U.S. Car Buyers Like Safety and Good Reviews

Car buyers have several reasons for not purchasing a car. Close to three fifths of consumers responded that bad reviews or car safety would deter them from buying a particular car.

Fuel economy, while important, falls almost 15 points lower than the safety of a potential buyer's vehicle. As buyers get older, car safety becomes a more important factor in their purchasing decision. With gas prices falling from their peak in 2012, fuel efficient vehicles have become less of a concern for consumers. Automakers sold their most fuel-efficient vehicles when gas prices were approaching $4 per gallon. As prices lowered, consumers became less concerned about fuel efficiency when purchasing a car.