PUBLIC MARKS from adfunk with tags car & ford

To make it as a smart deal, vehicles must have better-than-average crash test scores from NHTSA and the IIHS, and rate a combined 20 miles-per-gallon by the EPA. Smart deal cars must also be clean-running, with a minimum rating of "6" on the EPA's pollution index. Finally, a smart deal car is required to carry a discount, either by dealer incentive, automaker rebate or special finance rate. Regional differences may apply, and though we list expiration dates, rebates can end at any time. And though we list sticker prices on the following pages, be sure to use the invoice price as your starting point.

One high school in Oregon is offering a chance to win a used car to students who show up regularly and get good grades. Phoenix High School announced to students that showing up to school 95 percent of the time and earning a B average would put them in the drawing for two used cars.

Three separate studies reveal the vehicles most stolen in the United States. The 2001 BMW M Roadster received the dubious honor of being listed as the most stolen vehicle of 2005, according to the most recent stolen vehicle report from CCC Information Services Inc. (CCC). CCC is a technology provider to the automotive claims and repair industry