autoinsane» Toyota Camry http://www.autoinsane.com reviews & news for the certified car nut Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:29:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 en hourly 1 Toyota calls shenanigans on ABC news segment, claims test was “artificially manipulated” and “unrealistic” http://www.autoinsane.com/2010/03/08/news/recalls-tsbs/toyota-calls-shenanigans-on-abc-news-segment-claims-test-was-artificially-manipulated-and-unrealistic/ http://www.autoinsane.com/2010/03/08/news/recalls-tsbs/toyota-calls-shenanigans-on-abc-news-segment-claims-test-was-artificially-manipulated-and-unrealistic/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:06:49 +0000 Zane Merva http://www.autoinsane.com/?p=5312

Just when you thought you’d heard the last word on Toyota’s acceleration problems, the company is fighting back.  Today the company stated that it had comprehensively tested claims made by ABC News and Professor David Gilbert of Southern Illinois University and found those claims not only wrong, but “artificially manipulated” and “unrealistic”.

According to Toyota, “A comprehensive analysis conducted by a world renowned engineering group, as well as testing by Toyota, has concluded the following about Professor Gilbert’s demonstration:

* The vehicle’s electronics were rewired and reengineered in multiple ways, in a specific sequence, and under conditions that are virtually impossible to occur in real-world conditions without visible evidence.
* Toyota vehicle electronic systems were actively manipulated to mimic a valid full-throttle condition.
* Substantially similar results were successfully created in vehicles made by other manufacturers.”

Here’s a breakdown on what Toyota claims ABC News and Professor Gilbert did to fake the results and get a juicy news story…

Professor Gilbert’s reengineering and rewiring of the vehicle’s electrical system involves the following manipulations in a specific sequence. First, the protective insulation on two separate wires that carry the accelerator pedal position signals to the Engine Control Module must be individually cut or breached. Next, these wires are connected to each other through a 200 Ohm resistor.

This contrivance, by itself, did not cause an increase in engine speed. To cause an increase in engine speed, it is necessary to cut the insulation on a third wire, the 5-volt power supply to the accelerator pedal, and force a low resistance connection between the power supply and the secondary signal wire.

The resulting increase in engine speed is a result of the subsequent artificial and sudden application of the 5-volt power supply to this signal line with the rewired circuit. When subjected to similar unrealistic reengineering and rewiring, the competitive vehicles evaluated by Exponent and Toyota achieved substantially similar results with varying levels of resistances.

Here’s the full Toyota statement

COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT GILBERT CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY, ABC NEWS SEGMENT

Sequence and Nature of Artificially Manipulated Faults Unrealistic, Televised “Unintended Acceleration” Staged With Virtual Remote Throttle Control

TORRANCE, Calif., March 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Today, during a live webcast, Toyota raised serious concerns about the validity, methodology and credibility of a demonstration of alleged “unintended acceleration” in a Toyota Avalon by Professor David Gilbert of Southern Illinois University and depicted in ABC News broadcasts and on-line segments.

A comprehensive analysis conducted by a world renowned engineering group, as well as testing by Toyota, has concluded the following about Professor Gilbert’s demonstration:

* The vehicle’s electronics were rewired and reengineered in multiple ways, in a specific sequence, and under conditions that are virtually impossible to occur in real-world conditions without visible evidence.

* Toyota vehicle electronic systems were actively manipulated to mimic a valid full-throttle condition.

* Substantially similar results were successfully created in vehicles made by other manufacturers.

In the demonstration dramatized by ABC on February 22, Professor Gilbert, assisted by segment reporter Brian Ross, asserted that he had detected a “dangerous” flaw in the Toyota electronic control system that he alleged could lead to unintended acceleration. The following day, Professor Gilbert offered a preliminary report of his findings in testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Engineers at Exponent, one of the country’s leading engineering and scientific consulting firms, as well as Toyota engineers, have reviewed and recreated Gilbert’s demonstration with substantially similar results in representative vehicles of other makes.

