As requested, Car Reviews, here's your monthly update from ConsumerReports.org, your go-to place for information on and reviews and Ratings of the products and services you use every day. | |
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 |  | Cars: Best and worst cars of 2012; real-world ownership costs; ways to make your car last 200,000 miles  |
 |  | Some 2012 models pushed ahead of the pack, including the Audi A6, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Prius V. Others aren't so buzzworthy, with the Scion iQ, Toyota Yaris, and Volvo XC90 among those bringing up the rear. See our best and worst list for a complete look at our test findings. The cost of owning a car goes well beyond the purchase price. Here are some ways you can save thousands of dollars over your car's lifetime. Want to make your car last for 200,000 miles and beyond? Our report will show you how and tell you which cars can go the distance. |
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 |  | Home: Generators that won't fail in an emergency; money-saving energy advice  |
 |  | In the height of hurricane season, memories of hurricanes past and the unpowered, unpleasant days and nights that follow loom large for millions. A generator can help you get through the aftermath of that kind of natural disaster, and our new Ratings of portable and stationary models will help you choose the right generator for your home. Boning up on energy dos and don'ts with our energy IQ test will save you big money on your utility bills, as will installing the best programmable thermostat and energy-efficient lightbulbs. |
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 |  | Electronics: Best TVs for football season; budget-priced laptops; money-saving shopping apps  |
 |  | If you're a football fanatic, you'll want the best television to catch the college and pro action. Some new models let you play TV QB with voice control, while 3D, Web connectivity, and other features enhance the action. But the bottom line is picture quality. Our latest Ratings will help you find a MVP plasma or LCD set. The right apps will save you money and time on last-minute back-to-school shopping, by using your smart phone or tablet to comparison-shop and find the best deals. |
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 |  | Money: Credit-score smarts; best insurance companies, DIY legal  |
 |  | Your credit score determines whether you qualify for a home loan, credit card, and insurance, as well the interest rates and premiums you pay. Our tips will help you avoid credit pitfalls, manage your credit files, and even thwart ID thieves. Homeowners insurance costs more and covers less. Use our buying guide to find the best insurance company and get the right amount of coverage, along with advice on how to fight for your claim. Do-it-yourself legal websites promise to save you a bundle as you write your own will, draft a lease, and handle myriad other legal matters. But will your creations hold up in court? We review three DIY-legal sites. |
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 |  | Health: Vitamin and supplement dangers; ellipticals on a budget  |
 |  | Just because they're "all natural" doesn't mean vitamins and supplements are safe—you can overdose on some, and others might contain prescription drugs. Get all the facts. Elliptical exercisers aren't cheap—the top-rated model in our latest tests costs $3,100. That kind of premium machine offers sturdier construction, better hardware, and more features, but you can also get an elliptical that provides a great workout for a lot less. |
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 |  | Food: Supermarket savings  |
 |  | Swapping big-name brands for store and private-label products will cut your grocery bill. And as our new taste-off shows, you won't give up anything when it comes to taste. |
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