2013 Annual Auto Issue (Hi Member's, the below links have some interesting information) Post your comments & if you agree with ConsumerReports ? ? ? ? ?



Published: April 2013


The auto issue is our annual round up of the year in cars. We highlight our Top Picks of the year in 10 vehicle categories, automaker report cards rank the manufacturers based on our tests and predicted reliability scores, best and worst new and used cars, and much more. Check out our featured reports, videos, and special sections.








Featured



New cars

Top Picks 2013
Who makes the best cars?
Most reliable new cars
Best & worst new cars
New car preview





Used cars

Best & worst used cars
Used car reliability
Used cars for every budget
Best used cars under $20,000
Best used for fuel economy





Highlights

Connect with your car
Iconic, trendsetting cars
Car buying surprises
Best tires < Best Wax etc.....All kinds of Stuff on the links of this post/thread...How does anyone online ever get bored ? (lol)





Behind our Ratings

How we test
What makes us different?
Guide to our Ratings





Special sections

Fuel economy
Alternative fuels
New car buying
Used car buying
Car repair
Car reliability
Car maintenance
Distracted driving & teen safety
Kids & car safety





Pricing

The Build & Buy service
New Car Price Report
Used Car Price Report
Best new car deals
Best used car deals
What that car really costs to own





MCF Member's, what new vehicle do you want ? Dream about ? Post & share

 

Connect with your car

How to plug in your music, apps, and lifestyle

Consumer Reports magazine: April 2013




Many paths for music | There is an app for that | Navigating the GPS maze | The trouble with MyFord Touch | Can your old car do new tricks?




Many cars now let you play Internet radio stations through your phone.


If you haven’t ventured into a car showroom in a few years, get ready to be wowed. The days of being limited to AM, FM, and CDs are far behind us. Today’s vehicles offer a dazzling range of electronic entertainment possibilities.


Forget what a DJ wants to play; there are now multiple ways to connect a portable music player or smart phone to your car and listen to your favorite tunes. Or by linking a smart phone to a modern infotainment system, you can stream Internet radio stations, perform Web searches, and check local gas prices, weather forecasts, and more, right from your driver’s seat.


You can have the car read text messages to you. With an integrated navigation system, you can even look up local restaurants, make an online reservation, and get turn-by-turn directions on how to get there. And many of those functions can often be controlled simply by speaking commands, which lets you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.


In-car electronics is the fastest-growing area of auto technology, as automakers scramble to one-up one another. Demand in the showroom has exploded, and savvy dealerships are training staffers to be electronics experts who can guide you through their systems. “Electronic features, such as streaming music and Bluetooth for hands-free calls, are the most popular options that people are asking for,” says Robert Lysiak, a sales consultant at Grand Prize Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC in Nanuet, N.Y. “They have taken the place of GPS.”


Yes, the controls for many of these advanced systems are complicated and distracting to use. And you don’t want to be fiddling with them while driving. But the best designs offer an unprecedented level of versatility and convenience that is changing how we live with our cars.




Many paths for music

The Tesla Model S includes a 17-inch in-dash touch screen.


Most new cars come with one or more ways to link a portable music device, so you can listen to your selections through the car’s audio system. Mini-jack and USB ports can be found in even budget models; just plug in, select “Aux” in the audio controls, and you’re in business. With a USB port, you can often operate your device with the car’s radio controls and see the song, album, and artist information in its display. You can also play music stored on a flash drive.


When comparing cars, check that the location of the inputs works for you. They’re typically found in the dash, center console, or glove box. The latter two let you keep your device out of sight but may not work as well if you mount your phone in a windshield or dash mount for navigation or hands-free phone calls.


Most new cars also come with a Bluetooth system that allows you to wirelessly connect a phone. It lets you not only dial by voice and talk hands-free but also stream music stored on the phone or received through a data connection (think Aha or Pandora).


With the ability to stream Internet audio, which is often free, think twice before paying for a satellite-radio receiver and subscription, unless there’s specific Sirius XM content you want and/or you live where data reception is spotty. HD radio programming is free but can suffer from annoying echoes and stutters in reception.




There’s an app for that



The next step up is a full infotainment system that typically integrates a car’s audio, navigation, communication, and climate systems. It usually includes an in-dash display and is controlled through a touch screen or a multifunction controller (or both), hard keys, and/or voice commands.


The latest trend is for automakers to integrate apps into these systems that let you access various content from your smart phone. Toyota’s Entune system, for example, lets you stream Pandora and iHeartRadio stations, perform Bing destination searches, make restaurant reservations through OpenTable, search for and buy movie tickets, and check traffic, weather, fuel prices, stocks, and sports scores. To do that, you need to load the appropriate apps on your phone, connect it to the car’s system through Bluetooth or a USB cable, and then operate the apps through the car’s in-dash display or with voice commands. Just remember to keep an eye on your data-plan limits.


To reduce driver distraction, some functions are usually deactivated while the vehicle is moving. And though there can still be features that take your eyes off the road, using an in-car system is easier than trying to operate the small buttons of a portable device while you drive.


