Auto Cool is a total scam. I purchased two, and neither car feels any cooler. When I went to retrieve my money back guarantee, they only refunded the price of the unit, not the $10 per unit (approximately) that I was charged for processing and shipping fees. And I have to pay to send the two pieces of junk back to them. Don't fall for it.

Posted by: blessedmomx3 | July 17, 2006 4:44 PM

True total scam. Even with two units on one vehicle it has no effect. Same as just leaving the windows partially open. And it's not worth the time or effort to return them as they charge as much for non-refundable shipping as the product itself. Don't waste your time or money.

Posted by: Cameron | July 19, 2006 9:31 PM

The thieves are out there fooling us again! I am surprised that you even promoted it, though weakly, on your site. I bet it makes you feel that the promotional fee received may not have been worth it.....but then money talks for all of us, doesn't it. I too put it to the test. I installed it as instructed in my vehicle at a temperature of 83 degees and parked it in the sun for two hours. When I next entered the car, the temperature was 116! It should be advertsed as a heater! To my fellow deceived comrades, don't bother trying to return it........just contact your credit card company and dispute the charge. Auto Cool will probably not even answer your dispute...they've already made a fortune on handling fees alone!

Posted by: louis | July 19, 2006 10:48 PM

This is a total ripoff. They should be prosecuted for fraud.

Posted by: kathy | July 19, 2006 11:49 PM

Let's be fair folks. First off, I have nothing to do with AutoCool. I just found this when Googling to find AutoCool. That being said, let's reasonably look at the issues above. The first complaint was for shipping, Autocool's website says $7.95 for shipping and handling. That is not unreasonable. I have a small business and it regularly costs me about $10 when I include postage, cost of the box, styrofoam packaging, etc. to send small packages less then 5lb. As to it not being able to cool as much as people like. What is the realistic expectation? As a former engineer, I can tell you that 2-4 hours in direct sunlight at 80+ ambient temperatures can produce temperatures above 140-150, which is why it kills children and animals. So, the 116 figure seems like it produced about 30 degrees of cooling. Also, did anyone open ANOTHER window to provide a place for the hot air to go OUT or did you simply pressurize your car? I would appreciate honest, OBJECTIVE feedback on the Autocool.

Posted by: Mark | July 20, 2006 6:42 PM

Buyer beware!!

WGRZ in Buffalo NY just did a "test' on this product. IT is JOKE!! They tested two similar cars side by side ....the car with the auto cool in it was actually 1 degree warmer than with out it.

http://www.wgrz.com/money/consumer/reviews/AsSeenOnTV/AsSeenOnTV_article.aspx?storyid=39765

They attempted to contact the company, of course with no response.

Posted by: Sharon | July 22, 2006 6:28 PM

I ordered one, $14.99 plus $7.95 Shipping and Handling. The next week they took $60.73 out of my checking account. I called them immediately and they said they charge $14.99 for each unit (they shipped 2!!), PLUS $7.95 S&H for EACH unit. Then there's the FREE cupholder caddy - $7.95 S&H for each of these also (2 of these also)! Was I told that upfront? Certainly not. I ordered on June 23 - the unitS came on July 15 - in two boxes - I was charged for 4 separate boxes!!!!! My checking account was $184 overdrawn the next day after they took out the $60.73! I am 75, very limited income (debated if I could afford one, much less two!) Still awaiting my credit. I ordered on debit card so bank is some help but still don't have all of my money back. I shipped both boxes back the day they came! What a farce! Sounds like the scammed quite a few of us! I reported them to Better Business Bureau, County Attorney and Corporation Commission, here in Arizona! I HAVE CALLED 3 TIMES AND SO FAR, NO HELP FROM THEM!

Posted by: Barbara | July 23, 2006 2:27 AM

After watching this test done on the Auto Cool and reading the above reviews I've decided not to purchase the item. I just got up out of bed to log on and purchase it, but decided to browse around some sites, maybe find a discount price. Well I found these comments that saved me from throwing my money away. Thanks

Posted by: Nicole | July 23, 2006 5:23 AM

The comment by "GT", "At $15 this is the must-have solar gadget of the summer, especially if you ever keep pets in the vehicle." is irresponsible and(based on the reviews)potentially leathal advise. It sounds to me that the product's performance in the field does not come close to it's claims and leaving a child or a pet in a car on even a moderately warm day for just a few minutes is a very serious health risk. A product like this can promote a sense of false confidence and lead to choices that have very bad results.

Posted by: Dan | July 23, 2006 10:02 PM

An absolute rip-off as previously stated by everyone who posted ahead off me. Trust me folks just leave your window cracked cause you will get the same results.

