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2007 AUTOS: Some top-rated models from Consumer Reports.
2007 MODEL CARS: Manufacturers have come up with some new subcompacts that are fun to drive and get great gas mileage.
2007 MODELS: Toyota is out with its biggest truck ever, Volvo introduces a new safety feature, and Lexus unveils a car that can parallel park itself!
2007 MODEL SUVS: Smaller SUVs are what people want and manufacturers have delivered some super new models.
AUTO REBATES & FINANCING: Manufacturers are offering large rebates and low financing rates, but don't rely on the dealership to tell you about all of the incentives available.
AUTO REPAIR: Know your rights! Washington State law has several important provisions designed to make sure your get what you pay for when you take your car to the repair shop.
AUTO REPAIR SHOP: A new survey finds that 25% of repair shop customers are not happy with the work done. Here's how to find a good place.
AUTO SAFETY: When it comes to surviving real-world crashes, size does matter, but a new study shows that SUVs still have a high risk for fatalities because of rollover accidents.
BEST CARS: The Honda Accord hybrid was chosen the best Family Sedan. Find out the rest of the Consumer Reports' Top Picks.
BEST SUVs: Here are the Top Picks from the editors of Consumer Reports for small, mid-size, full-size and luxury sport utility vehicles.
BUMPER CRASH TESTS: Large repair bills result from low-speed crashes.
CAR COSTS: The latest AAA survey shows just how much it costs to own and operate your vehicle.
CARFAX REPORT: These reports don't always have the information you need. That's what they do not replace that all important inspection by a mechanic.
CAR MAINTENANCE: The experts say service intervals recommended by car dealers are often vastly different from what's actually needed.
CAR-RELIABILITY: Consumer Reports 2007 reliability report show 3 Japanese automakers on top.
CAR SEATS: Infant car seats are effective in real world crashes.
CAR SHOPPING: Tips for getting the best deal when buying a new car.
COLLISION REPAIR: How to find a good auto body shop.
CONVERTIBLE SAFETY: For the first time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests topless models.
CROSSOVER VEHICLES: SUVs are on the way out, being replaced by crossover vehicles built on car platforms.
DIESEL FUEL: New ultra-low sulfur diesel is on the way and it must be used for 2007 model cars.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL: This new safety technology can reduce the risk of a fatal single vehicle crash by more than 50% and reduce the risk of a rollover by 80%
EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS FOR NEW CAR BUYERS: GM, Chrysler and Ford are offering to sell you some vehicles for the same price their employees pay. Is that really a good deal?
FLOOD DAMAGED CARS: Vehicles that should have been junked following Hurricane Katrina are now on the market. They are dangerous and literally rotting away from the inside.
GAS MILEAGE: EPA estimates take a plunge on 2008 models
GAS MILEAGE: Some simple things can help you squeeze more miles out of every gallon.
GASOLINE-REBATE CARDS: They're a simple way to reduce the pain at the pump, but is a gas-rebate card for you?
GAS-SAVING DEVICES: Tests show these gadgets and additives are worthless and cannot live up to their money-saving claims.
GAS SAVING TIPS: How to get the most from every gallon of gasoline.
GAS SAVING TIPS: Keeping your tires properly inflated can boost your gas mileage from 2 to 3 percent and make it a safer ride.
HEAD RESTRAINTS: Many perform poorly in crash tests.
HEAD RESTRAINTS: Several vehicles do poorly in rear crash test.
HYBRIDS: These fuel-efficient vehicles get more miles per gallon and pollute less, but will they save you money in the long run?
LEMON LAW: Washington state's motor vehicle Lemon Law is designed to protect owners of vehicles that need repeated repairs during the first few years on the road.
LUXURY CAR SAFETY: Insurance industry crash tests show BMW performs worst in side-impacts.
MAZDA3: Consumer Reports picks the sporty new Mazda3 as its top-rated small car, replacing the Ford Focus.
MILEAGE RATINGS: The EPA is out with its new fuel-economy figures using new, real-world tests. Hybrid vehicles take a big hit.
MINIVANS: They sure have come a long way in the last few years. Some are now luxury vehicles with lots of features. Find out which models rate the highest with Consumer Reports.
