Scott17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May as well share their info so to avoid paying them more money.


Used cars to avoid

These are CR's lists of unreliable cars as of the 2005 survey. Below are the vehicles with below-average Used Car Verdicts covering 1998 to 2005 models. Listed alphabetically by make, model, and year.


Audi A4 Avant ‘99, 01; A4 sedan ‘98-00, '02; A4 sedan (4-cyl.) '01; A4 sedan (V6) '05; A6 Avant ‘99-00; A6 sedan (V6) ‘98-00, ‘02-05; A6 sedan (V6, Turbo) ‘00-01, '03; A8 '04; Allroad ‘01-03; S4 '00, ‘04-05; TT '03
BMW 3 Series '04; 5 Series (6-cyl.) '04; 5 Series (V ‘98-00, '04; 7 Series ‘98-04; M3 ‘02-03; X5 (V ‘01-02, '05
Buick LeSabre '05; Park Avenue '98; Rendezvous '02; Terraza '05
Cadillac Catera '98; CTS '03; DeVille ‘00-03, '05; Escalade '03; Seville ‘98-03; SRX ‘04-05
Chevrolet Astro ‘98-03; Avalanche '03; Blazer ‘98-04; Camaro ‘00-02; Cavalier Coupe & Conv. ‘03-04; Cavalier Sedan '03; Cobalt '05; Colorado (2WD) '04; Colorado (4WD) ‘04-05; Corvette '05; Equinox '05; Express ‘98-04; Impala '01; Malibu ‘98-01, '04; Malibu Maxx '04; Monte Carlo ‘00-01; S-10 (2WD) ‘98-99, ‘02-03; S-10 (4WD) '98, ‘00-03; K1500 '98; Silverado 1500 (4WD) '03; Suburban ‘98-99, '03; Tahoe ‘98-99, '03; TrailBlazer ‘02-04; Uplander '05; Venture ‘98-02; Venture (ext.) '03
Chrysler 300 (V '05; 300M '99, '03; Concorde '99; LHS '99; Pacifica ‘04-05; PT Cruiser Turbo '03; Sebring Convertible ‘01-02, '04; Sebring Sedan ‘02-03; Town & Country ‘00-03; Town & Country (ext., AWD) '99, Town & Country (ext., FWD) '04; Town & Country (reg.) '98; Voyager (4-cyl.) ‘01-03; Voyager (V6) ‘01-03
Dodge Caravan (4-cyl.) '98, ‘01-03; Caravan (V6) '98, ‘00-03; Grand Caravan ‘00-03; Grand Caravan (4WD) '04; Grand Caravan (AWD) '99; Dakota (2WD) '98, '05; Dakota (4WD) ‘98-00, '02, '05; Durango ‘98-01, ‘04-05; Intrepid ‘98-99, ‘03-04; Neon ‘98-99; Ram 1500 (2WD) '99; Ram 1500 (4WD) ‘98-02; Ram Van/Wagon '99;
Stratus Sedan (4-cyl.) ‘98-99; Stratus Sedan (V6) ‘02-03
Ford Contour '98; Econoline '01; Excursion ‘03-04; Expedition ‘03-05; Explorer ‘02-05; Explorer (4WD) '00; Explorer Sport Trac '04; F-150 ‘04-05; Focus Sedan '00; Focus Wagon '00, '05; Freestyle (AWD) '05; Mustang (V6) '05; Ranger (2WD) '04; Ranger (4WD) '01; Taurus Sedan '05; Windstar ‘98-01
GMC Canyon (2WD) '04; Canyon (4WD) ‘04-05; Envoy ‘02-04; Jimmy ‘98-01; Safari ‘98-03; Savana ‘98-04; Sierra 1500 (4WD) '98, '03; S-15 Sonoma (2WD) ‘98-99, ‘02-03; S-15 Sonoma (4WD) '98, ‘00-03; Suburban ‘98-99; Yukon XL '03; Yukon ‘98-99, '03
Honda Passport ‘99-02
Hummer H2 ‘03-04
Hyundai Accent '00; Sonata ‘00-01; Tiburon '03; Tuscon '05; XG300 '01

