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Consumer Reports slams new Honda Civic

Honda Motor Co., still struggling with supply shortages of the redesigned 2012 Civic after the March earthquake in Japan, took a slap in the face today when Consumer Reports rated the new Civic "too low to be recommended." The 2012 Honda Civic dropped 17 points, from a very-good score of 78 to a mediocre 61, in the latest Consumer Reports road test of small cars. Previous Honda Civic models have often been Consumer Reports' highest rated small sedans, as well as Top Picks in five of the past 10 years. But the redesigned model was slammed for the cheapness of its interior, poor ride quality, long stopping distances and loud interior noise.

VW wants more vehicles tailored to U.S. buyers

The Volkswagen brand's U.S. product planner wants a more Americanized lineup. His wish list calls for a small, locally built SUV, more diesels and possibly a return of the Phaeton.

One Lap of the Web: Ugly cars, ugly accidents, and a Motocompo for sale

-- Do you like ugly cars? Of course you do, that's why you come here to read about Ladas and the Sir Vival. Mystery Blogspotter AutoFug tears down ugly cars from concepts to Ferraris to mostly Hondas, as of recent -- even Pininfarina and its supposed plagiarism doesn't go without notice.