It may not look radically different on the outside, but the Chevrolet Silverado pickup has been completely redesigned and significantly upgraded for 2014. A new chassis, updated powertrain technology with several mileage-enhancing measures, and a plusher interior promise to keep this cash cow competitive. We recently had the opportunity to drive a new LTZ crew-cab, and we liked it.

With the release of our Tesla Model S road test, there have been many questions regarding what other models stand out. Here, we present the current class valedictorians, those cars that have faced our more than 50 tests and managed to earn an A.

Quality, safety, and value are the top factors for new-car buyers and are certainly not lost on moms looking to buy the right family car. Hitting all these attributes in a vehicle that is also kid friendly can be a challenge, but our experts have found 25 of the best, least-expensive mom-friendly cars that are appealing to moms with children of varying ages.

You don't have to cram into a compact car to get good gas mileage. In fact, three popular midsized sedans we've recently tested get the same or better mileage than any non-hybrid, non-diesel small car. Despite attractive sticker prices, econoboxes are often not the best choice.

Over the years, with Consumer Reports' extensive testing, we've found that diesel engines provide a significant fuel economy advantage, typically reducing consumption by 30 percent over a conventional engine in an equivalent model. We're encouraged, since at the New York International Auto Show last week, a few automakers promised more diesel variants.

Taking a page from the Ford Mustang playbook, Chevrolet has resurrected a classic moniker (and order code) with the Camaro Z/28. Sure, fuel economy may be the buzz of the New York International Auto Show, but it is heartening to see that the muscle car battles continue.

With the media days at the New York International Auto Show behind us, the cars team has had time to reflect on the approximately 1,000 vehicles on display. Many new models made impressions, and some were utterly forgettable. To share our perspective, we've named standouts in 10 categories.

At the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), we saw dozens of new and improved cars. To help make sense of it all, Consumer Reports' automotive engineers Tom Mutchler and Gabe Shenhar discuss the highlights in the latest episode of our video podcast called "Talking Cars with Consumer Reports."

There aren't many cars that make my heart flutter more than a Corvette. And over the last 20 years, I've been lucky to have driven many.

The Consumer Reports Annual Autos Issue is a great resource for researching the best cars. Flip through the magazine or tour the website, and it is clear there are many great choices. However, just as there are many good cars available, there are also many that fail miserably. These vehicles fall way below our threshold to be recommended. Take a look at our disappointing dozen—the cars Consumer Reports has recently tested with the lowest test scores.

Buying a new car on a budget can be a challenge, and you should prepare for some compromises. The trick is getting the right balance of value and quality for your money, without accepting one or more significant sacrifices that you may later regret. The good news: Our recent tests show there are several great cars available for under $18,000.

The rollout party for the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette continues, with the C7 convertible making its debut this week at the Geneva Motor Show.

Following annual tradition, we present the 2013 American Top Picks—the best choices for the car buyer who wants to buy from an American brand.

While car brand reputation can be a strong influence on purchase decisions, such perceptions can be misleading. The reality is, every brand offers models that perform across a spectrum, with some are clearly better than others.

It's important, of course, to get a good deal when you buy a car. But it's just as critical to look down the road at how much a vehicle will cost you to own.