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 * For Used Car Buyers
   * Reviews of popular used cars
   * What you should know when buying a used car
   * How to get the best deal on a used car?
   * How to inspect a used car
   * How to check the engine when buying a used car
   * What mileage is OK for a used car?
   * Signs of automatic transmission problems
 * For Car Owners
   * Car Maintenance Checklist with Photos
   * Why a car won't start
   * Why Check Engine light is on?
   * How car parts and sensors work
 * Used car reviews
   * Toyota Corolla 2009-2013
   * Chevrolet Cruze 2011-2015
   * Mazda 3 2010-2013
   * BMW 3-series 2006-2011
   * Toyota Camry 2012-2017
   * Mazda 6 2014-2019
   * Honda Accord 2008-2012
   * Nissan Altima 2007-2012
   * Subaru Outback 2010-2014
   * More »
 * Used SUV Reviews
   * Honda CR-V 2007-2011
   * Honda Pilot 2009-2015
   * Toyota RAV4 2006-2012
   * Ford Escape 2013-2019
   * Chevrolet Equinox 2010-2017
   * Nissan Rogue 2014-2020
   * Volkswagen Tiguan 2009-2017
   * Toyota Venza 2009-2015
   * Jeep Cherokee 2014-2020
   * Dodge Journey 2009-2019
   * Nissan Pathfinder 2013-2019
   * More »


ILLUSTRATED ARTICLES FOR CAR BUYERS AND OWNERS


CATEGORIES:

How Car Parts and Sensors Work
Used SUV Reviews
Check Engine Light Codes
Used Car Reviews


USED CAR REVIEWS:

CHEVROLET CRUZE 2011-2015

Compared to many other small cars, the Cruze is heavier and offers a more solid
feel. It's also has one of the best crash test ratings among compact cars. What
are the common problems? Read our review.

DODGE DART 2013-2016

Discontinued after 2016, this sporty compact is now rare and unique. Based on
the expanded Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform, the Dart offers an American style
with European handling.

FORD FOCUS 2000-2011

The 2000-2011 Ford Focus is a fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive compact available as
a sedan, two- or four-door hatchback or wagon. It has a peppy engine and an
independent rear suspension.

HONDA CIVIC 2006-2011

The 2006-2011 Honda Civic comes as a sedan or coupe. It's a popular
fuel-efficient commuter. With good care it can easily last for over 300,000
miles. Maintenance and repair costs are low.

HONDA CIVIC 2012-2015

The Civic is famous for its low upkeep costs and a bulletproof engine. It's a
sporty front-wheel drive compact, available as a sedan or coupe. The Civic
offers a comfortable interior with a two-tier instrument panel with a digital
speedometer.

HONDA FIT 2007-2008

The Honda Fit is a practical fun-to-drive subcompact. It's surprisingly roomy
and has plenty of cargo space. If you want to haul tall objects, the rear seats
flip up, so you can even fit a flat-screen TV in the second row.

JEEP COMPASS 2007-2016

The first-generation Jeep Compass is a compact crossover, a close relative of
the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot. The Compass is smaller than the Toyota RAV4
but taller than an average sedan or hatchback.

MAZDA 3 2010-2013

The sporty 2010-2013 Mazda 3 comes as a sedan or hatchback, with a 2.0L or 2.5L
4-cylinder engine and manual or automatic transmission. The interior is stylish
and nicely finished.

MAZDA 3 2014-2018

The Mazda 3 fun to drive and good on gas. It offers the best powertrain in its
class: the 2.0L or 2.5L Skyactiv 4-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a
conventional 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

PONTIAC VIBE 2003-2010

The Vibe is a product of joint venture between General Motors and Toyota. The
Vibe is mechanically similar to the Toyota Matrix; it rides on the Toyota
Corolla platform and is powered by a Toyota engine.

TOYOTA COROLLA 1998-2008

The Corolla is one of the budget wonders. It's a simple car that won't cost a
lot to repair or to fill up. It handles comfortably and offers a smooth and
quiet ride. With good care, it can easily last for over 200K miles.


TOYOTA COROLLA 2009-2013

The Corolla is known for its reliable, fuel-efficient 1.8L engine, simple roomy
interior and soft ride. It's a comfortable little "workhorse" that you can count
on. In the U.S. and Canada, it's only available as a 4-door sedan.

TOYOTA COROLLA 2014-2018

For years, the Corolla has been one of the best-selling cars, thanks to its
reputation for reliability, a comfortable interior and smooth ride. The
2014-2018 Corolla sedan is larger than the previous generation and offers more
interior space.

TOYOTA MATRIX 2003-2008

The Matrix is a tall wagon based on the popular Toyota Corolla. Inside, it's the
definition of 'practical'. The upright front seats offer good visibility and
easy entry/exit. Rear seats fold down flat, offering 53.2 cu. ft. of cargo
space.

TOYOTA MATRIX 2009-2014

The Toyota Matrix is the most practical small wagon. Sharing its platform with
the Corolla, the Matrix offers 49.4 cubic feet of flat cargo space covered with
durable plastic. It's also one of the few small cars suitable for tall drivers.

