Toyota prius

U.S. car sales just hit their highest level in four years, and that's good news for economy watchers. Falling unemployment, more cooperative lenders, and rising consumer confidence all contributed to the boom. So if you're looking to buy, what does this all mean for you?

When a major oil company predicts that the era of gas-powered cars is coming to an end soon, the rest of us might want pay attention. According to BP, you've got maybe 18 years left before your car is obsolete -- and probably a lot less than that.

Thinking about buying a used car? You might want to do it sooner rather than later. Prices are on track to rise an average of 1.8% in 2012, and used compact cars will go up even more -- nearly 3%. What's going on? And what does it mean for car shoppers?

Upstart automaker Tesla Motors confirmed this week that its groundbreaking Model S, an all-electric luxury-sports sedan, was on track to enter production by this summer. It already has pre-orders for more than 8,000. Is the moment coming soon when electric cars go mainstream?

There was nothing wrong with the old Ford Fusion. In fact, it had its best sales year ever in 2011. It's a good-looking, high-quality sedan and a good value. But when Ford took the wraps off the new Fusion this week, it had been transformed from a good hybrid to a deluxe hottie.

Higher gas prices and a demand for smaller used cars -- like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla -- has driven up the price that dealerships are willing to pay for trade-ins to the highest they've been in at least 16 years, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association's used...

New car buyers may go on strike -- again. Faced with the rising cost of fuel and parts shortages that could drive up new car prices and make some popular models scarce, consumers in the market for a new car may decide to delay purchases or turn to used cars.

Toughened fuel economy standards and engineering know-how are making 40 miles per gallon on the highway the new 30. It wasn't so long ago that boasting 30 mpg on the highway for small cars seemed like enough to paint a car "green." But many new vehicles are hitting 40 mpg and beyond without...

Automakers recalled more vehicles last year than in any of the last six years. And while Toyota Motors accounted for much of the growth, with problems including unintended acceleration and glitchy brakes, many other car manufacturers also saw their recalls increase.

Gas prices passed $3 per gallon last week, the highest level in 26 months. Though one popular survey of gas prices, the Lundberg Survey, said gas prices peaked at a national average of $2.99 per gallon, some other surveys have had the national average above $3, and, of course, it is already well...