In a previous blog, we discussed hybrid vehicles and their pros and cons. Diesel is another alternative fuel that may give you improved fuel economy, plus more diesel vehicles are making their way into the marketplace. Modern diesel engines have come a long way since the smelly, noisy oil burners of the 1970s. They get great fuel economy, but now are much quieter, more powerful and about as clean as most gasoline engines. In 2006, the government required cleaner diesel fuel, called ultra-low sulfur diesel, which in turn allowed automakers to install emissions control devices such as catalytic converters on diesel cars. Other technology, such as high- pressure, common-rail direct injection and turbocharging have boosted power and reduced diesels’ tendency to rattle like marbles in a can. In addition, any diesel engine can run on biodiesel, a fuel made from the oil of soybeans, rapeseed, or other biomass. These vegetable oils are treated with lye to make them more viscous. The result is a nontoxic, nonexplosive, and biodegradable fuel that burns cleaner than petroleum diesel. With an additional fuel system and tank, older diesel engines can also run on vegetable oil and even recycled vegetable oil from restaurant fryers, for example. In some European countries, diesels account for more than half of all new car sales. Pros Diesels get about 30 percent better fuel-economy than gasoline powered cars and have lots of pulling-power, called torque. Many diesel engines also have a reputation for durability, because they are built with heavier components to withstand higher compression. Cons Diesels often cost more to buy than similar gasoline-powered models, and diesel fuel is more expensive than regular gas. New models that use urea injection to reduce emissions have to have this system refilled with each oil change. Despite becoming more popular, diesel is still only available at about 30 percent of U.S. gas stations. For more information on alternative fuels and fuel economy, see our Guide to driving green.
Green and alternative-fuel vehicles are starting to become a large part of the automotive market and with gas prices continuing to rise, some are beginning to justify their higher price tags. But which type of alternative vehicle should you buy? The answer may depend on where you live and how you drive. We’ll look first at hybrids, then in future blogs, we’ll discuss diesel and ethanol. Hybrids have returned the best fuel economy figures in Consumer Reports tests. They combine the power of a gasoline engine with electricity from batteries driving an electric motor. Today’s hybrids never need to be plugged in. There are two main types of hybrids on the market today: full hybrids and mild hybrids. Full hybrids run at low speeds on just electricity and don’t start the gas engine until the car reaches 10-20 mph in normal driving. Mild hybrids always augment some of the gas engine’s power when the car is moving, shutting it down when the car stops. Mileage varies widely. In coming years, some hybrids may have a diesel instead of a gas engine to save even more fuel, and some will be able to be plugged in to maximize the electric mode. Pros Hybrids are widely available, and don’t require any consumer behavior change. Some hybrids are also eligible for tax rebates, and in some states their drivers may to use carpool lanes, even with one occupant. The benefits are saving fuel, and reducing emissions. Cons Most hybrids cost more to buy than comparable nonhybrids. And since fuel economy varies widely, not all hybrids live up to their reputation for super-high gas mileage. Some models use hybrid technology to boost performance instead. For more information on hybrid vehicles, see How hybrids work. For more information on alternative fuels and fuel economy, see our Guide to driving green.
Gas prices decline another week. National retail fuel price averages Price Change from last week Regular gasoline/gallon $3.74 ↓ .07 Diesel fuel/gallon $4.21 ↓ .15 Regional regular gasoline prices Price Change from last week East Coast $3.70 ↓ .10 -New England $3.73 ↓ .11 -Central Atlantic $3.73 ↓ .11 -Lower Atlantic $3.67 ↓ .08 Midwest $3.71 ↓ .02 Gulf Coast $3.60 ↓ .09 Rocky Mountain $3.89 ↓ .07 West Coast $3.98 ↓ .08 -California $4.04 ↓ .08 Source: Energy Information Administration, 8/18/08 For more information on saving fuel see our reports on how to get the best gas mileage and where to find the cheapest gas.
