Contents

CONSUMER REPORTS CARS: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE is a comprehensive treasure trove of information and advice for anyone interested in cars, as buyer, seller, or just plain driver. Click on one of the five buttons on the left side of your screen to find the information that interests you: How To Buy a new or used car, detailed information about The Cars, automotive Safety Information, tips and products for Car Care, and a view Inside Consumer Reports.

 Audio help at the lower left of the screen gives you instructions about how to move around within each section and use its features. Click on Explore for a menu of available topics in each section. Utilities are available from all sections. Symbols for pictures [image], movies [image], and tables [image] appear throughout the text. Click once on the icon to see more.

If you want to know what a button will do, rest your cursor on it for a few seconds and an explanation will appear on the screen. If you need more help, click on Utility and select Help, or press F1.

For help on how to use the special interactive features of this product, click on "How To...."  below, and choose a feature. For help on the different screens, or to read about how to move from one screen to another, click on "Getting Around"  and choose a screen or button about which you wish to read. Use the search button above to get help on a specific topic. To return to
CONSUMER REPORTS CARS from this help screen at any time, choose Exit from the file menu above, or click close (X) at the top right of this screen. To get more information on Windows Help, press F1.

How To...	Getting Around


How To...

Get the Best Deal

Find Out Which Optional Equipment is Worth Buying

Decide If You Should Buy or Lease

Use the Lease/Loan Calculator

Find a Car that Fits Your Needs

Find Out Which Cars Perform Best

Find Out Which Cars Are Most Reliable

Learn More About a Particular Car

Determine Fuel Costs

Learn About Car Safety

Search For a Recall Notice

Maintain Your Car

Keep Records

Learn More About Consumer Reports

Set Preferences

Create and Use an Active Search List

Search

Print


Getting Around

How To Buy

The Cars

Safety Information

Car Care

Inside CR

 Personal Car Selector

 Calculator

 Record Keeper

Utility Button

Explore

Arrow Buttons

Search


best deal;dealer;lemon;used car;
Get the Best Deal

To find out how to get the best deal:

•	Click on the How To Buy button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button and choose an article under Dealing With the Dealer.

Knowing how to play the negotiation game helps you get a better price, and avoid unwanted extras. In the Dealing With the Dealer section, we'll show you how the game is played. You'll also have an opportunity to Test Your Skills against our interactive car dealer. And if you're in the market for a used car, click on How To Buy a Used Car for advice. Read If You Get a Lemon to find out what you can do about a sour deal.


Find Out Which Optional Equipment is Worth Buying

To find out about optional equipment:

•	Click on the How To Buy button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button to find valuable information about optional equipment.

Some extra-cost options, like antilock brakes, are worth the added expense. Others, like dealer-installed rustproofing, aren't. Click on Which Options? to find our lists of recommended options and options to avoid. You can also find advice on How To Buy Auto Sound, Phones on the Road, and Auto Security Devices.


Determine If You Should Buy or Lease
Decide If You Should Buy or Lease

To weigh the pros and cons of financing and leasing:

•	Click on the How To Buy button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button to access articles in the Paying for the Car section.

Dealers are heavily promoting leasing, but there are pitfalls in the fine print. Should You Lease? gives the plusses and minuses of both ways to acquire a new car. Our Lease/Loan Calculator will help you evaluate and compare several financing and leasing alternatives. The Cost of Ownership reminds you of other costs to consider.


Calculate the Total Cost of a Car Lease or Loan
Use the Lease/Loan Calculator

To use the Lease/Loan Calculator:

•	Click on Utility and choose Calculator.

or,

•	Click on The Cars button at the left of the screen.

•	Click on [image] at the bottom right of the screen.

The Lease/Loan Calculator calculates the total cost of a lease or loan from figures you provide. Use the button at the top of the screen to determine whether you want to compare 2 leases, 2 loans, or a lease and a loan. Fill in the terms of the lease or loan you're considering. Use the mouse or the tab key to move the cursor to fill in each required value.

