Reading between the (trim) lines

Once you decide it’s time to buy a car, there are many steps to finding the right one for your needs and budget. Typically, you start with the vehicle type (SUV, sedan, minivan, etc.), and narrow the field based on passenger and cargo requirements, and often fuel efficiency targets. You’ll further filter the choices by safety and reliability data, and Consumer Reports’ Road Test scores. From the final few, direct feature and price comparisons require settling in on a trim level. But which trim level is the best one?

Trim lines define the model variations, describing the equipment levels and often the powertrains. Base-level cars are often relatively barebones; their low prices are used to attract attention on the showroom and in marketing. On closer inspection, consumers typically gravitate to the higher trims that add desirable comfort, convenience, cosmetic, and technology features. Within a model range, there can be a wide spectrum between the base trim and the top-end offering.

Take, for example, the Honda Accord sedan. The base LX starts at $21,855 with a four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. The top-of-the-line EX-L V6 with navigation starts at $31,105. That is a pretty big price range.

BMW 5 series earns IIHS Top Safety Pick award

The redesigned BMW 5 Series is the first BMW to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award since the organization added a rollover test to its scoring criteria. The Top Safety Pick award recognizes vehicles for earning the highest score of Good on the front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection. To earn this distinction, vehicles must also have electronic stability control, which is standard on the 5 Series.

The Good rating on the side test of the BMW is an improvement over the previous generation, which only scored Marginal. The 2011 model has standard side air bags.

In the rollover evaluation, the 5 Series earned a Good rating. The 4.04 score means the roof can withstand a force of above four times the vehicle weight.

Redesigned 2010 Saab 9-5: Larger, still some quirkiness

Redesigned for the first time in 13 years, the new Saab 9-5 is the largest car in company history. The Swedish carmaker says is the upsizing is intended to better differentiate it from the 9-3 and make their flagship a more viable competitor with the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series. 

Designed when General Motors owned Saab, the 9-5 shares its platform with the Buick LaCrosse. But company officials are quick to say that's where the similarity ends. For example, the 9-5 has its own powertrains and suspension tuning. It also has a distinctly Saabish look and obligatory quirkiness, with the traditional ignition between the front seats now updated to a push-button start.

Video: Lexus ES 350

Lexus’s top-selling sedan is the Camry-based ES. While some other manufacturers sell luxury models based off of their mainstream family sedans, the differences between the ES and the utilitarian Camry are more marked than, say, the difference between a Ford Fusion and a Lincoln MKZ.

We tested the ES back in 2007 when it was redesigned, before our current comprehensive video program. It hasn’t changed much since then, so we borrowed one solely for recording this video. Our criticisms are based on that previous test, available to online subscribers.

The ES specializes in plush and quiet cruising, very much resembling a smaller version of the flagship Lexus LS. The interior is luxurious, noise levels hushed, and ride comfort is impressive. Also impressive is the 3.5-liter V6. This engine seems to do well in everything Toyota bolts it into, providing strong acceleration and fuel economy that beats some four-cylinder models.

Just In: A BMW 5 Series that calls the cops and cries wolf

Last weekend, I took our brand new 2011 BMW 535i home for a couple of days of driving enjoyment. I delighted in the comfortable ride, quietness, and beautiful interior.

BMWs generally aren't cheap, and our latest 5 Series was no exception. To the $49,600 base price we added metallic paint, the Cold Weather Package, and two Premium Packages. The bottom line: $58,357.

My initial drive was going well until I started hearing a chime about every 20 minutes, which also heralded a dashboard message that read: "Emergency call failed." I figured I only had to initialize the BMW SOS system and feed it a code. According to the salesman, that would hush the chime and forestall the warning message.

The SOS feature is a service that locates the car in case of an accident. If an air bag deploys, the car sends out an automated call to summon help to your location. In our previous BMWs, the SOS system had been activated by the dealer. This one apparently wasn't.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe: A stylish performer

Recently, our auto testers got a chance to put the new 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe through its paces at our Auto Test Center. As you’ll be able to tell from the accompanying video, it was well received.

This 2+2 coupe, due out in July, is a hot-rod version of the new CTS Coupe, which in turn is based on the CTS, one of Detroit’s most fun-to-drive sedans. The V is powered by a very strong 556-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V8. The one that we drove, which we paid to borrow from Cadillac, was also equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes, and Michelin sport 19-inch ultra-high-performance tires. Cadillac claims this super-quick coupe can sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

The V Coupe also uses a version of Cadillac’s magnetic ride control system. This is designed to control body motions and it helps give the car a relatively comfortable ride as well as the spirited, predictable handling that allowed it to excel on our track. With a price starting at $62,165, its costs are on-par with direct competitors, such as the BMW M3.

Recall: Lexus GS, IS, LS vehicles

Since we reported about the problem last week, Toyota has now officially filed a government recall on over 138,000 Lexus models due to engine problems. The recall affects 2007-2008 Lexus GS 350/450H, 2008 Lexus GS 460, 2006-2008 Lexus IS 350, 2007-2008 Lexus LS 460/460L, and 2008 Lexus LS 600HL models.

The problem stems from foreign material that may have contaminated the valve spring causing it to degrade and possibly break. If that occurs, the engine could fail and stop while the vehicle is in motion increasing the risk of a crash.

Toyota will contact owners in the coming weeks and repair the vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Just In: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI

As you might expect, we often wind up getting asked for car buying advice from family and friends. In recent months, we’ve found ourselves suggesting Volkswagen Jetta TDI SportWagens to enthusiast-leaning acquaintances. This is a bit curious, you might note, because while we’ve tested a Golf TDI and a Jetta SportWagen and both have scored well, we’ve never tested a SportWagen TDI. 

We decided to remedy that omission. Although the recent VW news has been dominated by the upcoming bigger-and-cheaper redesigned Jetta sedan, this new platform lacks a wagon version. That means the Jetta SportWagen will soldier on in its current form for a while.

We tested a SportWagen with the 2.5-liter five-cylinder gasoline engine back in 2009 and found it to be a pleasant, well-rounded car. But much to our surprise--and likely VW’s--the vast majority of SportWagens (over 75 percent) are sold with the TDI diesel engine. Since our last test, the Jetta also had a light freshening, with a new front fascia and dashboard similar to that of the updated Golf.

2011 Chevrolet Volt to launch in Texas, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut

General Motors announced today that it is expanding the number of places it will launch the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt. Four states have been added to the initial target markets: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. These states will be added to the previous three areas: Washington, D.C., Michigan, and California. (Read: “2011 Chevrolet Volt highlights from Consumer Reports track”)

The Volt will initially be sold in Austin, Texas; New York City, Washington, DC; and California in November this year. It will be rolled out across the remainder of the states in early 2011, GM says.

The company plans to sell 10,000 copies of the Volt in 2011 and ramp production up to 40,000 units for 2012. The car will be sold at select dealerships in those areas who have teams in place to help consumers prepare for electric car ownership, for example, by having an EV capable electrical outlet installed in their garage or driveway.

Recall: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Suzuki is recalling over 5,100 Kizashi sedans built between October 13, 2009 and May 31, 2010 due to a problem with a storage compartment failing to conform to federal safety standards for “occupant protection in interior impact.” In the event of a crash, the box, located in the front dashboard area could open and increase the risk of injury to passengers.

Dealers will replace the box with a new part free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin next week.

For more information, owners may contact Suzuki at 1-714-996-7040.