Consumer Comparison Test: What Should We Do Next?
If you saw our Consumer Comparison Test last December you know how well it worked out in terms of getting real-world feedback from real-world buyers. We pitted the all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord against the new-for-2007 Toyota Camry. Our six consumer test drivers split on their first choices, with three picking the Malibu and three picking the Accord as their favorite models.
With the positive feedback that test generated we're now pondering a follow-up comparison, but we're not yet locked in on which segment to feature.
Considering the "real-world" nature of this content it makes sense to ask you guys from some direction here. So here goes: What segment/vehicles would you like to see featured in a consumer-scored comparison test? Here are some of the ideas we've come up with:
1. Entry-Level Luxury Cars: This one has been done by all the enthusiasts pubs, but what would consumers think after driving a BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class back-to-back?
2. Hybrids: Theoretically everyone cares about these cars, right? Problem is, you don't have any obvious comparisons other than Civic Hybrid versus Prius or maybe Camry Hybrid versus Altima Hybrid. When more GM two-mode hybrids hit town that will open up possibilities, but I don't see an Escape Hybrid versus Tahoe Hybrid having much value. And no GM "faux hybrids" (i.e. Aura) allowed.
3. Minivans: There's a new Dodge Grand Caravan in town, and a revised Honda Odyssey. Plus the ever-popular Toyota Sienna and recently introduced Hyundai Entourage.
4. Econoboxes: An all-new Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer and Subaru Impreza could take on the class benchmark -- Honda Civic.
5. Crossovers: The segment that keeps growing. Maybe a Mazda CX-9 versus a GM Lambda versus the Toyota Highlander?
Those are just some of the categories we've looked at, but maybe we're missing something. What do you think would make good consumer comparison fodder?
Posted by Karl Feb 20, 2008 7:00 am
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Categories: Chevrolet | Honda | Toyota
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I would like to see a RWD family sedan comparo with G8, Genesis, and Charger. Is there anything else in the class? Other than the ancient Crown Vic/ Grand Marquis?
I would also vote for separate compact (Civic, Corolla, 3, and Elantra)/ subcompact (Fit, Yaris, Versa, and Smart) comparos. VWs and Saturns are such small niche players that they don't really deserve a place in these mass market comparisons.
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Test of under $10,000 used cars?
How about entry level luxury vs. minivan vs. hybrid vs. econobox vs. crossover? Set up price criteria and then pick one vehicle from each category and have a group of consumers pick their group favorite and individual favorite and explain what factors led to their choices.
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I'm voting for Econocars, too: Civic, Corolla, 3. Seems to be pretty straightforward to me.
I really like the whole crossing segments idea at a price point or a demographic, though. You know, a crossover vs. a wagon vs. an SUV for families, or an FJ vs. a Mustang vs. a WRX for singles. I think that it'd really capture the decision that consumers who come to Edmunds for purchasing advice (not us motorheads) have to make. The only problem with the idea is that you likely wouldn't learn anything new.
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yankeez
- Feb 21, 2008 7:03 am
(#41 Total: 56)
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First off I'm still a little miffed that I wasn't chosen after I submitted my essay (even with being a major editor at wikicars to my credit... go figure lol).
Anyway...
The possibilities are in this segment are endless - you could do a comparison test on full-size pickups since they're still so immensely popular. A "muscle car" comparo with the Mustang, Challenger and Camaro (whenever it finally gets here) is a no-brainer...
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mnorm1
- Feb 21, 2008 9:01 am
(#42 Total: 56)
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I like cruiserhead1's idea. Pick a price point, allow 10% deviation either way, and test cars, suvs, cuvs, etc. This should include hybrids. Hybrids should not be treated seperately - they are mainstream now.
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estreka
- Feb 21, 2008 10:09 am
(#43 Total: 56)
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subarctic north - Great Falls, MT |
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I think the problem you have with such a comparison is that all the testers are going to tell you things you already know ("Prius sure is more fuel efficient than my Tahoe!"). One wouldn't be comparing apples to apples. The SUV is going to have more space, the CUV is going to be easier to drive, and the hybrid is cramped but gets great mileage.
How about an offroad comparison? Find real rockclimbers and test drive a 4-door Wrangler against an H3, FJ Cruiser, and maybe a Land Rover for good measure.
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1487
- Feb 21, 2008 12:54 pm
(#44 Total: 56)
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Philadelphia PA United States of America |
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"I have to agree with 1487 on this ...did I just say that?"
glad to see you coming around. While some of my statements are inflammatory, they are usually based on some logic and truth.
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I kinda like the price point thing...as some people do shop for a price range and then consider what they get for the money. 22k, plus or minus 1k either direction. How much car can you get for 21-23k? Let a bunch of joe blows drive them and pick.
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vic_pe
- Feb 22, 2008 6:36 am
(#46 Total: 56)
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I honestly found the previous comparison disappointing. When I thought they were to put in everyday folks, I certainly did not expect to see many car buffs in the test. In the end you had many reviewers who knew a lot about steering feel and whatnot which, in my eyes, nullifies the whole idea behind the test.
If you're gonna do another comparison test, you NEED to get people with no day-to-day car knowledge, and then put them in there. Clearly your screening didn't work well or you didn't set such strict requirements.
On a lighter note, I definitely dig the truck comparison even though they have no relevance for me. I think it makes sense to see whether or not adding all that luxury and comfort stuff really makes a difference to its users. Go to a construction site, find a guy with his ass crack peaking through, and you got your average pickup user target market right there, you know he's not gonna judge based on car dynamics and feel!