Remember to factor into your calculations that at the end of a loan, you own a valuable asset.

Note: Click on [image] Audio help at the top left of the page for an explanation of the lease/loan calculator.

See also Determine Fuel Costs.


Find a Car that Fits Your Needs

For background on the range of cars available:

•	Click on the How To Buy button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button and choose the following articles.

Who Makes the Cars? provides an overview of the auto manufacturers, and will help you learn which cars seem to be different, but are really the same. Our advice on Finding a Car can help you get started. For a tour of the different types of vehicles available, read Car Types Explained.

When you're ready to choose the cars that are best for you, use the Personal Car Selector.


Find Out Which Cars Perform Best

To view New Car Test Ratings:

•	Click on The Cars button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore Button to choose the category of vehicles that interests you under New Car Test Ratings.

CONSUMER REPORTS' automotive engineers drive every car we report on, both in carefully controlled test-track maneuvers and in real-world driving, over thousands of road and highway miles. The results of all that testing form the basis of our New Car Test Ratings, graphs that show how each car or truck scores in CONSUMER REPORTS' tests.

Use the inner arrow keys to page from category to category. Use the outer arrow keys to page to the next Explore menu heading.

See also New Car Reliability Ratings, Best Used Sedans Under $10K.


Find Out Which Cars Are Most Reliable

To view New Car Reliability Ratings:

•	Click on The Cars button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore Button to choose the category of vehicles that interests you under New Car Reliability Ratings.

or,

•	Click on The Cars button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Personal Car Selector or the Vehicles button to view the cars you're interested in.

•	Click on the Details button at the bottom of the screen and select Reliability History.

Every year, CONSUMER REPORTS asks its readers about problems they've had with their cars. The results, representing our subscribers' experiences with hundreds of thousands of cars, form the basis of the New Car Reliability Ratings and detailed Reliability Histories. The Predicted Reliability scores for new cars and Trouble Index scores for used cars summarize these findings.


Learn More About a Particular Car

To Learn More About a Particular Car:

•	Click on The Cars button at the left of the screen.

•	Click on the Vehicles button and use the scroll bar to find models that interest you. Type the first letter of the make and the list will skip to the first model that begins with that letter.

•	Click on Details or use the inner arrow keys to view CONSUMER REPORTS' recommendations, and information on test results, safety, fuel economy, reliability, body styles, prices, equipment availability, and specifications.

Note: For an explanation of the information presented, click on the [image] at the lower right corner of the screen.


Determine Fuel Costs

To use the Fuel Calculator:

•	Click on The Cars button at the left of the screen.

•	Click on the [image] at the lower right of The Cars screen.

or,

•	Click on Utility, then select Calculator.

Once the calculator appears, click on the Fuel button on the right of the screen to switch from the lease/loan calculator to the fuel calculator. In addition to the fuel economy information in the profiles of The Cars, the Fuel Calculator helps you calculate how much fuel you're likely to use for your personal driving patterns and local fuel cost.

Choose a vehicle by clicking on the arrow to the right of the vehicle box and choosing from the pull-down menu. Enter how much city and highway driving you do, local fuel costs, and estimated miles you drive in the appropriate boxes. Use the mouse or the tab key to move the cursor to fill in each required value. Vehicle-specific information will be entered automatically by CONSUMER REPORTS CARS. Fuel costs can be viewed on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis.

Note: Click on [image] Audio help at the top left of the page for an explanation of the fuel calculator.

See also Use the Lease/Loan Calculator


Learn About Car Safety

To learn about car safety:

•	Click on the Safety Info button to the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button to find valuable information about car safety.

To find a car that will improve your chances of staying safe, read Choosing a Safe Car. New Crash Tests gives you a glimpse at some new, more realistic crash tests and their results for several popular sedans. Also look at our advice on Safe Driving Tips, and how to buy Emergency Equipment and Child Safety Seats.


Search For a Recall Notice

To find recent recalls highlighted by CONSUMER REPORTS:

•	Click on [image] at the bottom right of the screen in the Safety Information section.