Infiniti QX56 ‘04-05
Isuzu Rodeo ‘99-02
Jaguar S-Type ‘00-04; XJ Series ‘98-00, '04; X-Type ‘02-04
Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘98-03, '05
Kia Sedona ‘02-03, Sorento '05; Sportage '01, '05
Land Rover Discovery ‘99-01; ‘03-04; LR3 '05; Freelander '02; Range Rover ‘03
Lincoln Aviator ‘03-04; LS ‘00-01, ‘03-04; Navigator ‘01-05
Mazda B-Series (2WD) '04; B-Series (4WD) '01; MPV ‘03-04; 6 Hatchback '04; 6 Sedan (V6) '03, '05
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (4-cyl.) ‘02-03, '05; C-Class (V6) ‘01-04; CLK ‘01-05; E-Class Sedan ‘01-05; E-Class (V '98; E-Class Wagon ‘01-02, '04; M-Class‘98-03; S-Class '00, ‘02-04; SL '04; SLK '02, '05
Mercury Cougar '99; Mountaineer ‘02-05; Mountaineer (4WD) '00; Mystique '98;
Sable Sedan '05
Mini Cooper Base ‘02-03; Cooper S ‘02
Nissan 350Z '03; Armada ‘04-05; Quest ‘04-05; Titan ‘04-05
Oldsmobile Alero ‘99-02; Aurora '98, '01; Bravada ‘98-00, ‘02-03; Cutlass ‘98-99;
Silhouette ‘98-03
Plymouth Breeze ‘98-99; Grand Voyager '00; Neon ‘98-99; Voyager (4-cyl.) '98;
Voyager (V6) '98, '00
Pontiac Aztek ‘01-03; Bonneville '98, ‘00-03;Firebird ‘00-02; Grand Am ‘98-02; Grand Prix '98, '01; Grand Prix SC '00; GTO '04; Trans Sport Montana '98; Montana ‘99-02; Montana (ext) '03; Montana SV6 '05; Sunfire ‘03-04
Porsche 911 '02, '04; Cayenne ‘04-05
Saab 9-3 ‘03-05; 9-5 Sedan ‘99-00; 9-5 Wagon '99, ‘01
Saturn Ion '04; L-Series (V6) ‘00-'02; Relay '05; Vue ‘02-03; Vue (AWD) '04
Volkswagen Cabrio '99, ‘01-02; EuroVan ‘02-03; Golf (4-cyl.) '98, ‘03-04; Golf (4-cyl., turbo) '01; Jetta (4-cyl.) ‘98-02, '05; Jetta (4-cyl., turbo) ‘01-03; Jetta (4-cyl., tur-bodiesel) '02; Jetta (V6) ‘99-03; New Beetle ‘98-04; New Beetle Convertible '05; Passat (4-cyl.) ‘98-02, '05; Passat (V6) ‘99-01; '04; Passat Wagon (V6) '03; Passat W8 '03; Touareg ‘04-05
Volvo C70 '00, '04; Cross Country ‘98-01; S60 (AWD) '03, '05; S80 ‘99-02; S90/V90 '98; V40 '00; V50 '05; V70 (FWD) '01, '03; V70 (AWD) '98; XC90 ‘03-05

Scott17

April 2006

Reliable used cars

These are CR's lists of reliable cars from the 2005 survey. These are the specific models with above-average Used Car Verdicts, spanning the model years 1998 through 2005. CR Good Bets are cars that have multiple years of above-average Used Car Verdicts. (Also see our lists of used cars to avoid.) CR Good Bets and Bad Bets include only the models for which we have sufficient data for at least three model years. Models that were brand new in 2004 or 2005 do not appear. Problems with the engine, engine cooling, transmission, and drive system were weighted more heavily than other problems.

Listed by price group and alphabetically within groups. Price ranges are what you'd pay for a typically equipped car with average mileage.