Separately, at Toyota’s request, Dr. J. Christian Gerdes, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University and the director of the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford (CARS), conducted an independent review of Professor Gilbert’s testimony and the preliminary report presented to Congress.

Their findings were demonstrated today at a news conference during which the accelerator circuitry of a Toyota Avalon, as well as a sampling of well-regarded and popular competitive makes, was rewired and manipulated as Gilbert did in his demonstration.

Kristen Tabar, general manager of electronics systems, Toyota Technical Center, summarizes three of the major concerns with the artificial nature of Professor Gilbert’s demonstration.

“First, an electrical circuit that has been reengineered and rewired will not behave as it was originally designed and engineered,” said Tabar.

“Second, no automaker can or should be expected to design detection strategies for artificially created events in the absence of any evidence that such an event can occur in the real world.

“Third, if the artificial condition created by Professor Gilbert had occurred in the real world, it would have left readily detectable fingerprints.”

Exponent and Toyota engineers have found no evidence to suggest that any of the steps of Professor Gilbert’s demonstration exists in the real world. Thus, the fact that the Toyota Avalon used by Professor Gilbert did not show a Diagnostic Trouble Code after his demonstration does not indicate an undetectable safety defect. The same is true of the representative vehicles of other manufacturers tested by Exponent and Toyota.

Professor Gilbert’s reengineering and rewiring of the vehicle’s electrical system involves the following manipulations in a specific sequence. First, the protective insulation on two separate wires that carry the accelerator pedal position signals to the Engine Control Module must be individually cut or breached. Next, these wires are connected to each other through a 200 Ohm resistor.

This contrivance, by itself, did not cause an increase in engine speed. To cause an increase in engine speed, it is necessary to cut the insulation on a third wire, the 5-volt power supply to the accelerator pedal, and force a low resistance connection between the power supply and the secondary signal wire.

The resulting increase in engine speed is a result of the subsequent artificial and sudden application of the 5-volt power supply to this signal line with the rewired circuit. When subjected to similar unrealistic reengineering and rewiring, the competitive vehicles evaluated by Exponent and Toyota achieved substantially similar results with varying levels of resistances.

This manipulation of electrical components and a power source created artificial voltages that the engine control module, or ECM, would interpret as valid accelerator pedal signals. In essence, this test created a virtual, remote control accelerator pedal that replicated the vehicle’s own normally functioning accelerator pedal.

Also contrary to statements made in the ABC News story, had short circuits of the kind artificially created by Professor Gilbert occurred in real-world driving conditions, they would have left visible evidence such as damage or deterioration of the wiring and components.

As revealed in their testimony before Congress, Professor Gilbert’s Preliminary Report was commissioned by Sean Kane, a paid advocate for trial lawyers involved in litigation against Toyota and other automakers. Mr. Kane also appeared on the ABC News broadcast in support of the claim that Professor Gilbert’s demonstration revealed a flaw in the electronic throttle control system that could lead to “runaway” Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The relationship between Mr. Kane, Professor Gilbert and the trial lawyers who support Mr. Kane’s advocacy was not revealed by ABC News during the newscast, nor was Toyota offered an opportunity to view the demonstration or given time to respond.

Toyota believes that the public and Congressional committees have been misled by Professor Gilbert’s demonstration and the dramatization of it by ABC News. This has cast unwarranted doubt on the safety of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Toyota remains confident in the integrity of the electronic throttle control system in its vehicles and there has been no reliable evidence of any kind to the contrary presented to the media or to Congress. Toyota’s electronic systems have multiple fail-safe mechanisms to shut off or reduce engine power in the event of a system failure. Extensive testing of this system by Toyota has not found any sign of a malfunction that could lead to unintended acceleration.

Toyota has commissioned Exponent to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the electronic throttle control systems in Toyota and Lexus vehicles. No limitations of any kind were imposed on Exponent by Toyota. This evaluation is ongoing. An interim report of Exponent’s findings has been provided to Congress and establishes the functionality of the electronic throttle control fail-safe systems. The final results of Exponent’s exhaustive analysis will be made public when completed. As with all such reliable engineering analyses, Exponent’s final results will provide the data and information necessary for others to validate Exponent’s conclusions.

