course, prices rise.

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

E -o

A ALL-iN-ONE

100

F I G I V G l E

[ 2 ] 1 Apple iMac 27-inch

Lîd 2

0 '0 *0 5

MC813LL/A

MSI AE2420 3D-046U5

Apple iMac 27-inchMC510LL/AApple iMac 21.5-inciiMC509LL/AApple iMac 21.5-inchMC309LL/AApple iMac 21.5-inchMC508LL/A

© O a © © 2.7GHzCorei5

© a © © © Corei7-860S

© O a © © 3.2GHzCorei3

© O a a a 3.2GHzCorei3

© O O © © 2.56HzCorei5

© O O ©3.06GHZCoreo

4 1000

4 1000

4 1000

4 1000

4 500

4 500

C O M P U T E R S , D E S K T O P S 17

Brand & model Pnce Overall score Test results Features

•^ S I I i I Ig § S H S.!? S, s s

100

F I G IVGI E

A ALL-IN-ONE continued

0 70 8Q 9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

B

SonyVAIOVPCL212FX/B $1,200

Sony Vaio VPCL137FX/B 1.500

Gateway ZX49Sl-33e 730

HPTouchSmartólOz 900

HP All-in-One 200-5250

HP TouchSmart 300-1223

HP All-ln-One Computer100-5155Acer All-in-One AZ-1OO-U3O72Dell InspironIO23O5-3114MSL

650

800

540

600

750

Compaq Presario CQl-2025 400

680

330

MSI Wind Touch

AE205O-008

Lenovo PC C200

e eo ©© ©

o ©o ©

Ö ©

Ö ©

• ©

• ©

• a• ©

• ©

© ©

© ©

© o

© ©

© ©

© o

o oo ©

© ©

o o© oo o

© Corei5-2410M^ Core 2 Quad® 08400© Core Í3-550^ Athlon 11X4" 615e_ Pentium Duai-^ Core E5500^ Athlon IIX2" 240e^ Athlon IIX2^ 260u

O Athlon II170U

OAthlon IIX2

25OuDual-Core

E-350Dual-Core

E-3S0

Atom D525

4 1000

8 1000

4 1000

4 750

4 750

4 750

4 500

3 500

4 750

2 320

4 1000

1 250

COMPACT

1 Gateway SX2803-25e

2 HP Pavilion Slimline55-1014

3 HP Pavilion s5610y

eMachines EL1352-23e

Acer VeritonX275-UD5700W

eMachines EL185O-Ole

O © © NA NA

O © O NA NA

O © O NA NA

O © O NA NA

6 1000

4 750

3 640

4 500,-- a /-^ MA lüA Pentium Dual- , „ „© © O NANA coreE5700 ^ ^^°

• © O NA NA Celeron 450 2 500

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair ©Poor

D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.



Brand & modei Price Overall score Test results Features

<-' -^ ro t;-

1 1 1 I


C FULL-SIZED

0 S0 6

1 HP Pavilion Elite h8-1020

2 Asus Essentio CM6850-07

3 HP Pavilion Elite h8-10104 Deil Studio XPS

X83OO-1225NBK

HP Pavilion HPE h8xt

HP Pavilion Elite HPE-410V

0 7 HP Pavilion HPE h8z

0 8 HP Pavilion Elite HPE-235f

0 9 Gateway DX485O-27EU

Q 10 Dell Inspiron Í62O-228NBK

0 11 HP Pavilion p673Of

12 HP Pavilion P7-1054

13 HP Pavilion p6774y



16 lenovo IdeaCentreK3OO-53162HU

17 Deii InspironI560-2133NBK

18 Deil InspironI570-9402NBK

19 HP Pavilion p7z

20 ASUS Essentio CM1630-06

21 Lenovo IdeaCentre H405(7723-lFU)

22 Deii Inspiron 570

Corei7-2600S

Core ¡7-2600

Corei5-2390T

Core ¡5-2300

Core ¡7-2600Phenom IIX6

1O45TPhenom IIX6

1065TPhenom IIX6

1035TCorei5-2300

Core Í3-2100

Core Í3-55O

Athlon IIX4645

Phenom IIX4840T

Athlon II X4640

Athlon IIX4630

Pentium DualCore E5800

Pentium Dual-Core E5700Athlon liX2

245Athlon IIX2

260Athlon IIX2

220Athlon II X2

255Athlon IIX2

245

8 1000

8 1000

8 1000

6 1000

8 1500

8 1000

8 1000

8 1000

6 1500

4 1000

6 1500

6 1000

6 1000

4 1000

4 750

4 1000

4 500

4 500

3 500

4 1000

3 500

4 500

C O M P U T E R S , D E S K T O P S 19


o TO

CO

i

CO

.1

0 100

P I F I G I V G l E

C FULL-SIZED continued

23 AsusE5sentioCM1630-0S $455

24 Compaq Presario CQ5720F 350

25 HP Pavilion p7m 350

26 Compaq Presario cq5814 290

o © © NA NA *"^'°;j"<^

O © O NA NA «^'«^"j '" '^

^ a ^ MA wA Pentium Dual•O © O NA NA ^g^gj5gQQ

» © O N A N A ""¿^-^

2 320

3 500

D MINI[71 1 Apple Mac Mini

MC270LL/A2 Acer AspireRevo Desi(top

AR37OO-U3OO2

2.4GHZ Core

2 Duo

350

O NA O NA

• © e NA NA AtomD525

2 320

2 250


Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. Ail are recommended.

hd Recominended These are h'igh-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the RatingsOverall score reflects all the Ratings factors. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listedin order of precise score. Scores are comparable between the full-sized and compact categories.Scores for the mini and all-in-one categories are not comparable with any other category. Per-formance reflects speed while running productivity applications, multimedia applications, and3D games. Ergonomics represents quality of the keyboard and pointing device, and accessibilityof features. Versatility includes hardware, such as memory-card slots and A/V connections;software, such as security programs and productivity applications; and tech support and war-ranty provisions. For all-in-ones, display is our judgment of clarity, color, brightness, and view-ing angle. Speakers covers fidelity, bass response, and loudness. Price is approximate retail.


OUR READERS RATE TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Apple stood out among manu-facturers for technical sup-port. Ovetall, tech supportremains among the lowest-rated consumer services we

measure, though clear differences existamong manufacturers. The ConsumerReports National Research Center sur-veyed CONSUMER REPORTS subscribersabout their most recent experiences withtech support, including support providedby manufacturers' extended plans. Respon-dents might not reflect the general U.S.population. Desktop and laptop responses

Tech supportIn order of reader score

Manufacturer

were combined into orie Rating, becausewe've found little difference between thetwo in recent surveys. In the chart below,the reader score would be 100 if every-one were completely satisfied; 80 wouldmean respondents were very satisfied, onaverage; 60, fairly well satisfied; 40, some-what dissatisfied. Differences of fewer than7 points are not meaningful. Phone sup-port and online support were rated ona scale from very poor to excellent. Prob-lem solved indicates the percentage ofpeople who said the manufacturer solvedtheir problem.

Reader score Survey results

ms s

ol(p

erce

100

Apple

Lenovo/IBM

Dell

Sony

Toshiba

ASUS

HP/Compaq

Acer/Gateway/eMachJnes

Based on responses from owners of 12.583 desktop, laptop, and netbook computers who contacted tech support betweenJanuary 2010 and January 2011.

e0oooo©

©oooo©

o©

80%57574544414740

Ratings Key - > - Worse

© e O ©

C O M P U T E R S , L A P T O P S 21

QuickGuide COMPUTERS, LAPTOPS

Some laptops offer features and capabilities that rivalthose of traditional desktops. Prices for 13-inch laptopscontinue to drop, and 500GB and larger hard drives arebecoming more common in laptops of all sizes.

What to looii for• An II- to 13-inch model ifyou plan to carry the laptoparound with you frequently• A 14- to 16-inch screen forthe ideal balance of perfor-mance, portability, and price• A 17- to 18-inch model for anentertainment-oriented desk-top replacement

What to skip• Unless it's a netbook, com-puters that use the AMD

Athlon Neo, Turion Neo, orSempron processor, the IntelAtom or Celeron processor,or the Via Nano processor

What you'll payA well-equipped, 15-inchlaptop in the middle pricerange might cost about $600and include one ofthe newerprocessors.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/computers

Shopping tipIf you havespecial needs,order à lacarte from themanufacturer'swebsite.

Scan this or see how, page II

Brand & model

•I

Price Overall score Test results

A UiNCH MODELS

o 100p I F I G I V G l E

1 Apple MacBaoi< Airl l- inch MC5O5LL/A

2 Acer TravelMateTimeline TM8172-6932

3 HP Pavilion dmlz

B 13-INCH MODELS

O © e © ©

© © O O O

• © © O O

5.25 2.3

9 3.1

6.25 3.4

1.4GHzCore2 0uoCore

Í5-470UDual-Core

E-350

1 Samsung 900X3A-A03

2 Apple UacBook Air13-inch MC503LL/A

3 Apple MacBook Pro13-inch MC700LL/A

© © © O a

© © © © ©

© © © O ©

7.5 2.9

7.5 2.9

8.5 4.5

CoreÍ5-2537M1.86GHZ

Core 2 Duo2.3GHZCore Í5



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[ ^ 4 ASUSU36JC-B1

[71 5 Apple MacBookMC5I6LL/A

0 6 Sony VAIO VPCS134GX/B

0 7 ASUSU33JC-A1

8 Lenofo IdeaPadU260-08763AU

9 Toshiba SateliiteL635-53O3O

10 HPENVY13-1O3ONR

11

12

MSI X37O-OO1US

HP Paviliondni3-3010us

C 14-INCH MODELS

© © © o o 8.5 3.8 ¡ .'- "¿ j 4

2.4GHZ Core© © © O © 6.75 4.8

O © © © O 5.5 4.3

O © © O O 8.5 4.6

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O © O © O 4 3.8

• © © O O 7.75 3.8

• © © O O 5.75 4.1

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CoreÍ3-37OM

CoreÍ3-U380CeleronP4600

Dual CoreE-350

PentiumU5400

0 20 3

0 *0 5

0 '0 ^0 *

9

10

Lenovo ThinkPad EdgeE420

HP Paviiion dv4t

Dell Inspiron 14R-2nd Gen Í5HP Paviliondm4-2050usHP Paviiiondm4-1265dxSamsungNP-Q430-J503U5

Lenovo ThinkPad Edge0578N6UDell Inspiran 14R-2nd Gen Í3Dell InspironI14r-1296LPKHP Paviliondv4-4030us

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6.75 4.8

5.25 5.2

8.25 4.3

5 4.4

3.75 5

4.5 4.9

5.75 5.2

4.75 4.9

5.75 4.8

CoreÍ3-231OM

CoreÍ3-231OM

CoreÍ5-2410M

CoreÍ3-231OM

CoreÍ5-460M

CoreÍ5-480M

Core¡3-390M

Core¡3-2310M

CoreÍ3-38OMPentium

B950


Brand & modei Pnce Overail score Test results

o

100

F I G IVGI E

C 14-INCH MODELS continued

n12

13

14

HPG42-3O3DX

Lenovo ThinkPad SL4102842-K3U

HPG42-24OUS

Acer lconia-6120Touchhook

$ 400

D 15-TO 16-INCH MODELS

Turion II© e © O O 4 4.8 Dual-Core 3

P540

Q e © O O 4.5 5

© © © O O 3.75 4.9

O O © O O 3 6

P I 1 Apple UacBook Pro15-inch MC372LL/A

[ 7 ] 2 Apple MacBook Pro15-inch MC721LL/A

[71 3 Appie MacBook Pro15-inch ZOLZ

[71 4 SamsungNP-RF511-SO2US

0 5 Deii XPS B

0 6 Deil XPS 15z

0 7 Deii XPS 15z HD Display

[ 7 ] 8 Toshiba Satellite

A655-3DV11X

0 9 ASUSN53SV-B1

[ 7 ] 10 Dell Inspiron 15R-

2nd Gen Í5[ 7 ] 11 HP Pavilion

dv6-325OusB 12 Gateway NV59C70U

1,700

1,800

1,900

850

© © © O © 8,5 5.5

© © © O © 9 5.6

© © © O © 9.25 5.5

© © © © O 6.25 5.7

© © e O O 6.25 6,1

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© © © © © 7 5.5

© O © © O 3.5 5,9

© © © © © 5 6.4

O © © © O 6,75 6

O © © © O 5.25 5.5

O © © © O 5.5 5.2

2.53GHZCorei52GHZ

Corei72GHZ

Corei7Core

Í7-263O0MCore

Í7-262OMCore

. Í5-2410MCore

IS-2410MCore

Í5-241OMCore

Í5-2410MCore

Í5-241OMCore

Í5-480MCore


D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended,

ÜÜ Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.


Brands model Price Overall score Test results

•s ™m Q:

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D ÎS- TO 16-INCH MODELS continued

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Core ,Í3-231OM ^

Core ,Í3-38OM ^

Core ,Í3-38OM

Core ,Í3-38CM ^

Core ,Í3-370M ^

Core ,Í7-7400

Core ,Í5-480M *

Core ,Í3-350M

Core .Í3-35OM *

Core 4Í3-380M

Core ,Í7-7200M °

Core ,Í3-370M ^

Core ,Í3-370M ^Pentium .P6200 ^

Pentium .P6200 ^

Pentium ,P6100 ''

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N830Turion II .

P560 ^Athlon II ,

P-360 ^Turion II

Dual-Core 4P540^

Q 13

B 14

0 15Q 16

0 1718

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

Dell Inspiron 15R-2nd Gen Í3

Acer Aspire AS5742-6814

ASUSU52JC-BBG6

HPG6-1A69US

HP Pavilion dv6-3257sh

Sony VAIO VPCF13UFX/B

Acer Aspire AS5742-6638

HP Pavilion dv6-3225dx

Acer Aspire A55745-5425

Lenovo IdeaPad Z560(09I4-4DU)

HPENVY15-1O5ONR

HPG62-373DX

Dell InspironI15R-1O09MRB

Gateway NV55C38U

ASUSK52F-F1

ASUS K52F-BBR5

HP Pavilion dv6-3040us

Sony VAIO VPCEE43FX/BJ

Dell InspironIM5O3O-192OOBK

HPG62-4350X

$ 550

550

750

500

750

870

550

600

550

550

1.900

480

500

500

530

425

720

650

430

500

O © a

o © a

© © ©

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a O 3 6.6

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© O 4.75 5.5

© O 5.25 5.3

O O 4.75 5.6

© © 2 6.3

O O 4.5 5.6

© O 3 5.7

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O O 3.5 5.9

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O O 4 5.6

© © © O O 3.5 5.5


Brand & modei Price Overaii score Testresuits

i ^ I S I i ëIa,

o 100p I F I G I VGl £

D 15-TO 16-iNCH MODELS continued33

34

3S

E

Acer Aspire ,A55253-BZ6O2 *Toshiba SatelliteC655-55I32

Compaq PresarioC057-210U5

17-TO 18-INCH MODELS

350 E^

350 f!^M

400 f!^M

• © a

• e e• © a

ooo

ooo

5.75

4.75

5.75

5

5.2

5.4

Dual-Coree-350

Celeron 925

Dual CoreC-50

2

3

2

Appie MacBook Pro17-inch MC7251L/A

2 HP ENVY 17-2O7Onr

3 Appie MacBook Pro17-inch MC024LL/A

0 Sp] 60 7

HPdv7-4295uS

DeilXP5173D

SamsungNP-RF711-501U5

0 Toshiba QosmioX505-08104

0 8 DeiiXPS17

0 9 HP Paviliondv7-6l75us

0 10 Delllnspironl7R-2nd Gen Í5

0 U Gateway NV79C54U

0 12 Deii Inspiron 17R-2nd Gen Í3

13 HP Pavilion G7-1Í50US

a O © 9.5 6.4 ^^^

© O © © © 3.75 75 .^^,¡^^^

© © a O © 9.25 6.5 ^¿^^l

m e ^ e e 3.75 72 ¡J^^^wCore

Í5-2410MCore

Í5-2410MCore

Í7-26300M

a a a O © 5.25 74 .^^^l^

CoreÍ5-2410M

CoreÍ5-2410M

CoreÍ3-38OM

CoreÍ3-231OM

CoreÍ3-370ÍK

O a a a 3 7.7

e e e e e 4.75 6.5

© © © © a 3.5 10.8

e ^ e e e 9 71

o a a a © 4.75 72

o © © © © 5 6.6

o a a a © 4.75 7.1

o a a o o 4 6

Ratings Key ©Excellent avery good OGood ©Fair ©Poor

D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. Ail are recommended.

\Ei Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.


Guide to the RatingsOverall score reflects all the Ratings factors. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listedin order of precise score, out of a total of 100. Portability score is based on battery life andweight. Ergonomics represents the quality of the keyboard and pointing device, and accessibil-ity of features. Perfornnance is based on performance while running productivity applications,multimedia applications, and 3D games. Versatility includes hardware such as memory-cardslots and A/V connections, software such as security programs and productivity applications,and tech support and warranty provisions. Display covers display size, clarity, color, contrast,brightness, and glare. Battery life (hr.) is estimated in hours while running productivity applica-tions. Weight (Ib.) is the weight of the laptop as you would carry it around, including the batterybut without the power adapter. Price is approximate retail.

iviost & Least Reliable

Desktops

Fewer ^repairs

Apple M ^ t a lCompaq ^ ^ ^ H t ]

Gateway • ^ ^ • ^ ^ ^ H

Morerepairs

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Gateway has been among the more repair-prone brands of desktop computers and Applehas been among the least. That's what wefound when we asked almost 20,000 read-ers who bought a desktop computer between2008 and 2011 about their experiences. Thegraph shows the percentage of models foreach brand that were repaired or had a seri-ous problem. Differences of fewer than 5points aren't meaningful, and we've adjustedthe data to eliminate differences linked solelyto the age of the desktop computer. Modelswithin a brand can vary, and design or manu-facture changes might affect future reliability.Still, choosing a brand with a good repair his-tory can improve your odds of getting a reli-able model.

Laptops

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

No one brand stood out as the most or leastreliable. That's what we found when we askedmore than 26,000 readers who bought a lap-top computer between 2008 and 2011 abouttheir experiences. The graph shows the per-centage of brands that have ever been repairedor had a serious problem. Differences of fewerthan 3 percentage points are not meaningful,and we've adjusted the data to eliminate differ-ences linked solely to the age of the laptopcomputer. Models within a brand can vary, anddesign or manufacture changes might affectfuture reliability. Still, choosing a brand with agood repair history can improve your odds ofgetting a reliable model.

Source: Annual Product Reiiabiiity Survey. ConsumerReports National Research Center.

C O M P U T E R S , N E T B O O K S 27

QujckGuide COMPUTERS, NETBOOKS

If you're in the market for a netbook, models with ciual-core Atom processors are setting the performancestandard for that category. But those processors alsouse more energy than single-core Atoms, resulting inlower battery life.

What to look for« 1GB of memory, whichshould be adequate for mostusers• intel's beefed-up, dual-coreAtom processor if you planto watch videos• An external optical drive,if you want to install soft-ware from a disc or play CDsor DVDs.

I'or more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/computers

What to skip• if you don't like small dis-plays, keyboards, and touch-pads, and slow performance,a netbook is not for you.

What you'll payYou should be able to find anetbook with very long bat-tery life and light weight—itstwo most important specs—for $200 to $250.

Shopping tipShop in January,July, andOctober, viihenolder inventoryis cleared out tomake room fornew models.


Brand S model Price Overall score Test results

o

ai

p

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Rank

0 100

p i F 1 G I v & l E

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M 1 AsusEeePC1O15PX-MU17-WT

2 Acer Aspire OneAOD255E-13877

3 Toshiba MiniNB5O5-N5OOBL

4 Asus Eee PC1015PEB-RD601

5 HPMini21O-2145dx

6 Asus Eee1008P-KR-PU27

7 Toshiba MiniNB255N25O

© O O O © 6.5 2.7 AtomN570 1

© O © O O 10 2.5 AtomN455 1

© © © O O 8.25 2.7 AtomN455 1

© O © O O 9.25 2.7 AtoniN45O 1

© O © O O 7.75 2.9 AtomN455 1

O O O O O 4.75 2.6 AtomN55O 2

© © © O O 6.75 2.8 AtomN455 1

C O N S U M E R R E P , O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 2

Brand S modei Price Overall score Test results

100' I F I G I V G l E

£ t |

8 Asus Eee PC1018BP-BBK804

9 Asus Eee PC1015PEB-RD603

10 Deil Mini 10 (1012)U Deil Inspiron Mini 10

(1018)12 Acer Aspire One

AOO255E-1341213 Acer Aspire One

A0D255E-1343814 Deli Inspiron Duo15 Asus Eee PC

1OO1PXD-BBK3O416 Asus Eee 1OO1PX-EU27

17 Lenovo IdeaPadNetbook Tahletg65l7HU

© O

© O

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O O

O O

O O

O O

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O 9 3

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AtomN455

Atom N450

AtomN45O

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AtomN455

Atom N455

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Atom N455

Atom N450

AtomN455

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair VPoorD CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended,0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the RatingsOverall score reflects all the Ratings factors. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed inorder of precise score, out of a total of 100, Portability reflects battery life and weight. Ergo-nomics represents the quality of the keyboard and pointing device, and accessibility of features.Performance is assessed while running productivity applications. Versatility includes hardwaresuch as memory-card slots and A/V connections, software such as security programs and pro-ductivity applications, and tech support and warranty provisions. Display covers display size,clarity, color, contrast, brightness, and glare. Battery life is estimated in hours while runningproductivity applications. Welqht, in pounds, includes the battery but not the power adapter.Price is approximate retail.

C O M P U T E R S , T A B L E T S 29

QuickGuide COMPUTERS, TABLETS

Lightweight and highly portable, tablets are madeto be carried wherever you go. Most have 7- to10-inch screens.

What to look for• Unless portability is cru-cial, a 10-inch screen, betterfor Web surfing, video, andgaming• A display with a wide view-ing angle• An operating system thatcan be upgraded• Ability to access a rich vari-ety of apps authorized by theOS manufacturer

What to skip• If you need a computer for

office productivity tasks, suchas those that require a lot oftyping, a tablet isn't for you.

What you'll payYou'll spend at least $500 fora good, 10-inch Android tab-let with 32GB of memory. Anequivalent iPad, with Wi-Fionly, costs $600. Smaller An-droid tablets that we recom-mend start as low as $350.

For more buying advice, go toConsutnerReports.org/computers

Shopping tipTablets can doubleas e-readersand photoframes, and awide variety ofinexpensiveapps is available.

