Consumers for
Auto
Reliability and
Safety

Awards presented to C.A.R.S.

 
CARS was selected by Consumers Union as one of 5 finalists
for the Consumers Union Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award,
launched to honor those who advocate for consumers.

More about the award

Here is our 90 second video that was entered for the award:


Visit the CARS Youtube page for more of our videos.

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Consumer Attorneys of California
Consumer Advocate of the Year Award, 2009
"For her inspirational efforts in Protecting Consumer Rights and 
Improving Consumer Safety in the
Wake of Automaker Bankruptcy Filings"

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Consumer Reports on Safety
Safety Crusaders
July 27, 2007

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Money Magazine names CARS President one of the
"Class Acts" of 2004
January, 2005

Let us introduce you to a dozen unsung people
who did right by you last year.

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Consumer Federation of America
presents Esther Peterson Consumer Service award to
CARS President Rosemary Shahan, widely considered to be
top consumer award in the nation
June, 2004

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The Gleitsman Foundation Award of Achievement, 2002
Upon the recommendation of California
Attorney General Bill Lockyer

"For twenty-three years you have continued to work tirelessly, with no support staff and very little money, to improve auto safety and promote fair and equitable treatment for all consumers, particularly low-income consumers, minorities and women.... and for this we salute you." www.gleitsman.org

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California Alliance for Consumer Education

"Award for Excellence in Consumer Education" 2001

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Consumer Attorneys of California
"Consumer Advocate of the Year 2000"

"For your passionate and persistent pursuit of consumer rights and for
your special ability to make manufacturers of defective and dangerous
products and insurance companies squirm."

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Consumer Federation of California Albin J. Gruhn
Consumer Advocate Award (1999)

"In grateful appreciation and recognition of your long
and devoted service to the cause of consumers"

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Consumer Action Award of Excellence (1998)

Presented by the San-Francisco based consumer organization,
a leader in consumer education and outreach to minority communities

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National Association of Consumer Advocates
Distinguished Service Award (1997)

"In recognition of your deeply principled and passionate
commitment to consumer automotive safety issues"

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Virginia Citizens Consumer Council
Distinguished Consumer Service Award (1992)

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Congressional Distinguished Service Award (1985)

Consumer Protection and Transportation Safety Subcommittee.
In grateful recognition of outstanding service to the community.

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State of California Department of Consumer
Affairs Distinguished Service Citation (1985)

 

 

 

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Welcome to C.A.R.S.

C.A.R.S. Mission
CARS is a national, award-winning, non-profit auto safety and consumer advocacy organization working to save lives, prevent injuries,
and protect consumers from
auto-related fraud and abuse.
"CARS is one of the most consistently strong consumer groups... Consumers can thank
CARS for today's lemon laws, air bags and generally safer cars."
– Clarence Ditlow, Executive Director
Center for Auto Safety, Washington, DC

C.A.R.S. tips for car buyers
Want to avoid getting scammed when you buy a new or used car?  Check out CARS video

 
Buyer Beware! Auto dealers' one-
sided contracts can ruin your life
Even if the dealer breaks the law, you might not be able to get justice. Forced arbitration clauses hidden in the fine print can keep you tied up for years. The dealer even gets to pick the arbitrator who hears your case. Here's what happened to a car buyer in San Diego:
Think this is outrageous? Call your member of Congress at 202-224-3121, and urge them to vote for the Arbitration Fairness Act. More about the AFA, now pending before Congress:
http://www.fairarbitrationnow.org