Driving through the highs and lows

	MANY ROADS  Consumers can take several routes through this issue to find the right car.

Sixty years ago, Consumer Reports suggested that car-shoppers might want to “wait for ’48” rather than buy a 1947 model. The ’47s, we noted, had only “perfunctory grille or ornament changes--designed to create as much obsolescence as possible without stopping the assembly lines again.”

Not so in 2007. This year’s choices include 37 redesigned models and 28 new offerings. Overall, we give you information on more than 250 models in this issue.

Is it good (or bad)? For those of you who want to cut right to the chase see our Top Picks in 10 categories. In Best and Worst, you’ll find winners and losers from our testing and owner surveys. Price most important to you? Go straight to Best Vehicles Under $25,000. Going for the thrill? Check the lists for Most Fun to Drive or Acceleration.

Is it safe? If safety is your primary concern, you can review results from government and insurance-industry crash tests, and determine which of a variety of standard or optional safety features are available on each model (See our detailed vehicle overviews for all the test scores, available to subscribers).

Is it for me? In the detailed vehicle Ratings charts (available to subscribers), you can compare overall test scores, fuel economy, and Ratings for predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, accident avoidance, and crash protection. The profiles give you more details on each model, including a summary review and key specifications.

Is it reliable? The data hounds among you will be happy to see about how well models have held up in 16 important areas going back 10 years. You might have contributed to the database if you were among the nearly one million readers who filled out last year’s Annual Questionnaire. (To be a part of next year’s results, please fill out the Annual Questionnaire you’ll receive by mid-spring in the mail or online.) If you want a used car, you’ll see our lists of good models--and used cars to avoid.

Our auto information is far more comprehensive than it was in 1947. With this Annual Auto Issue, we trust you’ll find the vehicle that’s right for you.