Illustrated Guide for Car Buyers and Owners

NEW: How to prepare your car for winter

Winter driving is very demanding and things like bad tires, worn out wipers or inoperative rear window defogger can compromise your safety. Winter is also harsh on your car and the first freezing morning of the year will expose its hidden problems. Will the battery have enough capacity? Will the heating system work well? Read: How to prepare your car for winter?

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When we review cars, we not only see how they drive and test features, we look deeper. We check mechanical components, research the engines, common problems and in some cases even speak to mechanics that work on these cars.

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
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!
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.
Toyota Camry 2012-2014
The best-selling family sedan offers unbeatable reliability and comfort

More used car reviews »

Used SUV Reviews

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: 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.
Honda CR-V 2012-2016
The CR-V is a bestselling 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.

More used SUV reviews »

Guides for car owmers

Guides for Car Owners

You depend on your car to get where you are going and your car depends on you. It starts and runs every day thanks to your efforts to maintain it. It's not too difficult to keep your car in good shape. Read 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 Check Engine trouble codes mean. Read how to wax your car and touch up stone chips.

Why Check Engine light comes on
Repair options, common problems, Check Engine light diagnostic codes
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
How to prepare your car for winter
Winter is harsh on your car; it must be prepared.
How to maintain your engine
Is there a warning light for low oil? Do oil additives really help?
Easy car maintenance checklist
How to check your oil, air filter, tire pressure, battery and top up fluids
How to prepare a car for a long trip?
A long trip is a serious exam for your car. How to prepare it?
How to clean a car interior
How to clean leather, upholstery, seats, carpet and plastic panels
Car body care tips
How to wash and wax the car and touch up the paint chips

Used car buying guide

Guides for used car buyers

Having a car means freedom because you can drive anywhere you want. Buying a used car means financial freedom, because it's cheaper and you can pay it off sooner. You can have a nice set of wheels and no monthly car payments to worry about. The key is to find a car that has a great reputation for reliability and check it carefully. You want a car that is in good mechanical condition. How much money do you need to buy a used car?

What you should know when buying a used car
How to choose a good reliable car that will hold its value?
How much does it cost to buy a used car?
How much money do you need to buy a good used car?
How do I get the best deal on a used car?
What is the "best deal" for a used car? What to look for?
Buying 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
Should you buy or avoid a car with a turbo engine?
Pros and cons