2007 BMW 3-Series Sports Wagon

The 3 Series blends sportiness and luxury, and is fun to drive. Both the 328i and 335i are powered by a smooth, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with varying horsepower. 335i models use a turbocharged engine, the first for BMW in some time. The automatic transmission is very smooth and responsive, and fuel economy is good. AWD is optional, but it takes a toll on acceleration and fuel economy. Handling is taut and agile, and steering feel is excellent. The ride is compliant even with the run-flat tires. The wagon has a slightly stiffer ride than the sedan and its cargo area is sm
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $31,465 - $33,210all. Some controls are complexFirst-year reliability has been average

2007 BMW 3-Series

The 3 Series blends sportiness and luxury, and is fun to drive. Both the 328i and 335i are powered by a smooth, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with varying horsepower. 335i models use a turbocharged engine, the first for BMW in some time. The automatic transmission is very smooth and responsive, and fuel economy is good. AWD is optional, but it takes a toll on acceleration and fuel economy. Handling is taut and agile, and steering feel is excellent. The ride is compliant even with the run-flat tires. The wagon has a slightly stiffer ride than the sedan and its cargo area is small. Some controls are complex. First-year reliability has been average.

2007 BMW 5-Series

BMW's 5 Series is both impressive and frustrating. We found the iDrive driver-interaction system tedious to use. Handling is agile and secure, and the ride is comfortable and quiet. The six-speed automatic and both 3.0-liter engines are smooth and give the car a sporty feel. The seats are very comfortable in the front and rear. Interior fit and finish is less impressive than in the previous generation. A V8 engine and the high-performance, V10-powered M5 sedan are also available. AWD is available only with the six-cylinder. Reliability of the six-cylinder is average, but the V8 remai
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.ns below average.

2007 BMW X5

Consumer Reports Overview
The X5, redesigned for 2007, is longer than its predecessor and features a small, optional third-row seat. The outgoing model has agile handling and very comfortable seats. We found these qualities have been carried over, based on our brief experience with the new model. The X5 has good snow traction and can tackle moderate off-road terrain. Both the six- and eight-cylinder engines deliver ample acceleration. The interior is impeccably trimmed, and the rear seat is roomy. The redesigned X5 has a ride that is less choppy than before, but some controls have become more complicated.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $42,230 - $50,140

2007 BMW 6-Series

The 6 Series coupe is based on the 5 Series sedan, and shares its powerful 4.8-liter V8 teamed with a smooth, quick-shifting automatic. An even-faster V10-powered M6 version uses the SMG sequential-shift gearbox or an optional manual transmission. Handling is agile for such a large car. The ride is a little choppy at low speeds, but otherwise it is steady, with good isolation. The luxurious and quiet interior has excellent front seats. Adults fit in the rear seat for short trips. Unfortunately, the overcomplicated iDrive driver-interaction system is distracting. A convertible version is available.

2007 Buick LaCrosse

Buick's LaCrosse replaced the outdated Century and Regal, but it's not a huge leap forward. Its strengths include a comfortable and quiet ride and good attention to interior details, which were sorely missing from its predecessors. Unfortunately, rear-seat room is tight, with meager knee and head room. Handling is fairly responsive. The standard 3.8-liter, V6 engine is thirsty and sounds coarse. The multivalve 3.6-liter V6 in the CXS is much more responsive and refined, but that pushes the price to the low-$30,000 level, where better cars exist. Reliability has been above average.
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $20,510 - $24,742

2007 Buick Lucerne

This large, front-wheel-drive four-door sedan replaced the LeSabre and the Park Avenue. The standard power plant is a rough-sounding 3.8-liter V6. A potent 4.6-liter, 275-hp V8 powers the CXS. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly enough. The Lucerne has a quiet, comfortable ride, especially at low speeds. Handling is not agile and the steering lacks feedback. It has a tendency to fishtail easily at its limits. Stability control is only available on the CXS V8. Braking is unimpressive. The back seat is roomier than the one in the LaCrosse. First-year reliabili
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $23,557 - $31,819ty has been above average.

