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.

Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota have a commanding lead in car brand awareness, as determined from interviewing car owners for the 2012 Car Brand Perception Survey.

The people have spoken: Toyota, Ford, Honda, and Chevrolet excel over other brands in the minds of adult car owners, though the brand’s advantages are less this year than in the past. These are among the findings of the 2012 Car-Brand Perception Survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.

Electronics are infiltrating everything we use, and the halls of 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) here in Las Vegas are now home to the manufacturers and suppliers of the consumer electronics that we call automobiles. Amid acres of gizmos, Delphi displayed their “MyFi Connecting with Safety Vehicle”—an electronic smorgasbord of what is possible in today’s connected car.

Among the central themes at this year’s Detroit auto show was the rise of the mainstream plug-in hybrid. My colleagues who attended the show point to another key theme: the resurgence of American automakers in their hometown, with Detroit brands making the biggest splash with mainstream models. Either way, call it an American sunrise.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of 19,600 Volvo C70 and S60 sedans today. The agency says certain models of those Volvo cars have mislabeled spare tires, a violation of federal safety standards.

In such a large, diverse country as America, long-distance road trips feel like a birthright. But going the distance coast-to-coast isn’t for just any jalopy. It requires a good, safe, reliable car that excels in comfort and other factors. In anticipation of the long weekend, the Consumer Reports’ Cars team has been debating which model is the best road trip car, and below we present our picks.

With the long-weekend fast approaching, the Consumer Reports’ Cars team has been talking about the joys of the open road and what is the best car to experience it. With the Auto Test Center overflowing with dozens of vehicles in various stages of testing, this is a very real, and common, discussion for us. We’ve gathered up our personal picks for the best road-trip car in hopes that their considerations and selections point you in the right direction when choosing a car with true vacationing potential.

Volvo introduced its latest concept car this week at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, revealing another look at the company’s future design intent. As Volvo seeks to nudge its product portfolio further upscale, the You sedan concept illustrates how touch-screens can be adapted to streamline the interior appearance.

The majority of American consumers are not open to buying a car from a Chinese or Indian manufacturer. Such automakers looking to break into the U.S. market face challenges in brand awareness and acceptance, according to a new study by GfK Automotive, a global industry research firm.