How to Read and Understand Guides and Reviews From Automotive Experts

 

Automotive experts have existed since the emergence of our industry in the late 1800s when Autocar, a weekly British motoring magazine, began publication in 1895 (24 years before Thompson Sales was founded). Now, there are dozens of top publications to go along with influencers, review websites, and review aggregators that can all help you purchase a new vehicle.

We have a guide that points you in the right direction when it comes to the most respected publications for reading and understanding reviews from automotive experts.

Automotive Experts Versus Consumer Ratings

Both automotive experts and consumer ratings provide valuable insights when shopping for a new vehicle. However, consulting with experts has a few advantages over going with only consumer reviews.

1. Technical Knowledge & Industry Experience

Experts have in-depth knowledge of engineering, performance, safety features, and long-term reliability that drivers may not fully understand. They evaluate vehicles based on rigorous testing, including crash tests, fuel efficiency, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Automotive experts also test-drive each vehicle in real-world conditions and on test tracks. They record their thoughts while driving and write about them later. 

2. Unbiased & Standardized Testing

Automotive journalists and reviewers conduct standardized tests on various road conditions and environments. 

3. Long-Term Reliability & Resale Value Insights

Experts analyze industry data and manufacturer history to predict long-term reliability and resale value. 

4. Safety & Performance Comparisons

Professionals use controlled conditions to test acceleration, braking, handling, and crashworthiness. 

5. In-Depth Feature Analysis

Experts give detailed analysis of technology, infotainment systems, and driver-assistance features, evaluating how they stack up against competitors. 

When to Use Consumer Ratings

Consumer reviews are still useful for understanding real-world ownership experiences, customer service interactions, and potential quality control issues. Combining both perspectives with expert analysis and consumer feedback can help you make the most informed decision before heading to our dealership in Springfield for a test drive.

Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) was founded in 1926 by Les Kelley, a car dealership owner in Los Angeles. Originally, Kelley created a list of used car prices based on what he was willing to pay for them. This list became a trusted pricing guide for other dealers, eventually evolving into the Kelley Blue Book, the industry standard for vehicle valuation.

Over the years, KBB expanded beyond pricing to offer insights on new and used car values, trade-in estimates, and market trends. In 2010, KBB was acquired by Cox Automotive, a major player in the automotive industry, further solidifying its influence. Today, KBB remains a go-to resource for pricing, expert reviews, and market analysis.

Expert Auto Reviews from KBB

KBB’s expert reviews are detailed, practical, and consumer-focused, covering key aspects of vehicles like:

• Performance and handling, including how the car drives, engine options, fuel efficiency, and ride comfort.
• Interior and Technology, such as materials, seating comfort, infotainment systems, and advanced features.
• Safety and reliability by reviewing crash-test ratings, driver-assistance features, and reliability predictions.
• Value and resale, including an analysis of pricing, depreciation estimates, and whether a car is a good investment for you and your family.

What Makes KBB Reviews Worth Your Time?

• Balanced approach by blending objective data (fuel economy, horsepower, tech features) with subjective insights (how the car feels to drive).
• Comparisons and rankings by comparing vehicles to their competitors, helping buyers understand the best options.
• With a consumer-focused tone, unlike purely technical reviews, KBB writes in a way that’s easy for everyday buyers to understand.
• KBB also offers the KBB Best Buy Awards, recognizing the best vehicles in different categories based on value, performance, and ownership experience.

MotorTrend

MotorTrend was founded in 1949 by Robert E. Petersen, making it one of the longest-running and most respected automotive publications. It launched with a focus on providing in-depth vehicle reviews, industry news, and performance testing.

One of its most influential contributions to the auto industry is the MotorTrend Car of the Year (COTY) Award, first introduced in 1949. Over time, this expanded to include SUV of the Year and Truck of the Year, making it one of the most prestigious honors in the automotive world.

Today, MotorTrend has evolved beyond print media into digital platforms, video content (MotorTrend TV, formerly Velocity), and a streaming service, offering everything from expert reviews to original automotive programming.

Expert Auto Reviews from MotorTrend

MotorTrend reviews are highly technical, performance-driven, and data-backed. The publication is known for its rigorous testing and in-depth comparisons.

• Performance and driving experience with reviews focusing heavily on acceleration, handling, braking, and real-world driving impressions.
• Instrumented testing with vehicles undergo controlled tests, including 0-60 mph times, quarter-mile runs, skidpad grip, and braking distances.
• Design and engineering analysis with reviews that dive deep into materials, build quality, aerodynamics, and mechanical innovations.
• Head-to-head comparisons, when MotorTrend frequently pits similar models against each other to determine the best in a segment.

