The electronic whizzes at Ford have followed up the Sync multimedia system with another clever feature, MyKey. Designed as a tool for parents to encourage proper driving behavior from their teenagers, MyKey debuts next year as standard equipment on the 2010 Focus coupe and it will become standard on...

In a series of crash tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently assessed how well the bumpers of 20 small car models would protect the vehicles from damage in low-speed collisions. The worst performers were the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Prius , and Volkswagen Rabbit, each sustaining...

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ) recently completed crash test evaluations of eight small SUV models finding most provide good protecting in front-end collisions, but decidedly mixed results from side and rear crashes. The best performers, earning the Institute's Top Safety Pick...

As gas prices soared past $4/gallon nationwide, and full-sized pickup trunk sales plummeted by double-digit percentages, some corners of the auto industry cast an optimistic eye toward small pickup trucks. Theory would have it that people would be right-sizing their trucks, just as they have cars. The...

Beginning with model year 2010, window stickers will feature an overall safety rating that combines results from government frontal, side, and rollover tests , along with the presence of select advanced safety technologies. In addition, new crash test dummies and a new side pole test will be used in...

When basic gas-saving tips are not enough to curb your commuter’s thirst for petrol, it is time to advance to hypermiling . There are sites dedicated to the fine art of milking every last mile from a gallon, though we’ve seen many tips and forum posts encouraging behavior that goes a bit over the edge...

No sooner than the redesigned 2009 Acura TSX hits the road than the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety careens one into an offset barrier at 40 mph. The results - crumpled sheetmetal, shattered glass, and a Good score for occupant protection. A second Acura TSX was struck at 31 mph by a moving barrier...

A good wake-up call, a new study on banning cell phone use while driving, conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, has confirmed what we all knew--teens often lack the ability to listen and respect authority. In this case, a North Carolina ban on cell phone use for young drivers lead...

The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan earned “Good” ratings, the highest ratings available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ), in both frontal offset and side crashworthiness tests . The previous generation minivans earned just an “Acceptable” rating...

The smallest car sold in America has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning the highest rating of Good for both frontal offset and side-impact protection. Previously, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had tested the Smart, giving it four...