Scan this or see riow. page 11

Brand & model

Similar models, in small type. ;iic


ë SS

o 100

p I F I G I V G l E

s

A 7-TO 8-INCH MODELS

1 Samsung Galaxy Tab (Wi-Fi, 36,166B) $430

2 Samsung Gaiaxy Tab (Wi-Fi, 16GB) 350

3 HTC EVO View (Wi-Fi, 3G/4G, 32GB)4 HTC Flyer Tablet (Wi-Fi, 16GB)5 BlackBerry Playbook (Wi-Fi, 32GB)

Plavbook (W Fi. 16GB). PlayBook (Wi-Fi. 64GB)

6 ViewSonic ViewPad 7 (Wi-Fi, 3G, 1GB)

7 Dell Streak 7 (Wi-Fi, 16GB)

8 Dell streak 7 (Wi-Fi, 3G, 16GB)9 Ardios 70 Internet Tablet (Wi-Fi, 8GB)

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Price Overaii score Testresuits

'S .!2

o 100

p I F I G I V G l E

Il ii I

B 9-TO 12-iNCH MODELS

1 Appie iPad 2 (Wi-Fi. 3G, 32GB)iPad 2 (Wl.Fi. 3G. 64GB¡. iPad 2 (Wiri. 3C. I6G6)

I 2 Appie ¡Pad 2 (Wi-Fi, 32GB)' iPad 2 (Wiri, 6406), iPad ! (wi-Fi. 16GB)

I 3 Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Wi-Fi,32GB) Galaiv Tab 10.1 (Wi.Fi. 16 GB)

I 4 illlotoroiaXoom (Wi-Fi. 3G/4G, 32GB)I 5 Asus Eee Pad Transformer (Wi-Fi,

32GB) EeePad Transformer (Wiri. 16GB)

6 Motorola Xoom (Wi-Fi, 32GB)

I 7 T-MobiieG-Slate (Wi-Fi, 3G/4G, 32GB)

8 Tosbiba Thrive (Wi-Fi, 32GB)Thrive (WiFi. 16GB), Thrive (Wi-rl, 8GB)

I 9 AcericoniaTabA500(Wi-Fi, 16GB)

10 HP TouchPad (Wi-Fi. 32GB)

U Atchos 101 Internet Tablet (Wi-Fi,16GB) 101 internet Tablet (Wi-a 8GB)

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1.3

1.3

1.2

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.4

1.7

1.7

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Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair •Poor

D CR Best Buy These rrodels offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.

0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based on ease of use, display, touch response, versatility, battery life, and weight.We judge ease of use reading books, playing media, and using e-rriail and the Web. Displayscore reflects color, viewing angle, brightness, and amount of glare. Touch response indicatesresponsiveness of the touch screen when selecting and moving objects or typing. Versatil-ity reflects the presence of useful features. Portability score is based on size, weight, andbattery life. Battery life, in hours, indicates how long the tablet could play video clips. Welqht,in pounds, is without a case or cover. The operating system is the program that runs the userinterface and apps. Price is approximate retail.

D I G I T A L C A M E R A S , B A S I C 43

QuickGuide DIGITAL CAMERAS, BASIC

All the models we tested offer Good or Very Goodoverall performance and image quality. Mostget 200 to 350 shots per battery charge and have2V2 inches or so of LCD screen.

What to look for• A wide-angle end of thezoom range as low as 28 or24mm, for more panoramiclandscapes or group portraits• An LCD that either has atouchscreen or can swivel, forhard-to-reach shots• An optical or electronicviewfinder, which can helpyou compose when brightlight conditions wash outyour LCD• Dedicated video button,which lets you quickly record

video when youre shootingstill images

What to skip• Buying a camera solelybased on its megapixel count,since higher resolution doesn'tnecessarily produce betterprints

What you'll payFor basic point-and-shoots,expect to spend $80 to $500.For more buying advice, go loConsumerReports.org/cameras

Shopping tipLook for anontelescopinglens if vou don'twant the zoomto protrude fromthe camera whenyou turn it on.

Scan this or see how. page II


=3 -c: 3 'S TO =3 'CLer d a- i^ o- rj3QJ -c; o i/i S Q r?

i iF I G I V G I E

A COMPACT MODELS

$2301 Canon PowerShot

SX130 IS

2 Casio Exilim EX-FHlOO

3 Canon PowerShotSX210 IS

4 SonvCvber-shotDSC-H55 230

5 Fujifilm FinePixF80EXR 1906 Panasonic Lumix . . .

DMC-_ZS5 ~ 1

© © © o a o 12 11 28 130

a a a O a O 10 8 24 520

o o © o © o 14 8 28 260

o © o o a o 14 7 25 310© o © o © o 12 7 27 230

© a a a © O 12 7 25 340


Brand S model Price I Overall score I Test results

' S 'oo 12 a,n3 _ro ;o


•î i

B SUBCOMPACT MODELS

0 1 Nikon Coolpix P300

0 2 Canon PowerShot S95

0 3 Casio Exilim EX-ZRIO

0 4 Nikon Coolpix S8100

0 5 Nikon Coolpix S8000

p ] 6 Canon PowerShot

SD4000 IS ELPHp ] 7 Panasonic Lumix

DMC-FX700

Q 8 Casio Exilim EX-H5

[71 9 Canon PowerShot ELPH

300HS

0 10 Leica V-Lux 20

[71 U Canon PowerShot SD940IS ELPH

[71 12 Canon PowerShot ELPH

500HS

0 1Î Sony Cyber-shot 0SC-TX9 270

Q 14 Casio Exilim EX-Z2000

Q 15 Canon PowerShotSD1400 IS ELPH

[T I 16 Canon PowerShot ELPHÍOOHS

[71 17 Canon PowerShotS04500 IS ELPH

0 18 Casio Exilim EX-H20G

[ 7 ] 19 Sony Cyber-shotDSC-HX5V

[71 20 Canon PowerShotSX23O HS

Q 21 Panasonic LumixDMC-TSIO

350

170

Ratings Key ©Exceilent ©Very good OGood ©Fair ©Poor

Q CR Best Buy These modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. Ail are recommended.

0 Recommended These are high-performing modeis that stand out.


Brand & model Pnce Overaii score Testresuits

S S sm O röZ3 J= 3

ê ^

J I 53 E

.Hf ob

ï m

0 100p I F I G IVGl E

B SUBCOMPACT MODELS continued22 Sony Cyber-shot

DSC-WXIO

23 Samsung TL35O

24 Samsung WB210

25 Canon PowerShot DIO

26 Nii(onCoolpixS80

27 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX728 Panasonic Lumix

DMC-FPl29 Casio Exilim EX-Z800

30 Nii(onCoolpixS1100pj31 Sony Cyber-shot

DSC-HX7V32 Panasonic Lumix

DMC-FH2733 Panasonic lumix

OMC-FX7834 Canon PowerShot

A3300 IS35 Sony Cyber-shot

DSC-WX536 Canon PowerShot

A3100 IS37 Nikon Coolpix SlOOOpj38 Panasonic Lumix

DMC-TS339 Nii(on Coolpix S5100

4 0 Samsung ST9541 Panasonic Lumix

DMC-FH542 Samsung STIOO

43 Samsung SHIOO44 Canon PowerShot

A3000 IS

45 Nikon Coolpix S70

46 Samsung PL200

47 Pentax Optio 1-10

230

350

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l id Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.


Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mainlv on image qualitv, ease of use, and versatility, plus LCD, flash, andvideo quality. Megapixels is the sensor's pixel count, in millions. Weiqht is vi/ith battery, memorycard, and strap, imaqe quality reflects the quality of a series of handheld shots, taken indoors(using a range of lighting conditions, with and without flash) and outdoors under a range of con-ditions. Flash photos tests the guality of the built-in flash's output and evenness of illumination.Video quality mostly reflects video captured in regular and low light, with audio quality andmacro capability also considered. Ease of use is our evaluation of the camera's controls, manual,response time, and focusing. Versatility gauges controls, features, menus, and how adiustablesettings are. LCD quality is a judgment of images viewed under various conditions. Widestanqle (mm) means the lower the number for widest angle, the broader the vista the camera cancapture. Battery iife is as the manufacturer states. Price is approximate retail.

Most St Least Reliable

Point-and-shoot

5% 10%

SLRFewerrepairs

Pentax ^ H ¡

Canon L B K ]

Olympus ^ ^ n

Nikon ^ H ^ ^

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Morerepairs

Most cameras are very reliable, and few dif-ferences exist among brands. That's what <nefound when we asked almost 197,000 readerswho bought a digital camera between 2006and 2010 about their experiences. The graphshows the percentage of models for eachbrand that were repaired or had a seriousproblem. Differences of fewer than 3 pointsaren't meaningfui, and we've adjusted thedata to eliminate differences linked solely tothe age of the digital camera. Although welacked sufficient historical data to includePolaroid point-and-shoots in the chart, theydo not appear to warrant reliability concerns,according to our analysis. Models within abrand can vary, and design or manufacturechanges might affect future reliability. Still,choosing a brand with a good repair history canimprove your odds of getting a reliable model.

Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.

15% 20%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20%


QuickGuide DISHWASHERS

You don't have to spend a lot for great cleaning.Our tests revealed budget models that scored aswell as machines costing hundreds of dollars more.

Shopping tipThe three basiccycies-iight,normal, andheavy-shouid beenough for mostchores, even forbaked-on food.

Scan thl5 or see how. page 11

What to look for• Adjustable racks and otherloading aids, for flexibility• A soil sensor, to adjust thecycle's time and water use,improving efficiency• Rinse/hold cycle, to preventsoil from setting while youwait for a full load

What to skip• Drawer models, which areexpensive and tend to usemore energy and water thanregular models

What you'll payYou can pay $1,500 or morefor a dishwasher with hiddencontrols, interactive digitaldisplays, and special grime-fighting cycles. But when itcomes to clean dishes, spar-kling performance starts atabout $500 or less.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/dishwashers

Brands model Price Overall score Test results Features

similar niodels, in smalltype, aie compaiable totested model.

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B

IG steam 1DF79321ST1 $1,000

Kenmore 137412] 620

IG LDF69201WW1 700Kenmore Pro HE 131713) 1.390Whirlpool Gold6U2300XTV(QlGol(lGU2Z75XTV|LGol(IGU247S)nVll

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Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair »Poor

Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. Ali are recommended.

ud Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

D I S H W A S H E R S 53

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D I S H W A S H E R S 55

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vu Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the RatingsOverall score, based mainly on washing performance, includes energy and water use, noise,cycle time, and ease of use. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Washinq isnormal-cycle results with very dirty full load. Enerqy use is energy and water consumption fora normal cycle. Noise covers listener judgments and sound-level measurements. Ease of useconsiders convenience factors and loading. Cycle time is based on a normal cycle includingheated dry, where that feature is available. A sensor adjusts water usage and cycle time to theamount of soil on the dishes. A self-cleaning filter is convenient but adds noise. A stainless-steel tub won't discolor but boosts price. Hidden controls along the top edge of the doorcontribute to a sleeker look. Some models hide all controls; others hide only some controls.Ample flatware slots means baskets provide individual slots for silverware. Adjustable upperrack increases loading flexibility. Price is approximate retail. Under Brand & model, a bracketedletter or number is color code.


Most & Least Reliable

Dishwashers

Fewerrepairs repairs

Whirlpool

Kenmore(w/pull-out drawer)

Hotpolnt

Bosch

Kenmore

Miele

Amana

GE

Asko

KitchenAid

Maytag

Jenn-Air

Frigidaire

Fisher & Paykel(w/pull-out drawer)

LG

LG and Fisher & Paykel were the most

repair-prone brands among dishwashers.

More That's vi/hat we found when we asked over

100,000 readers who bought a dishwasher

between 2 0 0 6 and 2010 about their experi-

ences. The graph shows the percentage of

models for each brand that were repaired or

had a serious problem. Differences of fewer

than 4 points aren't meaningful, and we've

adjusted the data to eliminate differences

linked solely to the dishwasher's age and

usage. Models within a brand may vary, and

changes in design or manufacture may af-

fect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand

with a good repair history can improve your

odds of gett ing a reliable model.

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.

About our testing

Dishwasiiers are using less water as manufacturers strive to meet tougherfédérai energy standards. And iower operating costs may save you moreover a dishwasher's lifetime than the price difference between an efficientand a less-efficient model. But added efficiency can mean it takes longerto get dishes ciean-some models reguire 3 hours for a normai cycle. What'smore, those familiar yeiiow Energy Star labels don't teil the whoie story.Our tests are based on dirtier loads and are a more-demanding gauge ofenergy efficiency. See our Ratings for more information.

o R Y E R s 57

QuickGuide DRYERS

Most dryers scored at least Very Good for dryingperformance. While the gas dryers in our Ratings aresimilar to the electric models we test, we've foundthat gas and electric dryers perform similarly.

What to look for• A moisture sensor, to cutdown on energy costs andavoid overdrying clothes• An extended-tumble set-ting without heat, to preventwrinkles when you don't re-move clothes immediately

What to skip• Extra large, super, andsuper-pius dryer capacity,because the differences aren'tmeaningful for everyday use

• Specialty cycles such as"speed dry," which usuallycan be replicated with stan-dard settings

What you'll payGas dryers cost about $50 to$150 more than comparableelectric models, but the likelysavings in fuel costs shouldmore than make up the dif-ference in the long run.

I For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/dryers

Shopping tipMany modelshave a warninglight that tellsyou it's time toclean the filter.



similar models, in small type,are comparable to tested model.

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8 Kenmore 6927(2]


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A ELECTRIC DRYERS continued32 Electrolux IQEIEO55HIIWI

33 Fishers Paykel 0E62TG1

34 Maytag CentennialME0C500V1W1

35 Asko TL751XXt[W|

36 Fisher & Paykel 0E60FA1

37 5taber HXD2304E

38 GE GTOP25OEMIWW]GrDP300EMl I. GIOP350[M[ I.GrDP200EM||

39 Amana NED4800VIQ]

40 Hotpoint NBXR333EG[WW]

41 Roper RED4440VIQI

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5 Kenmore 780012111,' I 6 Whirlpool Duet Steam

WGO9750W1W1

7 Kenmore Elite 792712]

8 Kenmore 9903121

9 Maytag 5000 Series SteamMGDE500VIW]

10 Bosch Vision 800 SeriesWTVC853I01UC

1,300


D CR Best Buy These models otfer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.

IZ! Recommended Ttiese are high-performing models that stand out.


Brands model Price Overall score Testresuits

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11 Maytag 2000 SeriesMGDE200X[Wl

12 Samsung DV220AGIW]DV210AGI1

13 Bosch Vision 500 SeriesWTVC553101UC

14 GE Profile DPVH89O6J[WW1 1,100

15 Maytag Bravos XM6DX5OOXlWlBravosXMGDX55OXI I. Bravos X MGDX600XI I.Bravos XMGDWOOXIl

16 Whirlpool CabrioWG07600X1W1 cabrioWGD7800XI I, Cabrio WGD7400XI I.Cabrio WGO7300XII

17 Whirlpool CabrioWGD55OOX[W1 cabrioWGD555OXI I. Cabrio WGDS600XI1.Cabrio WGD57OOX11

18 GE DCVH680GJ1WWI

19 GEGFDS35OGLIWW]

20 GEGFDN240GLIWWI

21 Miele TouchtronicT9822

22 Eiectroiux Perfect SteamEWMGD65H(IW1

23 Maytag BravosMGOB85OW[01

24 Kenmore 9027[2J

25 GE Profile POTS650GM[WT] 780

26 Maytag Bravos MGDB200V[01 800

27 Whirlpool CabrioWG06200S[W]

28 Amana NGD73OOW[W1

29 Whirlpool DuetWGO9O5OX(W1

30 Asko TLS752GXXtIWl

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GAS DRYERS continued

Fisher & Paykel DG62TG1t)G62t27GMaytag CentennialMGDC500V[W]

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IZI Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the RatingsOverall score based primarilv on drving performance, drum volume and noise. The displayedscore is out of a total of 100 points. Drying performance is measured for multiple fabrics andload sizes. Capacity refers to the drum volume of models we tested, which varied from about6 to 8 cu. ft. Convenience takes into account controls and ergonomics, such as ease of loadingand unloading, servicing the lint filter, whether the door could clear a tall basket, and whetherthe machine has a raised edge to contain spills. Noise reflects panelists' judgments. Price isapproximate retail for electric dryers. Under Features, a stainless-steel drum is likely to resistdamage better than plastic and painted metal drums. A porcelain top resists scratching betterthan a painted one but generally adds to a dryer's cost. Drying rack attaches inside the drumto keep items such as sneakers or sweaters from tumbling. Custom programs allows you tosave your favorite settings. Generally, a water hook-up is required with the steam option fea-ture. In this cycle, a small amount of water is sprayed into the drum while tumbling with heat.It helps to reduce wrinkles and odors, but it is intended only for a few garments at a time.



Dryers

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Fisher & Paykei vi/as the most repair-pronebrahd among electric dryers. That's whatwe found when we asked over 89,000readers who bought a gas or electric dryerbetvKeen 2006 and 2010 about their experi-ences. The graph shows the percentage ofmodeis for each brand that were repairedor had a serious problem. Differences offewer than 3 points aren't meaningfui, andwe've adjusted the data to eliminate differ-ences linked solely to the dryer's age andusage. Modeis within a brand may vary, andchanges in design or manufacture may af-fect future reliabiiity. Stiil, choosing a brandwith a good repair history can improve yourodds of getting a reliable model.

5% 10% 15% 20%

ELECTRIC I GAS


E - B O O K R E A D E R S 6 3

QuickGuide E-BOOK READERS

E-book readers can do more than just dispiay digital books. Somecan surf the Web as well as play other forms of digital media.

What to look for• A 6-inch screen, for a goodcombination of adequatesize and moderate price formost people• Touch capability to helpyou select content and turnthe pages• Color capability, if you desire

What to skip• 3G access to the Internetbecause while it offers the

most flexibility for obtainingnew content for the reader,models with Wi-Fi-only accessgenerally cost less

What you'ii payPrices typically range from$140 to $400, though somemodels cost $100 or so.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports. org/ebooks


Shopping tipSome e-readersallow you toborrow e-booksfrom publiclibraries.


0

P I F I G I V G l E

A 5-INCH OR SMALLER DISPLAY

S

1 Sony Reader PocketEdition PRS350

2 Aluratek LIBRE eBookReader Pro

3 EctacojetBookmini

B 6-TO 7-INCH DISPLAY

$180

90

100

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[ ^ 1 Barnes & Noble NookSimple Touch Reader

0 2 Amazon Kindle 3G +Wi-Fi 1900 3 Amazon Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi

with Special Offers140

© O © © © © 60days

© © © © © © 60days

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Edition PRS-9505C0 5 Amazon Kindle Wi-FiQ 6 Amazon Kindle Wi-Fi witti

Special Offers[ ^ 7 Barnes & Noble

Nook Colorp ] 8 Kobo eReader Touct)

Edition0 9 EnTourage PocketeOGe

[ 7 1 1 0 Barnes & Noble Nook 3G+ Wi-Fi

Q 11 Barnes S Noble NookWi-Fi

12 BeBook Neo

13 Aluratek LIBRE ColoreBook Reader(AEBK07FS)

14 Pandigital Novel(PRDO7T10WWH7)

15 Pandigital Novel(PROO7T2OWBL1)

16 Kobo Wireless eReader17 Pandigital Novel

6" Personal eReader

130

150

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Amazon Kindle OX(3rd Gen) © O © © © © 2-3weeks

Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mostly on test results. Readability reflects text in various lighting con-ditions. Versatility signifies convenience. Responsiveness reflects speed to turn on, resumefrom sleep, open an e-book, and transfer an e-book trom a computer via a USB connection.Page turn reflects speed and the experience, such as whether the screen blinks. Navlqatlonincludes the ability to rotate the screen, bookmark a page, and search tor an e-book throughan online bookstore. File support scores compatibility with typical e-book and file formats.Claimed battery life is as stated by the manufacturer. Touch screen displays respond to lightcontact with a stylus, finger, or either. Price is approximate retail.

F L O O R I N G 65

QuickGuide FLOORING

Vinyl is still tops for resisting dings and dents.But our tests show that the best bamboo and oakflooring can fend off most other wear and tear forabout the same price.

What to look for• Vinyl for a busy kitchen;it proved tops in our mois-ture tests• Ceramic tile, if added resis-tance to wear, moisture, anddamage is worth its installa-tion cost• Solid wood, for naturalwarmth and its ability to besanded and refinished sev-eral times

What to skip• Cork, although considereda renewable resource, this"green" material hasn't beena top performer overall

• Reclaimed lumber, whichvaries in performance andwas not a winner in our tests

What you'll payPrice per square foot, includ-ing installation, ranges fromabout $2 to $15, dependingon the material you choose.Kitchens typically range fromabout 100 square feet to 300square feet, so the total costfor a new floor will be about$200 to $4,500.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/ßooriftg

Shopping tipBefore settlingon a product,spend a fewdollars on twoor three samples.It's less expensivethan ending upwith a floorthat looks awfulin your home.


•S SAll englneered-wood, piasuc.laminate,ancl linoleum products can be floatedunies*, otherwise indicaled.

Price Sq.ft. Overall score Testresuits(sq.ft.) (box)

100& p I F I G IVGI [

A PREFINISHED SOLID WOOD Usually nailed to a subfloor at grade OF above.

0 EcoTimber Woven Honey WBH061 i $5.90

V\ 2 Mullican St. Andrews Solid Oak Strip

10930V\ 3 Lumber Liquidators Bellawood

Natural Red Oak HUSR03N38V

0 4 Bruce Oundee Plank CB1210

7 1 5 EcoTimber Solid Horizontal AmberBSPHAF6 1

5.90

6.30

4.50

5.70

5.00

23

24

40

22

28


All engineered-wood, pand linoleum products can be fluateduniess otherwise indicated.

Price Sq.ft. Overaii score Test resuits(sq.ft.) (box)

f 5

o 100

p I F i G I V G i E

ENGINEERED WOOD Can usually be nailed or stapled anywhere in the house. SomeB can float.

[ 7 ] 1 Teragren Synergy Strand with Xcoralava 1

[7] 2 Armstrong Century Farm HickoryNatural GCH452NALG^__

$6.00

6.00

C PLASTIC LAMINATE Can usually be floated anywhere in the house.

1 Armstrong Coastal Living L3O51 . . „White Wash Walnut " "

2 Surface Source Winchester Oak 2765 j g ^

D VINYL Can usually be glued anywhere in the house.

[ 7 ] 1 Congoleum DuraCeramic Sierra SlateSI-74 Golden Greige

[ 7 ] 2 Armstrong Luxe Plank Timber BayBarnyard Gray A6861_

5.00

5.50

E LINOLEUM Can usually be glued down or floated anywhere in the house.

1 Armstrong Marmorette Oak Brown . , „ r t ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ *=LP066 2 "-5° ' E B I ^ O e O © i

I Bamboo product. ¡ Cannot be floated. 3 Not applicable: custom milled to order. ' Corji product. 5 Not applicable: comesin sheets.

Ratings Key ©Exceilent ©Very good OGood ©Fair ©Poor

Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. Aii are recommended.


Guide to the RatingsOverall score based mainly on resistance to wear, scratches, dents, stains, sunlight, moisture,and siips. Moisture resistance (not shown) is based on damp sponge left overnight (minor spills)and soaked sampies (long exposure). Wear is how guickly surface wear was noticeable duringtest using abrasion machine. Scratches denote ability to withstand damage from simulateddragged obiect. Stains indicate how resistant the floor is to staining from various products.Dents is resistance to blunt and pointed objects dropped from different heights. Sun (UV) isresistance to color change after more than 300 hours of high ultraviolet levels. Price per squarefoot is based mainly on price paid. Square feet per box is as claimed.

G A S G R I L L S 67

QuickGuide GAS GRILLS

We found well-performing grills that combinedsturdy construction with cutting-edge featuresand performance.

What to look for• 300-sehes stainless, whichis iess iikely to corrode thancheaper, 400-series stainless• Burners made of high-quaiity stainless steel, castiron, or cast brass, which typ-ically carry a 10-year or lon-ger warranty• Stainless-steel and cast-iron grates for sturdiness andrust-resistance• An electronic igniter, usu-ally easier and more reliablethan a push-button or rotarystarter

What to skip• Buying by Btu, becausemore Btu/hr. doesn't guaran-tee faster preheating or bettersearing and cooking

What you'll payYou'll pay $300 to $500 fora grill that can handle mostof your cooking needs. Sev-eral midsized models thatcost less than $500 performedas well in our tests a.s othersthat cost much more.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports. org/grills

Shopping tipThe more stablethe grill, thebetter. Whenshopping, gentlypush the grillfrom severalangles to seeif it tips.



Sitnilar models, in small type,are f oinparable to tested model.