Posted by: Mike | July 24, 2006 6:35 AM

I saw their add on TV, and I swear they said it would drop your temperature in your car from 100 Degrees to 75 Degrees. Gees, and the big auto makers have been putting 2 and 3 thousand dollar AC units in cars to do the same thing. I tried calling Auto Cool on their order line to ask one of the sales people where they did this test (100 Deg to 75 Deg), (I live in the Phoenix, Az area, where it hit 118 at Luke AFB yesterday, if those units worked as promised, they would have no complaints and make a bigger bundle) but all I get is an automated response....I think it is fraud, I would never order one, I am now waiting to see some of these states Attorney Generals go after this company.

Posted by: Bob Giffin | July 24, 2006 7:14 AM

I just saw a demonstration of this device. Two identicle vehicles were used, with the device in one of them. The two vehicles were left in the sun for three hours. Identical digital themometers were used to record the temperature.

The results: The vehicle with this device was actually hotter inside than the vehicle without the device.

Conclusion: This device is a scam and the company should be prosecuted for fraud, their owners jailed, and should have all their assets confiscated.

Posted by: John | July 24, 2006 6:23 PM

Whoever wrote the article at the top of the page is part of the fraud and should also be jailed.

Posted by: John | July 24, 2006 6:26 PM

To Mark:

First off, who the hell cares about their costs involved with this scam?

Secondly, it sounds like you are involved with Autocool.

Thirdly, the hot air is coming out of your lying mouth.

Try another career, you dweeb, because engineering is not your forte!

Posted by: John | July 24, 2006 6:30 PM

I have also noticed by "googling" this device, that 100's of web sites appear that sell these devices and other "as seen on tv" devices.

If you have ever noticed these get rich quick, work from home advertisements on TV, I suspect that this is what you would be doing from home.
Selling fraudulent device for a living. What a job!

Scamming people.

Posted by: John | July 24, 2006 6:40 PM

BBB doesn't show much of a bad history on this scam. Since so many people seem to see this is not worth the money and have a hard time with contacting the company why not email the owner at Howardb@allstar-group.com and complain directly to that person?

Posted by: Renita | July 24, 2006 9:01 PM

I recently bought a used car with no A/C in it and I had told my husband that although we need to get one installed, in the meantime while we saved money for it, I was going to order the Autocool. I also was goint to browse the net to find a better price when I ran into this page. I'm definitely not buying one now and it sucks for those of you who purchased one, but at least people who read this will refrain from getting one. what a rip off. I knew it was too good to be true.

Posted by: Grace | July 24, 2006 11:13 PM

Thanks for everyone's input. You just save me some money and saved me from a big disapointment. There is something to be said about "if it sounds to good to be true, it is".

Posted by: Lynn | July 25, 2006 3:13 AM

this pisses me off...wtf...i juss bought this crap not too long ago and i read all this scam shit..u son of a bitch whoever made this stupid device..decieving me like this..u should be ashamed..i am juss a broke man tryna be somewhat cool and not feel like hell everytime he steps into his 240...is it my fault i can't afford a/c...my god and to all u people thanks for crushing my dreams with ur comments..actually thank you for the input but on the same note fuck u

Posted by: Mistah Flash | July 25, 2006 7:38 AM

Thanks to all of you who just saved me from falling for this scam. My wife saw the ad on TV and asked me to order it. Luckily I decided to check it out first - better not trust items "not sold in stores".

Posted by: Charles | July 26, 2006 8:01 AM

Thank you to all of you who took the time to write comments on this website. I, too went looking for more information on the device. I have a puppy that I like to take everywhere with me and my boys and I was hoping this would buy me a few minutes in a store. I feel terrible for all of those who got swindled by the company. I am so glad that I was able to find out early what a scam this trulyis.

Posted by: Michele | July 26, 2006 8:02 PM

I too live in Phoenix and keep a thermometer in my van with poor a/c. It was 123 degrees the other day with the a/c on!!!
Thanks for saving me the $23 and hassel of getting a refund for something I just wished would work. I'm glad I googled for reviews and opinions first.
Thank you all for your service, time and attention.

Posted by: Suzanne | July 27, 2006 2:44 AM

I was just thinking about getting this for my parents and found this site doing a little research on it. I knew it had to be good to be true!! I mean, if it's just a fan circulating more hot air around, how can that possibly cool your car in the sun another 30 degrees. This is why we need a board similar to the FDA to certify product claims instead of wasting any of our hard-earned dollars on lies.

Posted by: goodintentions | July 27, 2006 6:52 AM

anyone who's stupid enough to believe a commercial for the autocool deserves to be ripped off. Come on, folks... a tiny plastic fan is going to cool your car in the summertime while it sits outside for more than 15 minutes??? MINDLESS! Think for yourselves, it'll save you a lot of money.

Posted by: toldyaso | July 28, 2006 8:56 PM

A TV station in Dallas did a test on this, see the video here:
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/myfox/pages/Business/Detail?contentId=151998&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=4.2.1

It does not work....obviously.

