Under the Hood, Size Does Matter

VW Beetles, small SUVs most popular for women

(NEWSER) - Women seem to agree on the cars they want to drive—just nine vehicle models have more female registrants than male, according to a survey of vehicle records. The top pick for women is the Volkswagen Beetle, and after that, a strong preference for small sport-utility vehicles emerges, the LA Times reports. The top 9:

1. Volkswagen Beetle
2. Nissan Rogue
3. Hyundai Tucson

As public turns from SUVs, automakers jack up prices on compacts

(NEWSER) - With sales of SUVs and trucks dwindling, car companies have begun to push smaller, more fuel-efficient models—but not for the same small prices. Without the $10,000 profit that was typical on SUVs, automakers can no longer sell cars like the Ford Focus for an average profit of $100. Some are using extras to lure higher-spending customers. More»

21.4% drop keeps Toyota from No. 1; Honda manages gain

(NEWSER) - Sales for General Motors, Ford and Toyota all fell by double-digit percentages in June compared to the same month last year, while Honda managed an 11% gain, the Detroit News reports—with GM holding off Toyota as top US seller. In general, consumers passed over big, fuel-guzzling vehicles and luxury sedans for smaller, fuel-efficient models. More»

GM, Chrysler Down 19%, Toyota, Ford Dip 10%

(NEWSER) - US auto sales plummeted last month, with GM and Chrysler's March sales diving 19%, and Ford and Toyota's down 10%, the Wall Street Journal reports. Rising gas prices, the credit crisis and fear of the future are blamed for the troubling trend. Detroit is bracing for even more bad news yet to come. More»

Don't sacrifice your bank account to the wheel with gas and insurance costs

(NEWSER) - Affordable cars start at the sticker price—the lower the better. But over time, insurance payments and gas costs add up. Forbes searches out the 10 vehicles that will leave the smallest footprint on your wallet.

1. Toyota Yaris
2. Honda Fit
3. Toyota Corolla