| LII.org (Home) | About LII IPL.org Suggest a Site Subscribe to New This Week Contact |
|
|
 |
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
Automobiles
 Websites presented in alphabetical order AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety 
 "The AAA [American Automobile Association] Foundation for Traffic Safety is dedicated to saving lives and reducing injuries on the roads. It is a not-for-profit, publicly-supported charitable educational and research organization." The site contains research reports, videos, press releases, fact sheets, and other publications. Includes related links. http://www.aaafoundation.org/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Medical Treatments & Devices, Transportation Last updated Oct 10, 2005 AAA Fuel Cost Calculator
This site presents gasoline price averages for eight regions of the United States: New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Great Lakes, Southwest, Midwest, Mountain West, and the Pacific Coast. Offers an online calculator that allows users to enter their starting city, destination, and vehicle information (for newer car models) to determine fuel cost, miles, and gallons used. Fuel price data is provided by the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS). From the American Automobile Association (AAA). http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Oil & Gas Last updated Mar 8, 2005 AAA: Daily Fuel Gauge Report
The results of daily surveys (via credit card transactions) of more than 60,000 self-serve gas stations in the U.S. are posted here courtesy of the American Automobile Association (AAA). Find national, state, and metropolitan area prices for regular, premium, and diesel fuel. Also lists price yesterday, a month, and a year ago as well as highest recorded price for regular unleaded and diesel. http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Oil & Gas Last updated May 19, 2005 Air Bags Safety
This site features information about frontal and side-impact air bags, what happens during and after a deployment, and how to minimize potential risk and injury to drivers and passengers. Contains several FAQs. The site uses computer simulation to show how air bags deploy during a crash. From safercar.gov and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/safercar/menuitem.13dd5c887c7e1358fefe0a2f35a67789/?vgnextoid=9c0769fd5ec14110VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Mar 20, 2008 Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
This coalition of thirteen car and light truck manufacturers is "committed to improving the environment and motor vehicle safety" using "market-based, cost effective solutions." The site seeks to convey the coalition's position on all relevant issues by providing information and data to the public, government, and media. Included are articles, press releases, news, and statistics covering the auto industry and environmental and safety issues of interest. These include topics such as alternative fuel technology, fuel economy standards, and vehicle safety. There are also links to other related Web sites. http://www.autoalliance.org/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Industries Last updated May 16, 2001 The Auto Channel
Contains news on automobiles and motor sports, reviews, editorials, articles, guides for purchasing an automobile, video, a directory of automotive museums, links to related resources, and more. http://www.theautochannel.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Nonfiction by Genre, Transportation Last updated Jul 13, 2005 Autosite
This consumer site provides reviews and ratings, previews of next year's models, photos, articles, a discussion forum, and more on buying and selling a new or used car. Fill out a car quote form and a price quote will be sent by e-mail. The site is also available in Spanish. http://www.autosite.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Photograph Collections Last updated Mar 7, 2006 Autoweb.com
Contains information for buying a new or used car, including prices, reviews, mileage, safety data, and more. Also available in Spanish. http://www.autoweb.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Apr 3, 2005 Car Buying Tips
Lots of tips and links for consumers considering purchasing a new car. Included are auto news, sales numbers by make/model, researching prices on the web, tips on trade ins, negotiation strategies, and more. The table of contents for this somewhat disorganized site appears at the very bottom of the long first page. http://www.carbuyingtips.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated May 12, 2000 Car-Safety.Org
This site provides "information on the selection and safe installation of child safety restraints, including carseats, as well as vehicle safety....[It] includes buying guides and information for vehicles and car seats, an expansive carseat FAQ, a discussion forum on child restraint issues, a list of car seat inspection stations and events for Illinois and extensive links to other websites on these topics." http://www.car-safety.org/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated May 29, 2002 CarCare.org: Be Car Care Aware