2007 Cadillac CTS

The CTS feels taut and agile, and is fun to drive. The ride is firm but supple and effectively absorbs bumps. Interior details such as the seat-mounted safety belts are annoying, and some materials feel cheap. Several minor controls are difficult to use or poorly placed. In our emergency avoidance maneuver the optional electronic stability control engaged too late, allowing the tail to slide. The 2.8-liter V6 is smooth and refined; the 3.6-liter is considerably stronger. The automatic is very smooth and responsive. Reliability has been average, allowing us to recommend the CTS. The CTS-V is a four-door sedan with the same powerful 400-hp V8 that's used in the Chevrolet Corvette, a firmer suspension, and a fun driving experience. A redesigned CTS
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $27,082 - $45,511 arrives this fall.

2007 Cadillac DTS

The DTS is a large front-wheel-drive luxury sedan. The 275-hp, 4.6-liter V8 is smooth and powerful, and works well with the four-speed automatic. A six-passenger version, featuring a front bench seat, is available. Interior space is generous, with a roomy back seat and an enormous trunk. Handling is not agile. Tire grip and braking are unimpressive. The ride is comfortable, but can become buoyant at speed. The interior is quiet. Fit and finish has improved over the old DeVille sedan, but some flaws seem out of place at this price. First-year reliability has bee
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $37,580 - $44,250n better than average

2007 Cadillac Escalade

This is a luxurious version of the redesigned Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, with a more plush interior, a more powerful 6.2-liter V8, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is strong even when towing a trailer, but overall fuel economy was a poor 13 mpg in our tests. The interior is quiet and the ride is comfortable, but the third-row seat is too low, too small, and doesn't fold flat into the floor. Handling is clumsy but the standard ESC makes it ultimately secure. It is also hampered by long braking distances. Overall, the Escalade isn't a significant improvement over the less expensive Tahoe. An extended-length ESV model and an EXT crew-c
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price: $53,378ab pickup are also available.

2007 Cadillac XLR

This elegant hard-top convertible is based on the Chevrolet Corvette, but uses the smooth Northstar V8 engine. Acceleration is lively, and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly and responsively. A sportier, supercharged XLR-V is also available. Pronounced body lean and overly light steering keep the handling from feeling agile. The ride is competent but can get unsettled. The interior is plush and inviting for its two occupants. The power hard top takes a long 28 seconds to fold, but when folded it still leaves room in the trunk for one golf bag. Ultimately, the XLR
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $70,893 - $83,328doesn't quite measure up to other cars in its rarified class.

2007 Chrysler Town & Country

Consumer Reports Overview
Highs:
Interior flexibility.
Lows:
Seat comfort, interior trim materials, some controls, coarse engine, IIHS side-crash test w/o curtain air bags.
The cousin of the Dodge Grand Caravan is pleasant enough but has fallen behind the minivans from Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota. Interior flexibility is improved with the flat-folding second- and third-row seats that stow beneath the cargo floor, but noise levels have increased. This setup also eliminated the AWD model. The minivan rides well with a light load and handles securely. The 3.8-liter V6 engine isn't as smooth, quiet, or fuel-efficient as the engines in the class leaders. Reliability remains below average. IIHS offset and side crash-test results are unimpressive. A redesign arrives for 2008 with up-to-date safety equipment and optional second-row seats that swivel to face third-row passengers.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $19,273 - $32,310

2007 Chrysler Sebring

Consumer Reports Overview
Highs:
Controls.
Lows:
Noise, agility, front-seat comfort, fit and finish, trunk, braking.
The redesigned Sebring still isn't competitive with most family sedans. In our tests we found the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and the 2.7-liter six-cylinder engines noisy and unrefined. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic that isn't very responsive. A six-speed automatic is standard on the 3.5-liter V6. The ride isn't impressive, and the Sebring feels ungainly at its handling limits. Cabin access and the driving position have been improved, and most controls are straightforward and easy to use. However, the interior is unimpressive, with expanses of hard plastic and poor panel fit. Head-protection air bags are standard, but electronic stability control is optional.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $16,483 - $20,833