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Just when you thought you’d heard the last word on Toyota’s acceleration problems, the company is fighting back.  Today the company stated that it had comprehensively tested claims made by ABC News and Professor David Gilbert of Southern Illinois University and found those claims not only wrong, but “artificially manipulated” and “unrealistic”.

According to Toyota, “A comprehensive analysis conducted by a world renowned engineering group, as well as testing by Toyota, has concluded the following about Professor Gilbert’s demonstration:

* The vehicle’s electronics were rewired and reengineered in multiple ways, in a specific sequence, and under conditions that are virtually impossible to occur in real-world conditions without visible evidence.
* Toyota vehicle electronic systems were actively manipulated to mimic a valid full-throttle condition.
* Substantially similar results were successfully created in vehicles made by other manufacturers.”

Here’s a breakdown on what Toyota claims ABC News and Professor Gilbert did to fake the results and get a juicy news story…

Professor Gilbert’s reengineering and rewiring of the vehicle’s electrical system involves the following manipulations in a specific sequence. First, the protective insulation on two separate wires that carry the accelerator pedal position signals to the Engine Control Module must be individually cut or breached. Next, these wires are connected to each other through a 200 Ohm resistor.

This contrivance, by itself, did not cause an increase in engine speed. To cause an increase in engine speed, it is necessary to cut the insulation on a third wire, the 5-volt power supply to the accelerator pedal, and force a low resistance connection between the power supply and the secondary signal wire.

The resulting increase in engine speed is a result of the subsequent artificial and sudden application of the 5-volt power supply to this signal line with the rewired circuit. When subjected to similar unrealistic reengineering and rewiring, the competitive vehicles evaluated by Exponent and Toyota achieved substantially similar results with varying levels of resistances.

Here’s the full Toyota statement

COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT GILBERT CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY, ABC NEWS SEGMENT

Sequence and Nature of Artificially Manipulated Faults Unrealistic, Televised “Unintended Acceleration” Staged With Virtual Remote Throttle Control

TORRANCE, Calif., March 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Today, during a live webcast, Toyota raised serious concerns about the validity, methodology and credibility of a demonstration of alleged “unintended acceleration” in a Toyota Avalon by Professor David Gilbert of Southern Illinois University and depicted in ABC News broadcasts and on-line segments.

A comprehensive analysis conducted by a world renowned engineering group, as well as testing by Toyota, has concluded the following about Professor Gilbert’s demonstration:

* The vehicle’s electronics were rewired and reengineered in multiple ways, in a specific sequence, and under conditions that are virtually impossible to occur in real-world conditions without visible evidence.

* Toyota vehicle electronic systems were actively manipulated to mimic a valid full-throttle condition.

* Substantially similar results were successfully created in vehicles made by other manufacturers.

In the demonstration dramatized by ABC on February 22, Professor Gilbert, assisted by segment reporter Brian Ross, asserted that he had detected a “dangerous” flaw in the Toyota electronic control system that he alleged could lead to unintended acceleration. The following day, Professor Gilbert offered a preliminary report of his findings in testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Engineers at Exponent, one of the country’s leading engineering and scientific consulting firms, as well as Toyota engineers, have reviewed and recreated Gilbert’s demonstration with substantially similar results in representative vehicles of other makes.

Separately, at Toyota’s request, Dr. J. Christian Gerdes, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University and the director of the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford (CARS), conducted an independent review of Professor Gilbert’s testimony and the preliminary report presented to Congress.

Their findings were demonstrated today at a news conference during which the accelerator circuitry of a Toyota Avalon, as well as a sampling of well-regarded and popular competitive makes, was rewired and manipulated as Gilbert did in his demonstration.

Kristen Tabar, general manager of electronics systems, Toyota Technical Center, summarizes three of the major concerns with the artificial nature of Professor Gilbert’s demonstration.