"'Be Car Care Aware' is a consumer education campaign about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair." The site features tips for preparing cars for summer and winter use and for road trips, articles about various aspects of car care (such as mechanical and appearance), part and store finders, a service schedule, information about National Car Care Month each April, and more. Some material available in Spanish. Searchable. From the Car Care Council. http://www.carcare.org/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Sep 3, 2008 CarPrices.com
This site "guides consumers through the car-buying process." Provides prices and safety ratings for new cars, and classified ads and information on used cars. Includes "Top Ten Lists," and a list recommended dealers. http://www.carprices.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Jun 23, 2004 CARS: Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety
This site's focus is on "working to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect consumers from auto-related fraud and abuse." It provides a summary of recent safety legislation, links to government and consumer sources for researching vehicle reliability before purchasing, tips on how to avoid buying a known lemon, and past issues of the California Auto Lemon Index. Note: some portions of the site have not been updated since 2000, but overall the information is current. http://www.carconsumers.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Industries, Medical Treatments & Devices Last updated Oct 15, 2002 Cars: Vehicle and Equipment Information
Information on automobile safety, testing results, regulations and standards, and research and development. Of particular interest are searchable databases on recalls, technical service bulletins, consumer complaints, and compliance investigations. From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Sep 4, 2005 Carsurvey.org
Learn how car owners feel about their vehicles. Reviews are submitted by automobile owners and can be sorted by manufacturer and limited by geographic region. http://www.carsurvey.org/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Jan 2, 2002 Consumer Focus: Winter Driving
"Do you know the difference between snow tires and regular tires? How should you change your driving behavior in the event of ice or snow? Put yourself to the test by reading these tips on how to handle your car and yourself in winter weather." Includes links to related articles. From the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cfocus/cfwinterdriving03/focus.htm Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Dec 16, 2003 ConsumerGuide
Provides ratings, reviews, and pricing for new and used motor vehicles, electronics, appliances, computer hardware and software, office equipment, housewares, and more. From HowStuffWorks. http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/consumer-guide.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Magazines Last updated Sep 8, 2009 Crashtest.com
This Web site gives safety ratings on trucks, cars, and sport utility vehicles from automotive crash tests and data taken from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The ratings, which range from excellent to poor, are in categories according to likely injuries, death rates, collision claims and structural integrity. The major strength of this site is that it gives safety ratings on automobiles as far back as the seventies. The NHTSA crash test Web site gives more detailed safety information, but only rates automobiles back to the mid nineties. http://www.crashtest.com/intro/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Mar 11, 2001 Drowsy Driving
Provides information about drowsy driving and "falling asleep at the wheel," including danger signals, a drowsy driving quiz, audio clips, and input from drivers who have been in crashes related to drowsy driving. From the AAA (American Automobile Association) Foundation for Traffic Safety. http://www.aaafoundation.org/projects/index.cfm?button=drowsy Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Transportation Last updated Feb 5, 2004 Edmund's Automobile Buyer's Guides
Required reading for anyone in the market for a new or used (values back to 1990) car. Also provides results of road tests, car and truck reviews, information on rebates and incentives, and conferencing opportunities. You can query the Carfax database of over 850 million vehicle history records to see if there is a potential problem with a specific used vehicle. In addition, the submitted VIN will be completely decoded at no charge http://www.edmunds.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated May 2, 2001 Facts for Consumers: Vehicle Repossession
This fact sheet provides an overview of the processes of seizure and selling of a repossessed car, paying the deficiency after the car is sold, and tips for prevention of repossession through negotiation with the creditor. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/autos/aut14.shtm Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Aug 29, 2007 Financial Education and Tools
Contains information and interactive planning tools on savings, budgeting, home and car purchasing, investing, loans, education, retirement, and estates. From Bank of America. http://www.bankofamerica.com/financialtools/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Housing, Investing, Jobs & Work, Money, Seniors Last updated May 29, 2005 Fueleconomy.gov