2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Consumer Reports Overview
Highs:
Acceleration, access, interior flexibility.
Lows:
Visibility, turning circle, push-button exterior door handles, cargo room behind rear seat.
The PT Cruiser's interior versatility is one of its strong points. The rear seat is roomy and can be removed to enlarge the cargo area. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides both the performance the nonturbo models lack and better fuel economy. Expect 20 mpg overall, but on premium fuel. The GT version is quick but needs to be revved to deliver power. Handling is secure but not particularly agile, and the ride is compliant. Recent tweaks have improved some of the controls. But a wide turning circle, flawed driving position, and compromised visibility are detractions

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $13,493 - $26,257

2007 Chrysler Pacifica

Consumer Reports Overview
The Pacifica combines some of the virtues of an SUV and a minivan. Our tested model had a comfortable ride and fairly nimble handling. For 2007 the Pacifica received a more powerful 4.0-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic. Optional all-wheel drive helps winter traction. The interior seats six passengers in three rows, and a five-passenger version is available. The driving position is higher than in most sedans and lower than in most SUVs, but a high beltline compromises visibility. When the third row is folded, this is a four-seat vehicle. Crash-test results are impressive. Reliability has been below average.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $21,855 - $31,629

2007 Chrysler Aspen

Consumer Reports Overview
Chrysler's first SUV is a twin of the Dodge Durango and will likely have some similar key performance data. It seats eight and has electronic stability control with roll mitigation and three-row side-curtain air bags. The base engine is a 235-hp, 4.7-liter V8. A 335-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is optional. The latter has a system that automatically shuts off four of the engine's cylinders, but in our testing the Durango with that engine returned just 12 mpg. Available options include a navigation system, heated front- and second-row seats, and a DVD entertainment system. Wood trim and an analog clock set the interior apart from the Dodge. The Durango we tested was quiet but thirsty and a bit clumsy.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $27,246 - $29,662

2007 Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 wasn't a standout in our testing. The 300C was very quick, but fuel economy suffered even with the cylinder shutoff feature when cruising. Handling is sound but not exceptional. The ride in the Touring is supple and controlled, while the 300C is stiff. Interior materials are acceptable, but the cabin doesn't stand out in this class. The claustrophobic cabin and limited outward visibility are detractions. Reliability of the V6 model is average, allowing us to recommend it, but the V8 is much below average. IIHS crash-test results were poor when te
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $21,998 - $36,440sted without the optional side air bags. A long-wheelbase version is new for 2007.

2007 Ford Mustang

The Mustang is available as a four-seat coupe or convertible, but the rear seats are small. Power comes from either a coarse 210-hp, 4.0-liter V6 or a strong 300-hp, 4.6-liter V8 that produces quick acceleration with a V8 rumble. The six-speed manual works well. The suspension still uses a live rear axle rather than an independent setup, and the resulting ride is a bit stiff. Handling is nimble and secure but the car understeers and lacks finesse at the limits. Interior fit and finish is unimpressive, with expanses of hard plastic. The power convertible top is well insulated. The Shelby G
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $17,338 - $28,169T500 features a 500-hp, supercharged V8. Reliability is now below average.

2007 Ford Ranger

Consumer Reports Overview
The Ranger has received some minor styling changes over the years, but the basics haven't changed. The Ranger and its clone, the Mazda B-Series, never let you forget you're driving a truck. Handling is fairly responsive, but the ride is stiff and choppy. The V6 engines are adequately powerful but the newer V6 engines from competitors are better. The extended-cab models offer two small, rear-hinged doors, but the rear-seat area is fit for cargo only. The front seats are thinly padded and mounted too low.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $12,909 - $22,075

2007 Chevrolet Avalanche

Based on the 2007 Tahoe, the redesigned Avalanche is a full-sized crew-cab pickup with a unified bed and cab. This allows for an innovative partition that can be folded down to extend the cargo bed into the back of the cab. A standard three-piece, removable bed cover makes this flexible cargo area weatherproof. The ride is comfortable and quiet. Stability control is standard. The 5.3-liter V8 provides decent acceleration but is thirsty. There is a very large rear blind zone; the optional backup camera is a big help but requires purchasing the optional navigation system.
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $28,727 - $32,006

2007 Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox uses an extended version of the Saturn Vue platform and seats five. Access to the roomy rear seat is easy, and it can slide to increase passenger or cargo room. The quality of interior materials is subpar. The 3.4-liter V6 lacks refinement and gets subpar fuel economy. The ride is absorbent at low speeds, but becomes unsettled as speeds increase. Handling is clumsy and the turning circle is wide. Some controls are inconveniently located. Reliability has been below average. Stability control is standard for 2007, and remedied a tip-up onto two wh
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $20,069 - $22,135eels in the government rollover test.