Hybrid technology is spreading to both cars and SUVs, but in most cases you’ll pay dearly for the privilege of electric assist, and all hybrids are not created equally. Using our owner cost estimates, we checked out the actual cost of owning a hybrid over time. Of the seven hybrids we recently tested, we found that three, the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Honda Civic Hybrid, save owners money compared with their all-gas alternatives, while others depend on tax breaks to break even. Overall, hybrid costs range from $4,250 in savings to a $1,750 deficit over five years, compared with their most similar gas counterparts. The Toyota Prius costs thousands more to buy than either the Toyota Corolla or the Toyota Matrix, but it costs less to own than either: $250 less than the Corolla, and $4,250 less than the Matrix 2.4. The four-cylinder Toyota Camry XLE and Camry Hybrid cost about the same to buy. The Hybrid gets 34 mpg overall versus 24 mpg for the non-hybrid Camry. More expensive hybrids with smooth, powerful V6 engines, such as the Lexus RX 400h and the Toyota Highlander cost hundreds more to own over five years than their gasoline counterparts, even though they save thousands of dollars in fuel costs. Hybrids’ fuel savings are real, however. The base Prius delivered an excellent 44 mpg overall, the highest of any five-passenger vehicle we have ever tested. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which achieved the best fuel economy of any current SUV we’ve tested, can save you nearly $700 per year in gasoline costs, compared with the V6 model. For more information on hybrid vehicles, see How hybrids work. To learn about alternative fuels and fuel economy, see our Guide to driving green.
Good car maintenance is important to keep your vehicle looking and running like new. Besides basic maintenance such as replacing tires or checking tire pressure, oil changes, and fluid checks, regular car washes can help preserve the exterior finish of your vehicle. Here are some tips to ensure your vehicle stays shiny for years to come. Wash off dead bugs, bird droppings, and other debris as soon as possible. Use a dedicated car wash product, which is milder than regular soap and won't strip off the protective wax. Rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water before you begin washing to remove loose dirt and debris that could cause scratching. Don't move the sponge or wash mitt in circles, as it could create swirl marks. Use a separate sponge to wash tires and wheels as they may contain materials that could hurt your car's finish. Don't wash your car when it is hot or in the direct sunlight, as the heat will dry the soapy water and/or clean water on the body, creating spots. Wash and rinse in sections, so that the soap doesn't dry before you rinse. Use a hose without a nozzle and let the water flow over the car from top to bottom in a sheeting action. Don't let the car air dry. Use a chamois cloth or soft towels to dry. For additional tips and techniques for getting your car sparkling clean, see our car-washing video. Also, see our car wax report to find out which wax gives the best shine. —Liza Barth
With gasoline hovering near $4 a gallon, many buyers are looking at more fuel-efficient vehicles. The good news is that you don't have to give up a lot of passenger or cargo room to find a versatile vehicle that can save you a lot of money at the pump. The most sensible approach to getting good fuel economy is to consider vehicles that get the best gas mileage in their class. The savings between the best car in the class and the worst can be significant. For example, the hybrid Toyota Highlander, at 24 mpg, can save you about $1,700 a year in fuel over the conventional Dodge Durango V8 at 13 mpg if you drive a typical 12,000 miles in a year, and pay $4 a gallon for gas. And while that may be an extreme case, even a Nissan Altima 2.5S, which gets 25 mpg overall, will save you about $480 in fuel in a year over a 20 mpg Saturn Aura. Another important factor to keep in mind is weight, which can vary a lot between cars and trucks of roughly the same size. Extra weight can really penalize you in stop and go driving, where the extra weight costs you money every time you start off from a stop-light. One way to put the weight penalty in context is to compare two vehicles with identical powertrains but different weight, and look at city mileage, where aerodynamics is not a factor. It happens that the Cadillac CTS and Saturn Outlook share the same V6 powertrain, but the Outlook weighs 1,075 pounds more. In city traffic the Outlook gets 10 mpg while the CTS gets 13, according to our tests. That’s a difference of 30 percent. If you do a lot of stop and go driving, look at the spread between city and highway miles. For instance, the Subaru Legacy GT Limited turbo, which uses premium, gets 27 mpg on the highway but just 11 mpg in the city. But the Toyota Camry XLE V6 gets 16 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. If city driving amounted to 10,000 miles per year, then the Camry would save you about $1,300 annually on city driving alone versus the Subaru. STRATEGIES THAT WORK It might pay to do a little soul-searching to determine how much car you really need: Consider a small wagon or hatchback rather than an SUV. The Mazda5 minivan, for instance, carries the same 39 cubic feet of cargo as the V8 Jeep Commander, but for 12,000 miles on $4 gasoline, the Mazda would save nearly $1,600 annually. Do you really need a full-sized pickup rather than a compact? Choosing a Honda Ridgeline or Nissan Frontier over a V8-powered Ford F-150 or Dodge Ram 1500 would save almost $500 a year. Is four- or all-wheel drive a necessity? If not, then two-wheel-drive versions of the same vehicle will yield an extra 1 or 2 mpg. Can you stand a manual transmission? Among the small...