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0 2 Kenmore 16649\7\ 3 Master Forge 3218LT

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Price Overaii score Test resuits Features

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B iUEDIUM-SIZE MODELS

1 Vermont CastingsSignature Series VCS300SSP

2 Weber Genesis EP32O

3 Cbar-Broii Red 463Z50511(Home Depot)

4 Weber Genesis E320Genesis E310

5 Fiesta Blue EmberFG50069-U409 FG50069-U404(BJ's). FG50069 (Sam's Club Online)

6 Weber Genesis E-330

7 Char-Broii Red 463250811(Home Oepot)

8 Weber Genesis S-330'

9 Brinkmann 810-2545-W(Walmart)

10 Aussie Vantage Series 67C3

U Jenn-Air 720-0336C (BJ's)

12 Kenmore 1664116134 280

C PORTABLE OR SMALL iUODELS1 Char-Broii Red Patio

463250211 (Home Depot)2 Weber Q 200 0220

3 Kenmore Patio Grill 161264 Huntington 666664

[Item #221884] (Lowe's)

5 Weber Spirit E210

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I vil Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based on performance, convenience, and features. We tested evenness at hlqh andlow temperatures. Indirect cooking indicates how well the grill slow cooks foods when only someof the burners are on and food isn't directly over flames. Convenience evaluates construction andmaterials, ease of use, accessory burners, and propensity for flare-up. Price is approximate retail.

G P S N A V I G A T O R S 69

QuickGuide GPS NAVIGATORS

Portable GPS navigators can provide guidancethrough unfamiliar areas, help route around traffic,and locate nearby points of interest.

What to look for• A wide-screen display, 4.3 to4.7 inches• Lane assist and reality view• Free tratfic information

What to skip• Subscription fees, becausedevices are available that arefeature-rich and fee-free• Voice recognition, becauseit adds cost and performancehas been mixed in our tests• Oversized displays, suitableonly for large vehicles• Multimedia, which are ex-tras that don't aid navigation

Brand 8 modelSimilar modeis, in small type,' i ií compaialile to tested model.

What you'll payPrices change rapidly, andit's worth searching onlinefor the latest prices ratherthan being lured by adver-tised deals. Expect to pay$100 to $125 for a basic, cur-rent model. A well-equipped,wide-screen unit will be $150to $175. Premium devicescan run $200 to $300—butcarefully consider whetherthe added features are worththe added cost before spend-ing that much.

For more buying advice,go to ConsumerReports.org/gps


Shopping tipConsider buyinga unit that's onegeneration behind.It may still otfercontemporaryfeatures, but ata lower pricethan the latestmodel.


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0 1 GanninNuvi3790TNuvi3790LMT $350

0 2 GanninNuvi3760TNuvi3760LMT 350

0 3 Garmin Nuvi 3750

0 4 TomTom Go 2435 TM


0 6 Garmin Nuvi 237OLT

0 7 Garmin Nuvi 2360LT Nuvi 236oiMr


Q 9 Garmin Nuvi 2350LT Nu» 235OLur

0 10 Garmin Nuvi 765TMuvi7S5r


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0 13 Garmin Nüvil390T Nuvi t39OLMr

0 14 Motorola Motonav TN565t

0 15 Motorola Motonav TN555

[71 16 Garmin Nuvi 135OT' — ' NUVI 1Î70T, Nuvi 135OLMT

0 17 Garmin Nuvi 2300 Nuvi 23OOLM


0 19 Garmin Nuvi 1300 Nuvi I300LM

0 20 Magellan Roadmate 2055

0 21 TomTom Go 730 60 630

0 22 Magellan Roadmate 2045

0 23 Garmin Nuvi 265WT0 24 TomTom XL 340 5 Live XL' — ' _ 340 M Live

B 4.7-TO 7-INCH SCREEN SIZE

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2.50 Opt.

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0 1 Garmin Nuvi 2460LT Nuvi 2460iMr

0 2 TomTom Go 2535 M Live



0 5 Garmin NuLInk 1695

0 6 Garmin Nuvi M90T Nuvi M90LMT

0 7 Garmin Nuvi 1450 Nuvi 14S0LM

0 8 Motorola Motonav TN765tp l 9 Magellan Roadmate 9055'—' Roadmaie 90S5 LM0 10 Magellan Roadmate 3065

CommuterQ U Magellan Roadmate 3055• • l!i)aámate3O55MU

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Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair ©PoorQ CR Best Buy These modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. Ail are recommended.[Zl Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

G P S N A V I G A T O R S 71


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[71 13 Magellan Roadmate 3045— ' Roadmate 3045 LM, Roadmate 3045 MU

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Guide to the RatingsOverall score mainiy reflects how easy a navigation system is to use, combined with factors suchas information provided, portability, and routing options. The displayed score is out of a total of100 points. Ease of use score is based on an assessment of the physical interface, touch-screen con-trol, programming logic, and readability. Testing considers such things as whether the database allowsdynamic searching for addresses, if letters are grayed out, ease of entering into navigation menusupon start-up, ease of finding points of interest, and ease of adiusting common functions like voiume,brightness, and map zoom setting. Info for driver reflects the onscreen and audible informationgiven to the user during navigation. Inciudes type and font size of onscreen information, ability tospeak proper street names, languages supported, and amount of audible information given such asdescriptions of the next maneuver, including iane assist and reality view. Our routing evaiuationlooks at the choices for fine-tuning a route and calculation time. Specifically, we factor multi-destination routing, avoidance of toil roads, biking routes, walking routes, RV/truck use, and availa-bility of foreign map databases, in addition, we measure system response time when operatingdata-entry menus, such as POI searching. Display is based on brightness, contrast, and glare/reflections in bright sunlight Considers ratio of screen size to overall device size for packaging effi-ciency. Mount design considers how the mount is engineered, factoring size, security, and easeof installation. Traffic interface rates the presentation of the traffic information and the ability toput the data into use. Rating factors include antenna design, color coding for traffic severity, depthof information, estimated time of delay, and tools for rerouting around congestion. However, we do notrate the accuracy or timeliness of the traffic information itself. Tested battery ilfe (hr) is the lengthof time in hours that the fully charged unit remained on while set to full brightness. Traffic receiverindicates if the unit includes a traffic receiver or if the receiver is optional. Price is approximate retail.


QuickGuide HOME THEATER

With their relativeiy simple set-up andail-inclusive designs, home-theater-in-a-box (IHTIB) systems have a lot torecommend them.

Shopping tipA system withtwo frontspeakers and asubwoofer, oreven a sound bar,might be enoughto enhance yourTV's sound.

What to look for• Enough appropriate inputsand outputs to handle equip-ment you want to routethrough the receiver• A system with a full com-plement of speakers for mul-tichannel sound, if you wanttrue surround sound

What to skip• A system with a Blu-ray orDVD player, if you alreadyhave one

What you'll payPrices for these systems varywidely, from very hasic DVDunits that start at ahout $170,to full-featured 7.1-channelBlu-ray models with pricesthat can hit $800 or more.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/theater



0

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A SYSTEMS WITHOUT A VIDEO PLAYER

0 1 Bose Lifestyle T20 $1.800

0 2 Denon DHT-1312BA 600

Q 3 Onkyo HTS3300 300

Q 4 Yamaha YHT-493 330

Q 5 Yamaha YHT395 350

NA NA NA e © 5.1 5.1

NA NA NA o o 71 5.1

NA NA NA © O 5.1 5.1

NA NA NA O © 5.1 5.1

© NA NA NA O © 5.1 5.1

H O M E T H E A T E R 73

Brands model Price Overaii score Test resuits

o 100p I F I G IVG l E

• ^ tj

B SYSTEMS WITH A BLU-RAY PLAYER

Q 1 Samsung HT-C65OO $400

C SOUNDBARS

© NA O O 5.1 5.1

1 VÍZÍOVHT510

2 VÍZÍOVHT210

© NA NA NA © © 5.1 5.1

a NA NA NA © • 2.1 2.1

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood OFair ^Poor



Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mainly on sound quality and picture quality for nnodels with videoplayers; ease of use and versatility are also factored in. The displayed score is out of a totalof 100 points. Sound quality represents tonal accuracy and ability to reproduce fine sonicdetail of the front speakers, subwoofer, center-channel speaker, and surround speakers. Soundquality judgments are made with the system optimized using its own auto speaker setup func-tion (if so equipped), and with its own tone controls and/or preset tone settings (if any) adjustedfor most balanced sound. HD picture quality evaluates clarity and color accuracy of a high-def progressive-scan (1080p) signal, such as that from a Blu-ray player. All signals were routedthrough an HDMI connection. Upconverted film picture quality indicates the detail, coloraccuracy, and freedom from motion artifacts of images from film-based content on standardDVDs. The output signal is set to upconvert the standard-definition content to 1080p (quasi-HD)resolution via an HDMI connection to an HDTV. 4801 film picture quality indicates the sharp-ness, detail, color accuracy, and degree of motion artifacts of images on regular TVs when theunit plays film-based standard DVDs (most movies) at standard-definition (480i) resolution viathe S-video connection if available, or the composite video connection. Ease of use indicateshow easy it is to set up the system and use controls on the front panel and remote. Versatilityscore is based on the presence or absence of useful features. Number of channels refers toaudio signal channels supplied by the system. Number of speakers supplied are those that comewith the system. Price is approximate retail.


QuickGuide LAWN MOWERS

We found electric mowers, both corded andcordless, that handled well, but gas-poweredmodels are better for larger lawns andinclude more safety features.

Shopping tipSome modelscome witha corrosion-resistantaluminum orplastic deck.


What to look for• An electric push-type mower(corded or cordless) for small,level lawns• A gas-powered mower forlarger lawns and long or thickgrass and weeds• Side discharge capability fortimes when the grass is tootall for either mulching orbagging

What to sitip• A larger engine, whichdoesn't necessarily meanhigher-quality mowing

What you'ii payTop self-propelled gas modelscan cost as much as $700, butseveral high-scoring modelscost far less. And while somepush models can set you back$400 or more, capable mow-ers perform almost as wellfor as little as $230.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/mowers

Brand & modelSimilar models, in smali type, arecomparable to tested model.

Overaii score Test results

0 100

P 1 F I G I V G l E

A GAS SELF-PROPELLED Best for most lawns: these blend ease and performance.

0 1 HondaHRX2172HXA0 2 Toro Super Recycler 20092

0 3 Honda HRR216K7VXA m0 4 Toro Super Bagger 20194 201920 5 Honda HRX2172VKA

Q 6 Honda HRR216K7VKA '

Q 7 Toro Recycler 20333 20334

Q 8 Toro Recycler 20332

p] 9 Craftsman 37108

e e

L A W N M O W E R S 75

Brand & model

o "c similar models, in small type, arero S comparable to tested model.

Overall score Test results

0 100P I F I G IVGl E

A GAS SELF-PROPELLED continued10 John Deere JS46

11 Craftsman 37970

12 Craftsman 37454 ^ „ . „ ^ ^

13 Craftsman 37654

14 Craftsman 37435 37436

15 Craftsman 37069

16 Husqvarna 37697

17 Snapper NXT22875ENXT22875EE

18 Brute BTXPV227OOE19 Yard-Man 12Ä-18M7,38914

(Sears) I2AEI8IA

20 John Deere JS26

21 Toro Recycler 20330 20331

22 Husqvarna XT721F xT72irE

23 Troy-Bilt 12AKC39B

24 Husqvarna 37913 1

25 Troy-Bilt 12AKD39B

26 Cub Cadet 12A,18MCt2Ai8M7

27 Troy-Bilt 12AVB290

28 Husqvarna HU700L 1

29 Cub Cadet 12A-E18M 12A E18IA

30 Snapper 37129

31 Snapper SPV21675E32 Snapper SPV22675HW

SPV227OHW

33 Uwn-Boy 10606 n

O eo eo ee oe eo eo ee oooe oo o© ee oe oo ee oe ee oo eo ee oo oo oe o

e e ee e eo e eo e eo e oe e ee e ee o ee e ee 0 ee e oe oe e

eoo e eo e eo o ee © oo e eo e ee © ee e oo o eo e oo © o

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair #PoorQ CR Best Buy These models offer the best combihation of performance and price. All are recommended.0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.


I"re"g

Brand & model

Similar modeis, in small type, arefomparable to tested model.

Overall score Test results

o 100P I F I G I V G l E

§4 g 'S 1I IOJ

A GAS SELF-PROPELLED continued

34 Lawn-Boy 106051060411 $300 20

35 Brute BTXP226750HW 270 22

36 Craftsman 37067 290 22

37 Craftsman 37639 290 22

38 Craftsman 37068 300 22

39 Troy-BiltTB23012AVB26M 290 21

40 lehrLM139SP

e oo oo ee oo eo oe o350 20

B GAS PUSH Fine for smaller, flatter lawns and for trimming larger ones.

[71 1 Cuh Cadet I1A-18MC11A18M9'—' Yard-Man 11A-18M9

0 2 Husqvarna602iP

0 3 Yard-Machines 11A-B16M

0 4 Lawn-Boy 10603 i

0 5 Craftsman 38918

0 6 Craftsman 38917

7 Craftsman 38923

8 Troy-BiitTB11011A-A26M

9 Yard Machines 407896

10 Yard-Man UA A24T IIA-B2M

11 Troy-BfitllA-B290

12 Yard Machines UA A44E

13 Craftsman 38911 j ^ ^ ^

14 Bolens 11A414A

15 Yard Machines 11A-414EUAA18M

c

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ELECTRiC BATTERY Best for lawns small enough to mow within 30- to 45-minute run time.

Biaci(SDeci(erSPCM1936 4 450 19 36v B ^ ^ H e O e 6 6

Biack & Deci(er CM1936 i 400 19 36 B ^ ^ H e O O O e

Biaci(&Deci(erCMM1200 i 400 19 24 ESÊÊÊÊÊÊ a O O O @

bd 10 20 3

L A W N M O W E R S 77

I Brand & model

_ similar models, in small type, are

S comparable tfl tested model

C ELECTRIC BATTERY continued

Overall score Test resultsDO DD QJ

o 100

p I F I G IVOl E

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

U

12

13

14

Toro 20360

Black & Decker CM1S3ÓCraftsman 37048Cub Cadet CC500BAT

Worx WG788

Worx WG789 4:

Worx WG783

Remington l8A

Homelite UT13126

Earthwise 60120

NeutonCE6.4

Worx WG 780

© O 12 O

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o © o o© o o o© © o o© © ' o© o o o

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P ELECTRIC CORDED Best for smaller, more open lawns where the cord isn't an issue.

Biack& Decker UM875

Black & Decker MM1800

Remington 18A 2124.

HomeiiteUT13124

Eartiiwise 50120

© © OO O O

o e

o o

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1 Optional discharge chute available. 2 Mulching and bagging oniy. 3 Side discharging only. « Seilpropeiied electric.

Ratings Key ©Exce l len t ©Verygocxj O G O C X Í © F a i r • P o o r

D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance anci price. Ali are recommencieci.

l ^ R e c o m m e n d e d These are high-perforrTiing models that stand out.


Guide to the RatingsOverall score is mostly mulch, bag, side-discharge performance (which now includes evenness),handling, ease of use. Changes in scoring mean scores for previously tested models might havechanged. Displayed scores are rounded; models listed in order of precise overall score. Mulchingis how evenly clippings were cut and distributed onto lawn. Bagging is effective capacity with fullbag(s) or clogged chute. Side discharge is how evenly clippings were dispersed onto lawn. Han-dling for includes ease of using drive controls, pushing, pulling, U-turns, other maneuvers. Ease ofuse is ease of starting, using blade-stopping controls, changing speeds, adjusting cut height. Forgas-powered mowers, engine size is in cubic centimeters (cc), electric models are rated in volts (v)for cordless or amperes (a) for corded. Price is approximate retail for mowers and attachments.


Lawn Mowers

Fewerrepairs

Troy-Bilt

Toro

Honda

Craftsman

Lawn-Boy

Yard-Man/Yard Machines

Toro

Lawn-Boy

Craftsman

Honda

Husqvarna

Troy-BiltSnapper

Yard-Man/Yard Machines

John Oeere

John Deere was the most repair-pronebrand among self-propelled mowers. That'swhat we found when we asked readers whobought 10,271 push and 35,229 self-pro-peiled mowers from 2005 and through thefirst half of 2010 about their experiences.The graphs below show the percentage ofmodels from each brand that were repairedor had a serious problem. Differences offewer than 5 points aren't meaningful,.anddata are adjusted to eliminate differenceslinked to age and usage. Models within abrand may vary, and design and manufac-turing changes may affect future reliability.Still, choosing a brand with a good repairhistory can improve your odds of getting areliable model.


0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

PUSH I SELF-PROPELLED

L A W N T R A C T O R S 79

QuickGuide LAWN TRACTORS

While a walk-behind mower is fine for a smalilawn, you'd probably prefer a ride rather thana walk for a lawn that's a haif-acre or iarger.

What to look for• A high-back seat, for added

comfort and support

• Foot operated traction con-

trol for easier back and forth

maneuvering

• A deck washout port that

accepts a hose on top of the

deck for cleaning built-up

clippings beneath

What to skip• Loading up on features that

you won't use—it's best to cut

costs along with the grass

What you'li payWhile the two higher-priced,

top-scoring tractors include

tighter turning, several oth-

ers perform similarly well

for hundreds of dollars less.


For more buying advice,go to ConsumerReports.org/tractors

Brand & model Price Specs Overall score Testresuitssimilar models, in ^mall type. g,irt' comparable to tested motlel. S ê ê

DO OO DO

I is g 0 I M

Ë P I F I G IVGl E

A LAWN TRACTORS Best for most larger lawns.

Lid 1 Joiin Deere X304 i

0 2 SnapperNTX2346

Q 3 Joiin Deere OHO D120,0130 2

Q 4 Craftsman 28856 <

0 5 Joiin Deere X300

0 6 Snapper LT125 LTa342

• 7 Craftsman 28885

$3,600 $520/$90 42 17

2.600

1.700

1.600

3,000 '

1.800

1.300

430/80 46 23

340/30 42 20

370/50 42 24

520/90 42 17

540/54 42 23

300/50 46 21

B LAWN TRACTORS (WIDE DECK) These offer wider mowing.

O

1 Joiin Deere D140 01% 0160 2.000 350/35 48 22

2 Craftsman 28861 - 2.800 390/60 54 26

O © e ©

o o © ©

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair ©PoorD CR Best Buy These rrodels offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.


Brand & model

g -^ similar modeis, in small type.' ^ £ are comparable to tested model.

Specs Overall score Test results

DO

lise Ich

i

iggi

i "

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s s . •2

P I F I G IVGt £

B LAWN TRAaORS (WIDE DECK) continued

3 Craftsman 28858 $2,000 $390/$60 54 26 O O

C ZERO-TURN-RADIUS All turn tightly, but most can be hard to control on hills.

1 Snapperl50Z 2,600 460/130 42 20 B B i e ©

2 John Deere Z225 3.000 420/90 © © O O ©Q Discontinued, but similarmodels available. ' Tighter turning thanmost lawn tractors. ' in September 2011. the recall of 15.500John Deere la*n tractors, including modei numbers DUO. Dt20. and 0130. was announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commissionbecause the hardware used io hold the mower blade brake assemblies on the mower decks can break, causing the mower blades to spinlonger than normal after the operator turns off Ihe power, posing a laceration hazard. See the CPSC recall notice for more details.

Guide to the RatingsOverall score is mostly mijich, bag, side-discharge performance, handling, ease of use. Changes in

scoring mean scores for previously tested models might have changed. Displayed scores rounded;

models listed in order of precise overall score. Side discharqe is how evenly clippings vwere dis-

persed onto lawn. Mulching is how eveniy clippings were cut and distributed onto lawn. Baqqinq

is effective capacity with full bag(s) or clogged chute. Handlinq includes ease of drive engage-

ment, braking, steering, turn radius, resistance to front-wheel lift. Ease of use is leg room, seat

and steering-wheel/lever comfort, ease of blade/brake engagement, cut-height adjustment, bag

removal, mode changes. Price is approximate retail; attachment prices are from manufacturers.

Most & Least Reiiabie

Lawn t rac to rs

John Deere

Husqvarna

Craftsman

Kubota

SimplicityTroy-Blit

Cub Cadet

Toro

Cub Cadet

0% 5%

Morerepairs

I LAWN TRACTORS ZTR MOWERS

Troy-Bilt was among the more repair-prone

brands of lawn tractors, and Cub Cadet among

lawn t ractors and zero-turn-radlus r iding mowers,

according t o our latest results after we asked

20,245 readers who bought a new tractor or

2ero; turn r iding mower between 2 0 0 6 and 2010

about their experiences. Graph shows the per-

centage of models f r om each brand that were

repaired or had a serious problem. Differences of

fewer than 6 points aren' t meaningfu l . Data have

been adjusted to el iminate differences linked to

age and use. Tractor and rider models wi th in

a brand might vary, and design and manufactur-

ing changes may affect fu ture reliability. Still,

choosing a brand w i th a good repair history can

improve your odds of get t ing a reliable model .


M I C R O W A V E S 81

QuickGuide MICROWAVES

Most aiodels did well witti basic microwavinq taskssuch as defrosting meats, reheating leftovers, andmaking popcorn. You'll probably pay more for anoven with additional functions.

What to iook for• A sensor, which measuresemitted steam to determinewhen food is done• A 1-minute or 30-secondkey, which extends the presetcooking time at the selectedpower level

What to skip• Extra-cost grilling andbrowning features, becausenone of the tested models con-sistently provided the resultsyou'd get in a regular oven

What you'll payCountertop models cost theleast and are best for kitchenswith lots of counter space.Compact models can costvery little but typically offerthe least cooking space. Mid-sized and large models addcapacity and features, withmidsized models taking thebiggest slice of the market.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/microwaves

Shopping tipSome brandsoverstate usablespace, so be sureto bring alonga large platterwfien you shop,to see if it fits.


Brand S model Price I Overaii score I Test results

: Similar models, in! siiidil lypp. arc compar-

able lotested rtiodel.

I

g a

O 100P I F I G I V G l E

1Si

A LARGE COUNTERTOP MODELS

WiiiripooiMT4155SP1B1GE ProfileJES22515J1SSIWhiripoolGoldGT4175SP[BIPanasonic InyerterNN-T945[S1FKenmore Elite7915[91GE ProfilePEB2O6gDMLBB] _

185

150

230

©

© ©

© ©

© ©

© ©

© ©

© 0.9

© 1.5

© 1.1

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1.5

2.2

1.7

2.2

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2

1200

1200

1200

1250

1200

1200


Brand S modei I Price I Overall score I Test results

Similar models, iiismail lype. are compar-able to tested modei. •D (y ml TO CÍ m Ä

* - ' ra "> Qj -o3 LAJ m -j^ ai

E ^

S = -^

I F I G I V G I E

B iUlDSIZED COUNTERTOP MODELS

0 1 Kenmore 663319] $140

0 2 itenmore 63251216912Í i 130

B 3 Sanyo EM-S6588S 115

C OVËR-THE RANGE iUODELS

© © © © 0.8 1.2 1200 .$.,.,

a © © © 0.9 1.2 1200 •

© © © © 0.6 1 1000 '""^'

Q 1 Samsung SMH9187[B] 2700 2 Kenmore Elite 885212] 5500 3 IGLMHM2O17I5W] 4300 4 Kenmore Elite 8601131 640[7 ] S Samsung

SMH92071ST][71 6 Wiiiripooi

GH72O8XR|()1[7 ] 7 Panasonic Genius

Prestige NN-5D297I5R1Q 8 Wiiiripooi

WMH1163XVI0][7 ] 9 GE Profile Arivantium

P5A1201RIS51 ProtileAdvantium PSAÍ200RII

0 10 LG LMV20151SW1

0 11 Kenmore 850419]

0.8 1.8 1100

© 1.4 2 1000

© © © © 0.9 2 1100

e © © © 0.8 1.7 950 •

© © © O 1 2 1100

© © © © 1.1 2 1200 •

© © © O 0.8 2 1200

© © © O 0.8 1.6 1000

© © © © 0.8 1.7 925 •

© © O © 0.9 2 1100

© © © © 0.8 1.7 1000


D CR Best Buy These modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. Ali are recommended.

bd Recommended These are high-performing modeis that stand out.