2007 Chevrolet Express

Consumer Reports Overview
Consumer Reports does not regularly test vehicles that are designed primarily for commercial purposes. Traditionally the big three have always offered full-size vans. Out of those, the Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana are the most recent redesigns--dating back to 1997. They offer a tall cargo bay with rear hinged doors that can be opened 180 degrees, allowing the van to more closely back up to a loading dock. Versions with eight- to twelve-passenger capacity are also available. Stability control is optional.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $22,864 - $27,170

2007 Chevrolet HHR

The HHR shares the same platform as the Chevrolet Cobalt. It has easy cabin access and a flexible cargo space, with split rear seats that fold to create a generous and flat load floor. The ride is comfortable enough, and handling is secure but not agile. The HHR feels lethargic in everyday driving because of the tall gearing and the slow response of its automatic. We got 23 mpg overall with the noisy 2.4-liter engine. Visibility suffers because of the short windows and thick pillars. The window controls and rear-wiper switch are poorly located. Interior quality is unimpressive. Both available engines receive a small horsepower boost for 2007. First-year reliability has be
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $14,645 - $16,475en average

2007 Chevrolet Impala

The Impala's 2006 freshening brought updated engines and improved interior fit and finish. The 3.9-liter V6 delivers responsive performance and manages 20 mpg overall, but sounds coarse. The optional V8 is quick but spins the front tires too easily. Handling is sound, but body lean is noticeable. The ride is absorbent but unsettled. The cabin is fairly quiet, but wind noise is pronounced on the highway. Controls are easy to use. The front seats are comfortable; the rear seat is unimpressive for such a large car. Head-protecting curtain air bags are standard, but ESC is no
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $19,229 - $25,657t available. Reliability of the V6 is average, but the V8 is below average

2007 Chevrolet Malibu

This well-rounded sedan has easy interior access. Fit and finish is nothing special. The coarse 3.5-liter V6 delivers quick acceleration and 23 mpg. The four-cylinder is noisy and returns 24 mpg. Handling is responsive and secure, but the steering is too light at low speeds. The ride is supple and steady. Curtain air bags are standard for 2007. With them, the Malibu does well in IIHS side-crash tests. A sporty Malibu SS model is available with a 3.9-liter V6. The Maxx is a four-door hatchback version of the Malibu sedan. Reliability of all versions has improved to ave
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $15,752 - $21,663rage. A redesigned Malibu goes on sale this fall.

2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

The Maxx is a four-door hatchback version of the Malibu sedan. It offers easy interior access. Fit and finish is acceptable but nothing special. The coarse 3.5-liter V6 delivers good acceleration but only 21 mpg. A 3.9-liter V6 powers the sporty SS model. Handling is responsive and secure, but the steering is too light at low speeds. The ride is compliant. The Maxx's extended wheelbase, movable rear seat and folding front passenger seat provide the space and the interior flexibility of a wagon or small SUV. Curtain air bags are standard for 2007. With them, the Malibu does well in IIHS side-crash tests. Reliability has been average, allowing us to reco
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $18,826 - $21,883mmend the Maxx.

2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

This Impala-based model was freshened for 2006. The 5.3-liter V8 has a lot of power but spins the front tires easily during acceleration, producing disconcerting torque steer. This engine shuts off fuel to four cylinders when power demand is low, but still returned only 17 mpg overall. The base engine is a coarse 3.5-liter V6. The SS model has a stiff and busy ride. Handling is cumbersome; the steering feels heavy and offers little feedback. Wide roof pillars and a high dashboard restrict overall visibility. Interior quality is unimpressive. Options such as satellite rad
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $19,229 - $25,382io and remote starting are worthwhile. The 2007 run will be its swan song.