We’re nearing the end of the 2008 model year, and already several new vehicles have hit dealerships. The model-change over means dealers are anxious to make room for new models and advertising tempting incentives. Before choosing a current model, it is wise to consider what is coming down the road. Here is a peak at the most new and notable models you’ll be seeing this fall or early 2009. For a sneak peek at more new vehicles, see our comprehensive New car preview with the photos and videos. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro The all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is a modern interpretation of the classic original, built on a modern, rear-drive platform. Like the 1960s car, the new Camaro will be offered in coupe and convertible body styles, with 300-hp V6 and 400-plus-hp V8 engines. On sale: Winter 2009. Read the complete Chevrolet Camaro preview. 2009 Chevrolet Traverse The Traverse is Chevrolet's version of the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook SUVs. The Traverse will have three rows of seating for 7 or 8 passengers. Based on our experience with the sibling vehicles, the third row is comfortable enough to fit adults and retain storage capacity behind it. On sale: Fall 2008. Read the complete Chevrolet Traverse preview. 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid Few details have been released, but we expect the Fusion hybrid (and Mercury Milan hybrid) to use a powertrain similar to the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids. A style freshening is also expected for all Fusion and Milan models. On sale: Winter 2009. Read the complete Ford Fusion hybrid preview. 2009 Honda Fit The redesigned Fit is longer and wider than the previous version. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side and curtain air bags, and active front head restraints. ESC will be available as an option. On sale: Fall 2008. Read the complete Honda Fit preview. 2010 Kia Soul This new front-wheel-drive, four-door hatchback is styled like a small SUV. Its boxy packaging also reminds of Scion xB, although it will be about five inches shorter than an xB. Similar to the Scion, Kia expects Soul owners to personalize this vehicle with extras. On sale: Spring 2009. Read the complete Kia Soul preview. 2009 Mazda6 The Mazda6 is larger and roomier than the outgoing sedan. The four-door vehicle features two engine options--a 2.5-liter 4-cyl. and 3.7-liter V6—that are both larger than the previous version. ESC and curtain air bags are now standard. On sale: Late summer 2008. Read the complete Mazda6 preview. 2010 Nissan Cube On sale outside the U.S. since 2004, the next-generation Nissan Cube will be coming to the U.S. in 2009. This boxy vehicle is roomy for a small car, but with comfortable seating for four. The rear seats fold down to fit longer items and the large glass around the vehicle give it an airy feel with excellent visibility. On sale: Early 2009. Read the complete Nissan Cube preview.
We've all seen it: folks who drive with their car seat severely reclined, head barely appearing above the window sill, seemingly sitting in the back seat. How you sit in a car affects not only your comfort, but your ability to control the car. Also, a car's safety features work best when you sit correctly; improper position can cause an increased risk of injury in case of an accident. While vehicle features like telescoping steering wheels, seat and shoulder belt height adjustments, and power adjustable pedals help you tailor a good, safe driving position, it is up to you to use the car seat adjustments in your car properly. In our brief video, we give some tips for setting a proper seating position, regardless of what you drive. —Tom Mutchler Learn more about car safety.
Gas prices continue to decline. National retail fuel price averages Price Change from last week Regular gasoline/gallon $3.81 ↓ .07 Diesel fuel/gallon $4.35 ↓ .15 Regional regular gasoline prices Price Change from last week East Coast $3.80 ↓ .09 -New England $3.84 ↓ .09 -Central Atlantic $3.84 ↓ .09 -Lower Atlantic $3.75 ↓ .09 Midwest $3.73 ↓ .04 Gulf Coast $3.69 ↓ .08 Rocky Mountain $3.95 ↓ .05 West Coast $4.06 ↓ .08 -California $4.12 ↓ .09 Source: Energy Information Administration, 8/11/08 For more information on saving fuel see our reports on how to get the best gas mileage and where to find the cheapest gas.