MOTORCYCLE HELMETS: Novelty helmets will not protect your head in an accident.
NITROGEN: Does filling tires with nitrogen actually help?
ODOMETER LAWSUIT: Mileage meters on some Hondas and Acuras were rolling up the miles too quickly.
OIL CHANGE: How often do you really need to change the oil in your car? You may be able to go longer than you think.
RESALE VALUE: Expensive options don't always mean increased resale value, and customizations can actually lower the value.
SAFE CARS: A new study ranks cars with the highest and lowest death rates in real crashes.
SATURN OUTLOOK: New GM SUV ranks among all-time best
SIDE AIR BAGS: A study of real life crashes proves that these bags are life savers.
SMALL SUVs: If you like the style of an SUV but don't want a gas guzzler, a smaller model can be a great choice.
SMALL SUVs: The Toyota RAV4 tops Consumer Reports latest list of small sport-utes.
SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES: If you like the style of an SUV but don't want a gas guzzler, consider a smaller sport utility vehicle.
SUV ROLLOVER RATINGS: A new government reports finds that 2006 model SUVs are less likely than earlier models to rollover.
TIRES: Do you want all-season treads or winter tires? And do studs really do anything to help your vehicle stop better in the winter? Consumer Reports put dozens of tires to the test.
TIRES: Most of us wait too long to replace our old tires.
TIRES: Some automakers are now telling customers that tires degrade as they age and that they should be replaced after six years, regardless of wear.
TIRE SIPING: This process, offered by many tire stores, cuts thousand of little edges into the tire tread before mounting. It's supposed to increased traction and extend tread life. Find out why some say it's a bad idea.
UNDER THE HOOD CHECK-UP: Here are some things you should do before heading out on that long summer road trip.
USED CARS: A mechanic's inspection can keep you from buying a vehicle that's been wrecked.
USED CARS: What does it really mean when the dealer puts a "certified pre-owned" sticker on a used vehicle?
VEHICLE DONATIONS: The amount you're able to deduct for donating a vehicle to a charity will change on January 1st.
AIR CLEANERS: Consumer Reports found that most of the ionizing air cleaners it tested do a poor job of trapping dust, pollen and smoke, and they give off ozone pollution.
AIR PURIFIERS: Which ones work the best?
APPLIANCES: You don't have to spend a lot to get good home appliances.
APPLIANCE SHOPPING: A survey by Consumer Reports finds that "big stores aren't necessarily the best," when it comes to price, service, and selection.
APPLIANCE SHOPPING: You need to do more than compare prices before buying a big-ticket item, such as a washer or dryer. You need to find out which brands are reliable and less likely to need costly repairs in the future.
AUTO INSURANCE: A little shopping around can yield big savings.
BARBECUE GRILLS: Consumer Reports magazine rates this year's new crop of gas grills.
BARBECUE GRILLS: Top-rated models from Consumer Reports, plus helpful BBQ tips.
BBQ GRILLS: These top-rated gas grills from Consumer Reports will give you top performance at a reasonable price.
BLENDERS: Good Housekeeping found a few models that will handle all your chopping, dicing and grinding needs.
BLOCKBUSTER SETTLEMENT: The #1 video rental chain in the country agrees to give refunds to customers who say they were misled by the company's "no late fee" promotion.
BOATS: Thinking about buying a boat? Remember that there will be sizeable ongoing expenses after you make the initial purchase.
BUG REPELLENTS: Here are the top-rated products and how to use them properly.
CELEBRITY COOKWARE: Is it worth the money?
COFFEEMAKERS: Good Housekeeping says these 5 models are tops.
COMPARISON SHOP: A number of web sites now help you find sales at local brick and mortar stores, from clothing and electronics to groceries.
COMPARISON SHOPPING: Consumer web sites can be a huge help in determining whether that sale price in the store is really a good deal or not.
COUPONS: Whether you're buying online or going to the store, chances are some money saving coupons are just a few clicks away. Here are a few online coupon sites you might want to check out.
DISHWASHER DETERGENTS: Consumer Reports says those with enzymes do a much better job of getting the gunk off. Find out which brands rated the highest.