“First, an electrical circuit that has been reengineered and rewired will not behave as it was originally designed and engineered,” said Tabar.

“Second, no automaker can or should be expected to design detection strategies for artificially created events in the absence of any evidence that such an event can occur in the real world.

“Third, if the artificial condition created by Professor Gilbert had occurred in the real world, it would have left readily detectable fingerprints.”

Exponent and Toyota engineers have found no evidence to suggest that any of the steps of Professor Gilbert’s demonstration exists in the real world. Thus, the fact that the Toyota Avalon used by Professor Gilbert did not show a Diagnostic Trouble Code after his demonstration does not indicate an undetectable safety defect. The same is true of the representative vehicles of other manufacturers tested by Exponent and Toyota.

Professor Gilbert’s reengineering and rewiring of the vehicle’s electrical system involves the following manipulations in a specific sequence. First, the protective insulation on two separate wires that carry the accelerator pedal position signals to the Engine Control Module must be individually cut or breached. Next, these wires are connected to each other through a 200 Ohm resistor.

This contrivance, by itself, did not cause an increase in engine speed. To cause an increase in engine speed, it is necessary to cut the insulation on a third wire, the 5-volt power supply to the accelerator pedal, and force a low resistance connection between the power supply and the secondary signal wire.

The resulting increase in engine speed is a result of the subsequent artificial and sudden application of the 5-volt power supply to this signal line with the rewired circuit. When subjected to similar unrealistic reengineering and rewiring, the competitive vehicles evaluated by Exponent and Toyota achieved substantially similar results with varying levels of resistances.

This manipulation of electrical components and a power source created artificial voltages that the engine control module, or ECM, would interpret as valid accelerator pedal signals. In essence, this test created a virtual, remote control accelerator pedal that replicated the vehicle’s own normally functioning accelerator pedal.

Also contrary to statements made in the ABC News story, had short circuits of the kind artificially created by Professor Gilbert occurred in real-world driving conditions, they would have left visible evidence such as damage or deterioration of the wiring and components.

As revealed in their testimony before Congress, Professor Gilbert’s Preliminary Report was commissioned by Sean Kane, a paid advocate for trial lawyers involved in litigation against Toyota and other automakers. Mr. Kane also appeared on the ABC News broadcast in support of the claim that Professor Gilbert’s demonstration revealed a flaw in the electronic throttle control system that could lead to “runaway” Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The relationship between Mr. Kane, Professor Gilbert and the trial lawyers who support Mr. Kane’s advocacy was not revealed by ABC News during the newscast, nor was Toyota offered an opportunity to view the demonstration or given time to respond.

Toyota believes that the public and Congressional committees have been misled by Professor Gilbert’s demonstration and the dramatization of it by ABC News. This has cast unwarranted doubt on the safety of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Toyota remains confident in the integrity of the electronic throttle control system in its vehicles and there has been no reliable evidence of any kind to the contrary presented to the media or to Congress. Toyota’s electronic systems have multiple fail-safe mechanisms to shut off or reduce engine power in the event of a system failure. Extensive testing of this system by Toyota has not found any sign of a malfunction that could lead to unintended acceleration.

Toyota has commissioned Exponent to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the electronic throttle control systems in Toyota and Lexus vehicles. No limitations of any kind were imposed on Exponent by Toyota. This evaluation is ongoing. An interim report of Exponent’s findings has been provided to Congress and establishes the functionality of the electronic throttle control fail-safe systems. The final results of Exponent’s exhaustive analysis will be made public when completed. As with all such reliable engineering analyses, Exponent’s final results will provide the data and information necessary for others to validate Exponent’s conclusions.