Some people say it’s better to buy your gasoline first thing in the morning, rather than in the heat of the day. That’s because gasoline, like all liquids, expands when heated. So, according to this advice, gasoline will be denser in the cool of early morning, meaning you’ll get more energy per gallon than later in the day. The basic facts are correct, but the advice is not. Gasoline does expand and contract a little depending on its temperature. When gasoline rises from 60 to 75 degrees F, for instance, it increases in volume by 1 percent while the energy content remains the same. But filling stations typically store their gasoline in underground tanks, where the temperature variation during the day is much less than in the air above. The result is that the temperature of the gasoline coming out of the fuel nozzle varies very little, if at all, during any 24-hour stretch at any particular station. Craig Eerkes, former chairman of the Petroleum Marketers Association of America, a trade group for filling stations, says that the expansion and contraction of gasoline due to day-long temperature shifts is, for the consumer, "Just so, so minuscule as to be almost nonexistent." Judy Dugan, Research Director for the California advocacy group Consumer Watchdog, says, “The temperature variation between day and night at an individual gas station is apt to be negligible. She also notes that today’s double-welled tanks tend to keep the gasoline at the same temperature at which it’s deliver for a while. "If fuel is warm when it’s delivered to a station, it’ll still be warm when it’s sold a few hours later." What we did. We performed some temperature testing at our auto-test facility in East Haddam, Connecticut, where we have an underground fuel tank similar to a typical filling station’s. Over a few summer days we measured the temperature of each gallon leaving our dispenser nozzle both in the early morning (8:30 a.m.) and early afternoon (12:30 to 1:00 p.m.). Results. While the air temperature between filling varied by up to 12 degrees, the fuel in our underground tank stayed at a steady 62 degrees F. As a result, we found that after the first few gallons were pumped, the fuel temperature coming out of the nozzle varied very little between morning and afternoon. At both morning and afternoon fill-ups, however, the first few gallons out of the nozzle were notably warmer than following gallons. The temperature between the first and tenth gallons, for example, dropped by between 8 and 17 degrees. This was a result of the gas sitting in the pump dispenser, which was warmed by the sun. At our underground tank, which stores premium fuel, it’s not unusual for the gasoline to sit for hours or even days between fill-ups—unlike a typical filling station tank, which may be replenished every day or even more often. After pumping a car-tankful of gas, 20 gallons or so, the temperature had declined to that of the underground...
Buying a convertible is all about enjoying an open-air driving experience, and some drop-top models are truly fun to drive. On the downside, convertibles inherently require compromises, such as accepting cramped seats, limited cargo capability, and reduced (top up) visibility. Our latest video, ratings, and buying advice can help you to choose the best convertible for your needs and budget. When looking for a convertible, there are a few things to consider—the type of driving you do, , how much power and sportiness you want, and how many people you will likely transport. Also, the choice between a soft or hard top might dictate the model you choose. Price and fuel economy are also important considerations, especially in this tough economy. There are a number of convertible types to choose from—roadsters, luxury, and mainstream convertibles. Roadsters are two-seaters that tend to be small, fun and fast. Creature comforts aren’t a priority. Luxury convertibles offer a balance of performance, comfort, and a fun driving experience, but are quite expensive. If you want open-air driving at an affordable price, mainstream is the way to go. These popular models, such as the Chrysler Sebring and Ford Mustang, can seat four people, though the rear seats aren’t the most comfortable. Cargo space is also compromised in convertibles, especially when the top is down. (For road tests and videos on some of the most recent convertibles, read our group test "Friendlier Skies" featuring the BMW 328i, Chrysler Sebring, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, Pontiac G6, Saab 9-3, Volkswagen Eos, and the Volvo C70.) Summer and fall are perfect times to enjoy a top-down driving experience. If you’re feeling the itch, check out our convertible buying advice video for tips on how to choose a convertible, and what you should consider before you make a purchase. For more details, visit our convertibles section with more buying advice and complete ratings, or browse our convertible personal picks parts 1 and 2. —Liza Barth