I also dig the compact car test, given the typical Civic or Corolla mass-market appeal. But make sure you split Compacts and Subs. If you do subs you're going for an even more interesting test with the Accent, Rio, Versa, Fit, Yaris, etc.
Thanks for reading our input!
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I completely disagree with vic_pe. Even with "joe blow" tests, you need people that are interested in vehicles. They don't have to be track stars, but somehow they need to be "into" vehicles. Whether it's family-friendly motivated, feature for the commute or how it feels, etc.
The surprising things you get are priorities on what is important (and what features they look for) and different points of view. Also I think you get more info about actually living with a car for years while journalists don't look at it from a "ownership" point of view.
Using testers that know nothing is a bad idea.
For example, my fiance knows nothing about cars and doesn't particularly care to. To her, she sees no value or difference between the GTI with DSG and the Rabbit.
Her evaluation? "What, the GTI has a red stripe on the front?"
Me, "Not any more... it's a lot faster, has paddle shifters.."
Her, "Looks the same to me..."
She currently owns a Beetle, which she has owned for 5 years (and drives every day). She doesn't know if it has cruise control or what all the buttons do. "I just drive it"
Although I find it cute, it would not make for a great review... unless humor is the goal!
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vic_pe
- Feb 22, 2008 10:06 pm
(#48 Total: 56)
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I disagree back! ;)
The point of these tests was to see how an average person shops and views vehicles. If anything, it will show whether people really buy certain vehicles and their trim for the features, the image or just the perceived value.
Why are there so many Camry LE i4 owners and not V6 ones? It's insane how much the 4-cylinder version dominates.
And it especially would show just who typically listens to their car friends for advice on new vehicles and will associate Toyota or Honda with best quality, and then hop in the vehicles and test drive them at the track. When they realize the loss of confidence in emergency situations like full braking or sudden changes in steering, then they might have a change of heart or develop a sense of observation for such tweaks in a car.
Basically it's about seeing whether making them test these cars will encourage independant viewpoints and not market-based views.
I think it would say a lot if at the end of the test, a person like your fiance ends up saying something like "they're all the same to me".
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With the new ram and F-150 comming out what about a comparasion of large trucks? F-150, Tundra, Ram, Silverado, Titan
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vic_pe,
Everyone has priorities... even my fiance. Her criteria- cute, practical, more airbags than Baywatch, and comfortable seats.
I mean, she won't consider BMW b/c the seats are "too hard" and uncomfortable. It could be sent down by Jesus but she would pass.
If you put her on the track and told her to drive fast, she would say, "why?"
It would be hilarious to see her in a review. I would love to see the "slowest numbers ever recorded for a Corvette & GTR test". If you want to keep the new tire nubs on the longest, she's your tester.
I am all for the "typical soccer mom" or whatever- the group picked for the sedan test was good in my opinion. Watch the video on Deena Dwyer- she is no car afficianado- and great perspective.
The popularity of the 4cyl Camry isn't rocket science. It's cheaper msrp, cheaper insurance, better mpgs and not saddled w/ full option pkgs like the V6. The midsize sedan group is all about value.
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"more airbags than Baywatch" hahaha....LOL
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Another vote for crossovers. Or better yet, put the three-row crossovers and minivans TOGETHER, and see what they prefer when they compare them side by side. Are they still going to sacrifice tons more people and cargo space in exchange for perceived "rugged style"?
I'd also like to see (and participate!) in econoboxes. Hopefully you will wait to include the upcoming new Mazda3. Or just use the current one and show how it still kicks butt, even compared to the newer competitors!
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Hi cruiserhead and vic_pe,
I've been reading your posts. LOL! I think you both have valid points. I'd say the consumer comparison test should involve "typical car buyers": a fairly diverse group including people like cruiserhead's fiance (who can't tell a Rabbit from a GTI) and people who are fairly "into" cars.
Cruiserhead, how many airbags did Baywatch have? LOL....LOL....LOL!
Ahightower, I really like the idea of putting some minivans and crossovers together!
Still, the econoboxes would be my first choice, with the minivan-crossover combo a second choice.
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Maybe instead of a direct comparison across one kind of vehicle, have a comparison of how well a group of vehicles accomplishes a task. Maybe seeing just how utilitarian some vehicles can be will be very surprising.
As an example: Accumulate the average amount of stuff a family of four (two parents, an infant, and a 10-to-teenager) would have for a day to the beach. Assemble an array of cars such as a compact hatchback, midsize sedan, small cross-over, minivan, and full-sized SUV.
Have adults and children rate how each car accomplishes each task and see which one they would most likely live with taking into account sticker price, usage, and fuel usage for the car.
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Well if Edmunds needs a unbiased, "non-car" person than I will nominate my fiancee. I would really, really love to see the video of her going through the slalom course. (I would like to see Karl race her, on foot. It would be a nailbiter.)
The Baywatch comment is mine, not hers! I think she would give me a back-o-the-head slap for it... anyway, I don't know how many airbags they had on the show... but suffice to say, no one ever drowned.
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Karl,
I agree with the folks who are thinking that econoboxes are the way to go. I'd refine the parameters to address things important to a real-world commuter - price less than X and mileage greater than Y, with a modicum of comfort - then let the chips fall where they may. Hopefully there would be a mix of coupes, sedans, two-seaters, mini-wagons, and possibly a hybrid or two - whatever fits the criteria.
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