What Makes MotorTrend Reviews Unique?

• Scientific testing methods employ real-world and track tests with advanced equipment like GPS-based performance meters.
• Focus on enthusiast appeal. While they cover mainstream models, MotorTrend has a strong focus on performance cars and enthusiast vehicles.
• Behind-the-scenes access with reviewers often visiting manufacturers, testing prototypes, and providing early access insights.
• MotorTrend is especially popular among car enthusiasts and performance-oriented buyers, but their detailed reviews are valuable for any shopper looking for expert insights.

Car and Driver

Car and Driver (C&D) was founded in 1955 as Sports Cars Illustrated, originally focusing on high-performance and enthusiast vehicles. In 1961, it rebranded as Car and Driver to expand its coverage to all types of vehicles while maintaining its performance-oriented perspective.

Over the decades, Car and Driver built a reputation for no-nonsense journalism, thorough testing, and hard-hitting critiques, often challenging automakers with brutally honest reviews. Today, it remains one of the most respected automotive publications, known for its sharp writing, technical expertise, and detailed performance testing.

This publication is also famous for its 10Best Awards, an annual list recognizing the best cars on the market based on performance, value, and driving excitement.

Expert Auto Reviews from Car and Driver

Car and Driver’s reviews are highly technical, data-driven, and often witty, focusing on a car’s drivability, performance, and engineering quality.

• Instrumented performance testing using controlled conditions to measure 0-60 mph times, braking distances, skidpad grip, and top speed.
• Handling and driving dynamics with a strong emphasis on steering feel, suspension tuning, and road feedback which are especially important for driving enthusiasts.
• Engineering and design analysis with a look at everything from aerodynamics to chassis rigidity and weight distribution.
• Fuel economy and efficiency testing, because unlike some outlets that use EPA estimates, Car and Drive conducts its own real-world highway fuel economy tests.

What Makes Car and Driver Reviews Unique?

• Precision testing through industry-leading equipment for accurate acceleration, braking, and handling data.
• Enthusiast-driven reviews, even when reviewing family SUVs, this publication evaluates handling, power delivery, and driving excitement.
• Honest and entertaining, Car and Driver is known for sharp, sometimes humorous critiques. They don’t sugarcoat flaws.
• Extensive comparison tests, called”Big Tests,” pit multiple vehicles against each other in head-to-head shootouts.

Car and Driver is a top choice for buyers who prioritize performance, handling, and technical analysis. Their reviews cater to enthusiasts and detail-oriented shoppers, but their thorough testing makes them useful for anyone considering a new car, truck, or SUV.

J.D. Power

J.D. Power was founded in 1968 by James David Power III, a former Ford Motor Company analyst. Initially operating out of his kitchen, Power started by conducting independent consumer surveys to assess vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.

J.D. Power gained industry-wide recognition in 1973 when it revealed a fuel system defect in Mazda’s rotary engine vehicles, based on owner surveys. This established the company as a trusted third-party authority in the automotive industry.

Over the decades, J.D. Power expanded beyond automotive research into airlines, insurance, banking, and technology, but it remains best known for its automotive quality and reliability studies. J.D. Power awards rankings every year as to the best vehicles in various segments and categories.

Expert Auto Reviews from J.D. Power

Unlike traditional car review publications, J.D. Power doesn’t publish subjective expert reviews based on test drives. Instead, it provides data-driven ratings based on verified consumer feedback and proprietary research studies.

Key Automotive Studies by J.D. Power

• Initial Quality Study (IQS) measures problems reported by owners within the first 90 days of new car ownership.
• Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) tracks long-term reliability by analyzing problems reported over three years.
• Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study evaluates owner satisfaction with performance, design, and comfort.
• Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) & Customer Service Index (CSI) measure dealer experience in sales and service quality.

What Makes J.D. Power Unique?

• Based on real-world data, J.D. Power uses millions of verified consumer surveys, making it one of the most data-driven sources for automotive reviews.
• Reliability and quality focus are more about long-term dependability than performance or driving feel.
• Respected by automakers because many brands advertise their J.D. Power awards to highlight quality and customer satisfaction.
• Easy-to-understand rankings with Power Circle Ratings (1-5 circles) for easy comparison.

How to Use J.D. Power for Car Buying

J.D. Power is best for understanding long-term reliability, quality issues, and customer satisfaction trends. However, it lacks driving impressions and performance analysis, so it’s best used alongside expert reviews from outlets like Car and Driver or MotorTrend.

U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report, originally founded in 1933, is well known for its rankings in education, healthcare, and finance. In 2007, the publication expanded into automotive reviews and rankings, launching the U.S. News Best Cars section.