Less than $6,000
Chevrolet Prizm ‘99-00
Ford Escort ‘01-02, Mustang (V6) ‘98, Ranger
(2WD) ‘98-99
Honda Civic ‘98
Hyundai Accent ‘03
Mazda B-Series (2WD) ‘98-00, Protegι 99-00
Nissan Altima (4-cyl.) ‘98, Frontier (4-cyl.) ‘98, Sentra ‘99
Saturn SL ‘01
Subaru Legacy ‘98
Toyota Corolla ‘98-99, Echo ‘00

$6,000-$8,000
Acura CL ‘98, Integra ‘98
Buick Regal ‘00
Chevrolet Prizm ‘01-02
Ford Crown Victoria ‘98-99, F-150 (2WD) ‘98-
99, Mustang (V6) ‘99-00, Ranger (2WD) ‘00
Honda Accord (4-cyl.) ‘98-99, Civic ‘99,
Odyssey ‘98
Hyundai Accent ‘04, Elantra ‘02
Infiniti G20 ‘99, I30 ‘98
Mazda 626 ‘00, Millenia ‘99
Mercury Grand Marquis ‘98-99
Mitsubishi Galant ‘00-01
Nissan Altima (4-cyl.) ‘99-00, Frontier ‘99,
Frontier (4-cyl.) ‘01, Maxima ‘98- 99,
Pathfinder ‘98, Sentra ‘01
Saturn SL ‘02
Subaru Impreza ‘99
Toyota Avalon ‘98, Camry ‘98, Camry (4-cyl.)
‘99, Camry Solara (4-cyl.) ‘99, Corolla ‘00-01,
Echo ‘01-02, RAV4 ‘98-99, Sienna ‘98, T100
'98

$8,000-$10,000
Acura CL ‘99, Integra ‘99, TL ‘98
Buick Century ‘02, Regal ‘01
Ford Crown Victoria ‘00-01, F-150 (2WD) ‘00,
F-150 (4WD) ‘98-99 Mustang (V6) ‘01,
Mustang (V ‘99 Ranger (2WD) ‘01
Honda Accord (4-cyl.) ‘00, Accord (V6) ‘98-99,
Civic ‘00-01, CR-V ‘98-99, Insight ‘00,
Prelude ‘98
Hyundai Elantra ‘03
Infiniti G20 ‘00, I30 ‘99, QX4 ‘98
Lincoln Continental ‘00, Town Car ‘98-99
Mazda B-Series (2WD) ‘01, Millenia ‘00
MPV ‘00, MX-5 Miata ‘99, Protegι ‘01-02
Mercury Grand Marquis ‘00
Mitsubishi Galant ‘02, Lancer ‘03
Nissan Altima (4-cyl.) ‘01, Frontier‘00,
Pathfinder ‘99
Subaru Impreza ‘00



1999 Toyota
Camry Solara



Toyota 4Runner (4-
cyl.) ‘98, Avalon ‘99,
Camry (4-cyl.) ‘00,
Camry (V6) ‘99,
Camry Solara (V6)
‘99, Celica ‘99,
Corolla ‘02, Echo
‘03, RAV4 ‘00,
Sienna ‘99, Tacoma
‘98, Tacoma (4-cyl.) ‘99

$10,000-$12,000
Acura RL ‘98, TL ‘99
Buick Century ‘03, Regal ‘02
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2WD) ‘00
Chrysler PT Cruiser ‘02
Ford Crown Victoria ‘02, F-150 (2WD) ‘01,
Mustang (V6) ‘02, Mustang (V ‘00
GMC Sierra 1500 (2WD) ‘00
Honda Accord (4-cyl.) ‘01, Accord (V6) ‘00,
Civic ‘02, CR-V ‘00, Prelude ‘99
Hyundai Elantra ‘04, Sonata ‘03
Infiniti Q45 ‘98, QX4 ‘99
Kia Optima ‘04
Lexus ES300 ‘98
Mazda 626 ‘02, MPV ‘01, MX-5 Miata ‘00,
Protegι ‘03
Mercury Grand Marquis ‘01-02
Mitsubishi Eclipse ‘01, Galant ‘03
Nissan Frontier (4-cyl.) ‘02-03, Frontier (V6) ‘01, Maxima ‘00, Pathfinder ‘00, Xterra ‘00
Subaru Impreza ‘01, Legacy ‘00, Outback
(4-cyl.) ‘00
Toyota 4Runner (4-cyl.) ‘99, 4Runner (V6) ‘98,
Camry (4-cyl.) ‘01, Camry (V6) ‘00, Camry
Solara (4-cyl.) ‘00, Celica ‘00-01, Corolla ‘03,
Echo ‘04, Sienna ‘00, Tacoma (4-cyl.) ‘00,
Tacoma (V6) ‘99

