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Toyota tops Consumer Reports best, worst used car values

We often mock Toyota for building boring, soulless cars, but a new study by Consumer Reports suggests that regardless of whether that's true, the company has some of the best used cars on the market. In its report on used cars from 2004-2013, the Japanese automaker had 11 vehicles among its brands on the list - more than any other automaker.
CR breaks the list down by cost and vehicle size, and Toyota has at least one entry at every price point and in nearly every segment. To score a recommendation, a vehicle had to perform well in the magazine's initial tests and score above-average reliability results. It also tried to only suggest cars with electronic stability control. Of the 28 recommended vehicles, Honda/Acura had the second most mentions at six, and Ford, Hyundai and Subaru managed two each.
The Detroit brands also made it to the list, but not in a positive way. Consumer Reports compiled a list of 22 vehicles it wouldn't recommend because "they have multiple years of much-worse-than-average overall reliability." General Motors had the most unrecommended models on the list at six, but Chrysler and Ford weren't far behind, with five cars each from their brands not making the grade. The full list of recommendations is available on CR's website.

Automakers teaming with Google to bring Android to cars this year

Remember how we mentioned that Hyundai would be offering a BlueLink infotainment app for Google Glass? And how last week, we told you about a rumored partnership between Audi and Google? Well, both of these things were just part of a much bigger deal.
Google has teamed up with Audi, General Motors, Hyundai and Honda to form the Open Automotive Alliance. With the help of chipmaker NVIDIA, the group aims to bring Google's Android operating system to the auto industry on a large scale. While the speed with which Android will be adopted by the industry remains unclear - the OAA's own press release says "timing for each automaker will vary" - we could see the first Android-equipped vehicle by year's end.
For those that keep their ear to the ground in the automotive tech world, this is a big deal for more than just one reason - Honda, GM and Hyundai are all partners in the Siri Eyes Free program from Apple. The future of that relationship now that three of its automakers are in bed with Apple's arch-rival, though, could be under threat.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid starting price is $500 cheaper for 2018

Hyundai revealed its updated 2018 Sonata Hybrid and PHEV at the Chicago Auto Show this year. They feature freshened styling inside and out, and some mechanical updates that we expect will make the cars better to drive. Now we've learned that Hyundai has improved a couple of other things about the conventional Sonata Hybrid, one of which is the price. The starting price for the 2018 Sonata Hybrid in base SE trim is $500 less than the 2017 model. That means the SE starts at $26,385. In addition to the lower base price, the entry-level Sonata Hybrid also picks up standard blind-spot warning, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Sonata Hybrid Limited is a bit more expensive now. Its new base price of $31,385 is $400 more than the 2017 model. But to make up for it, Hyundai has made the panoramic sunroof a standard feature. The Limited's optional Ultimate Package is now $550 cheaper, too, and includes additional safety features not previously offered, specifically automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Two more convenience features new to the Ultimate Package are a wireless phone charger and a heated steering wheel. If these updates sound like enough to get you into a new Sonata Hybrid, the good news is you won't have to wait to pick one up. They're available now at a Hyundai dealer near you. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and PHEV View 22 Photos Image Credit: Hyundai Green Hyundai Hybrid Sedan hyundai sonata hybrid