•	Click on the arrow to the right of the year and make boxes and select a year and make of car from the list.

•	Select the model you're interested in from the Vehicles box on the right side of the screen.

Model, Problem, and What to Do will appear in the boxes below. Click on the box in the top left of the Recall Search screen to go back to your previous location in the Safety Information section. For more information about recalls, click on Explore in the Safety Information section and read Find Recent Recalls.


Maintain Your Car

To find out how to maintain your car:

•	Click on the Car Care button on the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button at the top right of the screen to see a listing of car care articles.

Whether your car is new or has been around the block a few times, our advice on Taking Care of Your Car will help you keep the car running longer. For advice on how to find a reliable, affordable repair shop, go to When You Need Repairs. Read about Secret Warranties to learn more about free repairs you may be entitled to. You can also see videos of How A Car Works, and get CONSUMER REPORTS' unique advice on how to buy Batteries, Tires, Auto Polishes and Waxes, and other car care products.


Keep Records

The Record Keeper is a handy way to keep all of your car information at your fingertips. Here you'll find an easy-to-use notebook for logging fuel records, repairs, maintenance, and business expenses.

To use the Record Keeper:

•	Click on Utility and choose Record Keeper.

or,

•	Click on the [image] on the lower right of the Car Care screen.

then,

•	Choose General at the right of the screen.

•	To start a record for a car, choose New Record at the top right of the screen by clicking on the arrow to the right of the box and choosing from the pull-down menu.

•	To enter or edit information for a car you've already started, select the name of the car from the box at the top right of the screen by clicking on the arrow to the right of the box and choosing it from the list.

•	Use the mouse or the tab key to move the cursor to fill in all required information.

•	Choose Business Expenses, Fuel Records, or Problem & Maint. to fill in detailed expenses and information.

•	To add information, click on New. Use the mouse or the tab key to move the cursor to fill in all required information in the pop-up box.

•	To edit information, click on Edit. Use the mouse or the tab key to move the cursor to edit information in the pop-up box.

•	To delete an entry, highlight the entry using the mouse, then click on Delete.

Note: Click on [image] Audio help at the bottom left of the screen for an explanation of the Record Keeper.


Learn More About Consumer Reports

To learn more about CONSUMER REPORTS:

•	Click on the Inside CR button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore Button to choose articles.

CONSUMER REPORTS has been testing products and informing and protecting consumers for 60 years. The Inside Consumer Reports section tells about the history and mission of Consumers Union, and its range of products and services. We also tell you How We Test Cars and How We Assess Reliability. To see how good you are at spotting advertising scams, play our Advertising Game.


Setting Preferences
Set Preferences

To set Preferences for CONSUMER REPORTS CARS, click on Utility and choose Preferences. Here you will be able to choose:

•	Sound effect On/Off

•	Volume settings.

•	Rollover help On/Off.

Use the mouse to turn preferences on or off. Drag the slider on the volume scale to determine volume level.


Printing

•	To print the article you are reading, click on Utility and choose Print.

•	To print a fact sheet for the car you are Browsing, click on Utility and choose Print.

•	To print records while you are in the Record Keeper,click on Utility and choose Print.


How To Buy

To access the How To Buy section of CONSUMER REPORTS CARS:

•	Click on the How To Buy button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button to view a list of articles.

•	Click on an article title to view the article.

Click on [image] at the bottom left of the screen to hear about the How To Buy section.

The following items are accessible using the Explore button:

Who Makes the Cars? provides an overview of the auto manufacturers, and helps you learn when cars seem to be different, but are really the same.

Choosing the Right Car is a collection of articles containing background information to assist you in choosing the right car, including help on used-car buying, and descriptions of the advantages and disadvantages of various types of cars.

Which Options? describes major safety and convenience options, and helps you sort through the choices to find options that are worth the money.

How to Buy... is a collection of articles containing helpful information on how to buy car stereos, car phones, and auto security devices.

