Today we do something unusual for us: we present an article from a guest writer. We may do this from time to time when we find someone that provides interesting and car-related thoughts that we can all benefit from. That's the case with Heather Johnson's article below that picks up where we left off recently in talking about Consumer Reports Magazine's recent annual car issue. Knowing the best and worst cars is one thing, but she makes a great point in also telling us the ones to just outright avoid altogether.
Consumer Reports' Top 5 Vehicles to Avoid
As a previous post reported, Consumer Reports recently published its annual "Best & Worst Cars" issue. Perusing the best car models is always fun, but it is equally important to pay attention to models that received the lowest scores. Consumer Reports rates each car on a 100-point scale, based on more than 50 unbiased tests and evaluations.
Considerations when testing vehicles include:
Safety – Each car is tested at its handling limit, determining how the vehicle will respond to emergency avoidance maneuvers and extreme road conditions.
Consumer Reports' Top 5 Vehicles to Avoid
As a previous post reported, Consumer Reports recently published its annual "Best & Worst Cars" issue. Perusing the best car models is always fun, but it is equally important to pay attention to models that received the lowest scores. Consumer Reports rates each car on a 100-point scale, based on more than 50 unbiased tests and evaluations.
Considerations when testing vehicles include:
Safety – Each car is tested at its handling limit, determining how the vehicle will respond to emergency avoidance maneuvers and extreme road conditions.
Real-World Fuel Economy – Those who test the vehicles gauge the fuel economy of both everyday driving and driving on a controlled track.
Ride Comfort – Each vehicle is driven for thousands of miles and comfort is one of many important factors when rating an automobile.
With those considerations in mind, Consumer Reports' highest scoring vehicle (Lexus LS460L) earned a 99 on the 100-point scale. Below are the five lowest scoring vehicles for 2008:
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
Score: 17
Main Areas of Concern: Braking, Noise Level, Reliability, Fuel Economy
Hummer H3 (5-cyl.)
Score: 27
Main Areas of Concern: Acceleration, Fuel Economy, Emergency Handling
Jeep Liberty Sport
Score: 27
Main Areas of Concern: Fuel Economy, Noise, Agility
Chevrolet Aveo LS (Manual)
Score: 30
Main Areas of Concern: Acceleration, Handling
Chevrolet Aveo LS (Automatic)
Score: 32
Main Areas of Concern: Acceleration, Handling
While Consumer Reports isn't the only organization that is currently testing vehicles, it is important to remember that these evaluations are completely unbiased. Consumer Reports receives no money for advertising or any other services. For that reason alone, it would be shrewd for drivers to consider the magazine's opinions when purchasing a new vehicle.
Heather Johnson is a freelance business, finance and economics writer, as well as a regular contributor at Business Credit Cards, a site for best business credit card and best business credit card offers. Heather welcomes comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email addressheatherjohnson2323@gmail.com .
If you're driving one of the Top 5 Vehicles to Avoid, and it's a lemon, email or call us 1-888-331-6422 Toll Free. Getting rid of lemon cars and lemon trucks is what we do for people. Everyday.
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