The strength in the stock market has left consumers feeling flush and confident.

"They cause tremendous problems, and end up leaving consumers with a bad feeling about the whole industry," he said.

Bumper tests like these can leave consumers scratching their heads.

Theoretically, lower prices would leave consumers with more money to spend.

That would leave consumers with no protection, she said.

Even so, consumer groups say consolidation in the industry has left consumers with fewer choices.

"That kind of consolidation would leave consumers with few, if any, choices."

Right now, Cadillac has left consumers wondering what identity it will assume.

Lower energy prices leave consumers with more money to spend on other goods.

Oil prices began rising too, leaving businesses and consumers with less to spend on other goods.