Buick readies its Encore

Buick is targeting a new audience with its latest model, the 2013 Encore, which is expected to arrive in showrooms early next year.

Handicapped-accessible ride

Traditionally, for those who are bound to a wheelchair, being able to get into and out of vehicles—and drive them—required the purchase of a converted van or minivan.

Skipping over CD players

Automakers aren’t sending the CD player the way of the eight-track cassette player in new vehicles just yet, but you might want to prepare your goodbyes.

Two new Hyundai Elantras for 2013

Hyundai says it wants a broader compact-car lineup, and two new models of the Elantra—the 2013 Elantra Coupe and Elantra GT—steer the company in that direction.

Airless-tire ideas leave us flat

When Bridgestone announced its nonpneumatic, or airless, concept tire in November 2011, the company joined others who had ventured down this road. 

New auto loan means new scrutiny

Ally Financial’s new automobile-loan program shouldn’t be taken lightly by consumers who want to participate, according to Greg McBride, who is a financial analyst with Bankrate.com.

Diesel Cherokee for 2013

Consumers who want a diesel-engine-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee won’t have to wait too long for one.

Finding the power

Electric charging stations aren’t as ubiquitous as gas stations are, of course, so consumers who drive electric vehicles have to keep close tabs on where they can find a charge when they’re on the road.

Automakers thin paint coats

Automakers want to reduce the amount of paint that’s on their vehicles to cut costs, but paint suppliers are under pressure to make sure that quality also isn’t shed.

Ford Flex softens the edges

The 2013 Ford Flex, which goes on sale this spring, will feature an updated design that’s a little less rough around the edges.

Lying odometers?

Consumers who are in the market for a used vehicle might want to have a second look at the body and engine’s wear and tear and whether that correlates with the mileage reading that’s on the odometer.

Chevy goes smaller

A smaller Chevrolet than the 2012 Sonic will be available in just a few months.

BMW caught in the headlights?

A plan by BMW to introduce laser headlights in its i8 concept car has shone a light on questions about driver safety.

Dashboard standards loom

As manufacturers race to put in touchscreen devices that let consumers access directions, radio, and even email and Twitter feeds, the federal government wants to limit the mounting distractions.

VW to roll out Jetta hybrid in 2013

Consumers will be able to get their first look at a Jetta hybrid from Volkswagen in January at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.