M I C R O W A V E S 83

Guide to the RatingsOverall score is mainly cooking evenness, defrosting, ease of use. Displayed scores rounded;models listed by precise overall score. Heating evenness is uniform heating of cold leftovers.Auto defrost is how completely and evenly program defrosted 1 pound of frozen ground beef.Ease of use is ease of setting without checking manual. Microwaving noise is determined whenoven is on high. Usable capacity (cu, ft.) is the usable space based on our measurements, andexcludes the corner spaces for models with rotating turntables. Note that most over-the-rangemodels allow you to turn the rotation off to fit large dishes (a few countertop models offer thisfeature, as well). With the rotation off, measured capacity approximates claimed. However, foodmay reguire extra tending and stirring. Price is approximate retail.


Microwave ovens

Fewerrepairs

5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,

Consumer Reports National Research Center.

KitchenAid was the most repair-prone brand1 among over-the-range (OTR) microwave ovens,repairs and there were no other meaningful brand dif-

ferences. That's what we found when we askedover 19,000 readers who bought OTR micro-waves between 2006 and the first half of 2010about their experiences. The graph shows thepercentage of models for each brand that wererepaired or had a serious problem. We've adjust-ed the data to eliminate differences linked solelyto the age of the microwave. Models within abrand may vary, and changes in design or manu-facture may affect future reliability. Still, choos-ing a brand with a good repair history can improveyour odds of getting a reliable model.


RATING THE 2011-2012 MODELS

Included here are Ratings on nearly300 vehicles that CR has recentlytested. Within each category, theyare ranked by their overall road-testscore.

To earn our Recommendation ( 0 )vehicles must perform well in our roadtests; have average or better reliability;and perform adequately if included insafety tests conducted by the InsuranceInstitute for Highway Safety and theNational Highway Traffic Safety Admin-

istration (NHTSA).The NHTSA has man-

dated that electronicstability control (ESC),a proven life-savingfeature, be included asstandard equipment onall light vehicles startingScan this or see how.

Make S modei

with the 2012 model year.Survey results include predicted reli-

ability, our forecast of how well a new caris likely to hold up, based on data fromour 2010 Annual Auto Survey. Ownersatisfaction also comes from our annualsurvey; it is based on a question where weask subscribers if they would definitelybuy or lease their vehicle again.

Owner cost is a Rating of the five-yearprojected cost to own a vehicle, includ-ing depreciation, fuel, interest, insurance,maintenance/repair, and sales tax.

Fuel economy is the overall mileage avehicle achieved in OUT real-world tests,based on results from several tests, andreflects a realistic mix of city, country-road, and highway driving.

An asterisk (*) means the powertrainhas changed since the last test.For more Buying Advice, go towww. ConsumerReports. org/cars

Overaii Survey results Owner Fuelroad-test score cost economy

Eo

HATCHBACKS: FUEL EFFiCiENT

1=100

F I G I V G l E

Voii(swagenGoifTDi(MT)

Toyota Prius Four

Nissan Leaf SL 3

Lexus CT 2OOÍ1 Premium

CiievroietVoit

Honda insigiit EX1 MPGe 2 MPG 3 Electric car with limiled range

© ©

O ©

new new

new new

new new

© O

© 38

© 44

NA 1 0 6 1

© 40

NA 99I/292Í

@ 38

Ratings Key ©Excellent OVerygood OGCKXJ ©Fair •Poor Recommended

A U T O R A T I N G S 145

Make & model Overaii Survey results Owner Fuelroad-test score cost economy

as 1°

O 100p I F I G I V G l £

HATCHBACKS: SUBCOMPACT

0 Honda Fit Sport (MT)

0 Honda Fit (base)

0 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL

Ford Fiesta SES (MT)

Ma2da2 Sport (MT) ^ ^ ^ ^ '

0 Scion xD(MT)

Mazda2 Touring

0 Scion xD

Smart ForTwo Passion

HATCHBACKS/WAGONS: SMALL

O

new

new

©

new

©

©

©

new

new

O

new

O

O

33

30

28

32

33

34

30 g

29

39 i

0 VoikswagenGoif(2.5)

Hyundai Elantra Touring

Mazda3sSport

AudiA3 2.0T

Ford Focus SEL

Suzuki SX4 Technology (AWO)

Toyota Matrix S (2.4L)

Kia Forte EX

Toyota Matrix (base. 1.8L)

Scion xB

Kia soui Plus* ^

Nissan Cube 1.8S

Mini Cooper Clubman '

Dodge Caliber SXT

WAGONS

©

©

©

new

new

©

©

O

©

O

o

©

O

ONA

new

O

new

• ©

O ©

© ©

© ©

© ©NA ©

©

©

©

©

©

©

©

24

26

25

25

28

24

27

26

29

23

25

28

29

24

0 Mazda5 Grand Touring

p ] Volkswagen Jetta SportwagenTOI(MT)

0 Subaru Outback 2.Si Limited

[ 7 ] Volkswagen jetta SportwagenSE (2.5) ^ _ _

O ©

© ©

© ©

© ©

23

36

24

23


Mai(eSmo(iei Overall Survey resuits Owner Fueiroad-test score cost economy

B S a» o

O 100 ™P I F I G IVGI E

WAGONS continued1 ^ Toyota Venza (V6, AWD)

0 VOÍVOXC70

[71 Honda Accord CrosstourEX-L

(AWO)

0 BMW325XÍ*

SEDANS: SUBCOÜIIPAa

OO oo ©e ©NA 9

20

18

20

22

Hyundai Accent GLS

Ford Fiesta SE

$16,050

16,595

SEDANS: SMALL

new

new

new

new

31

33

^ Hyundai Eiantra GLS

Z l Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL

3 Mazda3 i Touring (MT) ^ • ^ " ^ '

3 Toyota Corolla LE

Z l Kia Forte EXZ l Toyota Corolla (base, MT)

Z l Mazda3 i Touring

Chevrolet CruzelLTa.4T)

VoiicswagenJettaTDI

Ford Focus SE

CiievroietCruzeLS(t.8)

SuzukiSX4 LE

Honda Civic Hybrid

Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Honda Civic LX I I P R H IVoii(swagenJettaSE(2.5)

SEDANS: FAMILY ENTRY LEVEL

^ Nissan Altima 2.5 S (4-cyl.)

Z Hyundai Sonata GLS (2.4)

Z l Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium

$18,445

19,530

18,895

18,404

19,040

. 16,419

19,745

20,530

25,100

20.280

18,375

17,519

24,800

17,515

19,405

20,300

$23.970

21,800

23,830

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29

27

30

32

28

32

28

26

34

28

26

26

40

25

30

25

26

27

25


Make S model Overaii Survey resuits Owner Fuelroad-test score cost economy


SEDANS: FAMILY ENTRY-LEVEL continued

$22,489 ESuzuki Kizashi SE

Kia Optima LX (2.4)

Honda Accord LXP(4<yl.)

Ford Fusion 5E (4-cyl.)

ChevroietMalibuLT(4-cyl.)

Mazda6 i Sport (4-cyl.)

Mitsubishi Galant ES (4-cyl.)

Dodge Avenger Mainstreet (4-cyl.) 22,290

SEDANS: FAMILY

25

25 Í24

25 .

24

23

21

[>lJ Nissan Altima 3.5 SR(V6)

0 Honda Accord EXL (V6)

Hyundai Sonata Limited (2.0T)

0 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited

Kia Optima SX (2.0T)

0 Ford Fusion Hybrid

0 Chevrolet MalibuLTZ(V6)

0 Mazda6 s Grand Touring (V6)

0 Ford Fusion SEL (V6)

0 Toyota Prius Four

0 Ford Fusion SEL (V6.AWD)

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Chevroiet Impala LT (3.5)

Chrysler 200 Limited (V6)

SEDANS: COMPACT SPORTS

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24

21

25 '"

22

24

34

20 j ;

20

22

44

20

33

20 '.

21

0 Infiniti G37 Journey

0 Infiniti G2S Journey

BMW33Sd

0 AcuraTSX (4-cyl.)

0 Lexus IS 250

21

24

28

25

24

148 C O N S U M E i R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 2

Mai(e&model Price as Overaii Survey results Owner Fueltested road-test score cost economy

OÍS Eg.S B S G

0 100

P I F I G IVGl E

SEDANS: COMPACT SPORTS continued

Volkswagen ce Luxury (2.0T)

Buick Regai CXL (turbo)

Buick Regal CXL (2.4)

BMW 328i

Volvo S6OT5

Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport

Audi A4 Premium Quattro

Saab 9-3 2.0T

24

23

23

23

23

21

25

23

SEDANS: UPSCALE

0 Hyundai Genesis 3.8

0 Lexus ES 350

0 Toyota Avalon Limited

0 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV0 Lexus HS 25Oh Premium

0 Acura TL(base)

0 Hyundai Azera Limited*

0 Lincoln MKZ

0 Buick Lacrosse CXS (V6)0 Ford Taurus Limited

Dodge Cbarger Rallye Plus (V6)

SEDANS: LUXURY

©

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22

23

23

22

31

24

20

20

20

19

21

Inflniti M37

Mercedes-Benz E3S0 BlueTec

Hyundai Genesis 4.6*

CadiiiacCTS Premium (3.6)

lnfinltiM3SbBMW 535i

Acura RL*Chrysler 300 C

99

2126

20

19

25

23

19

18


Maiie & modei Overaii Survey resuits Owner Fuelroad-test score cost economy

=51 1 ^

O 100 •

p I F I G I V G l E

SEDANS: LUXURY continuediMercedes-BenzE3S0*

Lincoln MKS (EcoBoost. AWO)

Jaguar XF (base)*

Volvo S80 3.2

Saab 9-5 Turbo4 Premium

SEDANS: ULTRA LUXURY

aNA

•

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•

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19

18

20 t20

• 22

21

21

17

19

19

18

0 Lexus LS460L

Audi A8 L

0 Mercedes-Benz SSSO*

Jaguar XJL

Hyundai Equus Signature*

BMW7S0LÍ

SPORTS CARS: HIGH-END0 Porsche 911 Carrera S (MT)

0 Ciievrolet Corvette Z06 (MT)

Mercedes-Benz SLSSO

Jaguar XK Convertible

O

NA

NA

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

0 Ford Mustang GT Premium (V8)

0 Ford Mustang Premium (V6)

0 Chevrolet Cámaro 2SS (V8)

r—I Hyundai Genesis Coupe GrandTouring (V6)

Chevrolet Cámaro 2LT(V6)

Dodge ChaiiengerR/T(V8)*

20

W

17

19

SPORTS CARS: HIGH-PERFORMANCE Equipped witli manual transmissionBMW135Í ; - : :><V:J3JI : ; - : - - '

Mazda RX-8

•NA

NA

©

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21

22

24

18

23

21

18


Makes modei Overall Survey results Owner Fuelroad-test score cost economy

B-:= ë .2"O rO O ™

^ 1o 100P I F I G I V G l E

SPORTS CARS: SPORTY Equipped with manual transmission

o

0 VoikswagenGTi(4door)

0 MazdaSpeed3 Sport

0 Mini Cooper (base)

0 Kia Forte Koup SX

0 VOÍVOC3OT51.0

Mini Cooper S

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (AT)

Nissan Sentra SE R Spec V

Scion t c

Fiat SOO Sport

Honda CR-Z EX

Mitsubishi Eclipse GS (4-cyl.)

©©©©©

SPORTS CARS: 2-SEAT & CONVERTiBLES Equipped with manual transmission

0 Porsche Boxster*

0 Mazda MX-S Miáta Grand Touring

Nissan 37OZ Touring

0 Chevrolet Corvette (base)*

Mini Cooper Convertible S

CONVERTIBLES: 4-SEAT

Voikswagen Eos Lux

Infiniti G (base)

Lexus iS 250

0 BMW328Í

0 Ford Mustang GT Premium (V8)

Audi AS Premium Plus (2.0T)*

Saab 9-3 2.0T

0 Volvo C70TB

Mitsubishi EciipseGT(V6)

©NA

©o©NA

NA

aNA

O

NA

O

NA

©©©

27

26

33

27

25

30

20

30

28

33

35

23

22

28

23

21

30

"ir2023212322242119

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair ©Poor 0 Recommended


Make S model Overall Survey results Owner Fueiroad-test score cost economy

'S

IÎ0 100

P I F I G I V G l E

MINiVANS

I

Honda Odyssey EX-L

Nissan Quest SL

Toyota Sienna XLE(EWO)

Toyota Sienna XLE (AWD)

KiaSedonaEX

Chrysler Town & Country

Touring-L

Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

Toyota Sienna LE (4-cyl.)

SUVS: COMPACT SPORTY

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19

19

20

19

18

17

17

20

Audi QS Premium Plus

BMW X3 xDrive28i

infiniti EX Journey*

Cadillac SRX Luxury

Acura RDX

Volvo XC60 T6

Mercedes-Benz GLK35D

Land Rover LR2 SE

SUVs: SMALL

©new

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©

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19

22

18

17

18

17

18

18

0 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited

0 Toyota RAV4 Limited (V6)

0 Toyota RAV4 (base, 4-cyl.)

0 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL

0 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium

0 Mitsubishi Outlander SE (4-cyl.)

0 Nissan Rogue SV

0 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS (V6)

Kia Sportage LX

0 Hyundai Tucson GLS

20

22

23

20

22

22

22

19

22

22


Make «model Overall Survey resuits Owner Fueiroad-test score cost economy

0 100P I F I G IVGl E

SUVS: SMALL continuedFord Escape Hybrid

Ford Escape XLT (V6)

Mini Countryman S

Mitsubishi Outiander Sport SE

Nissan Juke SV

Ford Escape XLT (4-cyl.)

Suzuki Grand Vitara Premfuüi(4-cyl.)

Jeep Patriot Latitude

Jeep Compass Latitude

Oodge Nitro Detonator (3.7)

Jeep Liberty Sport

SUVS: MIDSIZED

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2619

26

23

24

21

19

21

22

16

16

27

20

18

20

19

16

17

20

1820

18

16

18

18

21

21

18

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited

KiaSorentoEX(V6)

Toyota Highlander Limited (V6)

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited (V6)

Nissan Murano SL

Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

Hyundai Veracruz SE

Kia Sorento LX (4-cyl.)

Honda Pilot EX-L *""'''''-"''*

Hyundai Santa Fe GLS (4-cyl.)

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (V6)

Subaru Tribeca Limited

Chevrolet Equinox 2LT(V6)

GMC Terrain SLT1(V6)

Chevrolet Equinox ÍLT (4-cyl.)

GMC Terrain SLEl (4-cyl.)

Ford Explorer XLT (V6)


Make & model

'S

Overaii Survey results Owner Fueiroad-test score cost economy

•o >- ir ^

Ij â|o 100 ^

P I F I G IVGl í

SUVs: MIDSIZED continued

Ford Edge SEL (3.5)

Nissan Pathfinder LE (V6)

Mazda CX-7 Touring

Dodge Journey Lux(V6)

Nissan Xterra S

Toyota 4Runner SR5 (V6)

Toyota FJ Cruiser

Jeep Wrangler unlimited Sahara*

SUVS: LUXURY

$37,625 E S ^ l H i36.310 ^ ^ B H

32,915 ^ B ^36.975 B ^ ^ B28,000 Q H H i37,425 E 9 B H30,881 E m30,735 EQ

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18

15

18 n

16

17

18

17

15

0 Lexus RX450h

0 Acura MDX

Volkswagen Touareg TOI Sport

0 Lexus RX 350

Mercedes-Benz GL3S0 BlueTec

0 Buick Enciave CXL

Mercedes-Benz GL4S0

Porsche Cayenne (base, V6)

BMWXS35d

Land Rover LR4

0 Lincoln MKT(EcoBoost)

0 lnfinitiFX3S

Toyota Land Cruiser

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V8)

0 Lexus GX 460

Audi 07 Premium Plus (V6)*

Infiniti QXS6

0 Lincoin Navigator Ultimate

Lincoln MKX (3.7)Land Rover Range Rover SportHSE*Cadillac Escalade (base)

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2618242119151519221518181414

1717

15

13

18

14

13


Mai(e& model Overaii Survey results Owner Fueiroad-test score cost economy

Is•el ä t;

O ™

o 100

P 1 F I G IVGl E

SUVs: LARGE

0 Ford Fiex Limited (EcoBoost)

0 Chevroiet Traverse LT

GMCAcadiaSLT2 W/Ê

0 Ford Flex SEL

Dodge Durango Crew (V8)

0 Chevroiet Suburban LT3 (5.3)

0 GMCYuitonXLSLT3(5.3)

0 Toyota Sequoia Limited (5.7)

Dodge Durango Crew (V6)

0 Ford Expedition EL Eddie Bauer

0 Nissan Armada SV

Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ (5.3)

GMCYui(0nSLT?(5.3)

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

GMCyui(on Hybrid

PICKUPS: COMPACT

17

16

16

17

14

14

14

15

17

13

13

14

14

19

19

0 Honda Ridgeiine RTS

0 Nissan Frontier SV (V6) _

0 Toyota TacomaTRD(V6)

Chevrolet Colorado LS Z71(5-cyl.)*

GMC Canyon SLEZ71(5-cyl.)*

PICKUPS: FULL-SIZED

©

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15

15

17

16

L6

0 Chevrolet Avalanche IT(5.3LV8)

0 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 tT (5.3L V8)

0 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT(5.3LV8)

0 Toyota Tundra SR5(5.7LV8)

0 FordF-lSOXLT(5.0LV8)

Ford F-150 XLT (3.5t EcoBoost V6)

0 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT (5.7L V8)

Nissan Titan SV(5.6LV8)

©

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14

14

14

15

15

15

14

13

'Powertrain changed since last test.


QuickGuide PAINTS, EXTERIOR

Today's paints are tougher than those of a few yearsago. They resist cradling and don't fade with years ofsun exposure. Most aiso contain iower ievels of volatileorganic compounds, so they emit fewer toxic fumes.

Shopping tipConsider lesser-known brands.Some smallregional brandshave joined majorbrands at thetop of our tests.


What to iook for• Flat and satin finishes forsiding, to hide flaws by reduc-ing reflections• Semigloss for doors, win-dows, trim, and shutters foradded protection and visualinterest• Mildew-resistant paint ifyour home is in the shade; adirt-resistant one if it's in anurban area

What to skip• Economy grades of paints.

which don't weather as wellas top-of-the-line productsfrom the same brand• Buying strictly by brand,because manufacturers oftenreformulate paints to complywith tougher regulations

What you'ii payThe best values within eachgloss level range from about$20 to $30 a gallon.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/paint

All produrt5 clean up with water.

Price Overaii score Appearance Resists

Si Si ¿ g '

S S a 2s « 5 >'o 100

p I F I G I V G U

i3

A FLAT May hide ininor surface iinperfections.

1 Caiifornia Paints Fres-Coat Velvet Flat $39

2 Giidden Spred Flat

3 Giidden PretDium Flat (Home Oepot)

4 Beiir Premium Plus Flat (Home Depot)

5 Vaispar Ultra Premium Flat (Lowe's)

6 Vaispar DuraMax Flat (Lowe's) ff: © ©

100

100

• 100

• 100

100

100

P A I N T S , E X T E R I O R 85

'.!! products clean tip witii water.

Price Overall score Appearance Resists

I F

IOC

I G I v t l E . •'

.2

B SATIN Adds slight gloss to finish.1 Glldden Premium Satin (Home Oepot) $22

2 Giidden Spred Satin 27

3 ValsparDuraMax Satin (Lowe's) i l 35

4 Sears WeatherBeater Ultra Satin 35

50

50

150

53

C SEMIGLOSS Use mainly for trim, windows, and doors.[ 7 ] 1 Siierwin-Wiiiiams Duration

Semi-Gloss 1Q 2 Behr Premium Plus Semi-Gloss Enamel

(Home Oepot)

B 3 Giidden Spred Semi-Gioss

4 Giidden Premium Semi-Gloss(Home Depot)

41

• 150

50

50

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood OFair #Poor

O CR Best Buy Tfiese models offer tfie best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.

0 Recommended These are fiigh-performing models ttiat stand out.

Guide to the RatingsOverall score is a weigfited average of each year's appearance for up to 3 years of testing.Appearance after 3 years Sijmmarizes performance after 1 year of Oijr acceierated Vieatfiering(i.e., equivaient to 3 years on a vertical wall). Testing stops wfien appearance falls to Fair or Poor,at which time the product must be reapplied. Appearance after 6 years summarizes perfor-mance after 2 years of our acceierated weathering (i.e., equivaient to 6 years on a vertical wall).Testing stops when appearance falls to Fair or Poor, at which time the product must be reapplied.Appearance after 9 years summarizes performance after 3 years of our accelerated weathering(i.e., equivalent to 9 years on a vertical wail). Testing stops after 3 years, regardless of whetherappearance falls to Fair or Poor. Products that at this point stiil rate at least Good for appear-ance are considered superior products. Resists indicates product scored at least Good for thatattribute. Claimed VOCs is maximum grams per iiter as stated on can. Price is approximate retaiiper gaiion.

8 6 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 2io

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0 >-

per

Aft

0 100

P i F 1 G IVOl E

>- .E ' .2 •— * y

Cla

STILL BEING TESTED Completed the equivalent of three to six years' exposure.

Siierwin-Wiiiiams Duration Satin i

Siierwin-Wiiiiams Duration Fiat i

Pratt S Lambert Accolade Eggshell

Vaispar Ultra Premium Satin (Lowe's)

! § Siierwin-Wiiiiams Resilience SatinVaispar Ultra Premium Semi-Gloss(Lowe's)Sherwin-Wiiiiams Resilience Flat

Vaispar DuraMax Semi-Gioss (Lowe's) iBeiir Premium Plus Ultra Flat(Home Depot) i a.

Benjamin Moore MoorLife Flat 2

Benjamin Moore Aura Fiat Î -i

Kiiz Casual Colors Satin

, , „ Benjamin Moore Aura Low Lustre i i '«.

Benjamin Moore MoorGard Low Lustre 2* ' Betir Premium Plus Ultra Semi-Gloss

Enamel (Home Depot) -x i-Kiiz Casual Colors Semi-Gloss

Beiir Premium Plus Ultra Satin Enamelmm (Home Depot) 1 Î

Caiifornia Paints Fres-Coat Satin GlossBeiir Premium Pius Satin Enamel(Home Depot)

Benjamin Moore Aura Semi-Gioss 1 z

Benjamin Moore MoorGio Soft Gloss ^

$59 ©

58 ©

40 ..,...,.,»™., ©26 ©

55 " " » - » * ' • ©

28 ©

52 ©36 ©

35 ©

39 ©

62 ©

26 ©

62 ©

48 ©

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D0

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CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and priceRecommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

107

92

162

150

48

150

48

50

100

50

83

50

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50

50

50

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50

150

All are recommended.

P A I N T S , I N T E R I O R 87

QuickGuide PAINTS, INTERIOR

No one paint can do it ali-we found winners for each glosslevel, with one-coat hiding ability, smoothness, suitabilityfor sunny spaces and even low VOC ieveis.

