No, but that's because this is a particular scenario that was covered by a particular (and very famous) case in the Supreme Court many years ago. This was deemed fair use, based on a premise called "time-shifting" that applies to this specific scenario. It has no relevance to music downloads.
Is it illegal to post an article on FR?
Yes. But again, infringement is in the eye of the infringed. It's up to a copyright holder to pursue a claim of infringement. Only two so far have seen fit to do so.
Is it illegal to make a copy of a song or songs from a CD for friend,
Yes.
or to listen to in your tape stereo in your car?
No.
Now my question: Do you know what you're talking about?