Scanning through past Consumer Reports articles on motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds, advice from the June 1981 issue resonated with me today. The basic wisdom from decades past still applies today. I set this research aside to address later, along with lessons gleaned from the well-packaged Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Guide to Motorcycling Excellence and other bike publications cluttering my desk. However, a news headline from Automotive News today ("Pininfarina CEO dies in road accident") drove home the importance of again sharing safety advice, particularly before a summer weekend. Andrea Pininfarina, the CEO of famed automotive design firm Pininfarina, died this morning. He was reportedly riding a Vespa scooter to work when he was struck by a car. At this time, I do not know the particulars of this tragedy, though it underscores that safety must be of paramount concern when riding any motorcycle or scooter, and much of the following applies to both. Excerpted from Consumer Reports, June 1981: There are three main reasons [motorcycles have a higher death rate than automobiles]: A motorcycle is much harder to see than a car. A motorcycle offers its rider little or no protection A motorcycle’s handling is tricky—if it skids, it often spills. Like any motorized two-wheeler, a motorcycle must be ridden with extreme care. Steering, accelerating, and braking require skill and a high degree of coordination to handle competently. If you’re used to power steering, power brakes, and automatic transmission, learning to balance a motorcycle while handling its clutch and gear-shifter can be a formidable task. If you’re a beginner, ride especially conservatively for the first six months or so. Learn to operate the clutch and both brakes smoothly and precisely, to avoid skidding. As your skill increases, gradually discover the limits of your motorcycle’s traction—but do it in a safe place, away from traffic, and do it carefully. A properly designed motorcycle, when cornered too hard, always skids out at the rear. To recover control, allow the skid to continue somewhat, without aggravating it. Reduce throttle so the engine is neither speeding you up nor slowing you down. Don’t touch the brakes. To maintain balance, steer in the direction of the skid—that is, turn the front wheel to the right if the rear wheel is skidding to the right. Brake only when you have the motorcycle under full control. Use the front brake carefully to avoid locking up the front wheel. If the front wheel begins to skid, release the brake instantly. Drive defensively. Assume that you are invisible and that motorists therefore will not give you the right of way. It’s unwise to place your life in the hands of every stranger who drives by. Our current engineers also caution that traction varies widely on different road surfaces and in different weather. Learn to scan the pavement and determine the level of grip available. If it’s too shiny, it may be slick. In the future, we explore the Consumer Reports archives further and dig deeper into safety and ownership issues....
For our test group in the September 2008 issue, we tested a half dozen SUVs that can be economical alternatives to larger sport utilities. "Downsized SUVs" features the Infiniti EX35, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover LR2, Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Volkswagen Touareg. We also reviewed the Volvo XC70, an upscale wagon alternative to an SUV. These recently introduced or freshened models cover two groups: the Tiguan, LR2, and EX35 are compact upscale SUVs while the Murano, Grand Cherokee, and Touareg are aimed at the heart of the midsized SUV market. Compared to larger models, most of these provide better fuel economy, but still deliver the power and amenities that consumers expect. The full SUV road tests from the magazine have been posted at ConsumerReports.org, along with videos hosted by our auto experts. These video reviews highlight our tests of each vehicle, plus they demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each model. Check out the video of the Volkswagen Tiguan, plus see the rest of our SUV videos. Ratings for all of the SUVs we have tested can be found with our dynamic New Car Selector tool.