Scott17

$12,000-$14,000
Acura Integra ‘00-01, TL ‘00
Buick Century ‘04, LeSabre ‘02, Regal ‘03
Chevrolet Impala ‘03, Monte Carlo ‘03
Silverado 1500 (2WD) ‘01
Ford F-150 (2WD) ‘02, F-150 (4WD) ‘01
Mustang (V ‘01
GMC Sierra 1500 (2WD) ‘01
Honda Accord (4-cyl.) ‘02, Accord (V6) ‘01,
Civic ‘03, CR-V ‘01, Odyssey ‘00
Hyundai Santa Fe ‘02, Sonata ‘04
Infiniti G20 ‘02, I30 ‘00, Q45 ‘99
Lexus ES300 ‘99
Lincoln Town Car ‘00
Mazda Millenia ‘01, MX-5 Miata ‘01
Mitsubishi Eclipse ‘02, Outlander ‘03
Nissan Maxima ‘01, Sentra ‘05
Pontiac Vibe ‘03-04
Scion xA ‘05, xB ‘04-05
Subaru Forester ‘01, Impreza ‘03, Outback
(4-cyl.) ‘01
Toyota 4Runner (4-cyl.) ‘00, 4Runner (V6) ‘99,
Avalon ‘00, Camry (4-cyl.) ‘02, Camry (V6)
‘01, Camry Solara (4-cyl.) ‘01, Camry Solara
(V6) ‘00, Corolla ‘04, Echo ‘05, Matrix ‘03,
MR2 ‘01, Prius ‘01, Sienna ‘01, Tacoma
(4-cyl.) ‘01-02, Tacoma (V6) ‘00, Tundra
(V6) ‘00-01


$14,000-$16,000
Acura RL ‘99, RSX ‘02
Buick LeSabre ‘03
Chevrolet Impala ‘04, Monte Carlo ‘04
Ford Crown Victoria ‘04, Escape ‘03, F-150
(2WD) ‘03, F-150 (4WD) ‘02, F-150 Heritage
(2WD) ‘04, Mustang (V6) ‘04, Mustang (V ‘02, Ranger (2WD) ‘05
Honda Accord (4-cyl.) ‘03, Accord (V6) ‘02,
Civic ‘04, CR-V ‘02, Element ‘03, Prelude ‘01
Hyundai Santa Fe ‘03
Infiniti I30 ‘01, QX4 ‘00
Kia Amanti ‘04
Lexus ES300 ‘00, GS300/GS400 ‘98, RX300 ‘99 Lincoln Continental ‘02, Town Car ‘01
Mazda B-Series (2WD) ‘05, Millenia ‘02, MX-5 Miata ‘02-03, Tribute ‘03, 3 ‘04
Mitsubishi Galant ‘04, Outlander ‘04
Nissan Altima (4-cyl.) ‘03, Altima (V6) ‘02,
Frontier (V6) ‘02, Maxima ‘02, Pathfinder ‘01,
Xterra ‘02
Pontiac Grand Prix ‘04, Vibe ‘05
Saturn Ion ‘05
Subaru Baja ‘03, Forester ‘02, Impreza ‘04,
Legacy ‘01
Toyota 4Runner (V6) ‘00, Avalon ‘01, Camry
(4-cyl.) ‘03, Camry (V6) ‘02, Camry Solara
(4-cyl.) ‘02, Camry Solara (V6) ‘01, Celica ‘02-
03, Corolla ‘05, Highlander (4-cyl.) ‘01, Matrix
‘04, MR2 ‘02, Prius ‘02, RAV4 ‘01-02, Sienna
‘02, Tacoma (4-cyl.) ‘03-05, Tacoma (V6) ‘01-
'02, Tundra (V ‘00

