Ford Taurus Updates Its Look

Accommodating Infant Seats

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about what car to buy with triplets on the way, which year is best for a used Corvette, and more.

Two Crossovers Ahead of the Class

The Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 both stand out among other crossover utility vehicles in terms of style and function. But how do they compare with each other?

Americans Renew Love for Cars -- Online

Scores of new automotive Web sites are being launched that cater to car enthusiasts, demonstrating that Americans' love affair with cars is alive and well..

• Vetting Car Salesmen's Honesty

Tougher Safety Tests for New Cars

It is going to get tougher for vehicles to receive top grades on safety tests. This could be confusing for consumers, and present both engineering and communications challenges to car makers.

New Cars Leave MPG Standard Behind

New hybrid electric cars could spark an overhaul of the miles-per-gallon standard, a number that doesn't tell consumers enough about the next generation of vehicles.

• Video: Time for Car Makers to Move Ahead of Cycle

Can Mercedes Keep Luxury-Car Edge?

The longer-term challenge for luxury-car brands is whether U.S. consumers will stop equating "premium" with low fuel economy.

• Photos: Mercedes Updates E550 Coupe

Chrysler Cuts Powertrain Warranty

Chrysler is dropping its lifetime powertrain warranty in favor of a five-year, 100,000-mile guarantee.

Ford Plans to Tap Power Grids

Ford is launching an in-vehicle technology to let its customers recharge electric cars when energy rates are low.

Clunker Program Shrinks Inventories

People trading in clunkers may not get the car they want for the price they want unless car makers order up more production.

• Podcast: Joseph White On Clunker Costs

Motorcycles: Riding Retro Style

Jonathan Welsh reviews three new retro bikes: the Harley-Davidson Iron 883, Triumph Scrambler and Moto Guzzi V7 Classic.

• Photos: Retro bikes

Electric Cars' Infrastructure Problem

The U.S. is awarding billions of dollars to companies developing next-generation car batteries. But one element is in short supply: stations where electric vehicles can recharge.

Is Running the Air Fuel-Efficient?

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers’ questions on the best ways to cool your car in the summer, whether a Malibu is better than a Jetta, and more.

It’s OK to Say ‘No’ to Factory-Installed GPS

Will buying a car without a manufacturer installed navigation system hurt its resale value down the road? Probably not, says our columnist.

A Cheap Vehicle for a Student

Jonathan Welsh answers a reader’s question on finding a cheap truck for an art student, gives recommendations for hybrid vehicles, and more.

Luxury Car Makers Roll Out New Models

Luxury manufacturers are betting wealthy individuals will be attracted by new car designs and technology.

• Photos: Auto Luxury Lineup
• Podcast: Launching New Models

Looking for a Midsize-Plus Family Sedan

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers a reader’s questions on when to worry about oil leaks, gives recommendations on midsize sedans, and more.

Testing the Tesla Roadster

An autos aficionado takes the electric sports car on a 460-mile journey along the California coast. Does it live up to all its hype?

Crashes Fuel Debate on Rules For Older Drivers

A recent spate of traffic accidents in Massachusetts has intensified the debate about restricting older drivers, pitting legislators against advocates opposed to age-based curbs on mobility.

Ferrari Left in the Dust

Ferrari, the top team in Formula One history and arguably the only dynasty in a major sport today, is in the midst of a shocking collapse.

Can You Trust Your Speedometer?

Jonathan Welsh answers readers’ questions about trusting the speedometer on a GPS, how aerodynamics are effected by the position of a truck’s tailgate, and more.

Sticker Shock: Cars Selling at List Price

Despite the auto industry’s downturn, there are a few models selling for close to—or even more than—their manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

Battle of the Hybrids

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers’ questions about how the 2010 Honda Insight and Toyota Prius hybrids compare, when to replace an aging car, and more.

Muscle Car's Test Drive Turns Heads

For the first time in nearly 40 years, all three of Detroit's auto makers are offering serious muscle cars. But will the renaissance survive tougher fuel-economy rules?

• Video: Time to Buy a Muscle Car
• Podcast: The Muscle Car's Fuel Economy Challenge

Waiting for Prius's Lithium Battery

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about waiting to buy a Prius with a lithium-ion battery, which SUV to upgrade to, and more.

Test-Driving Car-Share Services

For city dwellers who want access to wheels without owning a car, car-sharing services that let you rent a vehicle by the hour is a good option.

Car Tech: Americans Go Cheap

A new survey shows the economy has damped consumer interest in new autos features and gadgets, including hybrid technology and onboard navigation systems.

No Reason GM Can't Make Comeback

The GM likely to emerge from bankruptcy faces an uphill battle in a competitive market. The more the new GM is perceived as truly new, the faster it can repair its reputation.

Purchasing a Leased Vehicle

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about negotiating lower purchase prices on leased cars, extended warranties and the right SUV for off-road driving.

No Gloom, Doom at Car-Dealer School

Despite the auto industry's dire state, graduates from a unique auto retailing program have all landed jobs. Playing in their favor is a desire by dealerships to recruit young workers better versed in online media.