What to look for• Flat paint for a forma] liv-ing room, dining room, orother space that doesn't seeheavy use, because it isn't themost stain resistant• Eggshe]] or satin, for fami]yrooms, Icitchens, bathrooms,]<ids' rooms, ha]]ways, andthe like• Semigloss for windowsills,trim, and other woodwork toadd contrast (while typicailystain resistant, many semi-gloss paints will duU whencleaned)

What to skip• Bright greens and yellowsfor sun-drenched rooms,because these colors tend tofade a lot; whites and brownsare better choices

What you'il payAbout $17 to $51 per gallon.Each ga]]on covers about 400square feet of smooth wa]];rougher surfaces require abit more.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/paint

Shopping tipFor the bestcoverage, werecominendusing two coats,even with a top-scoring paint.


Price Overaii score Testresuits(per gai.)

u .B 's

o 100p I F I G I V G l E

A SATIN & EGGSHELL Best for most applications.

1 Beiir Premium Plus UltraSatin Enamel (Home Depot) i

2 Kiiz Casual Colors Satin

3 Giidden Premium Satin(Home Depot)

4 Beiir Premium Plus SatinEnamel (Home Depot)

5 Benjamin üloore RegalEggshell lac*

$33

26

22

48


•^ mftj er

1o

Price Overall score Test results(pergal,)

" "" :i ^ ~ o s

0 100p I F I G I V G l E

g

B SEMiGLOSS Best for trim, doors, and shelves.1 Behr Premium Plus Ultra

Semi-Gloss (Home Depot) 12 Benjamin Moore Natura

Semi-Gloss "î Behr Premium Plus Semi-

Gloss Enamel (Home Depot)4 Vaispar Ultra Premium

Semi-Glo5s (Lowe's)5 Roval Interiors by ACE

Semi-Gloss 4!6 Martha Stewart Living

Semi-Gloss (Home Depot)

© e © © © © © © 50

e e © © o © © © o

© e © e » © © o 50

o e © © © © © o 50

e e © © o © © » 50

e e © © e © e © 50

B FLAT & MATTE Best for low-traffic areas.[71 1 Behr Premium Plus Ultra Flat

Enamel (Home Depot) i tQ 2 Behr Premium Plus Flat

Enamel (Home Depot)[7 { 3 Benjamin Moore

Natura Flat i :[71 4 Vaispar Signature Colors

Matte (Lowe's) 'iQ 5 Giidden Premium Flat

(Home Depot)

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e 10 i

0 ^

1 e1 e

1 e

© ©

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e ©

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50

50

0

e e e e e e © e 50

e e o o © © © © 50I Self'priuiing paint, i : Flatter than labeled. 3 Glossier than labeled. ''•.Manufacturer claims paint has been reformuiated since ourlast tests.

Ratings Key ©Exce l len t ©Very good O G o o d © F a i r © P o o r


Lîd R e c o m m e n d e d These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to tiie RatingsOverall score is mainly hiding, surface smoothness, resistance to staining, scrubbing, glosschange, sticking, mildew, fading. Volatile organic compounds aren't scored. Most results reflectwhite, pastel, and medium-tint bases. Hidinq is coverage of contrasting color with one and twocoats (one-coat weighted most heavily). Smoothness is the absence of roller marks when dry.Staining is resistance to greasy stains. Scrubbinq is ability to resist abrasive cleaner. Glosschanqe is change in appearance after cleaning. Stickinq is ability to resist tackiness when dry.Mildew is ability to inhibit mildew growth. Fadinq is resistance to lightening under UV light.Claimed VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are the maximum grams per liter for untinted baseas claimed. Price is approximate retaii.

P R I N T E R S , A L L - I N - O N E : 89

QujckGuide PRINTERS, ALL-IN-ONE

If all you do is print, you can save money and space bypurchasing a dedicated printer. But if tiiere's any chanceyou might want to copy or scan, it's worth investigatingan aii-in-one.

What to iook for• If you don't need to print orscan color photos, an all-in-one laser for superior qual-ity, faster print speed, and alower cost per page• An all-in-one inkjet, if youwant a printer that excels atprinting photos• A built-in duplexer to printon both sides of the page

What to si(ip• High ink- or toner-cartridgecosts, which can make a

bargain-priced printer a baddeal in the long run• An inkjet with a single colorcartridge, because separatecolor cartridges may be moreeconomical, depending onyour photos

What you'ii payAll-in-ones are actually gettingless expensive and more ver-satile. They cost $60 and up.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/printers

Shopping tipIf you're printingphotos, a memorycard readeror PictBridgecompatibility canbe heipful.


Brands model Price Overall score Testresuits

B

ISL

il! il0 100 ^

p I F I G I V G l E * « •

A BLACK A N D W H I T E LASER MODELS

00

0

Deii2355dn

Brotiier MFC7360N

HP LaserJet ProM1212nt

Brotiier MFC 74600N

Brotiier DCP-70600

Brotiier MFC 78600W

Deii 1135n

8 Samsung SCX-4623FW

$11.40 NA NA

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42 Canon Pixma ÍI/ÍX35O 70

43 Canon PJxma MX410

44 Canon Pixma MX33O

45 Canon Pixma MX420

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48 Canon Pixma MP495

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52 Brother MFC-6890CDW 360


54 Epson Stylus NX515

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Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based on speed and quality of print, scan, and copy functions, pius ease of use.Ttie displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Ink and paper/month is estimated cost (in dol-lars) for ink and photo paper in a montfi of typical use, based on our tests and how our readerstold us they print. For inkjets: 23 text pages, 9 graphics pages, 2.4 large photos, 3.5 small photos,and 3.5 photos on plain paper. For lasers; 62 text pages, 24 graphics pages, 1.7 large photos, 1.9small photos, and 2.3 photos on plain paper. Photos cost the most, text documents the least, soyour results may vary from these figures, but they are useful for comparing models. Photo qual-ity reflects a color photo's appearance. The 4x6 photo time score reflects how guickly the modelcan print one 4x5 photo on photo-guality paper. One minute or less is excellent; 1 to 2 minutes isvery good; 2 to 4 minutes is good; 4 to 5 minutes is fair; and longer than 5 minutes is poor. The8x10 photo time score reflects how guickly the model can print one 8x10 photo on photo-qualitypaper. Two minutes or less is excellent; 2 to 4 minutes is very good; 4 to 5 minutes is good; 5 to8 minutes is fair; and longer than 8 minutes is poor. Text quality assesses clarity and crispnessof biack text. Text speed score reflects how quickly the model can print text on five pages ofplain, letter-sized pages. Thirty seconds or iess is excellent; 31 to 50 seconds is very good; 51 to90 seconds is good; 91 to 120 seconds is fair; and longer than 120 seconds is poor. Graphics qual-ity assesses the appearance of color graphics produced by the printer. Black and white lasers werejudged on black and white graphics. Scan quality is for color photos, graphics, and text scannedat each model's default settings. Copy quality is for graphics and text. Power saving indicates howwell the printer conserves power between uses. For networking, E indicates the model can net-work using wired Ethernet; W indicates wireless capability. Price is approximate retail.


QuickGuide PRINTERS, REGULAR

InkJet and laser printers have become moreaffordable and increasingiy fuil featured.

Shopping tipA printer with anEnergy Star labelwill consumevery littlepower when notprinting.


What to iooi( for• If you'll print only text, a la-ser printer is your best choicefor fast, low-cost, top-qualityblack-and-white text• For printing graphics or textin black and color, go with aninkjet• Features such as a memory-card reader, PictBridge sup-port, or a wireless interface,if you want to print photoswithout a computer

Wiiat to siiip• Color laser printers, which

are still more costly than theirmonochrome counterparts• Snapshot printers, mostof which didn't provide thephoto quality of the bestplain inkjets

What you'ii payColor inkjets can cost as lit-tle as $30, and monochromelaser printers less than $50.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/printers

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R A N G E S 97

QuickGuide RANGES

Manufacturers have added many new features and functionsto ranges, mai<ing them more versatile.

What to iook for• On electric and gas ranges,at least one high-heat elementor burner (at least 2,500 wattsor 15,000 Btu), to heat largequantities quickly• Dual ovens, if you want toroast a turkey while bakinga pie• An induction cooktop, forthe fastest heating and themost energy efficiency

What to si<ip• Dual-fuel, which combines

a gas cooktop with an electricoven, because they tend to bepricey and don't necessarilyprovide better performance

What you'ii payOur Ratings can help youfind a high-performing gasrange without spending a bun-dle. Many moderately pricedmodels offer stainless-steeltrim, high-power burners, andother features.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/ranges

Shopping tipMany higher-priced modelsinclude aconvection oven,which can reducecooking time,especiaiiy forlarge roasts.


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R A N G E S 101

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FGEF3O31K(W]

23 Kenmore 98053

24 Kenmore 92603

25 KitchenAid ArchitectSeries KERS807S[SSI

26 Whiripooi GGE388LXIQ]

27 Jenn-Air JER8885RA[S]

28 Samsung FTO353IWUX

29 Maytag MER7765W1W1

30 LGLDE3O17ST

31 Whiripooi GFE461LVIQI

32 Whiripooi GoldGY399LXU101

33 Samsung FTQ387LWGX

34 Frigidaire FGEF3040KIW]

35 KitchenAid KERS206XWM

36 GE PB975SM155] PB975SPISS|

37 GE PB970SMISSI

38 Whiripooi WFE361LV[Q]

39 Kenmore 91312

Guide to the RatingsOverall score reflects cooktop performance, oven capacity, baking, broiling, and ovencleaning. Displayed scores rounded: models listed by precise overall score. Cooittop hiqh ishow quickly highest-powered element or burner heated water to near-boil. Cooktop iowis how well lowest-powered element or burner melted and held chocolate without scorchingand how well the highest-powered burner, set on low, held tomato sauce below a boil. Bakingreflects even browning of cakes and cookies on two racks. Broliinq is even browning of apan of burgers and high-heat searing. Oven capacity is our evaluation of usable space. Ovencieaninq is ability to remove a mix of eggs, cheese, pie filling, and other ingredients on self-cleansetting. Price is approximate retail.

R A N G E S 103

Most & Least ReliableGas ranges

Hotpoint

GE

Frigidaire

Kenmore

Whirlpool

Maytag

KitchenAid

GE

Fewerrepairs

r 'i :

'4

m9

911

é14

18

Morerepairs

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

GAS DUAL-FUEL

Electric ranges

Fewerrepairs

Hotpoint

GE

Whirlpool

Frigidaire

Kenmore

Amana

Maytag

Jenn-Air

KitchenAid

Source: Annua l Product Rel iab i l i ty Survey,Consumer Repor ts Nat iona l Research Center.

KitchenAid was ttie most repair-prone brand ofgas ranges. Althougti we lacked sufficient data toinclude Kenmore dual-fuel and Jenn-Air rangesin ttie repair graphs, data we have indicate thatKenmore dual-fuel ranges have been reliableand Jenn-Air dual-fuel and gas ranges have beenrepair-prone. That's what we found when weasked over 26,000 readers who bought a gas ordual-fuel range between 2005 and the first halfof 2011 about their experiences. The graph showsthe percentage of models for each brand thatwere repaired or had a serious problem. Differ-ences of fewer than 3 points aren't meaningful,and we've adjusted the data to eliminate dif-ferences linked solely to the age of the gas ordual-fuel range. Models within a brand can vary,and design or manufacture changes might affectfuture reiiability. Still, choosing a brand with agood repair history can improve your odds of get-ting a reliable model.

Morerepairs

Hotpoint, General Electric, and Whirlpool werethe least repair-prone brands of electric ranges,and Jenn-Air and KitchenAid were the mostrepair-prone. That's what we found when weasked almost 59,000 readers who bought an elec-tric range between 2004 and 2010 about theirexperiences. The graph shows the percentageof models for each brand that were repaired orhad a serious problem. Differences of fewer than3 points aren't meaningful, and we've adjustedthe data to eliminate differences linked solely tothe age of the range. Models within a brand canvary, and changes in design or manufacture mayaffect future reliability.


QuickGuide REFRIGERATORS

Easy access, flexible interior space, consistent temperaturesand energy efficiency were the hailmari<s of our top-ratedrefrigerators.

Shopping tipEnergy Starrefrigeratorsmust be at least20 percent moreefficient thanthe minimumrequired byfederal standards.


What to look for• Print-resistant stainless steelor faux-stainless finishes, be-cause regular stainless typi-cally boosts the price and oftenshows fingerprints• Temperature-controlleddrawers to keep meat, fish,cold cuts, and other foods atlower temperatures• Adjustable door bins andshelves, to make the most ofavailable storage space

Wiiat to skip• Through-the-door waterand ice dispenser, because re-frigerators with this feature

cost more, use more energy,and require considerably morerepairs than those without it• Built-in refrigerators, whena cabinet-depth model canprovide the same look, withmore storage space, for thou-sands less

What you'ii paySome refrigerators that arebest at keeping your milk coldand your frozen food frozenstill cost well under $1,000.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/refrigerators

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13 Thermador T36BniFSE 7,60014 GE Monogram

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16 KitchenAid KSSS36QTIX1 6,900

17 Sub-2ero736TC(5Sl 7,600

18 GE Profile PSB42YSX(SS1 5,90019 Viiting Professional

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Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair

H CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.


Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based on tenaperature performance and energy efficiency; noise and ease ofuse are also considered. Displayed scores are rounded; models are in order of precise overallscore. Temperature performance is performance at different room terTiperatures and flow uni-formly eacfi maintained 37° F in refrigerator and 0° F in freezer. Energy efficiency is electricityuse based on our measurements and usable capacity Noise is with the compressor running. Easeof use assesses features and design including layout, controls, and lighting. Enerqy cost/yr. Isbased on our energy tests and may differ from the EnergyGuide label. Total usabie capacityis our measurement of total usable space. Claimed capacity is maker's total cubic-foot mea-surement. Heiqtit, width, and depth are without handle, rounded up to nearest inch; heightincludes hinges, but they're forward of standard wall cabinets. Under brand & modei, bracketedletters/numbers are color codes. Price is approximate retail; includes icemaker, if available.


Most S> Least Reliable

Top-freezer refr igerators

fewer ^ Morerepairs ^ " repairs

Whirlpool

Frigidaire

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•repairs

Kenmore

GE was the most repair-prone brand of top-

freezers with an icemaker and for bottom-

freezers with and without an icemaker.

Maytag has been the most repair-prone

among top-freezers without icemakers, while

LG has been among the more repair-prone

side-by-side brands. That's what we found

when we asked over 75,000 readers who

bought a refrigerator between 2006 and

2010. The graph shows the percentage of

brands that needed a repair or had a ser-

ious problem. Differences of fewer than 5

points aren't meaningful, and we've adjust-

ed the data to eliminate differences linked

soiely to the age of the refrigerator. All re-

frigerators in the graphs are free-standing

models, with the exception of Sub-Zero bot-

tom-freezers. Models within a brand may

vary, and design or manufacture changes

may affect future reliabiiity. Still, choosing a

brand with a good repair history can im-

prove your odds of getting a reliable model.

Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey.Consumer Reports National Research Center.

I ICEMAKER

repairs

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SIde-by-side refrigerators

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Kenmore

Frigidaire

Maytag

KitchenAid

Samsung

GE

LG

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

114 C O N S t J M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 2

QuickGuide SMART PHONES

Smart phones are getting smarter every day. They're notonly great for texting, e-mail, and social networking, but theycan also play music, shoot photos, and offer GPS navigation.

Shopping tipPhones thatdisplay incomingand outgoingnumbers inlarge black typeagainst a whitebackground areeasiest to read.

5can thl5 or see how. page 11

What to iook for• The phone's operating sys-tem, which dictates its fea-tures and capabi]ities• How many apps are avail-able and what they cost• The keyboard—phones withvirtual keyboards tend to beless bulky than models withphysical keyboards, but it'seasier to type on a physicalkeyboard without looking

What to sl(lp• Phone insurance and ex-tended warranties, which arenot worth it when you factor

in the extra expense, high dé-ductibles, and low chance ofusing them

What you'ii payPhone prices with a two-yearcontract, including rebates,range from about $50 to $300.Smart phones purchased un-locked without a contract cancost significantly more, start-ing at $500.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/celfp '

Brand S model Price Overaii score Testresuits

: Similar models, in small type.'• i l ' : "(iiparaWc to tested

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A VERIZON Among the more satisfying carriers in almost all of the cities in our survey.

0 1 HTC ThunderBolt

0 2 LG Revolution

0 3 Samsung Oroid Charge

0 4 Motorola Oroid X2

0 5 llotoroia Oroid X6 Appie iPhone 4 (16GB)

Ver i zon IPhone 4 (32GB) Verizon

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Brand & model Price Overaii score Test resuits

similar models, in small type,are comparable to testedmodel.

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A VERiZON continued

7 Samsung Fascinate

8 HTC Droid Incredible 2

9 Motoroia Oroid 2 Global10 Casio G'zOne

Commando

11 Sony Ericsson Xperia Play

12 IGAIIy

13 HTCTropby

14Blaci(Berry 5torm2 9550

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SPRINT NEXTEL Among the more satisfying carriers in a iarge majority of the citiesB where we rated it.

0 1 Samsung Epic 4G

0 2 HTC Evo 3D

0 3 HTC Evo 4G

0 4 Samsung Nexus S 4G

5 Kyocera Echo

6 Blaci(Berry Style 9670

7 HTC Arrive

8 Biaci(Berry Bold 9650

9 Samsung Replenish

10 Biaci(Berry Curve 3G 9330

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T-iMOBILE Among the more satisfying carriers in more than haif of the cities wherewe rated it.

0 1 Samsung Galaxy s 4G

0 2 T-M0bileG2x

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Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair ©PoorH CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.[E] Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.


i Brand & model Price Overaii score Test results

Similar models, in small type,ate comparable to testedmodei.

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¡^ 3 HTC Sensation 4G

0 4 Samsung Vibrant

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0 8 Samsung Nexus S

0 9 HTC myTouch 3GSiide

0 10 HTCH07

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12 BiackBerry Bold 9780U BiackBerry Curve 3G

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AT&T Scored lowD in most regards.

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S M A R T P H O N E S 117




Guide to the RatingsOverall score mainlv reflects the attributes in test results; size, weight, and the ability to editdocuments without extra apps are also considered. Display considers size, resolution, and leqibii-ity in a range of lighting. Ease of use reflects how easy it is to access features and modes: phon-ing, messaging, camera, etc. It also considers programmable shortcuts and touch screens. Voicequality considers what caller and recipient heard on live calls in noisy and quiet settings. Phoninqconsiders voice command and Bluetooth, speed dialing, ringer controls, security options, keypadreadability in different lighting, and more. Messaqinq reflects keyboard ergonomics, e-mail read-ability, attachment capability, and text-messaging features. Ease of PC synchronizing and accessto apps while on call are also considered. Web browsinq assesses browser capabilities, includingmultitouch. Flash video, and iink seiecting, as weli as the phone's ability to handie more than onebrowser and muitiple Web pages. It also considers data connections, such as 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi.Camera mainly considers still-picture quality and shutter lag. It also considers camera capabilitiesand features, such as flash, manual ISO settings, face detection, focusing, and picture and videomessaging. Battery life reflects talk time with strong and weak signals, plus standby and displaytimes. Size: S is for small; M, midsized; L, large. Operatinq system: And. is for Android; BB, Black-Berry; Symb., Symbian; WM, Windows Mobile; WP, Windows Phone. Price is approximate retail.

About our testing

Besides picture quality, our Rating of a smart phone's camera considers capabili-ties and features such as flash, manual ISO settings, face detection, and focusing.Many new phones have cameras with resolutions of 2 megapixels and up thatare capable of producing respectable snapshots, though many lack a flash, whichis helpful when taking pictures in dark environments. Look for models with3-megapixel cameras or higher if you intend to print some of what you shoot.Those models take photography more seriously by pairing sharper image sensorswith high-grade lenses, auto focus, zoom, and brightness controls for greaterphoto control. Some higher-megapixel camera phones may be a bit sluggish attaking pictures. Another increasingly common smart-phone feature is a second,front-facing camera for self portraits and, often, video ciiats.


QujckGuide TIRES

Tires have a diFect impact on your caF's handling, bFaking,ride, corTifort qualities, and fuel economy. More important,the cornering grip, braking distances, and resistance tohydroplaning affect youF safety on the Foad.

Shopping tipRemember that ifyou buy your tiresonline, you'll have topay for shipping aswell as mounting andbalancing yvhen themail-order tires arrive.


For more buying advice, go toConsiwu'rReports.org/tires

Types and featuresAll-season—These are thetires that come standardon many cars, minivans,and SUVs.

• Best for: Year-roundtraction, long tread life,and a comfortable ride.But they typically lack thepreci.se handling and gripof performance tires.

• Speed rating.s: None, S(112 mph), T (118 mph).

• Tread-wear warranty;None or 40,000 to 100,000miles.Performance all-season—These come standard onnewer cars.

• Best for: Improvedhandling and grip overall-season tires on wet anddry pavement. But theyoften have shorter treadwear than many all-seasontires.

• Speed ratings: H (130mph), V (149 mph).

• Tread-wear warranty:None or 40,000 to 60,000miles.Ultra-high performanceall-season — Found onsports cars, sports sedans,and some lower-pricedsporty models.

• Best for: Wet and drybraking and handling. Butthey trade ultimate warm-weather grip for passablewinter performance.

• Speed ratings: Z (morethan 149 mph), W (168 mph),Y (186 mph).

• Tread-wear warranty:None or 30,000 to 40,000miles.Ultra-high performancesummer—Found mostlyon high-performance sportscars and sports sedans.

• Best for: Wet and drybraking and handling. Butthey don t perform well incold weather, ice, or snow.

• Speed ratings: Z (morethan 149 mph), W (168 mph),Y (186 mph).

• Tread-wear warranty:Typically none.Winter—Specially madefor use in freezing tem-peratures and on snowand ice.

• Best for: Maintainingtraction on snow and ice.But fast wear and so-sowet and dry braking makethem suitable only for cold-weather use.

• Speed ratings: Q (99mph) and higher.

• Tread-wear warranty:None.s a V/PICA:M/)—Designedfor the rigors of truck use.

• Best for: All-terrainmodels are designed foron-road and light-duty off-pavement use; all-seasonmodels are made primarilyfor on-road use. But someautomakers recommendstaying with whatevertype of tire came with yourvehicle.

• Speed ratings: S (112mph for many).

• Tread-wear warranty:None or 40,000 to 70,000miles.

T I R E S 211

Within types, in performance order.

Brand & model Overall score

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Michelin HydroEdge

Continental ProContactECOPLUSt

Micheiin Energy Saver A/S

Hanitook Optima H727

Pireili P4 Four Seasons

Goodyear Assurance TripieTred

Pireiii Cinturato P5

Kumho Solus KR21

Haxxis Escapade MA-Tl

Toyo Extensa A/S

Toyo Versado LX

Cooper GFE

BFGoodrich Traction T/AT

General Altimax RT

Yokohama Avid TRZ

Dayton Quadra LE

Cooper CS4 Touring

Uniroyal Tiger Paw Tour SR

Yokohama Avid Touring-S

Cooper Lifeliner GLS

Yokohama Avid T4

Bridgestone Turanza EL400

Falken Sincera SN828

Dunlop SP60

Sumitomo HTRT4

Firestone FR710

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Within types. In performance order.