TOYOTA PRIUS 2004-2009

If any car can be called a game changer, it's certainly the Prius. The
technology is simple, yet brilliant. The Prius is very good on gas and is cheap
to maintain. It offers a good visibility and a roomy interior.

2010-2014 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

This 200-hp hot hatch is a favorite of many driving enthusiasts and car
fanatics. Despite its small size, the GTI holds the road extremely well. The
driver's seat is super comfortable and the interior feels upscale.
More Compact Car Reviews »

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MID-SIZE CARS:

ACURA TL 2004-2008

The 2004-2008 Acura TL is a rare sporty sedan. It offers a strong V6 engine,
sharp handling and an upscale interior. The TL scored well in the NHTSA frontal
crash tests. The reliability is not bad, but there are a few things to watch out
for.

BMW 3-SERIES 2006-2011

Not many cars can match the style and driving experience of the BMW 3-series.
It's a small sporty car with a strong engine riding on a classic rear-wheel
drive platform.


HONDA ACCORD 2003-2007

The 2003-2007 Accord is a fun-to-drive roomy mid-size car. It scored well in the
crash tests and offers a comfortable nicely-finished interior. The Accord comes
as a front-wheel drive sedan or two-door coupe, with a 4-cylinder or V6 engine.

HONDA ACCORD 2008-2012

The Accord is one of the few sedans that offer an excellent driving experience,
solid build quality, roomy cabin and top safety ratings. The Accord coupe is a
hidden gem if you are looking for a sporty car.

HONDA ACCORD 2013-2017

The stylish 2013-2017 Honda Accord comes as a front-wheel drive coupe or sedan.
It handles well and is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. Engine
choices include a 2.4L inline-4 and 3.5L V6.

MAZDA 6 2009-2013

A very few family sedans can be described as "fun to drive" and Mazda 6 is one
of them. The 6's optional 3.7L V6 engine tops most of the family sedans in
horsepower and torque.

MAZDA 6 2014-2019

Unlike previous models that were produced in partnership with Ford, the
third-generation Mazda 6 was developed in-house. It's a sleek sporty front-wheel
drive mid-size sedan that is very good on gas.

TOYOTA CAMRY 2002-2006

The 2002-2006 Toyota Camry is a spacious mid-size family sedan. The Toyota Camry
is best known for its smooth and quiet ride. The interior is roomy and
comfortable with plenty of rear-seat space.

TOYOTA CAMRY 2007-2011

The Toyota Camry offers a roomy, comfortable interior and smooth and quiet ride.
The 2007-2011 model (XV40) has front-wheel drive and comes only as a 4-door
sedan; the Camry Solara coupe has been discontinued after 2008.

TOYOTA CAMRY 2012-2017

Famous for its smooth and quiet ride, the Toyota Camry is one of the most
reliable family sedans. The Camry has front-wheel drive and comes with a
4-cylinder or V6 engine. Large doors and elevated seats make entry and exit
easy.
More Mid-Size Car Reviews »

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HOW CAR PARTS AND SENSORS WORK

AIR FUEL RATIO SENSOR

ALTERNATOR

BATTERY SENSOR

BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR

BRAKE CALIPER

CONTROL ARM

COOLING SYSTEM

DOHC ENGINE

DISC BRAKES

OHC OR SOHC ENGINE

OHV ENGINE

OIL PRESSURE SENSOR (SWITCH)

PUSHROD ENGINE

SERPENTINE BELT

STARTER MOTOR

THERMOSTAT

TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH

TURBOCHARGER

More Articles on Car Parts and Sensors »

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FOR USED CAR BUYERS:

HOW TO INSPECT A USED CAR - ILLUSTRATED GUIDE

SHOULD YOU BUY OR AVOID A CAR WITH A TURBO ENGINE?

PROS AND CONS OF BUYING A CAR WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION

HOW TO CHECK THE ENGINE WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

SIGNS OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHEN TEST DRIVING A USED CAR

SIGNS OF A COLLISION REPAIR, RUST OR PAINT JOB WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

WHAT MILEAGE IS OK FOR A USED CAR?


USED SUV REVIEWS

Updated: 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9 Review

CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2010-2017

The Equinox is the 5-seater SUV with a comfortable interior and good highway
fuel economy. It comes in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive trims, with a
4-cylinder or V6 engine

DODGE JOURNEY 2009-2019

The Dodge Journey is a stylish 5- or 7-seater crossover. It offers a roomy
interior and pleasant driving experience. Compared to many other similar
vehicles, a used Dodge Journey is not very expensive.

FORD EDGE 2007-2014

The Ford Edge is a mid-size, 5-seater crossover SUV you can enjoy driving. It
shares its platform with its luxury twin Lincoln MKX, as well as the Mazda CX-9.
The Edge offers a solid feel with sporty handling and a smooth ride.

FORD ESCAPE 2008-2012

The Escape is one of the last small SUVs that still look like a truck. Its
square shape provides excellent all-around visibility and interior space. It
drives comfortably and is practical inside, which is why it was the best selling
small SUV for many years.