DRUG PRICES: A recent study finds that buying from Canada isn't always cheaper.
ELECTRONICS: Consumer Reports names the best places to shop.
ELECTRONIC STORES: With so many stores selling consumer electronics, deciding where to shop depends on what you want - price, service or selection? See the results of Consumer Reports latest survey.
ELECTRONICS STORES: Consumer Reports asked readers where they liked to shop. Some big name retailers got mediocre grades, while a few online retailers won high praise.
EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACTS: Consumer experts say in most cases they're not worth the money. Find out when it makes sense to buy this "extra" protection.
EXTENDED WARRANTIES: The salesperson will push this "extra protection" but is it worth the money?
EXTENDED WARRANTIES: For certain big-ticket items, purchasing an extended warranty can save you money in the long-run.
FIREWOOD: Plan to heat with wood this year? Don't get burned by a seller who doesn't play by the rules.
FREE OFFERS: Say yes to "free" samples and you could be obligating yourself to make additional purchases.
FRESH FLOWERS: Treat them properly and fresh cut flowers will last a few days longer.
GAS BBQ GRILLS: When comparing grills, look for a few important features that will improve performance. Also, top-rated models from Consumer Reports.
GIFT CARDS: They are not all the same; some have all sorts of fees. Find out the difference between retail gift cards and bank gift cards.
GIFT CARDS: They are not all the same. Some have stiff fees and expire.
GIFT CARDS: They're not all the same. You need to know the differences.
GIFT CARDS: What happens if that card is lost or stolen?
GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS: The enviro-friendly claims are not always true.
GREENER CHOICES: This new site has information for those who want to buy green products and use the products they have in a more environmentally-friendly way.
HDTV BUYING TIPS: How to get a hi-def set that's right for you.
HEALTH CLUBS: How to find the gym or fitness center that is right for you.
HEALTH CLUBS: Joining a club is not an impulse purchase; here's how to do your homework.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Hi-tech LED lights use less electricity, don't heat up as much as regular bulbs, and are much less likely to break.
HOUSE CLEANERS: Will you be happier with an individual or a cleaning service?
LAUNDRY DETERGENTS: Consumer Reports put the top-selling brands to the test and found that Tide is the washday winner, but a few other brands will get your clothes just as clean for a lot less money.
LAWN CARE SERVICES: A new customer satisfaction survey shows independent companies beat out the big national firm. Find out which ones rated the best.
LAWN MOWERS: Here are some important features you should look for in a new mower.
LEAF BLOWERS: Tests by Consumer Reports show some electric models out-perform their gasoline-powered counterparts.
LIGHT BULBS: An Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent bulb lasts up to 10 times as long as the standard incandescent bulb, saving you energy and money.
MATTRESS SHOPPING: When it comes to buying a new mattress, the best bed is the one that's most comfortable to you. Find out how to buy a mattress from the experts at Consumer Reports.
MOSQUITO REPELLENTS: Don’t get bitten by useless products that claim to offer protection. Find out what really work!
NURSERIES: A survey shows national chains are the place to shop for plants if you're looking to save money. But for the best advice and plant quality, you're probably better off at an independent nursery. Find out which local nurseries top the consumer satisfaction list.
OUTLET STORES: Consumer Reports conducts a massive project to find out whether you really get good deals and quality merchandise at outlet malls.
PACKAGE DELIVERY SERVICES: Find out which of the big-name carriers rated the best with customers in seven cities, including Seattle.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: Where to find the best prices.
PROMOTION CODES: How to find money-saving coupons and promotion codes for online shopping.
REBATES: To get your money back you'll need to follow the rules to the letter.
RECYCLED PRODUCTS: You can find some neat products sold by companies in King County that are made from recycled materials.
RED LIGHT CAMERA BLOCKERS: They claim they can make your license plate "invisible" to automated police cameras that nab speeders and red light runners. We put them to the test.
RELIABLE PRODUCTS: Consumer Reports has determined the most and least reliable products based on information from nearly a million readers.
RETURN POLICY: Before you buy anything - online or off - check the return policy.
RETURNS & EXCHANGES: Many stores now have stricter return policies, especially for electronic items.