Brand & model Overall score Three-season Winter Comfortdriving driving

I i110 100

P i F I G IVGI E

PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON H-SPEED RATEDMichelin Primacy MXV4

Falken Ziei(ZE9l2

NofcianWRG2

Kumho Solus KH16

Continental ContiProContact

Hichelin Pilot Exalto A/5

Falken Zie)(ZE512

Cooper CS4 Touring

General Altlmax HP

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max

Pirelli P6 Four Seasons

Hankook Optimo H418

Fuzion HRÍ

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©yerygood OGood ©Fair •Poor

Quick Picks

ALL SEASON TIRES S- AND T-SPEED RATEDBest for three season (non-winter) drivinqand long tread life:

Michelin HydroEdgeMichelin Energy Saver A/S

Best for all weatfier conditions:Continental ProContact ECOPLUS +Hankook Optimo H727Goodyear Assurance TripleTred

PERFORMANCE ALL SEASON H-SPEEDRATEDBest for three season (non-winter) drivinq:

Falken Ziex ZE9I2Best for all weather conditions:

Michelin Primacy MXV4Nokian WRG2Kumho Solus KH16

T I R E S 213


I Brand & model Overall score Three-seasondriving

Winter Comfortdriving

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Michelin Pilot Exalto A/s

Firestone Firehawk GTv

Bridgestone Turanza Serenity

Dunlop Signature

Toyo Versado LX

Gênerai Altimax HP

Continental ContiProContact

Goodyear Eagle GT

Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid

Goodyear Eagle ResponseEdge

Kumho Ectsa LX Platinum

Pirelli P6 Four Seasons

Fuzion Vri

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V-SPEED RATED

Best for tfiree season (non-winter) driving:

Firestone Firehawk GTv

Bridgestone Turanza Serenity

Toyo Versado LX

General Altimax HP

Best for all weather conditions:

Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S

Dunlop Signature


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Brand & inodel Overall score Three-season driving Winter Comfortdriving

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UHP ALL-SEASON

Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season

Cooper Zeon RS3-A

Sumitomo HTRA/SPOl

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus

Yokohama Avid ENVigor

Continental Extreme ContactDWS

Sumitomo HTR *

Uniroyai Tiger Pav» GTZ A/S

BFGoodrich g-Force Super

Sport A/S

Nitto Premium NT8S0

Bridgestone Potenza

RE960AS Pole Position

Goodyear Eagle Fl All Season

Goodyear Eagle GT

Falken ZiexZE912

Kumho Ecsta ASX

Yokohama Advan S.4.

Dunlop SP Sport Signature

Maxxis Victra Z4S

Nitto Neo Gen

Nexen N7000


Quick Picks

UHP ALL-SEASON TIRES

Best for all weather conditions:

Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season

Cooper Zeon RS3-A

Sumitomo HTR A/S POl

Otiier very qood ciioices:


Continental Extreme Contact DWS

Best for iong tread life:

Cooper Zeon RS3-A


T I R E S 215


Brand & model Overall score Three-season driving Comfort

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Michelin Pilot Super Sport

Goodyear Eagle Fl Asymmetric

Duniop SP Sport Uaxx GT

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

Continentai Extreme Contact DW

Hankooii Ventus V12 evo

Pirelli P Zero

Duniop SP Sport Maxx TT

BFGoodrichg-ForceT/AKDW

Kumho Ecsta SPT

Bridgestone Potenza RE030A PolePGsition

Nitto NT 05

Duniop Direzza Sport Zl Star Spec

Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport

Yokohama Advan Sport

Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy500

BFGoodrich g-Force Sport

Sumitomo HTRZill

Maxxis Victra MA-Zl

Nitto iNVO

Faiken FK-4S2

Fuzion Zri

Yokohama S.drive

Quick Picks

UHP SUMMER TIRES

Best UHP summer tires overall:

Michelin Pilot Super Sport

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

Other good choices:

Continental Extreme Contact DW

Hankook Ventus V12 evo

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PERFORMANCE WINTER TIRESNokian WR G2

Hankook Winter i'cept evo

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

Bridgestone BlizzakWS60

Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme

Toyo Snowprox S952

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60

Nokian Hakkapeiiitta 5

Pireiii Sottozero Winter 240 Series II

Yokohama W drive9 O9 ©

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood 9Fair •Poor

Quick Picks

PERFORMANCE WiNTER TiRES

Best for severe winter conditions:

Nokian WRG2

Hankook Winter i*cept evo

Michelin Piiot Apiin PA3

T I R E S 217

Within types, In performance order.

Brand a model Overall score Three-season Winter Comfortdriving driving

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Hichelin LTX M/S'

Michelin X Radial LP

Continental CrossContact LX20

EcoPlus

Michelin Latitude Tour HP

Michelin Latitude Tour

Hankook Dynapro HT

Nokian WR G2 Sport Utiiity

General General Grabber HTS

Goodyear Wrangler SR-A

Cooper Discoverer CTS

Nokian HT Sport Utility

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza H

Kumho Road Venture APT KL51

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza T

BFGoodrich Long Trail T/A Tour

Dunlop Rover H/T

Maxxis 750 Bravo H/T

Firestone Destination LE

Nexen Roadlan HT SUV

Toyo Open Country H/T

Uniroyal Laredo Cross Country

Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S GOSl

Pirelli Scorpion STR A

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Quick Picks

ALL-SEASON TRUCK TIRES

Best for most weather conditions:

Michelin LTX M/S'

Michelin X Radial LT'

Continental CrossContact LX20 EcoPlus

Michelin Latitude Tour HP

Micheiin Latitude Tour



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Bridgestone Dueler APT IV I

Nexen Roadian AT li I

Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S G0121

Quick Picks

ALL-TERRAIN TRUCK TIRES

Best for most weather conditions:

Cooper Discoverer A/T'

Michelin LTX A/T'

Hankook Dynapro ATM

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For longer tread life:

Micheiin LTX A/V

T I R E S 219


Brand S model Overall score Winter Three-season Comfortdriving driving

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Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SportUtility

General Altimax Arctic

Michelin Latitude X-lce XI2

Yokohama Geolandar i/T GO72

Bridgestone Blizzak OM-Vl

Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT

Toyo Open Country G-02 Plus

BFGoodrich Winter Slalom KSI

Firestone Winterforce UV

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Quick Picks

WINTER TRUCK TIRESBest for severe winter traction:

Mictielin Latitude X-lce XI 2Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1

Best baiance of winter traction andstoppinq qrlp on cieared roads:

Continental ExtremeWinterContactNokian Hakkapeliitta R Sport UtilityGeneral Altimax ArcticYokohama Geolander i/T GO72

Guicie to the RatingsOveraii score is based on 12 to 14 tests, with braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance weighedmost heavily for most tires. Snow traction and ice braking weigh more heavily tor winter tires. Braitinqtests on dry pavement are from 60 mph; on wet pavement, from 40 or 60 mph; and on ice, trom 10 mph.Handling combines how well a tire did in wet and dry cornering grip, steering teel, and an emergencyhandling maneuver Wet handling tor UHP tires is evaluated by driving the car through a wet slalomcourse and wet cornering grip course. Dry handlinq for UHP tires combines the emergency handlingmaneuver, dry cornering grip, and steering feel. Hydroplaninq denotes a tire's ability to resist skimmingalong the surtace ot standing water and causing loss of steering ability. Snow traction tests denote howfar a vehicle has to travel to accelerate from 5 to 20 mph on flat, moderately packed snow. Ride andnoise are evaluated subjectively, on rough and smooth roads. Rolling resistance, as measured on a dy-namometer, is a factor in fuel economy. TVead iife is an indicator of wear potential from CR's vehicle test.

T V s , 3 D 125

QuickGuide TVs, 3D

3D Isn't really a type of TV; it's an added function,with) an added cost. You'll get the same 2D pictureyou'd see with any hiqfi-definition TV until youswitch to 3D mode and put on special glasses thattransform blurry double images into 3D.

What to iooic for• A TV that scores well forregular HD picture quality,then one that also does wellwith 3D• For 3D images that lookbrighter, a TV that requires thenewer passive glasses, whichare more comfortable to wearthan active glasses• Universal glasses that workwith different brands of TVs,if active glasses are requiredbut not included with the set

Wiiat to skip• Models using the newerpassive glasses if you'll be

bothered by seeing less picturedetail—in 3D mode, the TV'svertical resolution is cut inhalf, from 1080 lines to 540

Wiiat you'ii payPrices are falling, but you'llpay about $1,000 to $4,000,depending on screen size andfeatures. Bought separately,prices for active-shutter glass-es start at $50 a pair, and someuse replaceable or rechargeablebatteries. Passive glasses don'tneed batteries, and extra pairscost $10 to $30.

Shopping tipKeep in mindthat you'll needa 3D-capableBlu-ray player,currently startingat less than $150.


For more Buying Advice,go to ConsumerReports.org/ivs

Brand & modei Price Overall score Test resuits

A LCD TV MODELS

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0 1 Sony Bravia XBR-55HX929 $3,800

0 2 LG47LW5600 1.330

0 3 IG55LW65OO 2,430

0 4 Sony Bravia XBR-52HX909 3.100

0 5 Sony Bravia KDL-46NX810 2,060

6 Sony Bravia KDL-55EX72O 2,160

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7 Toshiba 55WX800U $1.850

8 Vizio XVT3D554SV 1.500

9 Sony Bravia XBR-46HX909 2.500

10 Samsung LN46C750 1,500

11 Vizio XVT3D6505V 3,000

12 Samsung UN46D6400 1.440

13 Sharp A0UOSLC-46LE835U 1,380

14 Samsung UN5508000 2,900

15 Sharp A0UOSLC52LE835U 2,190

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0 20 î0 4• '0 60 70 8Q 90 '00 "0 12

Panasonic VieraTC-P55VT3OLG 5OPZ55O

Panasonic VieraTC-P5OST3OSamsung PN59D8000Panasonic vieraTC-P55GT3OSamsung PN5OC8OOOSamsung PNS1D550Samsung PN50C680Samsung PN50C490Panasonic VieraTC-P425T30Panasonic VieraTC-P42GT25LG42PW350 © ©

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Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair •PoorD CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.

I 0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand cut.

T V s , 3 D 127

Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based primarily on picture quality; sound quality, ease of use, and viewing angleare also considered. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. 3D effeci: All the 3D-capabie TVs in our Ratings are capable of providing an immersive 3D experience when displaying3D programs from Blu-ray or broadcast. However, 3D TVs may have one or more issues that candetract from their 3D performance. These include ghosting (double images visible even whenwearing 3D glasses), image dimming, loss of resolution, and even viewing angle problems that arespecific to the 3D mode. HD picture quality is a trained viewing panel's evaluation of the TV's pic-ture clarity and color accuracy with 1080Í sources. All signals were sent through the HDMI input.SD picture quality indicates how a TV displays "regular," non-HD TV programming with 480i.Sound quality is measured from the set's built-in speakers using computer-driven test equipment,with subjective testing by a listening panel. Remote ease of use assesses the usability of the TV'sremote control, considering button layout, labeiing, and practical features. Onscreen menu easeof use considers interaction with the remote, menu layout, and practical features. Versatilityindicates features that increase a TV's utility or capabilities. Viewing angle evaluates picture qual-ity from various horizontal and vertical viewing angles; M is moderate; N is narrow; U is unlimited;W is wide. Energy cost/yr, is the estimated cost per year in doilars. calculated for 8 hours a dayturned on and 16 hours in the off (standby) mode, based on the current year's national averageelectricity rate. LED backlight indicates either full-array or around the edge (called edge-lit). Thiscan potentiaiiy allow for improved black levels, colors, and contrast. Price is approximate retail.

About our testing

Our TV tests are based on settings that you would use at home, with contentthat reveals the strengths and weaknesses of a given set, so you can use ourRatings to get an accurate assessment of picture quality. It's harder to judge TVswell for yourself In stores. That's because TVs are usually set to a Retail or Storemode, which pumps up brightness and color to a level that looks great underfluorescent lights. Also, retailers often displav sports programs, which tend to besuper-bright with unnaturally vivid colors that minimize any flaws in the picture.See whether a salesperson will set the TV to Home mode and tune in program-ming with typical indoor scenes (including closeups of people, if possible, so youcan evaluate skin tones).

With an LCD, pay attention to the viewing angle. Look at *he set from the side,not just head on, to judge the viewing angle. Vary your vertical position so that youcan judge how the screen looks when you are sitting and standing. You may noticethat the picture guality deteriorates as you move away from the center. We'vefound considerable variation among brands and models, so check our test results.


QuickGuide TVs, LCD

Choose an LCD if you v^ant a tiiin, iightweight TVthat comes in a wide range of sizes. No matterhovif large the screen, these sets are only a fevi/inches deep and light enough to be wall mounted.

Shopping tipUnless you alwayssit right in frontof the screen,look for a TV witha wider viewingangle to getthe best picturequality.


What to iook for• Screen size of at least 37inches, and preferably 40 ormore, for your primary TV• 120-Hz technology to mini-mize motion blur• Full HD {1080p) resolutionfor larger screen sizes or if youplan to use your TV as a com-puter display

What to sitip• Expensive HDMI cables;cables costing a few dollarswork just as well• The extended warranty, gen-

erally not worth the money

What you'ii payFigure on spending about$600 or so for a good 37-inchset and a few hundred dollarsmore for each size you moveup—for example, in the $800range for a 40- to 42-inch setand about $1,000 for a 46- or47-inch LCD.

For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports. org/tvs.

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2 Sanyo DP26640

3 Samsung LN22C45O

4 Sitarp AQUOS LC-265B28UT

5 AOC Envision SeriesLC27H060

6 ViewSonic VT273O

7 SyivaniaLC260SSl

8 VÍZÍOM261VP Razor LED

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T V s , L C D 119

Brand & model Price Overaii score Testresuits

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A 27-iNCH AND SMALLER MODELS continued9 Magnavox26MF330B

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4 Samsung UN32C4000

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6 VÍZÍOE322VL

7 Sanyo 0P32670

8 Sharp AQUOS LC-32059U

9 Siiarp AQUOS LC-32LSS10UT

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11 SyivaniaLC320SS2

12 TOSiliba 32C11OU

13 Piliiips32PFL4SO5D

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C 37-INCH MODELS1 Samsung LN37CS50 550

2 VÍZÍOXVT373SV Razor LED 600

3 Magnavox37MD3S0B 500

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l ^ Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.


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4 LG 42LE55OO

5 Sony Bravia KOL-40BX4206 Samsung UN40D55007 Panasonic Viera TC-L42U308 Sanyo DP428409 Sony Bravia KDL-40EX52010 JVCLT-42E91011 RCA42LA45RQ12 Siiarp AQUOS LC-42D69U13 Toshiba 42SL417U14 Mitsubishi Unl$enLT-40164

15 Syivania LC407SS116 Toshiba 40E21OU17 ViewSonic VT4210LE018 Westinghouse LO-4255VX

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T V s , L C D 121

Brand S modei Price Overaii score Test resuits

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Samsung UN55C65OO

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Tosiliba 55VX7OOU

Philips 55PFL57O5O

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Dynex DX 55115OA11

Phiiips 55PFL77O5D

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Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair APoor

H CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.



Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based primarily on picture quality; sound quality, ease of use, and viewing angleare also considered. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. HD picture quality isa trained viewing panei's evaluation of the TV's picture clarity and color accuracy with 1080Ísources. All signals were sent through the HDMI input. SD picture quality indicates how a TVdisplays "regular," non-HD TV programming with 480i. Sound quality is measured from the set'sbuilt-in speakers using computer-driven test equipment, with subjective testing by a listeningpanel. Remote ease of use assesses the usability of the TV's remote control, considering buttonlayout, labeling, and practical features. Onscreen nnenu ease of use considers interaction withthe remote, menu layout, and practical features. Versatility indicates features that increase aTV's utility or capabilities. Viewing anqle evaluates picture quality from various horizontal andvertical viewing angles: M is moderate; N is narrow; W is wide. Energy cost/yr. is the estimatedcost per year in dollars, calculated for 8 hours a day turned on and 16 hours in the off (standby)mode, based on the current year's national average electricity rate. LED backlight Indicateseither full-array or around the edge (called edge-lit). This can potentially allow for improved blacklevels, colors, and contrast. Price is approximate retail.


LCD TVs

15%


LCD TVs continue to build an impressive re-cord for reliability. Of 18 LCD brands, Mitsubi-shi, Polaroid, and Westinghouse were the mostrepair prone. That's what we found when read-ers told us about 198,049 LCD TVs they pur-chased between 2007 and the first half of2010. Our data suggest that flat-panel TVsbreak early if at all; 68 percent of TVs thatwere ever repaired had a repair during thefirst 12 months. In addition, 76 percent of con-sumers who had a TV repaired paid nothing,probably because almost all new TVs comewith a 12-month warranty. Those findings sup-port our stance that an extended warrantyseems like a poor investment for most con-sumers. The graph shows the percentage ofTVs in each brand that were repaired or hada serious problem. Differences of fewer than3 percentage points aren't meaningful. Dataare adjusted to eliminate differences linkedsolely to a TV's age. Models in a brand can vary,and design or manufacture changes mightaffect future reliability, but choosing a brandwith a good repair history can improve yourodds of getting a reliable TV.

20%

T V s , P L A S M A 123

QuickGuide •TVs, PLASMA

A plasma TV is a good choice if you want athin TV with a screen 42 inches or larger withan almost unlimited viewing angle.

What to iooi( for• Antiglare screen, so youwon't see reflections fromwindows and lamps• Screen-saving technologylo prevent burn-in caused bystatic images

What to skip• The extended warranty, be-cause plasma TVs have beenvery reliable during the firstfew years of use

• Models touting high con-trast ratios and brightness,because manufacturers arriveat specs differently

What you'ii payYou'll pay $500 to $4,000, de-pending on screen size.

For more buying advice, go towww.ConsumerReporls.org/tvs



- - - ^ ^ ^ =

A 42 TO 46 iNCH MODELS

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1 Panasonic Viera TC-P42S30 $670

2 Panasonic Viera TC-P42X3 500

3 Samsung PN43D450 540

4 insignia NS-42P650A11 450

5 Sanyo 0P42740 430

B 50 iNCH MODELS

U $51 1920x1080

U 36 1024x768

52 1024x768

U31 1024x768

U 24 1024x768

1 Panasonic Viera TC-PS0S30 940

2 LG5OPV45O 900

3 Samsung PN51D45O 720

4 LG50PT350 720

5 insignia NS-5OP65OA11 550

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Ratings Key ©Excellent evefygood OGood ©Fair ©Poor



Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mostly on picture quality; sound quality, viewing angle, and ease of use arealso considered. HD picture quality assesses clarity and color accuracy of a high-definition (1080Í)signal, such as that from a Blu-ray player, digital-cabie box, or satellite receiver. Ail signals wererouted through an HDMI input. SD picture quality indicates how a TV displays "reguiar," non-HDTVprogramming. This picture quality score is based on a standard-definition TV signai, known as 480i,sent through the TV's HDMI inputs, except where indicated. Sound quality is measured from theset's built-in speakers using computer-driven test equipment, with additional subjective testing bya listening panel. Remote ease of use assesses the remote controi's usabiiity, considering buttonlayout, labeling, and practical features. Onscreen menu ease of use considers interaction with theremote, menu layout, and practicai features. Versatility indicates features that increase a TV's util-ity or capabiiities. Viewinq angle evaluates picture quality for clarity and color accuracy at varioushorizontal and vertical viewing angles; U means uniimited. Energy cost/yr. is the estimated cost peryear in dollars, calcuiated for 8 hours a day turned on and 16 hours in the off (standby) mode, basedon the current year's national average eiectricity rate. Price is approximate retail.

Most & Least Reiiabie

Plasma TVs

Fewerrepairs

Panasonic t^K

Samsung ^ ^ H

Morerepairs

0% 10% 15%

Plasma TVs continue to build an impressive

record for reliability. No plasma brand stood

out as less reiiabie than the others. That's

what we found when readers told us about

29.794 plasma TVs they purchased between

2007 and the first half of 2010. Our data sug-

gest that flat-panei TVs break early if at ail.

The graph shows the percentage of TVs in

each brand that were repaired or had a seri-

ous problem. Differences of fewer than 3 per-

centage points aren't meaningful. Data are

adjusted to eiiminate differences linked solely

to a TV's age. Models in a brand can vary, and

design or manufacture changes might affect

future reiiability, but choosing a brand with a

good repair history can improve your odds of

gett ing a reiiabie TV.

20%


USED CARS: THE BEST& THE ONES TO AVOID

These lists guide you to themost reliable vehicles for 10model years, 2001 through20i0, and alert you to thosethat have been problematic.

Reliable vehicles and vehicles to avoidinclude all models that showed above- orbelow-average overall reliability (UsedCar Verdicts) in our 2010 Annual CarReliability Survey, which drew responseson about 1.3 million vehicles.

Pay particular attention to the Best ofthe Best and Worst of the Worst, which

we compiled from the longer lists. Theycover the models for which we have suf-ficient survey data for at least three mod-el years, and that have either performednotably well or have been especially trou-blesome. CONSUMER REPORTS considersproblems with major engine and trans-mission components, engine cooling, anddrive systems to be more serious, and theyare weighted more heavily than otherareas. For detailed reliability Ratings onthe six latest model years, see the chartsstarting on page 185.

Each of these models earned an above-average Used Car Verdict in our 2010 survey (seepage 185). Vehicles are listed by price range and alphabetically by manufacturer. Price ranges(rounded to the nearest $1,000) are approximately what you should expect to pay for a typicallyequipped model with average miles.

