My Used Car's a Lemon! Am I Stuck With It?
Ongoing vehicle problems can be a serious safety hazard, but the law offers some aid for that lemon — even if you bought it used.
Which Vehicle History Report Is Right for You?
For safety's sake, you should know a used car's history before you buy it. But not all vehicle history reports offer the same level of information. Edmunds test-drives the old standard, Carfax, plus new entrants AutoCheck and VinCheck.
What Crash Test Scores Mean
A high rating in the government's frontal crash test and the IIHS's frontal offset test mean two very different things. Know the difference before you buy a car.
Update: How To Avoid Buying a Flood-Damaged Car
Gulf Coast hurricanes. Midwest floods. How to know if that new car you want (or just bought) was sleeping with the fishes – then given a "clean" title.
Look Officer, No Hands
Due to new laws, drivers in California and Washington are joining millions who have gone "hands-free." Here's a guide on how to go Bluetooth, no matter where you live or what you drive.
How To Keep Your Old Car Safe To Drive
In this economy, many folks are trying to make their old car last a lot longer. We'll help you stretch that dollar safely.
Visibility: Now You See Me...Now You Don't
From small cars to big SUVs, visibility problems loom large in the U.S. car market. Are automakers designing for style or substance?
Watch Your Back: Rearview Cameras
Disaster can happen even to careful drivers. So-called "back-up cameras" help you avoid obstacles, accidents and tragedy.
The Latest Auto Safety Technology
Forget pie-in-the-sky, concept technology. Here are recent safety advances you'll soon see in showrooms.
Evaluating Stolen Vehicle Recovery Systems
Unless you have a stolen vehicle recovery system in your car before it's stolen, there’s little chance you'll get it back. We break down the pros, cons and pricing of available systems.
Bluetooth Compatibility
Whether you're required by law to talk "hands-free" while you drive or simply enjoy Bluetooth's convenience, you'll need to know which phones work with which cars. Here's a guide.
Protecting Pedestrians Through Vehicle Design
Pedestrian accidents comprise about 11 percent of motor vehicle deaths annually. Automakers are now putting some of the safety focus outside the vehicle.
How To Survive the Top 10 Driving Emergencies
In our three-part series, our expert teaches the method for recovering from the most common emergencies. Drivers at every level can learn important techniques here.
Roadside Assistance: Who Ya Gonna Call?
Myriad companies now offer roadside assistance plans, and some are even free. But they're not all the same. Choose one that won't leave you stranded.
Multitasking Mania
Eating, reading, phoning... we're doing it all behind the wheel. While automakers balance design priorities, insurers fret over driving safety.
Highway Death Toll Stuck in Neutral
Every 15 minutes someone in the U.S. learns that a loved one has died in a traffic crash. Despite safety advances, that grim crash fatality statistic has held steady for the past two decades. Here's what's being done about it.
Asleep at the Wheel
You may say that you'd never drive drunk, but what about driving drowsy? Just like driving under the influence, drowsy driving causes fatal mistakes. These tips will help you to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.
Driven to Distraction: Cell Phones in the Car
"DWY," or "Driving While Yakking," is a leading cause of distracted driving. But sometimes you've got to make that call. Here's how to do it safely.
Tire Safety: Don't Ignore the Rubber on the Road
The most critical piece of safety equipment in your car is your tires. Our piece on tire safety will open your eyes to this oft-ignored subject.
New Safety Act To Save Kids' Lives
It's been a long time coming, but the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act will save lives by improving rear visibility and requiring other vehicle changes.
Driving Pregnant
Airbags and seatbelts can protect unborn children, but there are important rules for expectant mothers to follow.
Should School Buses Have Seatbelts?
Think this is a no-brainer? Not so fast. Safety, money and enforcement are all part of an ongoing debate.
Tragic YouTube Video Questions Seatbelt Safety
After their 3-year-old was killed in a crash, the Millers produced a heartbreaking video and posted it on YouTube. Almost 2 million views later, the debate over seatbelt failure continues.
Are Infants Safe in Their Car Seats? Consumer Reports' publication — and quick withdrawal — of infant car seat crash tests created confusion and controversy. Here's the low-down for parents.
Preventing Backover Deaths
As advocacy groups battle the government and automakers to create the first rear visibility standard for U.S. vehicles, 100 children die annually from "backovers" and thousands more are injured. Here are some of their stories.
How To Choose a Car Seat
Choosing a car seat is an important and confusing decision. Here's how to seat your children safely, from the time they're born until they can fit into adult seatbelts.
How To Install a Car Seat
More than 80 percent of all car seats are incorrectly installed or used. Here's how to properly protect your most precious cargo.
How To Crashproof Your Teen Driver
Our new teen driver safety series offers comprehensive advice on protecting this highest-risk group, including best/worst cars and strategies for parents.
Skidding for Safety's Sake
Driver's ed just doesn't cut it. Ford's "Driving Skills for Life" program provided 700 lucky teens with hands-on training for real-world emergencies.
What Should We Do About Grandma's Driving?
Senior citizens have the second highest accident rate, after teenagers. But much can be done to make senior drivers — and the roads they travel — safer.
What real people are saying about the 2009 Volvo S80 T6 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
Review: "I test-drove cars from Audi, BMW, MB, Acura, Infiniti and Lexus — leased a Volvo S80 T6 AWD. It offers a more comfortable and quiet ride than its competitors and is priced closer to smaller models (A4, 3 Series, C300) than the larger models (A6, 5 Series, RL) with which it more closely competes. I think the upgrades with the Executive package are well worth it. Gas mileage is average, but able to use regular grade gasoline and still in "break-in" period. Scheduled maintenance is included. Great value and safety. Very underrated car. Recommend without reservation."
Favorite Features: "Comfortable seats, vented and heated with massage, AWD works well, Bluetooth works seamlessly. Quiet ride."
Suggested Improvements: "Steering can be a bit stiffer at times. Transmission should upshift quicker uphill. Average fuel economy. Radio upgrade should be available without buying a whole package."
Review: "I test-drove cars from Audi, BMW, MB, Acura, Infiniti and Lexus — leased a Volvo S80 T6 AWD. It offers a more comfortable and quiet ride than its competitors and is priced closer to smaller models (A4, 3 Series, C300) than the larger models (A6, 5 Series, RL) with which it more closely competes. I think the upgrades with the Executive package are well worth it. Gas mileage is average, but able to use regular grade gasoline and still in "break-in" period. Scheduled maintenance is included. Great value and safety. Very underrated car. Recommend without reservation."
