Consumer Reports Survey: Americans Say Fuel Economy Most Important Car Buying Factor

Nearly three-quarters of drivers would consider an alternative fuel vehicle for their next car

Yonkers, NY – With fuel prices at near record levels, consumers are driving less and contemplating a move to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, according to recent survey by Consumer Reports.

The survey found that 37 percent said their leading consideration when shopping for their next car will be fuel economy. A distant second was quality (17 percent) followed by safety (16 percent), value (14 percent) and performance (6 percent). [Read more]

Large Majority of Consumers Support Stronger Fuel Economy Standards to Save Money, Lower Fuel Costs

Over Three-Fourths Say Government Should Increase, Enforce Higher Standards

Yonkers, NY – An overwhelming majority of consumers believe that fuel-efficiency standards for cars and trucks should be improved, according to a new poll by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. Nearly all respondents (93 percent) support increased fuel efficiency, while 77 percent agree that car manufacturers should produce more fuel-efficient vehicles and the government should increase standards and enforce them.

Over half (56 percent) of respondents said they were considering hybrid or electric cars for their next vehicle. If availability improves over the next 15 years, consumers are even more likely (72%) to consider them. [Read more]