Less than $4,000Acura CL 01Chevrolet Prlzm 01-02Ford Crown Victoria 01-02Honda Civic 01Hyundai Sonata (V6) '03-04Infiniti G20 02Lincoln Continental 01Mazda Protege 01-02Mercury Grand Marquis 01Mitsubishi Lancer 02Toyota Corolla '01-02;

Echo '01-03; Prius '01

$4,000-$6,000Acura CL '03; RSX 02;

TL '01-02Chevrolet Silverado 1500

(V6, 2WD) 01Ford Crown Victoria 03;

Escape (V6, FWD) 03;Expedition (2WD) 01;

F-150 (V6, 2WD) 01;Focus 05; Mustang (V6)03; Mustang (V8) 01

GMC Sierra 1500 (V6,2WD) '01-02

Honda Accord 01-02; Civic02-03; Civic Hybrid '03;Civic Si '02-03; CR-V 01;Prelude '01

Hyundai Elantra 06Inflniti 130 01; 135 02-03Lexus ES 01Lincoln Town Car 01Mercury Grand Marquis 02Mitsubishi Galant '04;

Outlander 03Nissan Altima (4-cyl.) 03Pontiac Vibe '03-04Scion xA 04; x8 '04Subaru Impreza '03Toyota Avalon 01-02;

Camry 01; Camry Solara

'01-02; Célica '01-02;Corolla 03; Echo 05;Matrix 03; Prius 02-03;Sienna 01-02; Tundra(V6) 01

$6,000-$8,000Acura MDX 01; RL 02;

RSX '03; TL '03Buick LeSabre 05Chevrolet Silverado 1500

(V6, 2WD) 02; Silverado2500 (2WD) 01-02;Tahoe 01

Chrysler Crossfire 04Ford Crown Victoria 05;

Escape (V6, FWD) 04;F-150 (V6, 2WD) 02-04;Focus '06; Focus hatch-back 07; Mustang (V6)04; Taurus sedan '06

GMC Sierra 1500 (V8,

T H E B E S T & W O R S T U S E D C A R S 179

2WD) 01; Sierra 2500(2WD) 01 02; Yukon 01

Honda Accord 03; Civic 04;Civic Hybrid 04; CivicSi '04-05; CR-V '02-03;Element '0304; Odyssey'02-03

Hyundai Santa Fe 03-04;Sonata (4-cyi.) 06;Tucson 05

Kia Sportage 05Lexus ES 02; GS (RWD) 01;

IS sedan '01-02; RX 01Lincoln Town Car 02Mazda MX-5 Mlata 0102;

Tribute (4-cyl., FWD) 05;Tribute (V6, FWD) 03-04; 3 hatchback 04; 6hatchback/wagon 05; 6sedan (V6) 05; 6 sedan(4-cyi.) 03-04

Mercury Grand Marquis '03;Mariner (4-cyi., FWD) 05

Nissan Aitlma (4-cyl.) 04;Altima (V6) 02

Pontiac Vibe 05Scion xA 05-06; xB '05Subaru Impreza 04Toyota 4Runner (V6) 01;

Avaion 03; Camry 02;Camry Soiara 03; Coroiia'04-05; Highiander '01-02;Matrix 04; RAV4 0102;Sequoia 01; Sienna 03;Tacoma (4-cyi.) 01-02;Tundra (V6) 02-03;Tundra (V8) 01

Volvo V70 02-03

$8,000-$10,000Acura MDX 02; RSX 04BMW Z3 '01-02Chevrolet Silverado 1500(V8, 2WD) 01-02; Tahoe 02Ford Escape (4-cyl., FWD)

05; Escape (V6) 05;Escape Hybrid (AWD)05; F-150 (V6, 2WD) 05;F-150 (V8) 01-02; Fusion(4-cyl.) 06

GMC Sierra 1500 (V8,2WD) 02-03; Yukon 02

Honda Accord 04; Civic'05; Civic Hybrid '05;CR-V 04; Eiement 05;Odyssey 04; Piiot '03-04; S2000 '01-02

Hyundai Eiantra 07; Tucson(4-cyi.) 06

infiniti i35 04Kia Optima 07; Rondo 07;

Sportage 06Lexus ES 03; GS (RWD)

'02; IS sedan '03; RX '02Lincoin Town Car 04Mazda MPV 06; MX-5

Miata 03; Tribute (4-cyi.,FWD) 06; Tribute (V6)'05; 3 '05-06; 6 sedan(4-cyi.) 06

Mercedes-Benz SLK '01Mercury Grand Marquis '05;

Mariner (V6) 05; Miian(4-cyi.) 06

Mitsubishi Endeavor 05Nissan 350Z coupe '03;

Aitima (4-cyl.) 05; Al-tima (V6) 03; Pathfinder'03-04

Pontiac Vibe 06-07Scion tC '05-06; xB '06Subaru Forester 04;

impreza 05-06; Legacy(4-cyi,) 05

Suzuki SX4 08Toyota 4Runner (V6) 02;

Avaion 04; Camry 03-04; Camry Soiara 04;Coroiia 06; Highiander'03; Matrix '05-06; Prius•04; RAV4 '03-04;Tacoma (4-cyi.) 03-04;Tacoma (4-cyi., 2WD)'05; Tacoma (V6, 2WD)'01-02; Tundra (V6) 04;Tundra (V8) '0203

Voikswagen Rabbit 07Voivo C70 04; S80 (5-cyi.)'04; V70 '04

$10,000-$12,000Acura MDX 03; RL 04; TL

'04; RSX '05; TSX '04Chevroiet Siiverado 1500

(V8, 2WD) 03Chrysier Crossfire 05Ford Escape (FWD) 06;

F-150 (V6, 2WD) 06;F- 250 (2WD) 03; Focus08; Fusion (FWD) 07;Fusion (V6, FWD) 06;Mustang (V8) 03

Honda Accord 05-06;Accord Hybrid 05; Civic'06-07; CR-V '05; Fit '07;S2000 03

Hyundai Eiantra 08; SantaFe 06; Sonata (V6) 07;Sonata '08

infiniti G Sedan 04Kia Optima 08; Sportage

07Lexus ES 04; GS (RWD)

03-04; iS '04; LS '01;RX'O3

Lincoin Town Car 05Mazda MX-5 Miata 04;

Tribute (V6, FWD) 06; 307; 6 sedan (4-cyl.) 07

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (4-cyi.) 04; CLK 02

Mercury Mariner (4-cyl., •FWD) 06-07; Mariner(V6, FWD) 06; Milan(FWD) 07; Miian (V6,FWD) 06

Nissan 350Z coupe 04;Aitima (V6) 05; Aitima06; Sentra '09

Pontiac Vibe 08Porsche Boxster 01Scion tC 07Subaru Forester 05-06;

impreza 07; imprezaWRX 05

Toyota 4Runner 03; Camry0506; Camry Soiara'05-06; Coroiia '07-08;Highiander 04; Matrix07; Prius 05; RAV4

'05; Sequoia 02; Sienna(FWD) 04; Tacoma (4-cyi., 2WD) 06; Tacoma(V6, 2WD) 03; Tacoma(V6, 4WD) 01-02; Tundra(V6) 05; Tundra (V8) 04


Volkswagen Rabbit 08Volvo S80 (6-cyL) 04;

XC70 04

$12,000-$14,000Acura MDX 04; RSX 06;

TSX '05Ford Crown Victoria 08;

Escape (FWD) 07;Escape Hybrid 06; F-150(V8) 03; Focus sedan09; Fusion (FWD) '08;Mustang (V8) 04

Honda Accord 07; AccordHybrid 06; Civic 08;Civic Hybrid 06; Civic Si06; CR-V 06; Element'06; Fit '08-09; Pliot '05;S2000 04

Hyundai Elantra sedan09-10; Elantra wagon09; Sonata (4-cyl.) 09;Tucson (V6) 07

infiniti FX35 03; 0 Coupe'04

Kia Rondo 09; Sportage 08Lexus GS (RWD) 05; iS- sedan '05; LS '02Mazda MX-5 Miata 0506;3 sedan 0?; 6 sedan (4-

cyl.) 08Mercedes-Benz CLK 03;

E-Ciass sedan (V6, RWD)'03-04

Mercury Grand Marquis 08;Mariner (V6, FWD) 07;Mariner Hybrid (AWD)06; Milan (FWD) 08

Mitsubishi Outiander 07Nissan Altlma (4-cyl.) 07;

Altlma Hybrid 07; Fron-tier (2WD) 07; Sentra '10

Pontiac Vibe 09Porsche Boxster 02Scion tc 08; xB 08; xD

'08-09Subaru Forester 07;

Impreza 08; imprezaWRX 06; Legacy (4-cyl.)07; Legacy 06; Outback(4-cyl.) 06

Suzuki SX4 09Toyota 4Runner 04; Avaion

05; Corolla 09; High-iander 05; Land Cruiser'01; Matrix '08; Prius '06;RAV4 06; Seguoia 03;Sienna (FWD) 05; Tacoma(4-cyl.) 07; Tacoma (4-cyl., 2WD) 08; Tacoma(V6, 2WD) 04; Tacoma(V6, 4WD) 03; Tundra(V6) 06; Tundra (V8) 05

Volkswagen Rabbit 09Volvo S60 (FWD) 06;V70 05; XC70 05

$14,000-$16,000Acura TL 05; TSX '06Chevrolet Corvette '02Ford Mustang (V6) '08;

Mustang (V8) 05Honda Civic 09; Civic

Hybrid 07; Element 07;Fit '10; Ridgellne 06;S2000 05

Hyundai Eiantra wagon '10;Tucson (V6) 08

Infiniti FX35 04; G sedan'05

Kia Sportage 09Lexus ES '05; LS '03; LX '01;

RX '04; SC '02Mazda MX-5 Mlata 07-08;

3'09Mitsubishi Outiander 08Nissan 350Z coupe 06Pontiac Vibe 10Porsche Boxster 03Scion xB '09-10Subaru B9 Tribeca 06;

Baja '06; Forester '08;Impreza '09-tO; Legacy(4-cyi.) 08-09; Outback(6-cyl.) 06

Toyota 4Runner '05; Avaion06; Camry (4-cyi.) '07-08;Camry Solara (V6) 07;Highlander 06; Matrix'09; Prius '07; RAV4 '07;Sequoia '04; Sienna (FWD)06; Tacoma (V6, 2WD)

05; Tacoma (V6, 4WD)'04; Tundra (V6) 07

Volkswagen Golf 10; Jetta(5-cyl.) 08

Volvo S40 07; S80 (5-cyi.)'06

$16,000-$18,000Acura MDX 05; RL 05Audi A4 (V6) 06BMW Z4 05Chrysler Aspen 07Dodge Ram 1500 (2WD) 08Ford Edge (FWD) 07;

Escape Hybrid (FWD) 07;F-150 (2WD) 07; Fusion09; Mustang (V6) 09-10;Mustang (V8) 06

Honda Accord Hybrid 07;Civic 10; Civic Hybrid'08; Civic SI '08-09; CR-V07; Element 08; Odyssey'06; Piiot '06; S2000 '06

Hyundai Santa Fe 08;Sonata (4-cyl.) 10

infiniti FX35 05; G '06;G coupe 05

Lexus ES 06; GX 03; LX'02; RX '05; SC '03

Mazda 3 '10; 5 '10Mercedes-Benz E-Class

sedan (V6, RWD) 05Mercury Milan (4-cyl.) 09Mitsubishi Outiander 09Nissan Altlma (4-cyi.) 09;

Aitima Hybrid 08Subaru Forester (turbo)

07; Legacy (4-cyL) '10;Outback (4-cyl.) 07-08;Outback (6-cyi.) 07

Toyota Avaion 07; Camry(4-cyl.) 09; Camry Hybrid07; Camry Solara 08;Corolla 10; Highiander'07; Matrix '10; Prius '08;RAV4 08; Tacoma (4-cyl.,4WD) '10; Tacoma (V6)06; Tacoma (V6, 4WD)'05; Tundra (V6) 08;Tundra (V8) 06

Voikswagen Jetta (5-cyi.) '10


Voivo C30 08-09; S6b(FWD) 07; XC70 '06

$18,000-$20,000Acura MDX 06; TL 06;

TSX '07Audi A4 (4-cyl.) 07BMW X3 06Chevrolet Corvette 04Chrysler Aspen 08Ford Edge (FWD) '08; F-250

(2WD) '08; Fusion (V6,AWD) 10; Fusion Hybrid'10; Mustang (V8) 07

Honda Accord (4-cyl.) '09;Civic Hybrid '09; CR-V'08; RIdgeline 07; S2000'07

Hyundai Santa Fe 09Lexus GX '04; LS 04Mercedes-Benz C-Class

(V6, RWD) 07; E-Ciasssedan (turbodiesel) 05

Nissan Frontier (2WD) '10;Maxima 08; Rogue 09-10

Subaru Forester 09-10;Outback (4-cyl.) 09-10

Toyota 4Runner 06; CamryHybrid 08-09; High-lander Hybrid 06; Prius09; RAV4 09; Sequoia

'05; Sienna (FWD) 08;Tacoma (V6) 07-08

Volvo S60 (FWD) 08; S80(6-cyi.) 07; XC70 07

$20,000-$24,000Acura RDX 07; RL 06; TL

'07; TSX '08Audi A4 (V6) 07BMW 3281 07; Z4 06Chevrolet Cámaro (V6) '10Dodge Ram 1500 (2WD) '10Ford Escape Hybrid '09;

Expedition (2WD) 07;F-150 (V8, 2WD) 09;Mustang (V8) 08-09;Taurus 10

Honda Accord '10; AccordCrosstour '10; CR-V '09-10; Odyssey 09; Pilot 07;Ridgeilne 08

Hyundai Santa Fe '10infiniti FX35 06; G '07;

M '06Lexus ES '07; GS (RWD) 06;

GX '05; IS '06; LS '05; LX'03; RX '06; SC '04

Lincoln MKZ (FWD) 08Mazda MX-5 Miata 09-10Mercedes-Benz SLK 05Mercury Mariner Hybrid

(FWD) 10; Mariner Hybrid09; Milan (V6, AWD) '10;Milan Hybrid '10

Nissan Altima (V6) '10;Murano 09

Subaru Forester (turbo)'10; Legacy (6-cyl.) 09;Outback (6-cyl.) 09

Toyota 4Runner (V6) 08;4Runner 07; Avaion08; Camry Hybrid 10;Highlander Hybrid 07;Highlander (V6) 08; High-lander 09; Land Cruiser04; RAV4 10; Sienna(FWD) 09; Tundra (V8,2WD) '07-08; Venza '09

Volvo S80 (6-cyi.) 08

$24,000-$30,000Acura RDX '08-10; RL '07;

TL'O8Audi A4 (4-cyl.) 08, 10; A4

(V6) 09BMW 3281 (AWD) '10; 328i

'09; Z4 '07Chevrolet Cámaro (VB) 10;

Corvette 06Ford Edge (FWD) '10; Escape

Hybrid (FWD) '10; F-150(V8) '10

Honda Odyssey '10; Pilot'08-09; RIdgeline '09

Hyundai Genesis sedan (V6)09; Genesis sedan '10

infiniti EX 08-09; FX35'07-08; G sedan 08-09;M35 '07-08; M45 '07

Lexus ES '08-09; GX '06;IS 07-08; i S 250 sedan(RWD) 09; LS 06; LX

'04-05; RX '07-08; RXHybrid '06-07; SC '05

Lincoln MKX (FWD) 07-09Mazda CX-9 09-10Mercedes-Benz C-Class

(V6) 08; C-Class (V6,RWD) 09; CLK 07; E-Class sedan (V6) 07

Nissan Murano '10; Path-finder '10

Porsche Boxster 06Subaru Tribeca 09Toyota 4Runner (V6) 09;

Avaion 09; Highlander'10; Highlander Hybrid'08; Land Cruiser 06; Se-quoia '06-07; Sienna '10;Sienna (AWD) 09; Tundra(V8, 4WD) 10

Voivo C70 07, 09; XC70'09

$30,000 and upAcura MDX '07-10; RL '08;

TL '09-10BMW M3 08; X3 09Chevrolet Corvette '08Honda Pilot 10Infiniti FX35 '10; G sedan

'10; M35 (AWD) '09-10Lexus ES '10; GS (RWD) 08-

09; GX 07; iS 250 sedan(RWD) '10; LS '07-08, '10;LX '06-09; RX '09-10; RXHybrid '08-09; SC '06

Lincoln MKT '10; Naviga-tor '08

Mercedes-Benz C-Class(V6, AWD) '10; CLK 08;E-Ciass sedan (tur-bodiesel) 08; E-Classsedan (V6, AWD) 08, 10;E-Ciass sedan (V6, RWD)'08-10; S-Ciass '08

Porsche Boxster 08; Cay-man 08

Toyota Highlander Hybrid'10; Sequoia '08, '10

Volvo XC60 10


Worst cars, year by yearThis is CR's iist of unreliable vehicles based oh our 2010 survey. The vehicles earned below-average Used Car Verdicts, meaning they proved worse- or much-worse-than-average forthe model years listed.

Acura TL (AWD) '10Audi A3 06, 08; A4

(4-cyl.) '03-05; A4 '02;A6 (2.7T) '04; A6(3.0T) '10; A6 (V6)'01-03, '08; A6 Allroad'01, '04; A8 '04; 05 '09;07 '07-08; TT '08

BMW 1351 08; 3251 (AWD)'01, '03; 3301 (AWD) '04;3301 (RWD) '02-03; 335i(AWD) 08; 335i (RWD)07-10; 5 Series (6-cyl.,AWD) '06; 5 Series (6-cyl., RWD) 10; 5 Series(VIO) 05. 07; 5 Serles(V8) '01-05. '07; 5351(AWD) '10; 5351 08; 7Series '01, '03-04; X5(6-cyl.) '01-03, '08-09;X5 06-07; X5 (turbodie-sel) '10; Z4 '04

Buick Century 02; Enclave(AWD) '08-09; LaCrosse(V6, AWD) 10; Rainier0506; Rendezvous'02-03, '05-06; Terraza'05

Cadillac CTS (V6) 0809 ;CTS (V6, RWD) 03;DeVille '01-04; DTS 06,'09; Escalade '07-08;Seville 01; SRX (V6)05-07; SRX (V6, AWD)'04, '08; STS (V6)'07-08; STS '05-06

Chevrolet Astro 01-03,'05; Avalanche 1500'03-07; Aveo '04-09;Blazer 01-04; Cavalier'05; Cobalt '05-07, '09;Colorado (2WD) 04, 08;Colorado (4WD) 0506,

'08; Corvette '05;Equinox 05-06; Express'02; HHR '06, '08;Impala (V6) '0107, '10;Impala (V8) 06-08;Malibu (4-cyl.) 05;Malibu (V6) '01-04,07-08; Malibu Maxx '05,

'07; Monte Carlo '01-02,'04, '06; S-10 Pickup(4WD) '01-04; Silverado1500 (V6, 2WD) 09;Silverado 1500 (V8,4WD) 04-07; Silverado2500 (4WD) 04-05,'07-08; Silverado 2500(turbodiesel, 4WD) 06,09; Suburban 150004-09; Suburban 2500

'03, '05. '07; Tahoe'07-08; Tahoe Hybrid08-09; TrailBlazer(6-cyl.) '04-07, 09;TrailBlazer (V8) 03-04,'06-08; Uplander '05-08;Venture '01-03, '05

Chrysler 300 (V6) 06, 09;300 (V8) 05-06; 300M'03-04; Concorde '04;Pacifica '07-08; PTCruiser (nonturbo) 01-07;PT Cruiser (turbo)'03-06; Sebringconvertible '02, 04, '06.08; Sebring sedan'01-04, '07-08; Town &Country (AWD) 01-02;Town & Country 01-09;Voyager 01-03

Dodge Avenger 08;Caliber '07; Caravan'01-07; Challenger '10;Charger 07; Dakota

(4WD) '01-02, '04-05,'07-08; Durango 01, '03,06-07; Grand Caravan(AWD) '01-02; GrandCaravan 01-09; Intrepid'02, '04; Journey '09;Magnum '05-06; Neon'03, '05; Nitro '07-08;Ram 1500 (2WD) 01-02;Ram 1500 (4WD) '0104,'06-07, '10; Ram 2500(2WD) '03; Ram 2500(turbodiesel, 4WD)'02-04, '06-08; Stratus'01-04

Ford Edge (AWD) 0708;Escape (4-cyl., AWD)'08-10; Escape (V6,AWD) 08; Escape (V6)'09; Excursion 05;Expedition (4WD)'05-06; Expedition 08;Explorer (2WD) 02.04-07; Explorer (4WD)'02-06, '10; ExplorerSport Trac (4WD) '07;F-150 (V6, 2WD) 08;

' F-250 (2WD) 06; F-250(turbodiesel, 4WD)04-09; Flex (AWD) '09;Focus Hatchback 02;Focus Wagon '02-03;Freestar 05; Thunder-bird 03-05; Windstar'01-03

GMC Acadia 07-08; Acadia(FWD) 09; Canyon(2WD) 04, 08; Canyon(4WD) '05-06, '08;Envoy (6-cyl.) 04-07,09; Envoy (V8) 03-04,'06-08; Jimmy '01; S-15Sonoma (4WD) 01 04;


Safari '01-03, '05; Savana02; Sierra 1500 (V6,2WD) 09; Sierra 1500(V8, 4WD) '04-07; Sierra2500 (4WD) 04-05,07-08; Sierra 2500(turbodiesel, 4WD) V6,09; Terrain '10; Yukon07-08; Yukon Hybrid08-09; Yukon XL 150004-09; Yukon XL 2500

'03. '05, '07Honda Element 10;

Odyssey 07; Passport'02

Hummer H3 06-08Hyundai Accent 02;

Elantra 02; Entourage07-08; Santa Fe (V6)01; Sonata (4-cyl.)'02-03; Veracruz '09;XG350 02

Isuzu Rodeo 02Jaguar S-Type 03, 05; XF

'09-10; X-TVpe '02Jeep Commander 06-08;

Compass 07; GrandCherokee 0108; GrandCherokee (V8) 09-10;Liberty '05-07, '09^10;Wrangler (2-door)'05-07, '09; Wrangler(4-door) '07-08, '10

Kia Borrego 09; Optima'04. '06; Sedona '02-08;Sorento '03-05, '07

Land Rover LR3 06Lexus GS (AWD) 08; IS

250 convertible 10Lincoln Aviator 03-04; LS

'04; MKS '09-10; MKX(AWD) 07, '10; MKZ(AWD) 07 10; Navigator'03, '07

Mazda 626 01; CX-7'07-08; MPV '02; RX-804-05; Tribute (4-cyl.,AWD) 08-10; Tribute(V6, AWD) 08; Tribute

(V6) '09; Mazda5 '06;Mazdaspeed3 07

Mercedes-Benz C-Class(V6, RWD) '10; CLK 09;E-Class coupe 10;E-Class sedan (V8) '10;GL-Class '07-08;GL-Class (turbodiesel)08; GLK '10; M-Class06; M-Class (V6) 08;R-Class 06-08; S-Class'06; SL '07

Mercury Mariner (4-cyl.,AWD) '08-10; Mariner(V6) 09; Mariner (V6,AWD) 08; Monterey 05;Mountaineer (2WD) 02.04-07; Mountaineer(4WD) '02-06, '10

Mini Cooper Clubman 08;Cooper Clubman S'08-09; Cooperconvertible 05-09;Cooper hatchback'02-06; Cooperhatchback S 04-09

Mitsubishi Eclipse 01Nissan 350Z convertible

04; 370Z coupe 09;Armada 05; Cube '10;Frontier (4WD) 05-06,'10; Murano 03;Pathfinder 05-06;Quest 04-07; Sentra05; Titan (2WD) 08;Titan (4WD) 04-06, 08;Xterra '05-06, '10

Oldsmobile Alero 01;Aurora 01; Silhouette'01-03

Pontiac Aztek 01, 03;8onnevllle 01-02, 04;G6 coupe, convertible06-08; G6 sedan (4-cyl.) 09; G6 sedan (V6)'05-08; G8 '09; GrandAm 02-03; Grand Prix'01-03, '07; Montana '01-03, '05; Montana SV6

'05-06;Solstice 07; Solstice(turbo) 08; Sunfire 05

Porsche 911 04, 09;Boxster 07; Cayenne'04, '08

Saab 9-3 convertible 06;9-3 hatchback 02; 9-3sedan '03-05; 9-5 '01-03, '05

Saturn Aura (V6) 07-08;Ion 06; L300 (V6)'01-04; Outlook '07-08;Outlook (FWD) 09; Re-lay 05-07; Sky 07; Sky(turbo) 08; Vue (4-cyl.)'03, '06, '08; Vue (V6)'02-03, '07-08

Smart ForTwo 08Subaru Impreza WRX 09;

Legacy (turbo) 05, 09Toyota Camry (V6) 10;

Tacoma (4-cyl.) 09;Tacoma (V6, 2WD) '10;Venza (4-cyl.) '10

Volkswagen Cabrio 01;Eos 07-09; Golf '02; GTI(4-cyl.) 06; GTI R3208; Jetta (4-cyl.) 03-

05; Jetta (5-cyl.) 06;Jetta (turbo) 01-04, '06,'10; Jetta sedan (TDD03-04; Jetta sedan(V6) 01; New BeetleConvertible '04-06, 08;New Beetle Hatchback'01, '04-06; Passat (4-cyl., AWD) 04; Passat(4-cyl., FWD) 01-04,'06-08, '10; Passat (V6,AWD) 01, 07; Passat(V6, FWD) '01-04. '06;Routan 09; Touareg'04-05

Volvo S60 (AWD) 05;XC70 (nonturbo) 01;XC70 (turbo) 01-02;XC90 (6-cyl.) '04-05,07; XC90 (V8) 07


CR Best of the Best & Worst of the WorstBEST OF THE BEST These 2001-2010 models (except where noted) have performed well inour road tests and have had several years of better-than-average reliability.WORST OF THE WORST These have had multiple years of much-worse-than-averagereliability among the 2001-2010 models. All are listed aiphabetically.