That said, some systems are easier to use than others. We’ve found Cadillac’s CUE and the MyFord/MyLincoln Touch systems to be particularly frustrating. Common gripes are complicated menus, touch screens that are slow to respond, touch-sensitive buttons that are fussy and imprecise, and small display fonts and buttons that are hard to quickly read and access.


On the plus side, Chrysler’s Uconnect Touch system provides simple, clear menus while retaining easy-to-use push buttons and ***** for frequent tasks. The 17-inch touch screen in the Tesla Model S has large onscreen buttons and is super responsive.


We’ve also found that voice-recognition systems can be handy for common functions and for controlling a music player. CUE and MyFord/MyLincoln Touch may be frustrating, but at least they have class-leading comprehensive voice commands.


When sizing up an infotainment system, run through common functions, like setting up a Bluetooth connection, tuning in a radio station, setting and accessing presets, adjusting the cabin temperature, and operating apps, if available.




Navigating the GPS maze

Should you get a built-in navigation system? Automaker systems have larger screens and often allow programming by voice. But they can be pricey. Some start at about $650, but others may only come in an options package costing $2,000 or more. You can also get a good portable GPS device with the same basic functionality for about $100. And many people now use smart phones for navigation. Google Maps is a well-developed app that’s free on Android and iPhone models. Apps from Garmin and TomTom start at around $50 and have also done well in our tests.


If you use your phone, you’ll need a way to charge it because navigation can quickly run down the battery, and a windshield or dash mount to hold the phone in place. One drawback: If you’re in a rural area with poor data reception, you may not be able to use your phone for navigation.


Overall, we’ve been impressed with the convenience of today’s systems, but we would like to see automakers make them more intuitive to use, with simpler interfaces and greater use of voice controls. And keep in mind that this technology is evolving rapidly, so check the automakers’ websites to see what’s available on any car that sparks your interest.




The trouble with MyFord Touch





Regular readers know that we aren’t fans of Ford’s MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems. The controls are overly complicated, cumbersome to use, and potentially distracting. But aside from the usability problems, we’ve had numerous electronic glitches and system crashes in our test vehicles’ systems. As it turns out, we’re not the only ones.




In our 2012 Annual Auto Survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, a relatively high percentage of Ford and Lincoln owners reported having problems with the audio system in their vehicles. To drill deeper into these problems, we conducted a follow-up survey this past December with owners of 2011 and 2012 Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, and Lincoln MKX vehicles that were equipped with the Touch systems. We asked them about their specific problems and their satisfaction with the systems.




Thirty percent of survey respondents said the Touch system was highly influential in their purchase decision. And while almost two-thirds found it complicated to use during the first few weeks of ownership, most of those owners felt it got easier as they got used to it. Still, it was plagued by problems.




About half of the respondents had trouble with their vehicle’s entertainment, navigation, or communication systems. And two-thirds of them said they had problems with MyFord or MyLincoln Touch. The most common problem, reported by almost 75 percent of this group, was that the system locked up. More than half said that it was slow to respond or had a blank screen, or that voice commands didn’t work properly. Forty-five percent said the touch buttons didn’t respond as expected. Almost 70 percent said the system required repair, but only three-quarters of them said the fix worked. Only half of all owners said they were highly satisfied with the Touch systems.



In our tests of 2013 Ford and Lincoln models, we are still finding the systems to be buggy. In response to continued complaints, Ford is pushing out further updates and increasing warranty coverage. We’ll let you know whether things improve in future tests.





Can your old car do new tricks?

Aftermarket setups, such as this Pioneer system, provide many of the features of new cars.




Is your car in the dark ages when it comes to modern in-car electronics? Take heart. Plenty of aftermarket options are available to bring your ride up to speed. “Today, with a five-year-old car you can add as many or more modern conveniences than you can find in many of the brand-new cars,” says Jeffery Fay, director of mobile electronics at Crutchfield, an online electronics retailer based in Charlottesville, Va.



“The three things that people are wanting are navigation, iPod or iPhone integration, and Bluetooth,” says John Haynes, product development manager at Al & Ed’s Autosound, a chain of mobile-electronics retail and installation shops headquartered in Van Nuys, Calif. To get those, you can go with a stand-alone kit, a plug-and-play system using the car’s radio, or a new radio head unit and display.





With growing concern about distracted driving and bans in several states on using handheld cell phones, a Bluetooth add-on to allow hands-free calling is a common upgrade. Stand-alone Bluetooth kits typically start around $40. Most are easy to set up, have long battery life, and can shut themselves off automatically. You’ll get better sound with one that plugs into a car’s auxiliary audio input, if available, than by listening through an FM modulator.




For about $120, you can link a Bluetooth device to the car’s radio. Add another $50 and you get an LCD screen to display the caller ID and phone book.



To connect a music player to your existing factory radio, you can have a $100-to-$150 module installed that lets you plug in through a USB or iPod jack.