$16,000-$18,000
Acura RL ‘00, RSX ‘03
BMW M3 ‘98, Z3 ‘99
Buick LeSabre ‘04, Regal ‘04
Ford Escape ‘04, F-150 Heritage (4WD) ‘04
Honda Accord (4-cyl.) ‘04, Accord (V6) ‘03, Civic
‘05, Civic Hybrid ‘03, CR-V ‘03, Element ‘04,
S2000 ‘00
Infiniti I35 ‘02, QX4 ‘01
Lexus ES300 ‘01, GS300/GS400 ‘99, LS400
‘98, RX300 ‘00
Mazda MX-5 Miata ‘04, Tribute ‘04, 3 ‘05
Mercedes-Benz SLK ‘98
Mercury Grand Marquis ‘04, Mariner ‘05
Nissan Altima (4-cyl.) ‘04, Altima (V6) ‘03-04,
Frontier (V6) ‘03, Maxima ‘03, Pathfinder ‘02,
Xterra ‘03
Pontiac Grand Prix ‘05
Subaru Forester ‘03, Impreza ‘05, Impreza WRX, STi ‘03, Legacy ‘02, Outback (6-cyl.) ‘01
Toyota Avalon ‘02, Camry (4-cyl.) ‘04-05, Camry
(V6) ‘03, Camry Solara (4-cyl.) ‘03-04, Camry
Solara (V6) ‘02, Highlander (V6) ‘01, Matrix ‘05, Prius ‘03, RAV4 ‘03, Tacoma (V6) ‘02, Tundra
(V6) ‘03, ‘05, Tundra (V ‘01
Volvo S60 (FWD) ‘02

$18,000-$20,000
Acura RSX ‘04
BMW Z3 ‘00
Buick Rendezvous ‘04
Chevrolet Impala ‘05
Chrysler PT Cruiser Turbo ‘05
Ford Mustang V8 ‘04
Honda Accord (4-cyl.) ‘05, Civic Hybrid ‘04-05,
CR-V ‘04, Element ‘05, S2000 ‘01
Lexus GS300/GS400 ‘00, IS300 ‘01, LS400 ‘99
Lincoln Town Car ‘02
Mercedes-Benz SLK ‘99
Nissan Pathfinder ‘03
Subaru Forester ‘04, Legacy ‘03-05, Outback
(4-cyl.) ‘03-04, Outback (6-cyl.) ‘02-03
Toyota 4Runner (V6) ‘01, Camry (V6) ‘04,
Camry Solara (4-cyl.) ‘05, Camry Solara (V6)
‘03, Highlander (4-cyl.) ‘02, Land Cruiser
‘98-99, RAV4 ‘04, Sienna ‘03, Tacoma (V6)
‘03-04, Tundra (V6) ‘04, Tundra (V ‘02

$20,000-$24,000
Acura MDX ‘01, RL ‘02, TL ‘03, TSX ‘04
Audi A4 sedan (4-cyl.) ‘04
BMW 3 Series (AWD) ‘02, 5 Series (6-cyl.)
‘01-02, M3 ‘99
Buick LaCrosse ‘05, Rendezvous ‘05
Ford Thunderbird ‘02
Honda Accord (V6) ‘04-05, CR-V ‘05, Odyssey
‘03-04, Pilot ‘03, S2000 ‘02-03
Infiniti I35 ‘03-04, QX4 ‘02-03
Lexus ES300 ‘02, GS300/GS430 ‘01, IS300
‘02-03, LS400 ‘00, LX470 ‘99, RX300 ‘01-02
Nissan Altima (V6) ‘05, Pathfinder ‘04
Subaru Forester ‘05, Impreza WRX, STi ‘04,
Legacy Turbo ‘05, Outback (4-cyl.) ‘05,
Outback(6-cyl.) ‘04
Toyota 4Runner (V6) ‘02, Avalon ‘03-04, Camry
(V6) ‘05, Camry Solara (V6) ‘05, Highlander
(4-cyl.) ‘03-05, Highlander (V6) ‘02-03, Land
Cruiser ‘00, Prius ‘04-05, RAV4 ‘05, Sequoia
‘01, Tundra (V ‘03-04
Volvo S60 (FWD) ‘04, S60 (FWD) ‘04-05, S80
(AWD) ‘04