Ford Fusion

Best of the BestAcura MDXAcura RDXAcura RLAcura RSXAcura TLAcura TSXBMW Z3, Z4Ford Fusion (FWD)Ford MustangHonda Accord[Honda CivicHonda Civic HybridHonda Civic SiHonda CR-VHonda FitHonda PilotHonda RidgeiineHonda S2000Hyundai Tucson (V6)Infiniti EXInfiniti FX35

Infiniti G35, G37Infiniti 130,135Infiniti M35Kia Sportage ('05-09)Lexus ESLexus GS (RWD)Lexus GXLexus iS sedanLexus LSLexus RXLexus RX HybridLexus SCLincoln MKZ, Zephyr (FWD)Mazda CX-9Mazda MX-5 MiataMazda ProtegeMazda3Mazda6 sedan (4-cyl.)Mercedes-Benz E-Class

sedan (V6, RWD)Mercedes-Benz SLKMercury Milan (FWD)Mitsubishi OutianderNissan AltimaNissan Altima HybridNissan RoguePontiac VibePorsche BoxsterScion tCScion xBSubaru B9 Tribeca, TribecaSubaru ForesterSubaru Impreza nonturbo

Suzuki SX4Toyota 4Runner (V6)Toyota AvaionToyota CamryToyota Camry HybridToyota Camry SolaraToyota CélicaToyota CorollaToyota EchoToyota HighlanderToyota Highlander HybridToyota Land CruiserToyota MatrixToyota PriusToyota RAV4Toyota SequoiaToyota Sienna (FWD)Toyota Tacoma (V6, 4WD

'05-10)Toyota Tundra (V8, 4WD)Volkswagen RabbitVolvo C70Volvo S60 (FWD)

Worst of the WorstAudi A6 (2.7T, 3.0T)BMW 535i (AWD)BMWX5Cadillac SRX (AWD)Chevrolet AstroChevrolet AveoChevrolet BlazerChevrolet Colorado (4WD)Chevrolet Impala (V8)Chevrolet S-10 Pickup (4WD)

Chevrolet UplanderChrysler PT Cruiser (turbo)Chrysler Town & CountryDodge CaravanDodge Grand CaravanGMC Acadia (AWD)GMC Canyon (4WD)GMC S-15 Sonoma (4WD)GMC SafariHummer H3Jaguar S-Type, XF

Kia SedonaMercedes-Benz R-ClassMini Cooper ConvertiblePontiac G6 Coupe &

ConvertibleSaturn Outlook (FWD)Saturn RelayVolkswagen New Beetle

ConvertibleVolkswagen Passat (V6,

FWD)


QuickGuide VACUUM CLEANERS

Carpets top the list of critical cleaning chores,an area where upright models have traditionallyexcelled. But you may prefer a canister vacuumfor other cleaning, especially on stairs.

Shopping tipSome vacuumsare easier thanothers to push,pull, and carry.See which feelsbest at the store.

What to iooi( for• A vacuum that's easy to push,pull, and carry, so try beforeyou buy• For better deep-cleaning ofcarpets, an upright beats acanister• For cleaning drapes, uphol-stery, on stairs, and underfurniture, a canister is betterthan an upright

What to skip• Splurging on extra cleaningtools, when the basic tools thatcome standard should suffice

Scan this or see how. page 1!

Brand & model

I for most cleaning jobs• Bagless models if you haveasthma or allergies, becauseemptying the dustbin andcleaning a filter is an espe-cially dusty, messy chore

What you'ii payYou'll find strong performersfor as little as $50.

For more buying advice, go toCoti.^umerReporls.org/vacuums

Price Overall score Weight Test results(ib.)

similar models, in small type,Me compiirahle to tested model.

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19 Lindhaus Oiamante 380 900

20 DirtDeviiFeatherlite . nBagged M085590

21 Sebo automatic X5 820

22 Panasonic MC-UG509 300

23 Aerus FreshEra 2 500

24 Royai Eminence MRY975O 600

25 Panasonic MC-UG413 100

26 Cirrus Performance Pet CR99 450

27 Kobienz U610 :: 300

13

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B BAGLESS UPRIGHTS These trade a bag for a bin but are messier to empty.1 Hoover WindTunnel

T-Series Rewind BaglessUH7O12O UH70110 3

I 2 LG Kompressor Total CareLUV400T

I 3 DYSon DC28 Animal

I 4 Eureiia Airspeed ASIOOOA[ _ ., jswoiA G0J4 «lgoM craigea 100

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Brand & model Price Overaii score Weigiit Test resuits(ib.)

g -g Similar models, m small type.•^ S are comparable to tested tnodel. I II I I

- E l

I I I I Î100

F I G I V G l E

B BAGLESS UPRIGHTS continued

0 5 LG Kompressor LUV3000 6 Hoover Platinum Bagiess

UH7OO15

0 7 LG Kompressor LUV200n 8 Bisseil CieanView Helix

Dirt Devii FeatherliteBagiess M085845 (Target)Siiark Navigator Lift AwayNV352 NV351 (walmarti

HooverWindTunnel PetRewind UH7021O sHoover WindTunnel TSeriesPurely Clean UH7O202 3

Bisseil Momentum 82G71

Kenmore Intuition 31040

Hoover WindTunnel RewindPIUSUH7O2O5 3

Panasonic MC-UL915

Hoover WindTunnel Max

UH70600

Siiark Navigator NV22L

Bisseii Pet Hair Eraser 87B4

87B4-2 (LOÄe's). 87B4-3 (Best Buy)Eiectroiux Nimble EL860211EL86O5ll(LO*e'5)

Bisseii PowerClean 16N5-9

Bisseil Healthy Home 16N5-F

Eureka Whirlwjnd+PetLover 327611Bissen PowerGroom 92L3W

. , „

250

22

22

23

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D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. Ail are recommended.

I bd Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.


Brand S modei Price Overaii score Weigiit Test resuits(Ib.)

g ^ similar models. In smalltype.S S are comparable to tested model. g. fe

S iS 2 b

P I F

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G I V G l E

B BAGLESS UPRIGHTS continued

27 Kenmore Intuition 31811

28 Hoover WindTunnei PetCyclonic UH70085

29 Eiectroiux Versatility EL8505EL8502

30 Bisseil Lift-off Multi-Cyclonic Pet 89Q9 8909-4(Kohl's). 8909-6 (BBB). 18Z6 (Target)

31 Hoover WindTunnei AirUH70400

32 Bissen ProLite Multi Cyclonic17G5 I7G5-2 (Lowe's)

33 Dyson 0C24 Ball All Floors

34 Hoover WindTunnei PetRewind Plus UH70086

23 O © O O © © ©23 O © O O © O ©

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23 © O O O © O ©1 Comes with a mini canister vacuum that accepts tools; we did not test the canister 2 Does not accept tools. 3 The U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission on May 27,2010, announced the recall of this model due to fire and shock hazards. See theCPSC recall notice for more details.

Brand S modei Price Overall score Test results

similar models, in s! ,ire comparable 10 tested model. S ^ o .S =

oi S

° —'Ë

0 100P I F I G I V C l E

A BAGGED CANISTER

1 Kenmore Intuition 28014

2 iMieleS5281Callisto

3 Eiectroiux OxygenEL6988I1

4 Kenmore Progressive 21514

5 Hoover WindTunnei 536706 Eiectroiux UltraOne

EL707OA

7 Panasonic MC-CG9O2

8 Eiectroiux Ultra5ilencerOeepClean EL70601J ultra-Silencer tjeepClean EL7061II (Lowe's)

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Similar models, m sinalltype,


E s °-.™ -a

P I F100

G I V G l E

A BAGGED CANISTER continued

9 Eiectroiux UltraSilencerDeLux EL7066

10 Panasonic MOCG983

11 Riccar ImmaculatePremier Gusto

12 Mieie S 2181 Titan

13 Mieie S 2121 Olympus

14 Mieie S 2121 Delphi

15 Eiectroiux UltraSilencerGreen EL6984A

16 Eiectroiux UltraSilencerEL6986A

17 Metropolitan ProfessionalsA0M-4PNHSF

18 Aerus Lux Legacy

19 Aerus Lux Guardian Ultra

20 Sebo Air Belt C3.1

21 Sebo Air Belt K3 Volcano

22 Eureita Surtacemax 6833D

23 Eiectroiux ErgospaceEL4100

24 Bissen CleanAlongCanister 48K2

160

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[^ 1 IG Kompressor LCV900B

[ • ] 2 Hoover Platinum BagiessCanister S3865

3 Rainbow e-seriesE2

4 Hoover Elite Cyclonic S3825

5 Eiectroiux UltraActiveDeepClean EL4300A

6 Hoover Multi-CyclonicSH40060

7 Hoover Zen WhisperSH40080

8 Dirt Devil Vision M082750

e © O O © 9 © *

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Guide to the RatingsOverall score is mainly cleaning, airflow, tiandling, noise, and emissions. Carpet is ability tolift embedded talc and sand trom medium-pile carpet. Bare floors is vacuuming sand withoutdispersing. Tool airflow is ttirough hose with increasing amounts of dust-simulating woodflour. Noise reflects decibel-meter results; models scored Poor mandate hearing protection.Emissions measures release ot small particles with motor on. Handlinq Is ease of pushing,pulling, and carrying. Pet hair is pickup of long hair on medium-pile carpet. Weight is vacuumand onboard tools. Baq costs are per bag. Under canister features, baq denotes whether themodel has a disposable bag. Brush on/off indicates whether there's a switch for the rotatingbrush. Easy on/off refers to a switch that's located on the handle or where your foot canactivate it. Manual-pile adjust changes the height of the machine to a carpet's pile height.Price is approximate retail.

i ost & Least Reliable

Canister vacuums

Fpu/pr ^repairs

Dyson M H M K Ü IKenmcre H H É H

Miele ¡ • ^ • • 0 ]Hoover • ¡ ^ • • • 1 1 1 !

Eiectroiux • • ^ • • • H

Morerepairs

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Upright vacuums

Fewerrepairs

Among canister brands, Dyson and Kenmorewere among the least repair-prone and Eiec-troiux was most repair-prone. Kirby wasamong the least repair-prone brands ofupright vacuums while Simplicity and Ric-car were among the more repair-prone.That's what we found when we asked almost96,000 readers who bought a vacuum be-tween 2007 and 2011 about their experi-ences. The graph shows the percentage ofmodels for each brand that were repairedor had a serious problem. Differences offewer than 4 points aren't meaningful, andwe've adjusted the data to eliminate dif-ferences linked solely to age and usage.Models within a brand may vary, and de-sign or manufacture changes might affectfuture reliability. Still, choosing a brandwith a good repair history can improve yourodds of getting a reliable model.

Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey.Consumer Reports National Research Center.

Morerepairs

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%


QuickGuide WALL OVENS

Flexibility is the biggest reason to choose a cooktopor wall oven instead of a range. And a viiall oven canalso eliminate the bending required by cooi<ing inthe oven of a range.


For more buying advice,go to ConsumerReports.org/ovens

Brand 8 model

What to iooi( for• Control lockout, if the con-

trol panel will be within a

young child's reach

• Smooth cover or floor over

the bottom baking element,

which can help with easier

cleanup of spills

• Five or more oven rack

positions, for more flexibil-

ity in arranging racks and

bakeware

What to skip• A small oven window,which won't give a full viewto the interior

What you'ii payWhile you can get an electric

cooktop and wall oven for as

little as $1,300 or so, you'll

find high-performing electric

and gas ranges for less than

half that amount.

Price Overall score Testresuits Features

g -^ similar models, in small type.'S S lire comparable to tested model.

E

DO OO ^ - ;

S ï"S =i

0 100p I F I G I V G I E

1 Kenmore Elite 480413148093

23

4

56

7

8

910

11

12

Thermador ME301EIS1Boscii HBL54I501UC(Stainless)Viiiing ProfessionalVE5O13OISS1GE Profiie PT916BMIBB]GE Monogram ZETlSLllSSlMonogram ZEIIPHISSI

Eiectroiux IconE30EW75EI5S1 icon E3OEW7SG(ss|Kenmore Pro 4100(31

LGLWS30811ST1Frigidaire GalleryGLEB30S9FIS1GE Profile PT925ON[BBi

GE JTP7O5MI5S1 o e 30 • •

W A L L O V E I N S 135

Brands model Price Overaii score Test resuits Features

Similariiiodels, in small type.•^ S are coiiiparablc lo tpsti'd motlci • s = :i= m

100

I F I G I V G l E

"5'S

° Be= 2 ca.d o»

13 Frigidaire FGEW3065K(F]

14 GEJTP30DP1BB115 KitciienAid KEBS1O7S[SS116 Whiripool RBS3O5PVIO]

(White)17 Wiiiripooi GBS3O9PVIQ] 1,300

O O © 30

© © © 30

O O O 30

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Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair ^Poor

O CR Best Buy These modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. AM are .-ecommended.


Guide to the RatingsOverall score reflects oven capacity and baking, broiling, and self-cleaning ability. (Self-cleaningability is not shown; all tested models have this feature.) Oven capacity measures usable space.Baking reflects whether cakes and cookies baked on two racks were evenly browned. Broiling isbased on even browning of a pan of burgers and high-heat searing ability. Price is approximate retail.

Most SI Least Reliable

Electric wall ovens

GE

Frigidaire

Kenmore

Whirlpool

KitctienAid

Jenn-Air

•pwpr ^repairs

i -Morerepairs

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Source: Annuai Product Reiiability Survey,Consumer Reports Nationai Research Center.

Jenn-Air has been the most repair-prone brandof electric wall ovens: also troubling is a notice-able uptick in its failure rate over the past yearand a half. Although we lacked sufficient his-torical data for all years to include Maytag andThermador in the chart, our data indicate thatMaytag has been reliable and Thermador repair-prone. That's what we found when we askedmore than 14,000 readers who bought an elec-tric wall oven between 2005 and 2011 abouttheir experiences. The graph shows the per-centage of brands that needed a repair or hada serious problem. Differences of fewer than3 points aren't meaningful, and we've adjustedthe data to eliminate differences linked solely tothe oven's age. Models within a brand may vary,and design or manufacture changes may affectfuture reliability. Still, choosing a brand with agood repair history can improve your odds ofgetting a reliable model


QuickGuide WASHERS

improvements inciude mid-wash soal<lng and moreaggressive agitation. You'ii aiso find more programmabiewash menus and even buiit-in USB ports that aliow forfuture software upgrades.

Shopping tipWashers mustnow use 11percent lessenergy and 20percent lesswater to qualifyfor an EnergyStar seal.


What to look for• A porcelain top or lid, whichresists scratching better thanpainted metal• A stainless-steel or plastictub, which won't rust if thereis a chip• An extra rinse cycle, if youare sensitive to laundry deter-gent residue• Dial controls, generally eas-ier to use than some touch-pad or digital controls

What to skip• Customized programs.

because basic cycles and set-tings can handle most wash-ing needs• Steam setting, because thesteam models that we testedcleaned well even when wedidn't use the steam option

What you'll payYou can get good value for$700 to $900.For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/washers

Brand & modei

similar models, in smalllype. are comparable totested model.

A FRONT-LOADING


0 100 ^

P I F I G IVG l E S

OJ > - >-

c c c

g

111 111 I- g

.o

s

whiripooi DuetWFW94HEX[W1 oi/et $1.000WF*97HEXII.DuetWFW95HEXIl

Samsung WF511AB[W1 1.300iUaytag MaximaMHW6000XIW1 1,000Maxima MHW7000XII

Kenmore 402712] 800

Samsung WF52OABIPI 1.400

W A S H E R S 137


: Similar models, in smalli type, aie comparable 10

tested model.ë Sre OJ oj

Ê i

0 100

P I F I G IVGl E

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0 6 Kenmore Elite 4413111 $1,900

000

0B

00

20

23

Samsung WF331AN[W]

Whirlpool Ouet Steam

WFW9700V1W1

LG WM3875HIW1A

Miele W4842W4802

GE Profile SteatnwasherWP0H8900JIWW1Whirlpool Duet SteamWFW97S0W1W1GE ProfileWPDH8800JIWW1LGWM3885HIWICALSWFÎ88HVS

GE WCVH6800J1WW]

Maytag PerformanceSeries MHWE950W1W1LG SteamWastierWM28O1H1W1A

Mavtag SOOO SeriesMHWE5SOW[W1 •5000 Series MHWt45OAI I

Samsung WF33OANIW1WFÎ504NII

WhirlpoolWFW9OSOX[W1Whiripooi Duet SteamWFW955OW[W1GE ProfilePFWS4600L[WWlProtile Pf WS460SLII

Maytag 2000 SeriesMHWE200XIW1

1,300

650


B CR Best Buy These models öfter the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.

0 Recommended Ttiese are tiigti-performing models ttiat stand out.


Brand & modei

Similarmodels, in smalllïpe. aie comparable lotested model.

Pnce Overaii score Testresuits

I I I 1 I 11 1 I I 1

g ra

0

a; S! Si ré>. .E o ^u XS "= -°

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A FRONT-LOADING continuedI 24 GEGFWH2400UWW]' GFWS3500LI1.GFWH2405L11.

GFWS35O5LII

I 2S Kenmore 490312]

26 Amana NFW73OOWIW1

27 Amana NFW7600XIW]

28 Haier HWF53OOA[W1

29 IGWM23O1H[W130 Eiectroiux iQ Steam

EIFLS55IIIW]IOEIFLW55lll.lOEIflW55IRR

31 Samsung WF419AAIW]WF410ANII

32 GE WBVH530OK[WW]

33 Samsung WF218ANIWJ34 Frigidaire Affinity

FAFS4474L[W]35 Frigidaire Affinity

FAFS4473L[W136 Wilirlpooi Duet

WFW9150W[W]37 ASi«OWL6532XXL[W]38 Eiectroiux Waye-Touch

EWFLS70J[IW]39 Whirlpool Duet

WFW925OW(W1

4 0 Haier HWF5000AIW]

41 LGWM2140C1W]

42 LGWM2240C[W]43 LG WM336OH|W]CA

WM235OHIW1C44 Frigidaire Affinity

FAFS4272L1W145 Bosch Vision 300

Series WFVC33OOUC46 Frigidaire Affinity

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tested model.ndat 11 111 ;i 5 = s

L ^ - ^ - ^

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0

P 1 F 1 G I V G l t

Sso

IA FRONT-LOADING continued

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

Boscii Vision 800

Series WFVC8440UC

LG WM0642H1W1

Speed Queen AFB50RAFN50R

LG WM2010CIW]

GEGFWNllOOLIWW]

Frigidaire Affinity

FAFW4221LIW]

Frigidaire AffinityFAFW4011LIW]

$1,300

700

600 OB

B TOP LOADING

O ©

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Wiliripooi VantageWTW7990X1G]

2.000

1.000

800

Q 2 Kenmore 280012] 2600I1 620

Q 3 Wiliripooi CabrioWTW5700X[W]Cabrio WTWSóOOXWl. CabrioWTÄ5640X11 (Lowe's)

[71 4 Whiripooi Cabrio HEWTW6800W1W]

Q 5 Wiliripooi CabrioWTW6300W1W]

Q 6 Maytag BravosMVWB300W1Q1

[71 7 Maytag Bravos

MVWB75OW1O]Bravos MVWB850WI1. BravosMVWB4S0ÄI1

8 Kenmore Elite 290012] 800

9 Wiliripooi CabrioWTW55OOXIW]Cabrio WTWSSSOX[W|

10 Kenmore Elite 294712] 1.310

550

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Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. Ail are recommended.



Brand S model

g -g Similarmodels, m smallS S type, are comparable to"B tested model.

B TOP-LOADING continued

Price Overall score Test resuits

i 'I 'i 11 i I i I î ii Ï s E £ T o.

P I F

100I G I V G l E

<í 3

11

12

13

14

IS16

17

18

19

2021

22

23

24

2S26

27

LG WaveforceWT5001C1W1GE Profile HarmonyPTWN8050M1WW1Profiif Harmony PTWN8055M[ |Wiiiripooi CabrioWTW7600X[W]Cabrio WTW7800XI)Maytag Bravos XMVWX500X[W]Bravos X MVWX600XIWI.Bravos XMVWX700XIVII,Bravos X MVWX55OXIWI

LG WT5101H[V]

wiiiripooi CabrioWTW6500W[W]

Wiiiripooi CabrioWTW73OOX1W1Cabrio WTW7340X[l(Lo«e's)

GE GTWN3O0OM[W51

GE ProfilePTWN625OM1WT1PTWN6O50MÍ1.GRWN5150MI1.GLWN505OMI ] (Lowe's),G1WN5O5OMI1

Kenmore Elite 2927(2]

GE GTWP2OOOM(WW1GLWP2000MWWI (Lowe's),GTWP?005MICC1Maytag CentennialMVWC400XIW1Fisiier&PayiceiAquasmartWL42T26DW1iiaier EncoreRWT350A[W1RWTI5OA|1

Haier GWT450A[W|

GEGTWN4450M1WS]GTWN4250M( 1Haier EncoreGWn50A[Wl

5 900

950

825

550

1,050

ftfinouu

800

430

600

920

400

r:nnJUU

800

4JU

560

500

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W A S H E R S 141

i Brand & modei Price Overall score Test resuits

Simllarmodels, in smalltype, are comparable totested model.

•s sQJ CZ ^ ^

> E

•= il g

_ai QJ

s

P I F G IVGl E SSS.

B TOP-LOADING continued28 Hotpomt

VBSR3100GIWW12 9 Maytag Centennial

MVWC2OOX(W1

30 Kenmore 211012]

31 Staber HXW2304

32 HotpointHTWPIOOOMIWW]

33 GE GTVÏN4000M[W5]

34 Whiripooi WTW4800XIQ]

35 Fisher SPaykeiEcoSinartWA42T26GWl

36 Maytag CentennialMVWC500VIW1

37 Speed Queen AWNS42

38 Maytag CentennialMVWC300VIW1

39 Amana NTW4800XIQ1

40 WhirlpoolWTW495OX[W1

41 GE GTWPIOOOMIWW]_ GHWPIOOOMIWW) (Home Oejot).

$ 400

380

e O © O O O © 4 5

o o o e e o © 55o o © © a o © 5 0o © © © © o o 55o o a o a o © 4 5o o o e o a © 4 5o o o a a o © 5 5o © a o e o © 5 o

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B CR Best Buy Ttiese models offer the best corrbination of performance and price. All are recommended.

[^ Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.


Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mainly on performance, capacity, and efficiency Washing performanceis measured for multiple ioad sizes. Enerqy efficiency includes total power use and amountof water extracted by the washer in final spin. Water efficiency is based on totai water used formultiple loads. For top-loaders, capacity is based on how well the washer agitates increasinglylarge loads. For front-ioaders, the score is based on our judgment of the maximum-sized loadthat the washer holds. Models that earned lower scores for gentleness are more likely to treatyour clothes roughly, causing wear and tear. Noise reflects panelists' judgments. Vibrationreflects usage on a suspended wooden floor. Cycle time is rounded to nearest 5 minutes. Priceis approximate retail.


Washers

Fewer Morerepairs •» *• repairs

LGWhiripooi

Kenmore

Frigidaire

Maytag

Bosch

GE

numpu•' ^ 1 ^ ^ V

••-' 1 '•• VWEaßmv

Roper • • • •Amana ^ H ^ ^ ^ ^ K I

Frigidaire • • • ^ • • EKenmore • ¡ ^ • ^ • HWhirlpool • • • • • • [ [

Maytag B H H M m

Fisher S Payiiel

•DEM

L0%

LG was the most reliable front-loader brand.Tor top-loaders. Roper was one of the more'eiiable brands and Fisher & Paykei amongthe more repair-prone brands. That's whatwe found when we asked over 104,000readers who bought a ciothes washer be-tween 2006 and 2010 about their experi-ences. The graph shows the percentage ofmodels for each brand that were repairedor had a serious problem. Differences, offewer than 4 points are not meaningful, andwe've adjusted the data to eiiminate differ-ences linked solely to the usage and ageof the washer. Models within a brand mayvary, and changes in design or manufacturemay affect future reiiabiiity. Still, choosinga brand with a good repair history can im-prove your odds of getting a reiiabie model.

Source; Annual Product Reliability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.

5% 10%

FFÎONT

15%

I TOP

20%

Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2012

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Transcript of Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2012