Many new cars boast technology to help drivers avoid a crash, and now a new study finds that one system is a standout in preventing fender benders and injuries on the road.

After some mixed results from early models tested in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) new small overlap crash test, the latest batch of vehicles earn top scores.

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.

Volvo has removed the virtual cover from its 2014 S60 sedan and XC60 SUV, revealing numerous interior and exterior updates.

The auto industry has a very confusing family tree. The past few years have seen partnerships, sales, separations, bankruptcies, and entire divisions killed off, making it difficult to keep up with who owns which car brands.

In order to make driving safe for both the younger and older population, carmakers are looking to vehicle technologies to help reduce the high crash and death rates for these demographic groups. Technology has great potential to not only address the safety of these vulnerable groups, but all drivers and passengers. However, the key to their effectiveness will depend on how drivers use them.

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.

Volvo Cars of North America is recall a small number of 2011-13 model year S80 sedans, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the safety agency, certain models of the sedans with automatic transmissions may be unable to downshift from higher gears, possibly resulting in an unexpected engine stall and thereby increasing the risk of a collision.

New data from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) shows which new safety technologies work and which don't. HLDI examined the difference in accident rates between cars with and without three distinct driver-aid technologies:

Lightly freshened for an early model-year introduction, the 2013 Volvo XC90 design dates back to 2003. Even with updates, this Volvo struggles in a class filled with newer, better competitors. To take measure, we bought an XC90 and ran it through our extensive test program.

Each year, the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue featuring the latest ratings, rankings and expert insights garners significant attention. The focus invariable turns to Top Picks and the automaker report cards. Both special reports given a quick snapshot of how makes and models compare, informing car buyers, as well as auto industry trivia enthusiasts. While everyone loves a winner, what about those brands that just never made the Top Pick cut?

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.

Volvo unveiled the new V40 small wagon at the Geneva Motor Show today. And while it’s not yet ready for the U.S. market, the V40 showcases a number of safety advances that are worth noting. To assist those not in the car, for example, Volvo is revealing the first pedestrian air bag, as well as a pedestrian detection system with full braking ability. Other technologies include an aid to help drivers stay in their lane using haptic auto steering, automatic road sign information, active high beam lights, and a cross-traffic alert system for the rear of the car.

Volvo Cars of North America is recalling more than 17,000 2012 Volvo S60 and Volvo S80 sedans and 2012 Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC70 wagons for issues with electrical wiring under the vehicles' front seats, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

We all want a car to be safe, reliable, and perform well, but since we all spend too much time behind the wheel (and making payments!), it might as well be fun to drive, too. Our automotive engineers have combined their test data and notes to come up with the cars they have found to be the most fun to drive.