2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Consumer Reports Overview
The Chevrolet Silverado and its GMC Sierra twin have been redesigned for 2007, sharing a platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The new Silverado retains the selectable, full-time, four-wheel-drive system and generous load capacity of the previous model. Electronic stability control is standard in the crew-cab model, but optional in the extended cab. The new truck has more responsive handling, a steadier ride, and better interior fit and finish. The old model, called the Silverado Classic, is still available.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $16,342 - $33,709

2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

Consumer Reports Overview
Like the regular-duty version of the Silverado and GMC Sierra, the heavy-duty version has been redesigned. The 2500 and 3500 HD models are offered in two- and four-wheel drive as well as the "dually" dual rear-wheel setup. Three bed configurations are available: a six-foot, six-inch standard, eight-foot long, and the Dually long. The standard engine is a 353-hp, 6.0-liter V8. A 365-hp, 6.6-liter diesel is available, which produces 660 foot-pounds of torque. Both motors are mated to a standard six-speed transmission. A work-oriented interior is offered in addition to more luxurious one that is similar to the one in the GM full-size SUVs.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $21,147 - $35,498

2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

Consumer Reports Overview
Like the regular-duty version of the Silverado and GMC Sierra, the heavy-duty version has been redesigned. The 2500 and 3500 HD models are offered in two- and four-wheel drive as well as the "dually" dual rear-wheel setup. Three bed configurations are available: a six-foot, six-inch standard, eight-foot long, and the Dually long. The standard engine is a 353-hp, 6.0-liter V8. A 365-hp, 6.6-liter diesel is available, which produces 660 foot-pounds of torque. Both motors are mated to a standard six-speed transmission. A work-oriented interior is offered in addition to more luxurious one that is similar to the one in the GM full-size SUVs.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $20,953 - $35,294

These trucks are much stiffer and ride less comfortably than the standard Silverado 1500 (1/2 ton). They are designed for hard work, with a 3/4-ton load capacity. The ride is bouncy but the available engines include a relatively refined, Isuzu-developed 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 mated to a smooth six-speed automatic. A huge 8.1-liter V8 is also available. These trucks are intended for commercial use or heavy-duty towing.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $19,669 - $33,391

2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic 2500HD

Consumer Reports Overview
These trucks are much stiffer and ride less comfortably than the standard Silverado 1500 (1/2 ton). They are designed for hard work, with a 3/4-ton load capacity. The ride is bouncy but the available engines include a relatively refined, Isuzu-developed 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 mated to a smooth six-speed automatic. A huge 8.1-liter V8 is also available. These trucks are intended for commercial use or heavy-duty towing.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $19,669 - $33,391

2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic 1500

The Silverado's significant assets are a selectable, full-time, four-wheel-drive system and a generous load capacity. Our tested Z71 Silverado had a stiff, choppy ride, but models without that suspension ride slightly better. Braking is adequate, but fit and finish is unimpressive. The powertrain isn't as smooth as competing models from Toyota or Nissan. A hybrid version is available, with a claimed 12 percent boost to fuel economy. Reliability of the 4WD model fell below average. Look for a redesigned Silverado for 2007, with better interior quality and improved ride and handling.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $14,494 - $31,116

2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic 3500

These trucks are much stiffer and ride less comfortably than the standard Silverado 1500 (1/2 ton). They are designed for hard work and a 1 ton capacity. The ride is bouncy but the available engines include a relatively refined, Isuzu-developed 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 and a huge 8.1-liter, 330-hp V8.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $20,360 - $33,922

2006 Chevrolet SSR

The SSR (Super Sport Roadster) is Chevrolet's convertible pickup truck. It has a power-retractable hard top that stacks behind the passenger cabin. It is based on the same body-on-frame platform as the TrailBlazer. The 6.0-liter V8 engine sounds invigorating, but the vehicle's weight hampers acceleration and agility. Interior quality is disappointing. This two-seater is about nostalgia and open-top motoring, but not much else. Chevrolet has ended production of the slow-selling SSR.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price: $35,512

2007 Chevrolet Suburban

The Suburban is an extended-length version of the redesigned Tahoe. Our tests of the Tahoe indicate that handling is more agile, steering and brakes feel better, and the ride is more controlled. Interior quality is much improved. The Suburban can seat up to nine with cargo space left over, tow a heavy trailer, and swallow more cargo than most minivans, but the third-row seat is too low and uncomfortable. The standard 5.3-liter V8 is powerful, but the redesigned Tahoe we tested delivered only 14 mpg overall. Four-wheel-drive models have a selectable full-time system that can remain engaged at all times. Stability control is standard.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $32,745 - $36,945