Dealing with the Dealer is a collection of articles that give you valuable tips to help you negotiate with the dealer. You'll learn how to get the best deal and avoid unwanted extras. View the movie of how to negotiate, and then Test Your Skills against our Interactive Car Dealer.

Paying for the Car is a collection of articles explaining how to calculate the full cost of your car. The Cost of Ownership discusses maintenance and repair costs, fuel costs, insurance costs, and other expenses. Should You Lease Instead of Buy? analyzes the plusses and minuses of leasing and financing, and helps you decide if leasing is right for you.

If You Get a Lemon details the steps to take if you find yourself with a lemon, including arbitration and state lemon laws.

Insuring Your Car contains detailed information on insuring your car, including selecting an insurance company, choosing coverage, saving money on premiums, and CONSUMER REPORTS' Ratings of insurance companies.


The Cars

To access The Cars section of CONSUMER REPORTS CARS:

•	Click on The Cars button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button to view a list of articles.

•	Click on an article title to view the article.

Use this section to learn about any particular car, to compare several models, or to select the car that best meets your needs. View recommendations, reliability information, technical specifications, test findings, and prices. Browse through CONSUMER REPORTS' Ratings or Search for a specific car via make, model or year. Click on Explore to see all of the options for this screen.

Note: Browse is the first screen that appears upon entering The Cars section.

Click on:

Audio help at the bottom left of the screen to hear about The Cars section.	Calculator at the bottom right of the screen to use the Calculator.
Personal Car Selector at the bottom right of the screen to use the PCS.	Information at the bottom right of the screen for explanations of CONSUMER REPORTS' information about cars.
The following items are accessible using the Explore button. For more information on each Explore menu item, click on the green highlighted text below.

Browse	New Car Reliability Ratings
Personal Car Selector	Best Used Sedans Under $10K
New Car Test Ratings	Compare


Browse

Looking to learn more about a particular car? Want to compare a few cars you're interested in? Browse 7300 makes, models, body styles, and trim lines of new and used cars, from the 1987 through 1996 model years.

Click on Details, or use the inner arrow keys, to find CONSUMER REPORTS' recommendations, reliability data, and test judgments, along with information on safety, fuel economy, body styles, prices, equipment availability, and specifications. The outer arrow keys switch you from car to car. Click on the Vehicles button to select a car by name. Type the first letter of the make, and the list will skip to the first model that begins with that letter.

Click on the Add button to include models in your own Custom Comparison List. Custom Compare is available using the Explore menu.

Note: Click on [image] for an explanation of CONSUMER REPORTS' information about cars.


use the personal car selector
Personal Car Selector

To use the Personal Car Selector:

•	Click on The Cars button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button to choose the Personal Car Selector.

or,

•	Click on [image] at the bottom right of the screen.

The Personal Car Selector will help you find the cars that are best for you. Set preferences by using the check boxes or the slide bars in any of the three categories: general, size/type, and specifications. To use the slide bars, use the mouse to move the bar to the position that best represents your preference. A check will appear in the check box, signaling that this information will be used to select the cars. If you decide that you do not want this information to be used, remove the check from the check box by clicking on it with the mouse.

A list of all your selections appears in the Profile Features box on the right of the screen. As you select features, the models that meet your needs become the Active Search List, and are shown in the Results List box.

You can create and combine different profiles of features. To save a new profile, click on the New button and type a name for the profile. To see a profile you've created before, click on the arrow next to the Profile box at the upper left, and select the profile by name. To combine two profiles and see which cars match both, select a Secondary profile at the upper right of the screen.

Note: Clicking on Cancel at the right of the screen or Go Back from Utility will NOT save any changes made. To save changes, click on View.

To go to Browse and view more information about a car, double-click on its name in the Results List, or highlight the name and click View. To view other cars from your Results List, click on the Vehicles button and select another car. To return to the Personal Car Selector from Browse, click Go Back from Utility or click on [image] at the bottom right of the screen.

Note: Click on [image] Audio help at the upper right of the screen for an explanation of the Personal Car Selector.