The heart of this site is the "Find and Compare Cars" database, with miles-per-gallon numbers for vehicles from 1985 to the present. Includes a gasoline price page with links to national and regional fuel price information, information on vehicle safety ratings and air pollution, gas mileage tips, and material on hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Also find the most current model year "Fuel Economy Guide." From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Energy, Environment, Oil & Gas Last updated May 12, 2008 GasPriceWatch.com
"The basic function of the website is to help you find the lowest price of gas in your neighborhood. ... All of the 128,000+ stations in GPW are part of huge inventory of gas stations that our spotters have submitted over the years." Search by zip code, intersection, city, state, and other access points. http://www.gaspricewatch.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Oil & Gas Last updated Jun 12, 2007 The Gold Book
Provides the values of classic automobiles from 1886 to 1997. Prices are determined by monitoring auction results and private sales in the United States and Western Europe. Search by year, make, and model to determine values. http://www.manheimgold.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Jul 24, 2002 Green Vehicle Guide
Written for consumers to help them choose environmentally friendly vehicles, this site "rates only environmental performance when the vehicle is in use" using emission levels and fuel economy values as criteria. Search or browse by vehicle name or type, or view the latest year's cars as a list. Included are related links, a FAQ, and information to help the consumer reduce air pollution. From the United States Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/emissweb/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Oil & Gas, Pollution Last updated Dec 5, 2001 Heat Stress From Enclosed Vehicles: Moderate Ambient Temperatures Cause Significant Temperature Rise in Enclosed Vehicles
July 2005 article about the results of a study that found the temperature inside a parked car can quickly spike to life-threatening levels if the sun is out, even on a relatively cool day. The study found that "leaving the windows opened slightly does not significantly slow the heating process." The study was conducted to increased public awareness about the safety risks of leaving children (and pets) unattended in vehicles. From Pediatrics magazine. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/116/1/e109 Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Diseases & Conditions Last updated Jul 11, 2005 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI)
The IIHS is a nonprofit organization "dedicated to reducing the losses ... from crashes on the nation's highways." Its affiliate organization, the HLDI, "compute[s] and publish[es] insurance loss results by [automobile] make and model. Both organizations are wholly supported by auto insurers." The site includes crash test ratings for new and older models of automobiles, research and statistics on highway fatalities, an overview of laws and regulations, and newsletters. Some information available in Spanish. http://www.iihs.org/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Photograph Collections Last updated Mar 25, 2006 IntelliChoice
Information for purchasing new and used cars and trucks, including price comparisons, dealer quotes, articles, rankings, "Best Deals," and more. Also features car buying tips, and related articles. http://www.intellichoice.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Sep 4, 2005 Kelley Blue Book
Provides both new car and used car values (back twenty years). Includes new and used car reports, as well as a small directory of important sites, such as Buy a New Car online, dealers' sites, and a list of the automobile manufacturers' sites. Also includes motorcycles. Some material available in Spanish. http://www.kbb.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Transportation Last updated Apr 28, 2006 Kids and Cars
A nonprofit organization whose mission is to "assure no child dies or is injured in a non-traffic, motor vehicle related event." Site contains incident reports, statistics, legislation, downloadable flyers, information on safety devices, and related news and links. http://www.kidsncars.org/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Feb 27, 2007 Lemon Car Page
Information about automotive Lemon Laws including specific codes and strategies for making a lemon law claim. http://www.defect.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Industries Last updated May 14, 2002 Lemon Law Information and Sites
A directory of state-by-state motor vehicle warranty, or "lemon," laws. http://www.123car.com/lemon/lemonbystate.html Topics: Automobiles, Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Industries Last updated May 16, 2005 MSN Autos
Contains new car reviews, safety reports, comparisons with other vehicles, and purchasing and leasing options. For people who need to sell or to buy a used car, this site also provides Kelley Blue Book prices, reliability charts, and classified ads. From MSN. http://autos.msn.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Nov 24, 2007 NADA Guides
