Letters to the Editors
Send a letter to the editors

Subject: Road Holding Index
From: Vladislav
Your site mentions "Road Holding Index" for most vehicles in 1997-1999 range and I have trouble finding the definition of such qualities, and what the testing conditions imply, and the sources of the data.

If there is some external source I would like to know where I can access it.

Thanks for your question. "Road holding index" is simply a term used to describe the results achieved by a vehicle during skid-pad testing. Skid-pad testing, of course, measures a vehicle's maximum lateral acceleration. — Ed.


Subject: Drivetrain
From: Clayton
What do you mean by "drivetrain"?

The term "drivetrain" refers to all the components that get the car started and keep it moving. Included are the engine, clutch, transmission, driveshafts and wheel axles. — Ed.


Subject: Snow and the Chevy HHR
From: Joni
I'm thinking about buying a Chevy HHR. Do you have any information on how this wagon handles in the snow? I live in Indiana and the weather can sometimes get pretty ugly.

We're based in Southern California, and haven't had a chance to experience the HHR in the snow. But if you're looking to optimize how the HHR (or any other vehicle) handles in the snow, we'd recommend snow tires. Snow tires with a deep tread depth will help get you out of most rough spots, and can be more useful than features like all-wheel drive and traction control when the powder hits the pavement. For more information on snow tires and cold-weather driving, take a look at "The Line in Winter: Cold-Weather Driving Tips" and "Tire Safety: Don't Ignore the Rubber on the Road." Also, be sure to check out our Full Test and model overview of the HHR wagon. — Ed.


Subject: Top 10 for Tall Drivers?
From: Randy
How about an update to your Top 10 Vehicles for Taller Drivers that includes the new vehicles on the market? I have tried several cars and currently own a 2004 Buick Park Avenue but have yet to find a vehicle that is comfortable and affordable for my 90-minute commute. I see lots of emphasis on the increased rear-seat legroom in yours and others' reviews; however, for most commuters, rear legroom is of little interest.

The list that you've referenced was published in 2004. We've published a more recent list that addresses the needs of taller drivers — the Top 10 Cars for Driver/Front Passenger Space for 2006. In this list, we spotlight the vehicles with the most head-, hip- and legroom for drivers and front passengers. Look for a 2007 edition of this list to hit the site shortly. — Ed.


Subject: "Most Significant Vehicle of the Year"
From: Carl
I really want you to read this e-mail and respond but doubt seriously if you have the gutz or the nutz! I have just read the story by Nick Bunkley at the New York Times on the safety rating of the Toyota Tundra. It quotes Dan Edmunds as saying, "It's surprising, because people just kind of assume they'll get the five" in reference to the Tundra's NHTSA four-star frontal crash ratings.

I decided I wanted more information and went to Edmunds.com to get more. I was surprised and confused to find that the Tundra had been chosen as the "Most Significant Vehicle of 2007." As I scroll down I notice that despite spectacular ratings in safety and quality not a single American vehicle makes your lists in any category. How terribly sad that you people continue to ignore the quality and parity the American manufacturer has made despite the awards by other organizations. I noticed also that nothing appears anywhere on your Web site about the lower frontal safety rating, nada, not a word.

So how much do Toyota, Honda and these others pay you people to always talk nice about them? Do they actually put cash in your pockets or just pick up the tab for exotic meetings in overseas locations? You people disgust me! You are disingenuous, dishonest, lack the ability to see the truth regardless how obvious it is.

The Tundra was selected as our "Most Significant Vehicle of the Year" months before its crash test results were released. Not that these results would have had an impact on its selection; the Tundra's four-star rating does fall short of the five-star rating managed by U.S. models in this class, but last time we checked, a four-star rating (out of a possible five) wasn't exactly cause to hang one's head in shame. Of course, we love the Tundra for reasons that go far beyond its perfectly respectable safety ratings. Count the many ways in which the Tundra thrills us by reading our model overview and Full Test of this fine truck.

You mentioned that "not a single American vehicle" made our Editors' Most Wanted lists in any category. Really? Take a look and you'll see that the 2007 Dodge Magnum is our "Most Wanted Wagon Under $30,000," and that the 2007 Ford Mustang is our "Most Wanted Convertible Under $35,000". You mentioned that we "ignore the quality and parity" of domestic vehicles. Is that right? Scroll through our "Editors' Most Wanted" picks of yesteryear and you'll see that we selected the Pontiac Solstice as the "Most Significant Vehicle of the Year" in 2006. And the year before that, our pick was the Chrysler 300.

You haven't done your homework, Carl. And you're, well, just a little bit ornery. Still, we kinda like you. You had us with "gutz" and "nutz." — Ed.