New Car Test Ratings

The New Car Test Ratings rank the new models based on how recent versions of those cars performed in CONSUMER REPORTS' tests. Scores are based on performance, comfort, convenience, fuel economy, and safety equipment. Click on a category of vehicles in the Explore menu to access the New Car Test Ratings.

To view more information about a car, click on its name.


New Car Reliability Ratings

Every year, CONSUMER REPORTS asks its readers about problems they've had with their cars. The results, representing our subscribers' experiences with hundreds of thousands of cars, form the basis of the New Car Reliability Ratings, which summarize how reliable recent versions of each car have been. Click on a category of vehicles in the Explore menu to access the New Car Reliability Ratings.

To view more information about a car, click on its name.


Best Sedans Under $10K
Best Used Sedans Under $10K

In our view, these cars (listed alphabetically) are the cream of low-priced, late-model used cars. All have performed well in our tests; according to our survey, they have been among the most reliable sedans. Many older versions of these cars have also been reliable.

To view more information about a car, click on its name.


Compare

Use the Compare screen to compare vehicles according to the features that interest you most. To include a vehicle on your compare list, click the Add button at the lower right of The Cars screen. To delete a vehicle, click Delete.

To see a table comparing the vehicles you've selected, click on Explore, then choose Compare. The table initially displays several features. To customize the features displayed, click on the Features button. In the Features Box, the Reset button clears all selected features. To add or delete cars, click on Vehicles. In the Vehicles Box, the Reset button clears all selected vehicles. Select Active Search List to compare vehicles that match your profile from the Personal Car Selector.

Note: Click on [image] Audio help at the bottom left of the page for an explanation of the Compare screen.


Safety Information

To access the Safety Information section of CONSUMER REPORTS CARS:

•	Click on the Safety Info button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button to view a list of articles.

•	Click on an article title to view the article.

Click on:

at the bottom left of the screen to hear about the Safety Information section.	at the bottom right to go to the Recall Search screen.
The following items are accessible using the Explore button:

Safe Driving Tips provides vital information on safe driving.

Choosing a Safe Car gives an overview of auto safety, including a description of government crash tests and recommendations on important safety features.

New Crash Tests describes a new program of offset-frontal crashes being conducted by an insurance industry group. Recent results for several popular sedans are given.

How to Buy... provides CONSUMER REPORTS' advice on how to buy Child Safety Seats and Emergency Equipment.

Recalls is a collection of articles that tells you how to find out about recent recalls, including a database of recent recalls highlighted by CONSUMER REPORTS.

See Also: Recall Search

Minivan Door Latch Alert describes an ongoing problem with the rear-liftgate latches of Chrysler minivans.


Car Care

To access the Car Care section of CONSUMER REPORTS CARS:

•	Click on the Car Care button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button to view a list of articles.

•	Click on an article title to view the article.

Click on:

at the bottom left of the screen to hear about the Car Care section.	at the bottom right of the screen to go to the Record Keeper.
The following items are accessible using the Explore button:

Taking Care of Your Car gives advice on how to keep your car on the road longer, complete with maintenance schedules and driving tips.

When You Need Repairs explains how to find a reliable, affordable repair shop.

How a Car Works is a series of videos that give you a glimpse at some of the major components of your car.

Secret Warranties explains how car manufacturers often decide to repair defects free of charge, even in the absence of a recall. This article reveals how to learn if your car is eligible for such service.

Stronger Bumpers? describes changes to Federal standards for bumper effectiveness, and how some manufacturers have weakened their bumpers, sometimes exposing owners to costly repairs.

How to Buy... provides CONSUMER REPORTS' advice on how to buy Batteries, Battery Chargers, Battery Jumper Cables, Tires, Tire Pressure Gauges, Jacks, Stands, & Ramps, and Auto Polishes & Waxes.

How to Read a Battery explains the codes battery manufacturers use to indicate the date of manufacture, so you can be sure to get a fresh battery.

How to Read a Tire explains the codes tire manufacturers print on the sidewalls of tires.


Inside Consumer Reports

To access the Inside Consumer Reports section of CONSUMER REPORTS CARS:

•	Click on the Inside CR button at the left of the screen.