FORD ESCAPE 2013-2019

The third-gen Ford Escape is a sporty 5-seater compact SUV. It offers a solid
road feel and a spacious, nicely-finished interior. The North American Ford
Escape offers three different 4-cylinder engines and comes with front- or
all-wheel drive.

HONDA CR-V 2002-2006

The second-generation Honda CR-V offers a roomy and functional interior,
car-like handling and good fuel economy. Inside, the CR-V feels surprisingly
roomy for a small SUV. A tall driving position provides a commanding view of the
road.

HONDA CR-V 2007-2011

It's a 5-seater SUV that combines fuel economy and practicality in a
well-rounded package. Thanks to its simplicity and proven tech, it can outlast
many newer SUVs with proper care. For the same reason, it holds its value well.

HONDA CR-V 2012-2016

The 2012-2016 Honda CR-V is a 5-seater known for its practical design; it comes
with a 4-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. For the 2015 model year,
the CR-V got a facelift, with a new Earth Dreams engine and a CVT transmission.

HONDA PILOT 2009-2015

The Honda Pilot is one of the best people movers you can find. It's also one of
the few truck-like SUVs. The Pilot seats 8 with three rows of seats and has a
roomy, well-equipped interior with plenty of storage options. It comes with a
strong V6 engine and is available with front- or all-wheel drive.

JEEP CHEROKEE 2014-2020

After the 2009 bankruptcy, the "New Chrysler," now called Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles or FCA, decided to place more bets on its iconic Jeep brand. SUVs
were becoming more popular, so FCA came up with the new Jeep Cherokee, which is
a car-based crossover.

JEEP PATRIOT 2007-2017

It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand. The Patriot is a car-based SUV, but
its truck-like shape and iconic Jeep look made it stand out. It's also one of
the most affordable compact SUVs.

MAZDA CX-5 2013-2016

Mazda CX-5 is a practical 5-seater SUV. It offers a solid powertrain and sporty
handling. It's also one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs. The CX-5 comes with a
4-cylinder engine and a proven six-speed automatic transmission in FWD or AWD
variants.

MAZDA CX-9 2007-2015

This stylish seven-seater is not only roomy and practical, but sporty and fast.
The 3.7L V6 propels the CX-9 from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Despite its size,
the CX-9 handles like a heavy sports sedan, and offers a smooth and refined
ride.

NISSAN PATHFINDER 2013-2019

The 2013-2020 Pathfinder is a comfortable, roomy seven-seat SUV with a
responsive engine and a variety of available features. Unlike the previous
truck-based Pathfinder, this fourth generation, known as R52, is built on a
car-based platform.

NISSAN ROGUE 2014-2020

The 2014-2020 Rogue is is powered by a dependable 4-cylinder engine and comes
with front- or all-wheel drive. It offers a spacious interior, comfortable
driving experience, good gas mileage and great visibility. The CVT is the only
part we don't like.

SUBARU FORESTER 2003-2008

No other SUV can compete with the Forester when it comes to a comfortable ride,
fuel economy and excellent visibility. The Suby offers a 4-cylinder
horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine and standard all-wheel drive. Subaru
all-wheel drive system is one of the best.

SUBARU OUTBACK 2010-2014

Pick a spot on the map, pack it up and go! Standard all-wheel drive, roomy cargo
area and standard roof rack system with swing-in crossbars make the Outback
perfect for biking, kayaking or camping. Another pluses are comfortable spacious
interior, pleasant ride and decent highway fuel economy.

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2008-2013

The Toyota Highlander is a dependable family hauler. It offers a very smooth and
quiet ride, roomy interior and a strong V6 The Highlander comes as a 5 or
7-seater, with front- or all-wheel drive.

TOYOTA RAV4 2006-2012

The RAV4 is known for its practicality and comfortable car-like driving
experience. Toyota's best-selling SUV is a popular choice on the used car
market. It's a roomy compact car-based SUV available with a fuel-efficient
4-cylinder or a strong V6 engine.

TOYOTA RAV4 2013-2018

The Toyota RAV4 is a popular 5-seater SUV with a spacious interior and
comfortable driving experience. It comes with a 4-cylinder engine and a proven
conventional 6-speed automatic transmission. Except for some minor issues, it's
very reliable.

TOYOTA VENZA 2009-2015

The Toyota Venza is a stylish, roomy 5-seater crossover with large wheels. The
Venza comes with a 4-cylinder or V6 engine, with front- or all-wheel drive. The
name Venza is a combination of the words "venture" and "Monza," a city in
Northern Italy famous for its race track, Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2009-2017

As compact SUVs were becoming more popular, Volkswagen introduced the Tiguan.
The name Tiguan means half tiger and half iguana, as Volkswagen puts it. The
Tiguan comes as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
More Used SUV Reviews »


CAR MAINTENANCE AND CARE

CAR MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST WITH PHOTOS

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NAVIGATION:

USED CAR REVIEWS

USED SUV REVIEWS

HOW CAR PARTS AND SENSORS WORK

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODES

TROUBLESHOOTING WHY A CAR WON'T START

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