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LT V8

The redesigned Tahoe is improved, but not a trendsetter. Handling is more agile, and the steering and brakes feel better. The ride is supple and controlled. Interior quality and seat comfort are much improved. Trailer-towing capability is impressive, but the powertrain remains a bit unrefined. There is little cargo space behind the very cramped third-row seat. Four-wheel-drive models have a selectable full-time system that can remain engaged at all times without worry. Electronic stability control is standard. A rear-view camera is available with the optional navigation system. First-year reliability is above average.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $30,073 - $34,113

2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT 6-cyl

The TrailBlazer and its twin, the GMC Envoy, trails the competitors because of sloppy handling, ill-fitting trim, hard-to-reach front safety belts, and excessive wind noise. Off-roading is not a strength, but the low-speed ride is absorbent. Engine choices are a 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder or a 5.3-liter V8. The SS model has a 395-hp, 6.0-liter V8. In our testing, the six-cylinder sounded strained and returned only 15 mpg. Stability control is standard, making emergency handling secure. NHTSA frontal crash-test results are unimpressive. Reliability has improved to average, but the TrailBlazer scores too low to be recommended. The extended-length model is no longer available.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $22,666 - $33,598

2007 Chevrolet Uplander

The Uplander minivan has a coarse 3.9-liter V6 that replaced the 3.5-liter for 2007. The heavy second-row seats can be folded and removed, unless they are equipped with the optional side air bags. The third-row seat stows flat but sits on top of the floor instead of underneath it. The ride is stiff and noisy, the interior trim is flimsy, and handling is vague and reluctant. This family of GM minivans is outdated and not competitive in its class. Reliability has been well below average. IIHS side-crash-test results are poor without the side air bags and marginal with them. Stability control is standard for 2007, but the AWD model is no longer available.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.

Bottom Line Price Range: $18,488 - $29,910

2007 Ford Fusion

This sibling of the Lincoln MKZ and Mercury Milan is based on the Mazda6 platform. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivers adequate performance and 23 mpg overall, but is noisy. The 3.0-liter V6 offers more zip and gets 20 mpg. It uses a smooth six-speed automatic. The ride is firm and controlled, and handling is alert and responsive. The turning circle, however, is wide. The optional leather seats offer better support than the standard cloth seats. An AWD model is available. Side and curtain air bags are standard for 2007, but stability control is not available. First-year reliability
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $15,675 - $21,235 has been well above average. IIHS crash-test results have improved.

2007 Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox uses an extended version of the Saturn Vue platform and seats five. Access to the roomy rear seat is easy, and it can slide to increase passenger or cargo room. The quality of interior materials is subpar. The 3.4-liter V6 lacks refinement and gets subpar fuel economy. The ride is absorbent at low speeds, but becomes unsettled as speeds increase. Handling is clumsy and the turning circle is wide. Some controls are inconveniently located. Reliability has been below average. Stability control is standard for 2007, and remedied a tip-up onto two wheels in the government rollover test.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $20,069 - $22,135

2007 Chevrolet Colorado

Since the Colorado and its twin, the GMC Canyon, debuted, competitors have come on the scene that surpass them in just about all categories. The unrefined five-cylinder engine lacks punch and doesn't offer a fuel-economy advantage over competing V6s. The 3.5-liter grows to 3.7 liters for 2007. It had to work hard to power our tested crew cab. Handling is sound but unexceptional. The ride is unsettled and the body constantly quivers. The huge 48-foot turning circle makes parking a chore. Reliability of the 2WD model has improved to average, but the 4WD model is below average.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $12,887 - $21,548

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt

The Cobalt falls short of the best small cars. Its 2.2-liter engine is spirited but noisy and relatively thirsty. The ride is steady and relatively comfortable, but handling isn't agile. The steering is too light at low speeds. The rear seat is not roomy, even by small-car standards. Interior fit and finish is just so-so. A supercharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine powers the sporty SS model, which is quick and handles securely. The oversized spoiler on the SS blocks the rear view. The Cobalt sedan received a score of acceptable in the IIHS side-crash test with optional head-curtain air bags, and poor without them.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $12,055 - $19,192