Scott17

$24,000-$28,000
Acura MDX ‘02, RL ‘03, TSX ‘05
Audi A4 sedan (4-cyl.) ‘05
BMW Z3 ‘02
Honda Pilot ‘04, S2000 ‘04
Infiniti G35 ‘04, Q45 ‘02
Lexus ES300 ‘03, GS300/GS430 ‘02, IS300 ‘04,
LX470 ‘00, RX300 ‘03
Lincoln Town Car ‘04
Nissan Murano ‘04
Porsche Boxster ‘00
Subaru Impreza WRX, STi ‘05
Toyota 4Runner ‘03, 4Runner (V6) ‘04- 05,
Highlander (V6) ‘04-05, Land Cruiser ‘01,
Sequoia ‘02, Tundra (V ‘05
Volvo S60 (AWD) ‘04-05, S80 (FWD) ‘04

$28,000 and up
Acura MDX ‘03-05, RL ‘04, TL ‘04-05
BMW X3 ‘05
Ford Escape Hybrid ‘05
Honda Accord Hybrid ‘05, Pilot ‘05, S2000 ‘05
Infiniti FX35 (V6) ‘03-05, G35 ‘05, M45 ‘03
Lexus ES330 ‘04-05, GS300/GS430 ‘03-05,
GX470 ‘03-04, LS430 ‘01- 03, ‘05, LX470
‘01-05, RX330 ‘04- 05, SC430 ‘02-04
Mercedes-Benz SLK ‘03
Nissan Murano ‘05
Toyota 4Runner (V ‘04-05, Land Cruiser ‘02-04, Sequoia ‘04-05, Sienna ’05

Scott17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10 best and worst cars for depreciation
Import brands lead in resale value


2004 Toyota Prius


Which cars hold their value the best? According to Consumer Reports’ depreciation ratings, several affordably priced models--such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, Mini Cooper, and youth-oriented Scion models--hold their value better than higher-priced sports and luxury models. And while all of the top 10 models have either Japanese or European nameplates, nine of the bottom 10 are domestic models. Contributing to their high depreciation is the fact that many are older models, commonly used by fleets and rental companies, and often heavily discounted.

Below are the 10 models that are rated best and worst by Consumer Reports in depreciation. They are calculated based on the difference between the MSRP of a 2004 model when new and its current retail value. The average depreciation for all models is about 45 percent over the first three years. All of the top 10, however, are much better than average, while all of the bottom 10 are much worse than average. Prices are Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices, rounded to the nearest $500.


Top 10

1. Toyota Prius
Ongoing demand for this thrifty gas/electric hybrid and excellent reliability give the Prius the best depreciation rating among all currently sold models. In addition, many owners are hanging onto them, so good luck trying to find a used Prius. $22,000.

2. Mini Cooper
This trendy, fun-to-drive retro-hatch/convertible has generated a cult following reminiscent of Volkswagen’s Beetle. While the reliability of early models was below average, it has improved to average in recent years, according to CR’s Annual Car Reliability Survey. $17,500 to $25,500.

3. Scion xB
This boxy wagon has love-it-or-hate-it styling, but it provides a spacious interior, stingy fuel consumption, good reliability, and a low price. Scion is Toyota's youth-oriented brand. $14,000 to $15,000.

4. BMW M3
The limited-edition, tuner-developed M3 is the perennially popular high-performance model in BMW’s 3-Series line. A fanatical following and legendary performance mean that used M3s command premium prices. About $49,000 to $56,500.

5. Lexus RX
Among the top SUVs in Consumer Reports Ratings, the RX is plush, quiet, and comfortable while providing better-than-average reliability and good crash-test results. The RX400h hybrid is among the most fuel-efficient SUVs we’ve tested. $36,000 to $46,000.

6. BMW 6-Series
Available as a coupe or convertible, the 6-Series is based on the 5-Series platform. But its more limited production helps keep its resale value high. $72,000 to $79,000.