To go further, you can swap out your existing radio for an aftermarket system. A new head unit with Bluetooth capability and the ability to control a music player starts around $100. Getting one with a larger screen to show the name of the song and artist will cost about $400. And adding built-in GPS navigation and a touch screen will set you back at least $600.




But there are downsides. Aftermarket radios often have smaller displays, buttons, and *****. Replacing a basic radio isn’t difficult, but the job becomes complex with modern integrated radios, especially those that include climate controls. You also want to make sure remote displays and steering-wheel controls will still work.




For most people, having work performed by an audio installation shop is the best route. For the do-it-yourselfer, companies like Crutchfield help you find the radio or upgrade kit that works with your car.



The sky’s the limit with aftermarket radios. A new car radio from Kenwood, coming this spring and retailing for about $1,700, will have built-in Wi-Fi and cloud-based content sharing. It will allow you to send movies and music to a passenger’s iPod or iPad. And plenty of other bells and whistles will put you a step ahead of the latest new-car systems. Then, who will be in the dark ages?








Did you know?

Not every smart phone is compatible with every car. You'll probably be able to make basic calls, but some advanced features, like Bluetooth streaming or spoken text message capability, might not work. So check how well your phone interacts with any car you're considering. You can often find information on the automaker's website.

 

Chevrolet SS

















What is it? Like the Pontiac G8 before it, the rear-drive Chevrolet SS is borrowed from General Motors’ Australian brand, Holden. Down under, GM is known for creating powerful, great-handling sport sedans and coupes. This foundation promises a character of a well-honed, Euro-influenced sport sedan with a generous dose of American muscle thrown in. Rest assured, the SS will be in stark contrast with the midsized Malibu, just as the G8 was in a different league than the G6.
The SS is a large car, positioned above the upcoming, front-drive Impala. It shares its core underpinnings with the Camaro, Caprice police car, Holden VF Commodore, and the short-lived Pontiac G8. When we tested the G8 in 2008, it proved fun, quick, capable, and roomy. With a thoroughly developed chassis including independent suspension front and rear, and standard Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers, the SS boasts serious credentials and pedigree.
Serving as a Chevrolet flagship, the SS is lavishly equipped with leather upholstery, Chevrolet MyLink infotainment, navigation system, Bose audio, forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitors, back-up camera with cross-traffic alert, and the brand’s first automatic parking system.
What is new or notable: The underhood magic comes from a 6.2-liter LS3 V8—the same basic powerplant used in the current Corvette. Here it produces 415 horsepower, routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. Manual gear selection is enabled through steering-wheel paddles, but no true manual tranny will be offered. Chevrolet claims 0-60 mph times in about five seconds, putting it deep in modern muscle car territory.
If this core formula sounds familiar, it should. The Impala SS from the 1990s was essentially an enhanced rear-drive Caprice with a Corvette-shared LT1 V8. Back then, the Impala was a cool rendition of the decidedly uncool Caprice, with 260 hp and a sinister exterior. Unlike the fundamentally outdated Impala, however, the new SS is truly a contemporary design, and it essentially serves as an evolution of the well-regarded Pontiac G8.
CR's take: The Chevrolet SS proves that despite high gasoline prices, this is the golden age of the muscle car. Never has so much performance and refinement been available in a domestic-brand car than is offered today by Chrysler, Ford, and GM.
When will it be available? Late 2013 .

 

I dont go by anything consumer reports say, they pick to many Toyotas when there not as great as what there praising them to be, and the My Ford touch ive got one of the earliest vehicles with it and never had an issue, ive only updated it once, im sure it has glitches but not in the masses there talking, and its the easiest thing to use, i bet once they test the Cue system from Cadilac theyll say its easy to use and that is the most complicated piece of crap ive tried to use

 

Hi `Mike, thanks for your post & your opinion...

Below is from Consumer Report & their Mission;

Our History

In February 1936, a dedicated band of professors, labor leaders, journalists, and engineers founded Consumers Union. Explore some of the highlights of our history through our timeline and vintage photo gallery.< click 2 view

Since its first issue in 1936, Consumer Reports (CR) has never accepted paid ads. Free from the pressures of advertisers and commercial influence, Consumer Reports has tackled some of the toughest safety issues of the time, evaluating new products and technologies and warning about potential dangers. From seat belts to strontium-90, lawnmowers to locks, and hazardous vehicles to heaters, Consumer Reports has been on the cutting edge of reporting risks and striving to improve the quality of the consumer marketplace.

Sometimes the truth hurts or we read things we don't like, but the facts are the facts...No one has to accept them 4-Sure...Choices, freedoms, etc....EnJoy your choices & journey of life...Peace/Out

 

They all say that but there isnt a source out there that hasnt taken payoffs

 

Hi `Mike,
I hope that is not true, but I do know that there is to much corruption on planet earth... I find it very sad that there are people that sell their souls for $'s...I really hope there is a judgement day @ everyones end...