SHOES: Tips on how and where to shop for shoes online.
SPACE HEATERS: Why heat a large area when you only need to warm a small space? Here are some top-rated new models from Good Housekeeping magazine.
STORE BRANDS vs. NAME BRANDS: Consumer Reports put them to the test to find out if shoppers are sacrificing quality or taste in order to save money.
SUPERMARKET SHOPPING: Find out how to spend less when you go to the grocery store.
SUPERMARKET SHOPPING: Tips to help you slash that rising grocery bill.
TOY TEST #1: The top-rated toys in the educational category.
TOY TEST # 2: The top-rated toys for under $25.
VACUUM CLEANERS: Clean your carpet without breaking the bank—top-rated cleaning machines from Good Housekeeping.
VACUUM CLEANERS: Most uprights do a better job of cleaning, but not all. The latest tests by Consumer Reports found one new canister model that out-cleans the best uprights.
VIDEO GAME RATINGS: There's a new ratings category for software deemed appropriate for kids age 10 & up. Find out about the E-10+ and exactly how it differs from the E rating.
WASHERS/DRYERS: Do you really need to buy a matching washer and dryer set? Not if you want to get the best deal.
WASHING MACHINE: New energy efficiency standards are hurting the cleaning-power of top-loaders.
CREDIT CARD: Can a merchant make you spend a certain amount to charge your purchase?
CREDIT CARD: Writing "See ID" on the back of your card is not a substitute for signing it.
CREDIT CARD BILLS: Late payments could cost you a bundle.
CREDIT CARD FRAUD: There's no way to guarantee that someone won't manage to steal your card number, but you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
CREDIT CARD MINIMUM PAYMENTS: The change, designed to be helpful in the long-run, will be painful to some in the short-term.
CREDIT CARD OFFERS: Beware of these bogus offers to get a “guaranteed” credit card with no credit check.
CREDIT CARD OFFERS: Con artists "guarantee" to get you a Visa or MasterCard if you give them your checking account number and pay an upfront fee. Don't do it!
CREDIT CARD OFFERS: From teaser rates to grace periods, if you don't read the details you could be signing up for a bad deal.
CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS: Making a single late payment on a credit card can instantly affect interest rates on your other cards and spoil your credit rating.
CREDIT CARD RATES: Thanks to what's called the 'universal default' penalty, many banks will jack up your credit card rate if you have any sort of financial problem in your life.
CREDIT CARDS: No late fees These new "no penalty" cards from Citibank and American Express sound really good, but there's a catch - make a few late payments and your interest rate could skyrocket.
CREDIT CARDS: The cost of having a credit card keeps going higher.
CREDIT CARDS & COLLEGE: Some students can get into serious financial trouble when they pay with plastic.
CREDIT CARDS & SPENDING: Many people tend to spend more when they use credit cards instead of cash, so be aware of just how much you're putting on plastic.
CREDIT CARD SCAM: Thousands of people across the country are being charged $30 to $40 for a CD or DVD they never purchased from a company (Pluto Data) they never heard of or dealt with.
CREDIT CARDS - UNIVERSAL DEFAULT: This provision in many credit card agreements could make your interest rate skyrocket if your credit score drops for any reason.
CREDIT QUESTIONS: Find out about rate changes, rewards cards, balances and more.
CREDIT SCORES: New regulations in Washington State require insurance companies to give you detailed information if coverage was denied or premiums were raised because of your credit history.
CREDIT SCORING: The major credit reporting agencies have created new scoring system they say will simplify the loan process.
FRAUD ALERT: A recent test finds the system credit bureaus use from putting a fraud alert on your credit file is flawed.
FREE CREDIT REPORTS: Be sure to use the official site to request your yearly free credit report or you could log on to an imposter site that wants to sell you your free report or steal your personal information.
FREE CREDIT REPORTS: Regularly reviewing your credit reports is a good way to help protect yourself from identity theft.
FREE CREDIT REPORTS: So, you just got a free copy of your credit report. Now what do you do?
FREE CREDIT REPORTS: They're an important way to spot identity theft, but a new survey finds many people don't bother to get their annual free credit report.
