U.S. Consumer Spending Lower Than Expected

A decline in wages contributed to a weaker-than-expected consumer spending total for November. For the month, purchases rose a scant 0.1 percent compared to an earlier forecast of a 0.3 percent increase.

“In the absence of a significant pickup in income, we won’t see a big boost in spending,” said Yelena Shulyatyeva, an economist at BNP Paribas in New York. “The momentum will slow in the fourth quarter, but the economy is still growing.”

US Durable Goods Orders Jump 3.8%

The U.S. Commerce Department announced that orders for durable goods increased by 3.8 percent for the month of November. This greatly exceeded expectations of a 2 percent increase.

“This was a positive surprise, and the prior month’s number was also revised upwards,” said Chris Orndorff, senior portfolio manager at Western Asset Management.

“A good sign, but the rolling average of the last three months is still far below the high durable goods levels of Q1 2011.

“And the 2011 levels are below the 2010 levels, so by this measure the economy is still muddling along. However, at least it is in positive territory

2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid Denali SUV (Photos)

2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid Denali SUV

2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid Denali SUV

6.0L V8 hybrid engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 20 cty/23 hwy mpg
4-wheel drive
Navigation System
Bluetooth
iPod input
Satellite radio
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Third row seats
MSRP from $59,980

2012 Honda Civic Sedan

2012 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan

1.8L 4-cyl. engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 28 cty/39 hwy mpg
Navigation System
Bluetooth
iPod input
Satellite radio
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
MSRP from $21,955

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Honda Civic has been fully redesigned. Highlights include mild styling updates, improved fuel economy and more power for the Si model.

Introduction

For a new compact car to stand out in an increasingly competitive category, you'd think it should offer more than just a few subtle improvements. So we find ourselves in a rather unfamiliar position with the redesigned 2012 Honda Civic.

2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

2012 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR Sedan

3.5L V6 engine
Continuously variable transmission
Up to 20 cty/27 hwy mpg
Bluetooth
MP3 Player
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
Navigation System (Optional)
iPod input (Optional)
DVD player (Optional)
MSRP from $25,430

What's New for 2012

Other than minor feature availability adjustments, the 2012 Nissan Altima is unchanged. Nissan has also discontinued the Altima Hybrid this year.

Introduction

Sooner or later, most everyone reaches that point in life where they feel compelled to trade their stylish, fun-to-drive set of wheels in for something more sensible. What many don't realize, however, is that cars like the 2012 Nissan Altima don't force you to choose between those two extremes.

2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate Sedan (Photos)

5.0L V8 engine

Automatic transmission

Up to 15 cty/23 hwy mpg

Navigation System

Bluetooth

iPod input

Satellite radio

Side/Curtain Airbags

Stability Control

Traction Control

DVD player
MSRP from $65,750

2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty

2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty XL

6.7L V8 diesel engine
Automatic transmission
4-wheel drive
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
Bluetooth (Optional)
iPod input (Optional)
MP3 Player (Optional)
MSRP from $49,395

,What's New for 2012

Other than increases in tow and payload ratings, the 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty is unchanged.

Introduction

Not long ago, truck buyers looking for comfort as well as towing capability above the F-350 or any competitive 3500 pickup had to purchase Ford's commercial medium-duty F-450 or F-550 chassis cab. An aftermarket outfitter would then install a custom cargo bed, restitch the interior with leather seating and add other amenities favored by RV enthusiasts, racecar haulers or ranchers pulling a 10-stall horse trailer.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan

2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT Sedan

1.8L 4-cyl. engine
Manual or automatic transmission
Up to 25 cty/36 hwy mpg
MP3 Player
Satellite radio
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
Bluetooth (Optional)
MSRP from $16,720

What's New for 2012

There are no major changes for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.

Introduction

Researching a small car on Edmunds.com to find a top pick used to be pretty straightforward. Chances are we'd point you to a Honda Civic, a Mazda 3 or, if you really wanted to fly your freak flag, a Subaru Impreza. But now things are different. There's been a regime change for small cars, and one of the rebel leaders is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.