The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) recently released their claims data showing which vehicles have the highest and lowest overall insurance losses. The safety research organization found that even though many vehicles now do well in crash tests, the role of vehicle size is important.

Just because a car generates a lot of buzz or is a best seller doesn't mean that it's a good choice for you. The five models here may be on a lot of buyers' shopping lists, but we suggest you steer clear. They didn't perform well in our testing or they suffer from subpar reliability. Either way, there are better choices.

Several weeks ago, the Swedish magazine Teknikens Värld revealed that the Jeep Grand Cherokee failed their "moose test" avoidance maneuver, going up on two wheels. But recent testing by another European magazine got a different result.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee sport-utility vehicles after receiving consumer complaints of engine fires that have totaled some SUVs.

With Comic-Con transforming the San Diego Convention Center into a fan boy's fantasy land this week, there are numerous movie, book, and video game announcements pouring out, teasing near-future projects. Mixed within are abundant marketing tie-ins. Before getting caught up with the latest super-hero film trailer, it is important to make sure the flashy sponsorship doesn't sway your zombie apocalypse preparedness.

Earlier this week, the Swedish consumer magazine Teknikens Värld revealed that the Jeep Grand Cherokee nearly rolled over in their "moose test." While the magazine and automaker debate the testing particulars, with the latter involved in some damage control public relations, our engineers explore what this means for U.S. consumers.

Safety regulators have upgraded an investigation into fires in older Jeep Grand Cherokees, from model years 1993-2004, and expanded it to include two other Jeep models with suspect rear-mounted fuel tanks: the 1993-2001 Jeep Cherokee and the 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty. The total number of vehicles involved is estimated to be 5.1 million. Such upgraded investigations often lead to a recall.

A safety recall has been issued for 2010 Jeep Wrangler sport-utility vehicles. Nearly 68,000 of the popular SUVs can catch fire due to a flaw in the design to protect the Wrangler's automatic transmission, warns the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Chrysler Group is recalling 2012 Jeep Compass and 2012 Jeep Patriot SUVs due to faulty fuel tank valves, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). About 1,700 of the recalled Jeep sport-utility vehicles have damaged roll-over fuel valves, which may leak during collisions or roll-over accidents, increasing the risk of a fire.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched official investigations into engine fires involving 2010 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sedans. The safety agency has received several reports of unexpected engine compartment fires completely destroying the vehicles made by Chrysler and General Motors, respectively.

I must confess, the allure of the Jeep Wrangler has long issued a well-targeted Siren call, tugging at my adventurous spirit. Through the years, I have looked forward to each new generation, hoping it would be the one to hit the right balance of civility and off-road acumen that could coax me into trading in more rational transportation for this American icon. Our latest test has been completed, and I haven't given in to temptation yet.

Chrysler has issued a recall notice for nearly 210,000 Jeep Liberty SUVs sold or operated in the so-called "salt belt" states of the U.S. According to Chrysler, the rear suspension of the Jeeps may corrode and break after excessive exposure to winter road salt. Failure of the rear lower control arms may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a collision.

Our Annual Autos Issue presents a dizzying array of facts and figures, all aimed at helping car shoppers choose the right model for their needs and budget. While we rate the automakers and present numerous best and worst lists, we haven’t offered a simple guide to the best and worst models by brand. Until now.

Most shoppers focus on the purchase price and resultant monthly payments, if financing, when buying a new car. While it may be the most visible cost, the purchase price is really just the beginning. There are many real costs that are not so clear upfront and can vary widely between models and car segments.

Following annual tradition, it’s time again for our American Top Picks list spotlighting the top-scoring domestic-branded models in Consumer Reports testing. An alternative compilation to our official 2012 Top Picks, here we show the buyer who favors buying an “American” car the many strong choices that have stood out in our tests.