7. Lexus GX
A different SUV from the Lexus RX, the GX is a traditional truck-based, off-road-ready vehicle. It has above-average reliability, a well-appointed interior, and good frontal offset crash-test results. But resale values might not continue to hold up as well for the GX as demand softens for body-on-frame, V8-powered SUVs. $46,500.

8. Acura TSX
Providing a nice balance of sportiness and comfort, the well-rounded TSX provides above-average reliability, good crash-test results, and a long list of standard safety equipment. $28,000 to $30,000.

9. Scion xA
The small xA hatchback looks much different from the larger xB but shares its low price, good reliability, and excellent 30-mpg fuel economy. $13,000 to $13,500.

10. Honda Civic & Civic Hybrid
A longtime Consumer Reports recommended model, the Civic offers outstanding reliability, good fuel economy, and good crash-test results. While the Hybrid version returned an excellent 36 mpg overall in our tests, even regular Civics do well in our fuel-economy tests, with 29 mpg for the automatic. $14,500 to $24,500.


Bottom 10

1. Ford Freestar
The unrefined Freestar is among the lowest rated minivans tested by Consumer Reports and has had below-average reliability of late. Resale values of the Freestar are likely to speed up their slide following Ford's recent announcement to discontinue production. $19,500 to $29,500.

2. Ford Crown Victoria
This large sedan is an example of how fleet sales can lower resale values. As a perennial favorite of rental companies, police departments, and cabbies, the Crown Victoria can't hold its value in spite of good crash-test results and decent reliability. $24,500 to $27,500.

3. Buick Rainier
With just 690 units sold in August '06 compared with 12,901 of its Chevrolet TrailBlazer sibling, the Rainier SUV gets the double whammy of costing more money and depreciating faster. $31,500 to $33,500.

4. Lincoln Town Car
A recent Consumer Reports study found the venerable Town Car (last redesigned for 199 to have the most generous incentives of any vehicle on the market. An old design with heavy discounts is not a good combination for resale. $42,000 to $50,500.

5. Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan
These minivans are rated midpack in Consumer Reports testing, below newer and better models. The heavily discounted, aging Caravan remains a strong seller in the category, probably contributing to an oversupply. $18,500 to $27,500.

6. Mercury Grand Marquis
The Grand Marquis is a twin of the Ford Crown Victoria, sharing its dated, 20th-century design. Like the Ford, it has had average reliability and good crash-test results, but it’s at the bottom of Consumer Reports’ large-sedan test ratings. $25,000 to $29,500.

7. GMC Envoy
Like the Buick Rainier, the Envoy is a twin of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Both the Envoy and TrailBlazer are among the lowest-performing midsized SUVs in Consumer Reports’ test Ratings in addition to unimpressive crash test results and poor reliability. $26,500 to $37,000.

8. Ford Explorer
The high-volume Ford Explorer has a history of poor depreciation that is expected to continue, despite a freshening for 2006. The midlife update did reduce noise levels from both powertrains, as well as improve interior fit and finish. $26,500-$36,000.

9. Buick Rendezvous
Derived from GM’s minivans, this SUV has had average reliability but mediocre performance in our tests. It will be discontinued by the end of 2006. $25,000 to $28,500.

10. Chrysler Town & Country
This minivan is a twin of the Dodge Grand Caravan, and shares the Dodge’s below-average reliability and midpack Ratings in Consumer Reports tests. $21,500 to $36,000.

Scott17

Paying for premium gas can be a waste of money

Many people use premium gasoline in the belief that it's better for engines than regular. That can be a costly mistake, especially during times of high fuel prices. Octane grades don't represent a “good, better, best” choice; they simply measure the resistance of fuel to knocking or pinging, a condition in which gasoline burns uncontrollably in the engine's combustion chambers. Knocking and pinging can damage an engine.

While high-octane formulations resist knocking better than lower octanes, most engines are designed to take regular gas, which has an octane rating of about 87. Engines requiring premium gas are typically the more powerful ones found in sports and luxury vehicles. Those engines use a very high compression ratio, making them more vulnerable to knocking, so recommended fuels have octane ratings of 91 or higher. Using premium gas in an engine designed to run on regular doesn't improve performance.