Online companion of print vehicle appraisal guides of same title. Provides price information for new and used cars, classic cars, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, motor homes, trailers, and other motor vehicles. Browsable. Note: you may need to enter a ZIP code to access vehicle prices. http://www.nadaguides.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Outdoor Recreation, Transportation, Winter Sports Last updated Jun 13, 2006 National Transportation Statistics
Annual report on the nationwide use of planes, trains, automobiles, and boats that provides "detailed national-level data on the U.S. transportation system, its economic performance, safety record, energy use, and environmental impacts." Includes information on accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and data on related energy use and air emissions. Some information goes back to 1960. From the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation. http://www.bts.gov/publications/national_transportation_statistics/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Environment, Statistics Last updated May 27, 2003 The New York Times: Automobiles
This site offers are reviews and prices for new and used cars, news, consumer tips, safety and maintenance tips, a dealer price quote service, and several top 10 lists. From the NYT, in partnership with Edmunds.com. http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/auto/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Oct 17, 2004 NHTSA: Office of Defects Investigation
"This page describes the search engines that you can use to retrieve information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) database." Includes links to databases of consumer complaints related to motor vehicles, defect investigations, recalls (concerning motor vehicles, child safety devices, tires, and related equipment), technical service bulletins, and safety concerns in foreign countries. Most material goes back to the mid-1990s. From the NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Dec 13, 2006 The Otto Club
The California State Automobile Association (CSAA) created this "comprehensive traffic safety site" to extend their safety messages into communities and classrooms. The children's section includes games to play online and on car trips, puzzles, and songs. The section for parents and teachers has teacher resources and safety-related news, links, and activities. http://www.ottoclub.org/ Topics: Automobiles, California: Education, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Mysteries and More, Transportation Last updated Jun 9, 2002 Otto the Auto
This site addresses car passenger, bicycle, playing near traffic, and other automobile-related safety issues with games and creative activities for children, tips for parents, and resources for teachers. Part of a traffic safety program for children in kindergarten through third grade sponsored by the Automobile Club of Southern California (ACSC). http://www.csaa.com/portal/site/CSAA/menuitem.c13d2427e527f6a08e7ea35492278a0c/?vgnextoid=7994727e4181d010VgnVCM100000c512daceRCRD&cpsextcurrchannel=1 Topics: Automobiles, California: Education, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Internet Guides & Search Tools, Transportation Last updated Jul 11, 2007 Physician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers
This guide, developed by the American Medical Association in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, contains information on assessing an older driver's medical fitness to drive, medical conditions and medications that may impair driving, and related legal and medical information. Although this guide is intended for physicians, most of the material is easy to understand and useful to the general reader. http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/10791.html Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Health, Notable People, Senior Health, Seniors Last updated May 3, 2004 Recall Warnings
This site features information about recalls of consumer products, including food, drugs, clothing, appliances, equipment, vehicles, pet care products, and autos. Also provides links to information about the 2003 California gubernatorial recall and to state voter recall provisions. Includes opportunity to sign up for e-mail alerts. Browsable by category or date, or searchable. From book publisher Nolo. http://www.recall-warnings.com/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Drugs Last updated Mar 25, 2005 Rental Cars & Car Rental Discounts
A comparison guide to car rental rates at major U.S. and international airports. Includes car rental FAQs, consumer tips, and more. http://www.bnm.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Jun 12, 2005 Road & Travel
This searchable site aims to provide women with information "from which they can make informed and intelligent decisions regarding their automotive, travel, and personal safety needs." Includes articles about travel health, cruises, trains, air travel, adventure travel, destinations, lodgings, and more. Automotive articles include new car reviews, used car buying, repairs, maintenance, and safety. Many articles have links to related resources. Some past articles are archived. http://www.roadandtravel.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Travel, Women Last updated Feb 21, 2005 Safe Senior Citizen Driving
