With beautiful spring weather, the allure of the open road on a motorcycle is tempting. To help you choose the best bike for your needs and save money on maintenance, consider these tips, including insights from our recent reliability and owner satisfaction survey of motorcycles purchased new in the past four years.

In episode four of "Talking Cars with Consumer Reports," our automotive experts discuss their picks among recently tested German roadsters, truck reliability, and the latest cars purchased for testing.

Volkswagen has carved out a fuel economy niche with its efficient diesel models, but it turns out, the German brand also offers an impressive hybrid. And get this: It's actually enjoyable to drive. Really.

Volkswagen is bringing more power to the people with a revised four-cylinder engine that will bring a power boost to the Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI this month, making it the most powerful Beetle ever offered in the United States.

We've just completed our test of the 2013 Toyota RAV4, and this redesigned small SUV did well. But before you rush to the dealer to buy it, consider whether a used model is a better option.

This past weekend I brought our Tesla Model S to an Electric Vehicle Rally in Westport, Connecticut. The event featured a fun 40-mile scenic drive, guided by scavenger-hunt clues rather than driving directions. It was just the sort of event car enthusiasts of all stripes have long enjoyed, but with a green twist.

Watch our automotive experts chat about new road test results and answer reader questions in the third episode of "Talking Cars with Consumer Reports."

The 2014 4Runner receives a dramatic make over, giving it the enraged visage of a mouth-breathing Transformers Decepticon, but the update doesn't address the clumsy handling, busy ride, low seating position, and wide 45-foot turning circle.

Diesel engines and SUVs were made for each other. Diesels' scads of low-end pulling power and great fuel efficiency make it a cinch to haul around the weight of an SUV with all-wheel-drive, and these torquey engines make up for the fuel economy penalty that gas-powered SUV's usually exact.

SUVs remain the most popular car type at ConsumerReports.org. And it is no wonder, with their all-weather, and, for some, all-terrain capabilities; command seating; interior versatility; and towing ability. But with the market overflowing with choices, how can you pick the best for your needs and budget? We'll show you how.

Looking to add some top-down thrills to your life? Our updated convertibles buying guide video and latest road tests can steer you in the right direction.

A new study by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reflects a 9-percent increase in motorcycle deaths in 2012 to about 5,000 fatalities for the year. That marks the 14th year out of 15 that deaths have risen.

We just bought a 2013 Jaguar XF 3.0 AWD for testing, and the dealership offered a welcome bit of concierge service: delivery to my home.

Green cars don't have to have gray personalities. Too many gas misers range from dull and dowdy to downright dreary to drive. And yet it's still true that the best way to help the environment, minimize your own contribution to global warming, and clean up the air is to burn less fuel. So we've compiled a list of the 13 nicest cars to drive that beat 35 mpg in our testing.

Mercedes-Benz continues to explore bringing its prestige cachet down to smaller, more affordable vehicles with the GLA small SUV concept.