]]> http://www.autoinsane.com/2010/03/08/news/recalls-tsbs/toyota-calls-shenanigans-on-abc-news-segment-claims-test-was-artificially-manipulated-and-unrealistic/feed/ 0 Consumer Reports grades Subaru Legacy over Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry V-6 http://www.autoinsane.com/2009/11/11/news/newmodels/consumer-reports-grades-subaru-legacy-over-ford-fusion-toyota-camry-v-6/ http://www.autoinsane.com/2009/11/11/news/newmodels/consumer-reports-grades-subaru-legacy-over-ford-fusion-toyota-camry-v-6/#comments Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:35:05 +0000 Gerry Miles http://www.autoinsane.com/?p=4586

YONKERS, NY — The redesigned Subaru Legacy outpointed the freshened Ford Fusion in Consumer Reports’ latest tests of family sedans with all-wheel drive. The test included the freshened front-drive only Toyota Camry. The Legacy 6-cylinder outscored the Camry V-6, but the 4-cylinder Camry outpointed the 4-cylinder Legacy.

The Legacy 3.6R received an “Excellent” overall road test score of 88, and the Legacy 2.5i received an “Excellent” 83 score; outpointing the Fusion which received a “Very Good” 76.CR’s engineers say that both the Legacy and the Fusion make good, fuel-efficient alternatives for drivers who want extra traction in slippery conditions but don’t want an SUV.

The freshened Camry received an Excellent road test score of 84.

CR also tested two versions of the Mazda3. Among small sedans, the freshened Mazda3 received a Very Good road test score of 74.

“With its redesign, the Legacy goes from a decent but small family sedan to one in the top of its class,” said Rik Paul, automotive editor for Consumer Reports.

Reliability Findings Released

Consumer Reports survey found front-wheel-drive versions of the Fusion have better reliability than that of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The all-wheel-drive version’s reliability is just average, because of problems with its drive system, CR wrote.

Subaru Legacy: The redesigned Subaru Legacy is now significantly roomier and quieter, with an impressive ride and responsive handling. The Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited, ($30,094, Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price), is powered by a 240-hp, 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine that delivers strong performance and gets 22 mpg overall in CR’s own fuel economy tests. The continuously variable transmission in four-cylinder versions is smooth and pleasant in leisurely driving, but when merging or climbing hills, it keeps the engine revving high. That version attained a commendable 25 mpg overall. Braking is Very Good. Although the plastics are hard, the Legacy’s interior is attractive, with tight fits and well-finished edges. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seatbacks expands the already good-sized trunk.

Ford Fusion: Overall, the 2010 Fusion is refined and agile, and the AWD version doesn’t drive any differently. But it loses 2 mpg in fuel economy compared with the front-wheel-drive. The ride is steady and calm, with good isolation and handling is responsive. The Ford Fusion SEL AWD, ($29,425 MSRP), is powered by a 240-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers responsive performance and gets 20 mpg overall, but the AWD Fusion takes almost a second longer to reach 60 mph. Braking is Very Good. The interior is well finished. The trunk is nicely finished and holds four large suitcases and a small duffel. The rear seat folds 60/40.

Toyota Camry: A freshening for 2010 helped the Camry improve its standing as one of CR’s top-rated family sedans. It has a comfortable ride and a quiet, spacious cabin. Handling is sound, but the Camry is not particularly agile or fun to drive. The Toyota Camry LE, ($22,850 MSRP), is powered by a 169-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers decent acceleration and above-average fuel economy at 26 mpg overall. The new six-speed automatic transmission shifts very smoothly. Braking is Very Good. Most of the interior materials are nicely finished, including a soft-touch dashboard. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seat-backs expands the good sized trunk.

The Mazda3 has been freshened for 2010 and is distinguished by agile handling and a nice interior that’s laid out well. The interior has been upgraded, but the rear seat remains tight and road noise is pronounced. The car is fun to drive, remaining composed while hustling around corners. CR tested both five-speed manual- and five-speed automatic-transmission versions of the Mazda3. Stability control is standard except for the two base trimlines of the sedan. The Mazda3 i Touring with automatic transmission, ($19,070 MSRP), is powered by a 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers good performance and 30 mpg overall. The five-speed-automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. Braking was Good. The trunk, while not huge, is tall and well-shaped.

