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.

Six automakers have seen front air bags from supplier Takata blow up in their face, as 3.4 million cars will be recalled worldwide from BMW, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota. From the headlines, it sounds frightening, with fire and shrapnel being among the risks, but what does it mean to you? We'll explain.

The past few years have shown dramatic fuel economy improvements in all types of cars in our testing. Rather than exotic technology, such as hybrids and vehicle electrification, most of the improvements have come the old-fashioned way: through conventional technologies applied to gasoline engines.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly 600,000 Americans have "megacommutes" that have them working more than 50 miles from home or traveling more than 90 minutes each way. As a megacommuter myself, I can relate. Having given this much thought through the years, I have compiled a list of the best cars for megacommutes currently on sale.

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.

With a current crop of luxury models that are quiet, comfortable, fuel efficient, and among the most reliable, Lexus has earned the best overall score in Consumer Reports 2013 Car Brand Report Cards.

Since its 1989 introduction, the Lexus LS has steadfastly followed one mission statement: serve as a loyal, plush, isolating, and pampering cruiser for its affluent clientele. Updates for 2013 move the compass needle a bit, but otherwise it stays the course.

When shopping for a new car, it is natural to want to get a great value for your automotive dollar. And that's what our latest best new-car values analysis is designed to do.

In January, Toyota is expected to announce a customer service campaign to alert about 700,000 vehicle owners of 2007-2013 Lexus ES, 2006-2012 Lexus IS, and 2013 Lexus GS models due to a problem with the emergency trunk release found by Consumer Reports.

Japanese brands dominate the latest Consumer Reports' Car Reliability Survey, claiming the top seven spots in new-car reliability. At the other end of the spectrum, Ford now ranks second from the bottom, followed closely by Lincoln.

This week's recall of 7.43 million Toyotas for a faulty power window switch that could catch fire has been billed as one of the largest in history. But how big is it really?

Consumer Reports has found that the emergency interior trunk escape lever on the 2013 Lexus ES and GS can easily snap off during use, potentially leaving a trapped occupant without any way to escape.

In the market for a new car? The long Labor Day weekend can be a great time to get a deal on a leftover 2012 model. The airwaves will be overflowing with promotions, appealing to your heartstrings and wallet. I can be tempting to chase the too-good-to-be-true deals, losing sight of choosing the best car. Not to worry: Consumer Reports experts have cut through the clutter, highlighting good deals on recommended cars.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just introduced an additional test, a frontal crash that simulates just a small overlap between the front of a car and an object or vehicle it hits.