2014 Subaru Forester comes in with flying colors in crash tests

Since 1936, Consumer Reports published by the Consumer Union reviews consumer products including cleaning products and services, and publish buying guides. Reports are based on its in-house testing and investigations of products. It has a worldwide subscriber base of 7.3 million. When it publishes automobile reviews many consumers pay attention. It’s most recent report on small SUVs based on the Insurance Institute of Highway safety (IIHS crash and other test data, 2014 Subaru Forester came in with flying colors in the small SUV category. Out of 13 small SUVs, Subaru Forester is the only SUV to receive a top score of a “Good” rating from the Consumer Reports and the IIHS “Top Safety Pick.” The others competing for the covenant status included BMW X1, Honda CR-V, Jeep Wrangler (2 door), Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rouge and Volkswagen Tiguan which earned only a marginal score.

Price tag of MSRP $21,995 to $32,995, Subaru Forester compact crossover is available in six trim levels. The transmission for the 2014 is new and comes with a six-speed manual version too. Some includes sport-tuned suspension, panoramic glass sunroof, 17 or 18-inch aluminum wheels, climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, satellite radio and many other features.

A new breed of luxury from Tesla Motors

Positive reviews are pouring in on the Silicon Valley based Tesla Motor’s electric cars. Motor Trend and many others including Edmund’s named the Model S the 2012 Car of the Year. The Consumer Reports gave the Model S sedan a score of 99 out of 100. Automobile Magazine named it the 2013 Automobile of the Year and became the 2013 World Green Car of the Year. It became the 2013 Yahoo! Autos Car of the Year. No wonder why Tesla stock price is on a climb. Tesla is the only company that bypasses the dealerships and sells directly to the customer.

The Tesla Model S is a total electric, full-size, four-door fastback sports sedan. First prototype shown in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, retail sales started in June 2012 in the United States. Equipped with an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery, it provides an EPA estimated range between 200 to 265 miles before needing to recharge. The price starts around $64,000. The eco-friendly luxury sedan does 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds. The all electric sedan faces an uphill battle due to lack of charging stations, its price and others. The Model S is manufactured at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California.