Consumer Reports: Forget Good Quality, Buyers Want Fuel Economy

Consumer Reports released a survey on Tuesday that claims customers are willing to purchased an automobile based on fuel economy even if the vehicles safety and overall value is lower than other vehicles available to them.

In its study Consumer Reports found that 37% of buyers cited fuel economy as their most important car buying consideration. In fact fuel economy was considered twice as important as vehicle quality (17%) and safety (16%). Behind those consideration was overall value (14%) and performance (6%).

According to Consumer Reports deputy auto editor Jeff Bartlett:

“These results make it clear that high fuel prices are continuing to impact driver behavior and influencing future purchase considerations. While quality, safety and value are still important, this may be foreshadowing a market shift by folks seeking relief at the pump.”

The study also found that nearly 66% of respondents said they would buy their next vehicle with better gas mileage than their current automobile.

The study also found that 73% of Americans are willing to look at alternative fuel vehicles such as hybrids, diesel and full electric cars.

In what likely isn’t a surprise for our readers, SUV owners often said during the survey that they were looking to downsize to a smaller vehicle.

The report included 1,702 adults living in a household with at least one car.

Survey takers cites their want to help reduce the US’ dependence on foreign oil as one of their considerations for examining alternatively fueled vehicles while other respondents were more considered directly with the current cost of gasoline.