Consumer Reports Survey: New car shoppers putting more weight on fuel-economy

According to a recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports, new car buyers are much more fuel-economy conscious than ever before – so much so that fuel-economy is now the no. 1 factor for most consumers when shopping for a new car.

The survey found that 37 percent said their leading consideration when buying their next car will be fuel economy. 17 percent said that quality will be on the top of their list, while 16 percent said safety would be the top consideration factor. 14 percent said value was their top factor while only 6 percent said it would have to be performance.

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

Two-thirds of those surveyed said that their next vehicle will have to have better fuel-mileage than the one they drive now.

– By: Omar Rana