Automobile Ratings

Most consumers only purchase a new vehicle when the one they have will no longer get them safely and reliably from point A to point B. When looking for a new automobile, drivers generally look for the ones that will provide safety, dependability, and good fuel mileage for years to come. We want a vehicle that not only looks nice, but also stands the test of time. For this reason, the automobile rankings system was devised. Generally, there are three types of ratings that are most important to consumers in the market for a new vehicle. These include: automobile safety ratings, automobile reliability ratings, and automobile fuel ratings.

Automobile Safety Ratings

Automobile safety ratings are without a doubt the most important of the ratings systems for new and used vehicles. As consumers, we want to know that when we get behind the wheel our vehicle will do everything within its power to protect us in the event of an accident. With thousands of auto related fatalities each day across the nation, we can’t afford to have substandard safety.

Automobile safety ratings are used by manufacturers as a marketing device. These companies know that if they are highly rated when it comes to safety, their vehicles will sell faster than those with lower ratings. Additionally, consumers use these ratings as a way to determine which automobile will be best suited for their needs. Drivers with families are more apt to consider automobile safety ratings than any of the other automobile ratings systems.

Rating safety in an automobile is comprised of several different components. Most studies consider front impact, side impact, rear impact, and vehicle rollover rates when determining the automobile’s safety rating. There are minimum standards in place for automobile manufacturers and government entities such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration perform their own independent tests. Additional information on automobile safety ratings and how they are determined can be found by visiting http://www.car-safety.org/carguide.html.

Automobile Reliability Ratings

Purchasing a new automobile generally means signing up for a long-term financial commitment. Few have the means to buy a new vehicle without financing. The last thing a consumer wants is to be making monthly payments on a vehicle that no longer works the way it should. This is why comparing automobile reliability ratings is so important to new car buyers.

Automobile reliability ratings are more often referred to as dependability ratings. The JDPower and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study is the standard by which all automobiles are judged. This study takes into account reported problems within the first few months of ownership. This automobile reliability ratings study also considers long-term owners who are have experienced problems during the manufacturer’s warranty coverage period. This study included everything from engine problems to problems with safety features, electronics, and even wear and tear. For more information on this study and to see how your vehicle’s make and model compares to others, visit www.jdpower.com.

Automobile Fuel Ratings

While safety and dependability are important, one of the most popular rankings systems in the last few years has been automobile fuel ratings. With fuel prices at record highs for the past several months, consumers are choosing to purchase vehicles that will go farther for less. Most will tell you that when they think of making a new vehicle purchase, the automobile fuel ratings weigh highly in their decision-making process.

Automobile fuel ratings are determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These ratings list an auto’s estimated peak mileage for city driving and highway driving. If you view a window sticker on a new vehicle, you will see that both of these ratings are listed. Additionally, the expected auto fuel range is listed below the average rating. It’s important to know that not all vehicles will have the same automobile fuel rating. These ratings can be compared between classes of vehicles and with models from previous years.

The automobile fuel ratings are important to all drivers, but are especially critical to those who commute long distances. With new standards being introduced each year, these ratings are in constant fluctuation. Before you take that plunge and purchase a new vehicle, take the time to visit www.fueleconomy.gov. You might be surprised to find out that lower cost vehicles don’t always have the best fuel economy.

No matter what type of vehicle you want to buy, remember that you always have options. It is always a good idea to compare the automobile ratings before you purchase. Of course, don’t just take the word of a single rating publisher; always check multiple sources for automobile ratings. When push comes to shove, though, remember that you’re always the best judge. If a vehicle just doesn’t feel like it handles the way you think it should, then move on; maybe the next one will.