Some engines for which premium gasoline is recommended can run on regular without problems. That's because the engine's knock-sensor system detects the presence of uncontrolled burning in the chambers. When it does, the engine's computer-control system retards engine timing, eliminating the knock but slightly reducing power. If you don't mind giving up some performance, you can run these engines on less-expensive regular gasoline. To check whether your engine is capable of running on regular gas, read your owner's manual or ask your dealership's service department.

Scott17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gas-saving devices tested
These products that claim to improve fuel economy still don’t work

With gas prices still high, readers have asked us to weigh in on products that promise better fuel economy. We have tested three: Fuel Genie, Platinum Gas Saver, and Tornado. Our advice: Don't waste your money. They don't work.

This isn't news. We've tested such devices over the years and have repeated tests of some products. The results: We have not found any that improve fuel economy. The Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/reports.htm , whose Web site lists scores of devices that the agency has tested over the past 35 years, including the Platinum Gas Saver, has had similar results.


Fuel Genie
The Fuel Genie ($100 with shipping) is a plastic device with curved blades that fits inside the air-intake hose. It promises more power and better gas mileage. The airflow is supposed to allow for better performance. We installed the Fuel Genie in a 2004 Toyota Tundra and a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The instructions say that it will take two tanks of gas before the device is fully effective. We followed the instructions and ran our standard acceleration and fuel economy tests with and without the device, and saw no significant improvement in performance or fuel economy when using the Fuel Genie.



TornadoFuelSaver
The Tornado ($62 with shipping) is a similar device made of stainless steel with thin metal blades. Versions are sold for both carburated and fuel-injected engines. It is installed in the air inlet hose between the throttle body and the air filter. This is the same product we tested for a July 1999 report, when we said it didn't improve power or gas mileages in two test vehicles.

We installed the fuel injector type in a Ford Ranger pickup truck and a Volkswagen New Beetle. We ran our standard acceleration and fuel economy tests with and without the Tornado installed. The Ranger saw no improvement in acceleration, while the New Beetle saw slightly worse performance. Neither vehicle showed an improvement in fuel economy. Although we didn't test the TornadoFuelSaver, it appears identical to the previously tested Tornado device and we expect its performance would be the same.


Platinum Gas Saver
The Platinum Gas Saver ($198 for two, free shipping) includes tubing and a plastic reservoir containing liquid. The National Fuelsaver Corporation claims the device is guaranteed to increase fuel mileage by 22 percent, in addition to extending engine life by cleaning out abrasive carbon deposits. This is the same device we tested for our report in February 2001. It connects to a vacuum line leading to the intake manifold. The manufacturer says that the product adds microscopic amounts of platinum to the air and fuel going to the engine, helping your car burn gas more efficiently and cleanly.

In our previous tests, there were no changes in fuel economy after we installed the device in two test vehicles, a Nissan Altima and a Ford Excursion. We followed the manufacturer's instructions for installation and ran our standard acceleration and fuel economy tests with and without the device. The manufacturer says that the device may take from 200 to 1,800 miles before it is fully effective and that for greater success, you may have to advance your engine timing 10 to 12 degrees and/or install new oxygen sensors--those actions alone could improve fuel if they were not set correctly or working properly.

After 500 miles of testing in each vehicle, we save no improvements. We also replaced the oxygen sensors in both vehicles, even though the vehicles were new and the oxygen sensors did not need replacement. Both vehicles use computer-controlled electronic ignition timing designed to meet emission standards and deliver optimum fuel economy and performance, preventing us from advancing the engine timing.

In more than 1,800 miles of driving, our tests showed no overall mileage improvements. In addition to the cost of the Platinum Gas Saver, consumers would have to pay for the oxygen sensors in each vehicle--about $140 for our vehicles--plus a labor charge for the work.

The bottom line: The best way to get the best mileage from a tank of gas is to follow the vehicle manufacturer's service schedule and fine-tune your driving habits. To learn more about saving fuel, see "Get the most mileage for your fuel dollars."