•	Use the Explore button to view a list of articles.

•	Click on an article title to view the article.

To learn more about how CONSUMER REPORTS tests, how we do our work, and the other products and services we offer, or to play our Advertising Game, go to the Inside Consumer Reports section.

Click on:

 at the bottom left of the screen to hear about the Inside Consumer Reports section.

The following items are accessible using the Explore button.

Inside Consumer Reports describes how CONSUMER REPORTS buys, tests, and evaluates products. It also describes all of Consumers Union's products and services, with information about how to order them.

How We Test Cars describes CONSUMER REPORTS' auto testing program.

Tests Protect You describes an important hazard uncovered in our auto testing program. CONSUMER REPORTS' tests not only save you money, but they protect you from potential safety hazards as well.

How We Assess Reliability details CONSUMER REPORTS' Annual Questionnaire and how it is used to generate reliability ratings for automobiles.

Test, Inform, Protect: Protecting Consumers Since 1936 gives an overview of the history of CONSUMER REPORTS.

The Advertising Game presents examples of questionable advertising practices and misleading claims. Click on each [image] to view the advertisements.


Utility Button

The Utility button is available at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. To select items using the Utility button:

•	Move the mouse over the Utility button at the bottom right of the screen.

•	Click once to see the menu.

•	Click on your selection with the mouse.

The following features are available using the Utility button. For more information on each Utility button item, click on the green highlighted text below.

Record Keeper

Calculator can be used to Calculate the Total Cost of a Car Lease or Loan or to Determine Fuel Costs.

Go Back allows you to retrace your steps. Each time you click on Go Back it will take you back one step.

Search

Glossary

Help

Preferences

Credits

Print

Quit will shut down CONSUMER REPORTS CARS on your computer.


Create and Use an Active Search List

To create an Active Search List:

•	Go to the Personal Car Selector and create a profile.

The cars that appear in the Results List will become the Active Search List when saved. To save your profile, click on View.

The Active Search List will be useful in the Compare section when using the Vehicles feature. Click on Active Search List to compare features of cars that fit your profile. In Browse, click on the Vehicles button to browse cars on the Active Search List. Clicking on Reset will display the full list of cars included in CONSUMER REPORTS CARS.

Note: An Active Search List will only be created after saving a profile in the Personal Car Selector


Search

Search allows you to search for a specific car or a specific topic. Select Articles to search all of the articles. Select Auto Database to search for a particular car. Enter the subject or name you want to find in the Find box. To search for several items simultaneously, enter the items separated by a space. Go to the topic that interests you by double-clicking on the title when it appears in the results list.

Note: Click on [image] Audio help at the top right of the search box for an explanation of Search.


Glossary

The Glossary provides definitions of auto-related terms. Use the scroll bar on the right of the Terms box to find a particular term. Or type the first letter of the term, and the Glossary will skip to the first term that begins with that letter. If a term appears in blue anywhere in CONSUMER REPORTS CARS, you can click on the term to get its definition directly from the Glossary.


Explore Button

The Explore button, located in the top right corner of the screen, allows you to access articles and functions associated with each screen. The contents change according to the screen you are viewing. The Explore button does not appear in the Personal Car Selector, Calculator or Record Keeper screens.

To select items with the Explore button:

•	Move the mouse over the Explore button at the top right of the screen.

•	Click once to see the menu.

•	Click on your selection with the mouse.

See Also: How To Buy, The Cars, Safety Information, Car Care, Inside Consumer Reports.


Arrow Buttons

Arrow buttons are located at the center bottom of the screen.

When reading articles:

•	The small yellow buttons allow you to turn pages within an article.

•	The large gray buttons allow you to jump from one article to the next.

When Browsing in The Cars section:

•	The small yellow buttons move you through various information about the particular car you are browsing. The screens include overall judgment, test results, reliability, cost, and other vital information.

Note: This information is also available using the Details button located between the arrows on the Browse screen.

•	The large gray buttons switch from car to car.