Illustrated Guide for Car Buyers and Owners

Used Car Reviews

Looking for a used car?

Our used car reviews include problems and fixes, pros and cons, engine overview, fuel economy, model years to avoid and tips on what to look for when inspecting a used car

NEW: Honda Civic 2012-2015
Reliable fuel-efficient engine, good handling
NEW: Mazda 3 2014-2018
Sporty handling and exceptional fuel economy
NEW: Toyota Corolla 2014-2018
Engine, CVT, fuel economy, problems.
Mazda 6 2014-2017
Fuel efficient and sporty Mazda 6 is a front-wheel drive family sedan
Volkswagen GTI 2010-2014
This European hot hatch is a blast to drive!
Acura TL 2004-2008
With the strong V6 and upscale interior, Acura TL is one of the best sporty sedans on the market
Chevrolet Sonic 2012-2016
Built in the US Sonic boasts top safety ratings and agile handling
Dodge Dart 2013-2016
The Dart is wider and heavier than other compacts. Safety ratings are among the best.
Honda Accord 2008-2012
Honda Accord is one of the best family sedans on the market.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2008-2013
The sharp-looking Lancer stands out among the compacts
Hyundai Elantra sedan 2011-2015
The stylish Elantra is a strong competitor among compact cars
Nissan Altima 2007-2012
Popular family car with bold styling, sporty handling and firm ride
Toyota Camry 2012-2014
The best-selling family sedan offers unbeatable reliability and comfort
BMW 3-series 2006-2011
The Ultimate Driving Machine: lineup, engines, common problems

Reviews of popular SUVs

Popularity of SUVs and crossovers is growing, giving used car buyers plenty of choices. Read about problems, years to avoid, fuel economy and info on engines and AWD systems.

NEW: Ford Edge 2007-2014
The Edge is a sporty 5-seater crossover
NEW: Acura MDX 2007-2013
Acura MDX is a luxury mid-size SUV with three rows of seats.
NEW: Honda Pilot 2009-2015
Honda Pilot is a V6-powered mid-size 8-seater SUV.
NEW: Toyota Venza 2009-2015
Toyota Venza is a stylish roomy and versatile 5-seater.
NEW: Ford Escape 2013-2018
Ford Escape is one of the leaders in sales in the small SUV segment.
NEW: Nissan Murano 2009-2014
The second-gen Murano is a stylish V6-powered 5-seater.
Honda CR-V 2012-2016
The CR-V is a best selling 5-seater and versatile practical SUV.
Toyota RAV4 2013-2018
The RAV4 is a fuel-efficient, practical and reliable compact SUV.
Jeep Cherokee 2014-2017
The Cherokee offers an optional unique 4WD system with low range.
Nissan Rogue 2014-2017
The Rogue is one of the top contenders among compact SUVs.
Jeep Patriot 2007-2017
It's a Jeep thing. The Patriot is one of the most affordable compact SUVs
Honda Odyssey 2005-2010
Honda best-selling minivan seats 7 or 8 depending on the model.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2009-2017
"Tiguan" means half tiger half iguana. Volkswagen compact SUV explained.
Nissan Murano 2003-2007
Stylish 'Urban SUV' with sporty handling
Ford Escape 2008-2012
The Escape is one of the few small SUVs that still looks like a truck
Toyota RAV4 2006-2012
Toyota compact SUV offers a practical interior, decent cargo space and agile handling.
Honda CR-V 2007-2011
The name CR-V stands for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, which describes this car perfectly.
Mazda CX-5 2013-2016
The CX-5 offers unmatched fuel economy, sporty handling and practical interior
Subaru Outback 2010-2014
Pick a spot on the map and go! The Outback will take you
Nissan Rogue 2008-2013
The Rogue comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT)

How different car parts and sensors work

Check out our car maintenance checklist with photos, learn how to troubleshoot why a car won't start. Read what can cause your Check Engine light to come on and what the Check Engine trouble codes mean. Read how a starting and other systems work in a car. Learn how different car parts work how they are tested and what are the common problems.

Why Check Engine light comes on
Repair options, common problems, Check Engine light diagnostic codes
Easy car maintenance checklist
How to check your oil, air filter, tire pressure , battery and top up fluids
Why a car won't start
Troubleshooting tips, how to check the battery, what can cause a car not to start
No-start issues with push button start
Tips on troubleshooting the push-button start
Starting system, Starter motor
Learn how the starter motor and the vehicle starting system works
Car dictionary: automotive parts explained
How different car parts and components work.
Engine thermostat and cooling system
How a cooling system works.
How to maintain your engine
Is there a warning light for low oil? Do oil additives really help?

What to look for in a used car

Guides for used car buyers

By opting for a pre-owned vehicle, you can save you a lot of money, but there are many things you should be aware when it comes to buying a used car. What cars to look for? What mileage is OK for a used car? What cars to avoid? Should you buy or avoid cars with a turbocharger? Read a few tips on how to inspect a used car and spot signs of potential problems.

What you should know when buying a used car
What mileage is too high, cars to avoid
Is it OK to buy a used car that was a rental?
Ex-rental cars are cheaper, but there is a lot to watch out for.
What mileage is OK for a used car?
Should used car buyers look only for low-mileage cars?
How to inspect a used car
Guide with photos of what to look for when checking a used car
How to spot engine problems
You don't need to be a mechanic to spot some of the potential problems
Best 4-cylinder SUVs
An SUV doesn't have to be a gas guzzler. Check out our list
Used SUVs with 3-rd row seating: our pick
Should you buy or avoid a car with a turbo engine?
Pros and cons
Pros and cons of buying a car with Direct Injection?
Are direct-injected cars reliable?
Should you buy a car with a CVT?
Is it a good idea to buy a used car with a CVT?