Letters to the Editors
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Subject: "Top 10 Automotive Credit Cards"
From: Justin
I recently read an article on Edmunds.com relaying general information on automotive credit cards. Having no credit card and being an auto enthusiast, I was wondering: Do you have to own a Lexus or Audi to have a Lexus or Audi credit card?

Thanks for your question. You don't need to own a vehicle made by the manufacturer to qualify for a manufacturer-branded credit card. The qualification requirements are the same as they would be for any other credit card, meaning that they hinge on the information in your credit report. For more information on credit reports, see the following Edmunds.com features: Credit Report Facts and Understanding Your Credit Report. — Ed.


Subject: "First Drive: 2008 Dodge Avenger"
From: Michael
This article is filled with opinions and for this reason, the writer of this article, Daniel Pund, shouldn't consider himself a journalist. Edmunds is supposed to be informative to consumers, giving useful information about the vehicles that would aid in a purchase decision instead of bitchy, low blows at Dodge.

He is entitled to not like the styling but that shouldn't be known through the editorial. In my opinion, the Camry and Accord have such bland styling, it hurts. My friend just bought a Camry because she is an extreme introvert and wanted nothing that would make her stand out in any way. She wants to drive and not be noticed. Everyone has their own opinions and tastes and perhaps pictures should be all that is used so people can form their own opinions about the styling.

Maybe the "Big 3" wouldn't be where they are today if automotive journalists simply let consumers form their own opinions instead of trashing domestics constantly. No one gives them a chance. I for one am getting tired of continuing to read articles about how perfect the Camry is and how many flaws domestics have. With articles like these, in no time we will only have Toyotas and Hondas, with all domestics extinct.

Kudos to Dodge for building a car with some flavor.


Subject: "Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars for 2007"
From: David
I don't see the VW Golf TDI on the list; I get 42-50 mpg! That beats most of the cars on your less-than-accurate list.

What's up with that?

You're right — the Golf TDI does offer excellent mileage. However, the Golf has been discontinued, and isn't offered for the 2007 model year. As a result, the Golf TDI wasn't eligible for our list. — Ed.


Subject: "Comparison Test: 2007 Half-Ton Pickup Trucks"
From: Michael
Thanks for the info you provided regarding the Silverado's power spike before redline in the dyno-testing that was done on the truck. I have what appears to be the exact same problem with my 2006 BMW 325xi (AWD) vehicle. In diagnosing the problem with the dealer, not only was the problem easily identifiable, but it was present in the exact same car that was on the lot (belonged to one of their mechanics). A power spike occurs in the torque curve, so that the car starts slow, then lurches forward wildly.

So far, the dealer had not mentioned any "stochimetric" program or such. They reset the computer chip's "adaption mode" which learns the driver's style of driving, and they reloaded all the software in the car (which made the iDrive software run much slower), and still the problem is there.

I have pushed them for some explanation, they have none. I have posts on a few Web sites, and on Car and Driver's Web site forums, a user named Tr0nx mentioned this article. Finally, a clue as to what is going on with my car: your article. Now I have some idea to take to the dealer to get them to actually THINK about what their cars are doing.

Thank you for noticing this type of error with another vehicle. Edmunds is a great source of information. I have used it for years. Once again, you have helped.


Subject: Vehicle History Report
From: Georgia
I recently traded in a 2003 Honda CR-V. I had hit a deer on 9/2/06 and it didn't seem to run the same after all the repairs were made. The vehicle just never got the same gas mileage. Also, the defroster didn't work as well as it had before the accident. Mileage on the vehicle was around 52,000. I decided to trade in my 2003 for a 2006 with very low mileage.

I was able to find a 2006 Honda CR-V with less than 5,000 miles at a Honda dealership in Bellevue, Nebraska. I made the trip to Bellevue from Wichita, Kansas, and made the trade. The 2006 Honda CR-V runs great, however, the gas mileage is not much better than the one I traded in.

This evening I got on the Internet and found the dealership where I had traded CR-Vs. The 2003 Honda CR-V that I traded in was advertised for over $18,000 — I received a little more than $11,000. Because I had hit a deer, the dealership considered the vehicle to only be in fair condition and I was offered only the blue book value for this vehicle.

On this dealership's Web site I was able to look at the 2003 Honda CR-V's vehicle history report. Nowhere on this report is there any indication that this vehicle was involved in an accident with a deer.

I was honest with this dealership and took a loss, but it looks to me like this dealership is selling this vehicle as if this accident with the deer never occurred. Why didn't this show up on the vehicle history report?

I am left wondering about the 2006 vehicle that I purchased. Is there something this dealership is not telling me? I was given a vehicle history report on the 2006 Honda CR-V and it is clean.

I have also purchased another vehicle — a 2004 Subaru Baja — and its vehicle history report is also clean.

Maybe I don't understand vehicle history reports. I thought these reports revealed everything about a vehicle.

The companies that prepare vehicle history reports get their information regarding accident history from law enforcement agencies. If the accident wasn't reported to the police, it won't show up on the vehicle history report. For this reason, we recommend that used-car buyers ask the seller if the vehicle they're considering has weathered any accidents. For more information on this topic, see our story Vehicle History Reports. — Ed.


Subject: Hybrid Minivan?
From: Kathleen
I am having my second child and will have two babies in car seats, and I suspect that my Subaru Outback will be too small. I love the sliding doors of minivans but the gas mileage really seems awful. Are any manufacturers planning to sell hybrid minivans? I know Toyota sells them in Japan.

Many speculate that Toyota will be the first to market a hybrid minivan in the United States, with a hybrid version of the Sienna. Some sources guess that the vehicle will be available in 2008. However, Toyota has yet to confirm the launch. For more information on hybrids and fuel economy in general, be sure to visit our Fuel Economy Guide. — Ed.