Posted by: Aaron | July 31, 2006 7:03 PM

shit...i live in tampa and i just bought one, not the autocool but something similar, at wal-mart for 20 bucks. i was gunna see if it worked 2maro. i was hoping it would in this florida heat. guess it not going to. hopefully i can just return it to wal-mart. by the way, to whoever wrote the article: you are a dumbass, the autocool does not suck air into your car, as you wrote, it supposedly sucks the hot air out of the car. opening an extra window will just let more hot air in, its not going to pressurize the car.

Posted by: steve | August 2, 2006 4:16 AM

Thanks to all you good folk I'm not going to buy a few of these pieces of fuckshit. Engineer man needs some new education. A class action lawsuit sounds in order before the company declares bankruptcy. Best bet is to buy a sunshade and park under a tree with your windows cracked. Thanks!

Posted by: Brian | August 4, 2006 4:32 AM

Thank you kind people, saved my money on this one. I love the internet just for this reason!

Posted by: Bernard | August 5, 2006 3:22 AM

I was going to possibly buy one of these, as my car sits all day in the TX heat and after work, it's very hot to get in even with the windshield shade. But I didn't want to waste my money. I haven't seen one good review of this product. I don't know how companies are allowed to get away with promoting this kind of thing on a tv commercial when it doesn't work. I guess you can just try to sell anything and see if people will buy it!

Posted by: Elizabeth | August 5, 2006 2:15 PM

Trust me the air coolers cost more then just 30 dollars heck, they even cost more then $100. I knew this was a scam from the get-go. What auto-cool does is just blow air around and nothing more. Thats why the car with the auto-cool was a lot hotter then the one without because it's just circlulating hot air. Another thing is there is no Freon (CFC's) in it which is in almost all air-conditioners and refrigerators. Pay attention to these scamers they know people are ignorant enough to believe them, always do some research from the internet or other reviews/comments about the product before you buy because you will regret spending your hard earned money on something you can get a dollar general for $.99 cents.

Posted by: Jigga | August 7, 2006 3:26 AM

If there's one thing I have learned, it's to read the reviews of a certain product before I buy it. I have been doing this for a number of years. I saw tonight the Autocool advertisement on TV, which led me to google for a review. For those of you who have purchased Autocool; thank you for for the reviews and the warnings.

Posted by: ajbrii | August 7, 2006 4:07 AM

The photo you have at the top of this page is not the Autocool. Rather, it is a picture of the original AutoVent SPV, which operates just fine. It "helps to ventilate a parked car" and I have been using mine for approx. 12 years.

Posted by: GD | September 6, 2006 9:29 AM

I am kind of disappointed by the way most of you guys are being mislead. Blame you poor learning at high school.
Law of physics are universal. The theoretical maximum that one can expect from ventillation is keeping the temperature inside the car on a sunny day just on the same level as the outer air temperature. So the fan could help indeed, but it depends on several factors.

(1) As the Auto Cool is sucking the air out, there should be a way for the outer air getting inside to replace the hotter air in the passenger compartment. You would get similar result on a hot but windy day by leaving windows slightly opened on both sides of the car.
(2) The outside air temperature is critical. With just a fan, one can never get the vehicle cooler that the outside air.
(3) The brightness of the sunlight is critical. The brighter the day, the more heat the vehicle would be receiving, and the more coling effect would be from pumping the air through the passenger compartment.
(4) The color of the vehicle does matter. If it is dark (e.g. black), the sun would be heating the vehicle body more as compared to bright color (say, silver or white). So the fan would get better results on darker vehicles.

So I would conclude that the Air Cool can indeed cool down the vehicle, but the results may vary and they are far from what has been claimed. I would speculate that cooling down from 107 to 76 degrees as advertized theoretically is only possible on a dark color vehicle, with the outer air temperature at far below 70 degrees and on a very shiny day (somewhere at a mountain resort). But at below 70 degrees you do not need a device like this. Just open the door and wait one minute and you'll will get same result.

I really like the idea of using the sun energy for pumping the air through my vehicle. Yet I do not expect big effect from it, anyway. Colling the vehicle down by just 5 degrees on a hot day would make me happy.

What I would have improved in the device. I would add a switch that allows to reverse the air flow. With two fans installed on opposite side windows, one would be pumping the air in and the other sucking it out.

Posted by: Vadim P. | September 11, 2006 7:02 AM

Just purchased the auto cool. I didn't expect it to really work, just wanted to see how it was engineered. I believe the unit could work if they would inclued an on off switch and a rechargable battery. That would allow a larger motor. But, I agree with Vadim P. Sep 11. No matter how much air you cicurlate you cannnot get the temperature inside the car less than the outside temperature plus. If you are concerned with just getting into a very hot hot car, I suggest that you carry a water mister. A few squirts of water will cool off the inside of your car quicker than an air conditioner. The reason is that the car is very dry Air. Water quickly evaporates taking a lot of heat with it. especially spray your stearing wheel. As soon as the car gets moving the cooling effect is even more.

Posted by: Dave | September 15, 2006 3:39 AM