Describes risk factors for the senior citizen driver, warning signs that someone should stop driving, safety tips, and alternatives to driving. Includes related links. From Helpguide, "a joint project of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica and Center for Healthy Aging." http://www.helpguide.org/elder/senior_citizen_driving.htm Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Senior Health, Seniors Last updated Jun 7, 2006 Safercar.gov
Collection of consumer resources and data on automobile safety, featuring crash test and rollover ratings for vehicles (models back to 1990), tire ratings, air bag safety and rollover prevention information, and details about recalls and reporting defects. Features a FAQ on hybrid-electric vehicles. Includes videos of specific rollover situations, air bags, and other driving safety topics. From the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. http://www.safercar.gov Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Sep 9, 2008 Scooter Rundown: Best Fits From Tall to Small
This 2008 article covers points related to choosing a motor scooter, noting that "[r]ecord numbers of Americans are getting out of their cars and hopping onto scooters, spurred by high gas prices and concerns for the environment." Covers scooter size and weight, engine size, and pricing. Includes photos, a link to an article about scooter safety, and links to related websites. From National Public Radio (NPR). http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93434949 Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Aug 26, 2008 Special Reports: Cars and Motoring
Collection of articles (2003 to the present) on alternative fuels, safety design, green cars, and automotive technology developments. Note: full text of some articles requires fee. From the online version of New Scientist magazine. http://www.newscientist.com/topic/motoring-tech Topics: Architecture, Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Technology Last updated Sep 28, 2009 Stop Static
Information about fires possibly started by static electricity during the refueling of cars. This is part of a public safety campaign "prompted by a sharp increase of incidents that could not be attributed to a running engine or cigarette smoking, the leading known causes of such fires." The FAQ has refueling safety tips and also addresses some false information attributed to the site publisher. http://www.pei.org/PublicationsResources/Safety/StopStaticCampaign/tabid/121/Default.aspx Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Electrical Energy, Physics Last updated Sep 22, 2009 What You Need to Know About Car Dealership Closures
This blog entry offers tips for car buyers shopping during the economic recession that started in 2008, when many car dealerships have closed down. It advises that consumers "need to be extra vigilant to make sure they don't become victims when dealers hit the skids." Includes tips such as using a credit card (payment can be challenged if necessary) and paying off a vehicle yourself before trading it in. From Consumer Reports. http://blogs.consumerreports.org/money/2008/12/car_dealers.html Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Jan 5, 2009 When You Are Concerned: Guide for Families, Friends and Caregivers Concerned About the Safety of an Older Driver
"Leaving the wheel can be a watershed event for an aging driver." This handbook covers such topics as monitoring driving habits, resources for help, safe driving tips and equipment, alternative transportation, and how to help the elderly cope with giving up driving. Opens directly into a PDF document. From the New York State Office for the Aging. http://www.aging.ny.gov/Caregiving/OlderDriver/Handbook2007.pdf Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Long-term Care, Senior Health, Seniors, Water Last updated Jun 15, 2008 Which Affordable Hybrids Save You the Most Money?
Consumer education series on gas/electric hybrid vehicles. Topics include costs and savings of hybrids versus similar all-gas models (gas, vehicle retail price, depreciation, insurance, and maintenance), how hybrids work, and money-saving tips (such as tax credits and incentives). From Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/news/2008/10/affordable-hybrids/overview/affordable-hybrids-ov.htm Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Dec 21, 2008 Winter Weather
Cold weather safety tips and information about cold weather health conditions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Features checklists for preparing your home and car for winter weather, a FAQ on health conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite, indoor and outdoor safety pointers, a bibliography, and related links. Some material available in Spanish and Vietnamese. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Home & Housing, Outdoor Recreation Last updated Dec 8, 2005 |
|||
| Copyright © 2009, Librarians' Internet Index, LII. All rights reserved. Financial support for LII (Librarians' Internet Index) comes from the The iSchool at Drexel, College of Information Science and Technology and the IPL Consortium. LII is hosted by The iSchool at Drexel, College of Information Science and Technology. |