This year, a range of Japanese brands are cleaning up and taking the top spots on the Consumer Reports and Auto Reliability Survey. Toyota’s three brands - Scion, Toyota, and Lexus - swept the top spots. When it comes to car reliability, no manufacturer can compare to Toyota. The Toyota Prius C earned Consumer Reports’ top overall score.

The Toyota brands were followed by Mazda, Subaru, Honda, and Acura - all Japanese brands. Of the 90 Japanese models reflected in the Consumer Reports Survey, 86 scored average or better, with 35 earning the highest rating.

Of European cars, Audi is by far taking the lead, moving up 18 spots from last year into eighth place. This makes Audi the most reliable European make and the top non-Japanese brand.

Wondering about domestic brands? While they aren’t topping the list this year, there are some U.S. brands that are standing out. Cadillac is currently the top U.S. brand, moving up 14 spots from last year. The CTS Coupe was rated the most reliable domestic car. Several other GM brands moved up in ranking as well, including Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC.

Next time you are in the market for a new vehicle, make sure you check out the latest Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Survey for a complete vehicle ranking.

All good things must come to an end, right? Well the same goes for cars - they can’t go on forever. We are highlighting some goodies you might want to get your hands on before they are gone for good!

Chevrolet Avalanche:  It’s possible that GM will release a 2013 version of this SUV-pick-up truck combination, but it will certainly be the last model year we will see. For the truck’s many loyal buyers, this is bad news. The Avalanche is the only vehicle of its kind, uniquely combining a 4-door SUV with a truck bed.  

Mitsubishi Eclipse: The Eclipse has been in production for more than 20 years, but it’s time is coming to a close. This sweet little car has seen better days in sales, partially due to consumer demand for a true rear-wheel drive sports car. Have you been eyeing one of these bad boys? Time to take the plunge before it’s too late!

Dodge Caliber: As Dodge rolls out the new Dodge Dart, they are doing away with the Caliber to make room. The Caliber’s sales have been less than satisfactory for the automaker, but the car certainly has some features worth a second look. An available all-wheel drive, the unique body style, and cargo area make the Caliber a practical car you can feel good about driving around town. Grab one before its too late… and if you miss out, try the Dart on for size!

Lexus HS 250: Looking for something a little more high-end that you might be able to catch a good deal on? The HS 250 might be for you. This is an upscale sedan that certainly doesn’t lack in style or features. Lexus will be replacing this model with the ES 300h, just in case you miss your opportunity to get the HS 250 before it’s gone!

Mazda CX-7: The CX-7 is another unique car we are not ready to see go. With an interior much like a minivan and an aerodynamic exterior more like an SUV, it’s the perfect combination of practical and stylish.

Don’t let some potentially great deals on these cars pass you by. Get looking before these cars are in your rearview!

On September 19th we saw the release of the totally re-designed Honda Accord. If you are looking to get some bang for your buck, the buck stops here. Honda has literally added thousands of dollars worth of features and technologies to its base model while only increasing the price by about $200 (depending on the model you choose).  You can expect your new Accord to cost $21,860 for the base model and up to $33,430 for the high-end Accord Touring model.  

Honda has taken itself to the next level, completely rebuilding the Accord- from the ground up. Not only does it have a new sleek look, but the technology it packs is competitive and impressive. You will find that every new Accord comes standard with alloy wheels, rearview camera, expanded view driver’s mirror, Pandora Internet Radio® capability, USB/iPod ®integration, Bluetooth®, AM/FM/CD audio, SMS text message function, and dual-zone auto climate control.

If that’s not enough to get you into this car, let’s talk fuel efficiency. Not only is this car fun to drive, but it is leading in its class on fuel efficiency. The 4 cylinder Accord rocks an impressive 27/36/30 mpg city/highway/combined fuel economy rating. That doesn’t impress you? Well, how about the 6 cylinder model, which is rated the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the midsize sedan V-6 class. You are looking at a city/highway/combined fuel efficiency rating of 21/34/25.

Still looking for more options? The 2013 Accord offers other impressive technologies such as the all-new HondaLink™ system which allows you to stay connected to your phone, social media, and music- so you can put your phone away. We are also seeing the all-new Honda LaneWatch™ blind spot monitoring system debut in the Accord.  Switching lanes make you a little nervous? Not any more, with a camera integrated in the passenger side mirror and using the 8 inch color display screen, you can see everything coming your way.

For a family friendly and gas efficient car loaded with the latest technologies, we think the new Accord is quite the value!