With the national economy and elevated gas prices having a real impact on American households, it is more important now than ever for car buyers to look at the complete cost scenario when choosing a model. Consumer Reports analysis shows that on a typical new car, depreciation accounts for 46 percent of the owner costs over a five-year period. Depreciation is greatest in the first years. If saving money, not just fuel, is your true goal, then consider buying used. Pre-owned vehicles have already gone through the initial period of rapid depreciation. By focusing on a nearly-new model, say 2-3 years old, you can find a vehicle that offers comparable fuel economy, performance, safety, and reliability as a new car, often with some transferable warranty coverage remaining. With a lower transaction price, sales tax, and insurance, used cars can be more affordable to purchase and own. Of course, buying used can put a larger, better-equipped model within your budget, but if fuel economy is your driving motivation, then consider these frugal choices. The cars below are the most fuel-efficient models available in their price range and many have performed well in our tests. Other fuel efficient cars, such as the Mini Cooper, command a premium, thus cutting into the money saving. The fuel economy numbers come from our measurements using a precision flow meter and are rounded to the nearest mile per gallon (mpg). CR's overall mileage is calculated from equal portions of city, expressway, and rural roads. Under $10,000 Overall mpg 2000 Honda Insight (manual) 51 2001-02 Toyota Prius 41 2000-05 Toyota Echo 38 1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm 32 1998 Mazda Protegé LX 32 1998-2000 Toyota Corolla LE 32 1998-2001 Acura Integra LS (manual) 32 $10,000-$20,000 Overall mpg 2004-06 Toyota Prius 44 2001-03 Toyota Prius 41 2006-07 Honda Civic Hybrid 37 2003-05 Honda Civic Hybrid 36 2007 Honda Fit Sport (manual) 34 2007 Toyota Yaris Liftback (base, manual) 34 There are a number of used cars that have excellent fuel economy, plus are affordable and reliable such as the Chevrolet Prizm, Honda Civic, Honda Fit, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Echo, and Toyota Yaris. Note that these days, any hybrid will be hard to find, and therefore, retail prices may be above the official value. Also, keep in mind that the older cars on this list may lack common safety features such as ABS and side-curtain airbags. Check out our complete list of the most fuel-efficient used cars and the best and worst used cars. Plus see our Guide to Green Driving for more information on fuel economy and alternative fuels. When you’re ready to make a purchase, see our used car buying guide for advice on choosing the right used car for you, selling your old car, and getting the best price. —Liza Barth and Jeff Bartlett For more information on saving fuel see our reports on how to get the best gas mileage and where to find the cheapest gas.
That’s right, we not only have tested nine new portable GPS navigation devices, but we have made changes to how the ratings are scored and displayed to better represent the factors that matter most to users. These revised ratings have been applied to all 55 models in our main ratings chart, including these new additions: Archos 605 GPS Bundle Garmin Nuvi 205, Nuvi 205W, Nuvi 255, Nuvi 255W, Nuvi 880 Magellan RoadMate 1430 TomTom XL 330, XL 330 S So why the change? Since we accelerated our portable GPS navigation testing program last year, we have seen rapid product evolution. While testing about 100 devices in the past 12 months, we have been monitoring reader feedback in the Cars blog, forums, and through user reviews. We’re seeing the desired product features, price points, and expectations are changing along with the products themselves. The insights have helped shape our understanding of what matters most to GPS users, providing guidance for our buying advice and general reporting. To take this a step further, the Consumer Reports National Research Center surveyed more than 2,000 known GPS users to learn about their experiences—how they use the devices, what features matter most, and what they would want on their next device. (We’ll explore the survey results further in a future report.) The survey findings have been used to refine how we weight certain performance attributes, leading to some changes in the rank order and overall presentation. The most obvious change is that we have broken the ratings list into three sections: basic navigators, navigators with traffic optional, and traffic-ready navigators. The survey reaffirmed that traffic is a key distinguishing feature. Of all the features listed, real-time traffic garnered the most interest: 49 percent of those users without the feature on their current device reported they would want it in the future. On the other hand, 46 percent of those whose devices had real-time traffic never used the feature. We encourage shoppers to consider the cost, benefits, and likelihood they would truly use the traffic data before choosing a device. By splitting out the ratings into these three groups, you can readily identify the devices that excel with and without traffic capability. We have added a traffic-specific rating that factors the traffic interface; type of receiver (external wire, power cord, or internal); how clearly the traffic issue is identified; where the traffic information is presented; traffic information on the events list; visual and verbal traffic alerts; time and distance to incident; estimated time delay; and numerous other performance-based elements. However, this scoring does not take into account accuracy or timeliness of traffic data. There are a finite number of suppliers of traffic information, and we have not see any differences in our testing in the greater New York area. Behind the scores A lot of work goes into our traffic ratings, however, we don’t prioritize it. We feel real-time traffic information isn’t a main reason to buy one navigator over another. We have found that all...