All the cars in this test group are Recommended. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s Annual Auto Survey of its more than seven million print and Web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Full tests and ratings of the family sedans test group appear in the December issue of Consumer Reports or to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.

Source: Consumer Reports

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YONKERS, NY — The redesigned Subaru Legacy outpointed the freshened Ford Fusion in Consumer Reports’ latest tests of family sedans with all-wheel drive. The test included the freshened front-drive only Toyota Camry. The Legacy 6-cylinder outscored the Camry V-6, but the 4-cylinder Camry outpointed the 4-cylinder Legacy.

The Legacy 3.6R received an “Excellent” overall road test score of 88, and the Legacy 2.5i received an “Excellent” 83 score; outpointing the Fusion which received a “Very Good” 76.CR’s engineers say that both the Legacy and the Fusion make good, fuel-efficient alternatives for drivers who want extra traction in slippery conditions but don’t want an SUV.

The freshened Camry received an Excellent road test score of 84.

CR also tested two versions of the Mazda3. Among small sedans, the freshened Mazda3 received a Very Good road test score of 74.

“With its redesign, the Legacy goes from a decent but small family sedan to one in the top of its class,” said Rik Paul, automotive editor for Consumer Reports.

Reliability Findings Released

Consumer Reports survey found front-wheel-drive versions of the Fusion have better reliability than that of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The all-wheel-drive version’s reliability is just average, because of problems with its drive system, CR wrote.

Subaru Legacy: The redesigned Subaru Legacy is now significantly roomier and quieter, with an impressive ride and responsive handling. The Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited, ($30,094, Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price), is powered by a 240-hp, 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine that delivers strong performance and gets 22 mpg overall in CR’s own fuel economy tests. The continuously variable transmission in four-cylinder versions is smooth and pleasant in leisurely driving, but when merging or climbing hills, it keeps the engine revving high. That version attained a commendable 25 mpg overall. Braking is Very Good. Although the plastics are hard, the Legacy’s interior is attractive, with tight fits and well-finished edges. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seatbacks expands the already good-sized trunk.

Ford Fusion: Overall, the 2010 Fusion is refined and agile, and the AWD version doesn’t drive any differently. But it loses 2 mpg in fuel economy compared with the front-wheel-drive. The ride is steady and calm, with good isolation and handling is responsive. The Ford Fusion SEL AWD, ($29,425 MSRP), is powered by a 240-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers responsive performance and gets 20 mpg overall, but the AWD Fusion takes almost a second longer to reach 60 mph. Braking is Very Good. The interior is well finished. The trunk is nicely finished and holds four large suitcases and a small duffel. The rear seat folds 60/40.

Toyota Camry: A freshening for 2010 helped the Camry improve its standing as one of CR’s top-rated family sedans. It has a comfortable ride and a quiet, spacious cabin. Handling is sound, but the Camry is not particularly agile or fun to drive. The Toyota Camry LE, ($22,850 MSRP), is powered by a 169-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers decent acceleration and above-average fuel economy at 26 mpg overall. The new six-speed automatic transmission shifts very smoothly. Braking is Very Good. Most of the interior materials are nicely finished, including a soft-touch dashboard. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seat-backs expands the good sized trunk.

The Mazda3 has been freshened for 2010 and is distinguished by agile handling and a nice interior that’s laid out well. The interior has been upgraded, but the rear seat remains tight and road noise is pronounced. The car is fun to drive, remaining composed while hustling around corners. CR tested both five-speed manual- and five-speed automatic-transmission versions of the Mazda3. Stability control is standard except for the two base trimlines of the sedan. The Mazda3 i Touring with automatic transmission, ($19,070 MSRP), is powered by a 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers good performance and 30 mpg overall. The five-speed-automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. Braking was Good. The trunk, while not huge, is tall and well-shaped.

All the cars in this test group are Recommended. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s Annual Auto Survey of its more than seven million print and Web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Full tests and ratings of the family sedans test group appear in the December issue of Consumer Reports or to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.

Source: Consumer Reports

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