2007 Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback LS 4-cyl

The Daewoo-produced Aveo delivers unimpressive fuel economy for an economy car. The 1.6-liter engine delivers just adequate performance. Handling lacks agility and confidence, with imprecise steering and lots of body lean. GM claims to have reworked the suspension for 2007. The ride is relatively comfortable, however. Drivers sit high with a good view out, and access is relatively easy. Fit and finish is adequate. Optional antilock brakes are inexpensive and widely available, a rarity for this class. The hatchback adds versatility, but the sedan has a roomier trunk. Side air bags are standard.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $9,145 - $10,852

2007 Cadillac STS V6

The STS is a very competitive sedan. Our tested 3.6-liter V6 was quick and responsive. An ultra-smooth and powerful 4.6-liter V8 is also available. Both engines use a smooth and quick-shifting five-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is optional. The ride is firm yet supple. Handling is taut and agile. The cabin is quiet, and interior quality is commendable, although some cheap touches make it feel less luxurious than the leaders in this class. We found rear-seat room relatively tight and cabin access a bit difficult. A sporty supercharged STS-V is also available. Reliability has dropped to below average for all versions.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.

Bottom Line Price Range: $38,363 - $66,384

2007 Cadillac SRX V8

This highly capable tall wagon uses the same platform as the current CTS sedan and offers rear- or all-wheel drive. Both the 3.6-liter V6 and the optional 4.6-liter V8 are smooth and powerful, and the automatic is very slick. A six-speed automatic for V8 models and an interior with better fit and finish are new for 2007. Like the CTS, the SRX feels taut and agile, and it rides comfortably. The location of some controls, such as the ceiling-mounted rear-wiper switch, is frustrating. A power-folding third-row seat is optional, but operates slowly. The second-row seat is very roomy and comfortable. Reliability has been much worse than average.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $33,688 - $39,304

2007 Buick Terraza

The Terraza is powered by a coarse 3.9-liter, V6 engine. The heavy second-row seats can be folded and removed unless you choose the optional rear-seat side air bags, while the third-row seat folds flat on the floor when not in use. It drives much like the Chevrolet Uplander we tested, with a stiff ride and noisy interior. Handling is clumsy. The interior trim is insubstantial. This family of GM minivans is outdated and not competitive in its class. Reliability has been much worse than average. IIHS side-crash-test results are poor without the optional side air bags and marginal with them.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $24,127 - $27,856

2007 Buick Rendezvous

The Rendezvous is derived from GM's minivans. The second-row seating consists of either two captain's chairs or a bench seat. An optional third-row seat that folds into the floor increases seating to seven. A 3.5-liter V6 is the only engine for 2007 and replaced the 3.4-liter we tested. Front-wheel drive is the only version offered. The interior uses cheap-looking materials, and the gauges are hard to read. The ride is comfortable, and handling is secure though reluctant. The Rendezvous will be replaced by the more modern Enclave.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $22,797 - $26,032

2007 Buick Rainier

Consumer Reports Overview
The Buick Rainier is the luxury version of General Motor's Chevrolet TrailBlazer/GMC Envoy SUVs, along with the Saab 9-7X. The Rainier is available with two engines: the standard 4.2-liter six-cylinder and a 5.3-liter V8. Rear- and all-wheel-drive models are available. The AWD system is permanently engaged and has no low range, which is better suited for slippery roads than serious off-roading. Curtain air bags are available. Stability control is standard for 2006. The Rainier will be replaced by the Enclave in spring 2007.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $28,552 - $30,381

2007 Buick LaCrosse CXL V6

Buick's LaCrosse replaced the outdated Century and Regal, but it's not a huge leap forward. Its strengths include a comfortable and quiet ride and good attention to interior details, which were sorely missing from its predecessors. Unfortunately, rear-seat room is tight, with meager knee and head room. Handling is fairly responsive. The standard 3.8-liter, V6 engine is thirsty and sounds coarse. The multivalve 3.6-liter V6 in the CXS is much more responsive and refined, but that pushes the price to the low-$30,000 level, where better cars exist. Reliability has been above average.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $20,510 - $24,742