Unlike traditional car magazines that conduct hands-on testing, U.S. News aggregates expert reviews, safety ratings, and reliability data from trusted sources like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, J.D. Power, the NHTSA, and the IIHS. This approach provides an objective, data-driven ranking system for new and used vehicles.

U.S. News also releases annual awards, such as:

• Best Vehicle Brand Awards, highlighting top brands for cars, SUVs, trucks, and luxury vehicles.
• Best Cars for the Money, recognizing models with the best mix of quality and value.
• Best Cars for Families focuses on safety, space, and features that benefit families.

Expert Auto Reviews from U.S. News

Rather than writing its own hands-on reviews, U.S. News creates composite scores and rankings based on a weighted average of expert opinions, safety ratings, and reliability data.

• Performance and driving experience by using aggregated reviews from professional sources to rate handling, acceleration, and comfort. 
• Interior and technology by evaluating features, materials, and infotainment based on expert insights.
• Safety ratings when incorporating crash-test results from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
• Reliability scores that use J.D. Power predicted reliability ratings to assess long-term dependability.

What Makes U.S. News Car Ratings Unique?

• Data-driven rankings with vehicles ranked on a weighted average of expert sources, reducing individual bias.
• Focus on consumer needs by providing rankings tailored to budget-conscious buyers, families, and value seekers.
• Easy-to-compare scores when cars receive an overall score (1-10 scale), making it simple to compare different models.

Best Use for Car Buyers

U.S. News is ideal for buyers who want a well-rounded view of expert opinions, safety ratings, and long-term reliability predictions. However, if you want detailed driving impressions or instrumented performance testing, you may need to supplement it with reviews from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, or Edmunds.

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports (CR) was founded in 1936 by the nonprofit Consumers Union with the mission of providing unbiased, data-driven product reviews. Unlike many automotive publications, CR does not accept advertising or corporate sponsorships, ensuring complete independence.

CR began testing cars in 1952, and today, it operates a 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut, where it independently purchases, tests, and evaluates vehicles. This allows CR to provide objective, hands-on assessments rather than relying on manufacturer-supplied cars or marketing claims.

One of its most influential contributions is its Annual Auto Reliability Survey, which gathers data from hundreds of thousands of car owners to track real-world reliability issues.

Expert Auto Reviews from Consumer Reports

CR’s reviews are science-based, data-driven, and focused on long-term ownership experience rather than just initial impressions.

• Road-test performance by conducting instrumented testing for acceleration, braking, handling, and fuel economy.
• Safety ratings by compiling NHTSA and IIHS crash-test results, plus CR’s own emergency handling and braking tests.
• Reliability and owner satisfaction, based on hundreds of thousands of survey responses from real car owners.
• Fuel efficiency by conducting real-world mileage tests, often revealing discrepancies from EPA estimates.
• Predicted reliability and cost of ownership by using historical data and current trends to forecast long-term reliability.

What Makes Consumer Reports Unique?

• Independent testing because CR buys its own vehicles, without telling dealers who they are, ensuring no influence from automakers.
• No advertising or sponsorships since, unlike Car and Driver or MotorTrend, Consumer Reports is 100% nonprofit and unbiased.
• Real-world owner data, unlike other reviews based on short test drives, CR incorporates long-term ownership insights.
• Emphasis on safety and reliability because this publication prioritizes dependability and cost of ownership over performance and styling.

Edmunds

Edmunds was founded in 1966 as a printed booklet providing car pricing and specifications to help consumers make informed buying decisions. In the 1990s, it transitioned into an online platform, becoming one of the first websites to offer new and used car pricing, expert reviews, and consumer advice.

Today, Edmunds is one of the most trusted sources for automotive research, known for its real-world testing, in-depth buying guides, and pricing insights. It also pioneered the True Market Value (TMV) pricing tool, which estimates what buyers should expect to pay for a vehicle based on actual transaction data.

Expert Auto Reviews from Edmunds

Edmunds combines instrumented testing, real-world driving impressions, and ownership insights to provide well-rounded reviews.

• Performance and driving dynamics in reviews cover acceleration, handling, braking, and ride comfort from both objective tests and subjective impressions.
• Interior and technology reviews evaluate materials, space, infotainment usability, and advanced features.
• Fuel economy by conducting real-world MPG tests, often comparing them to EPA estimates.
• Safety and reliability by incorporating NHTSA and IIHS crash-test results, as well as long-term reliability predictions.
• Cost of ownership and pricing through Edmunds TMV pricing and incentives data to evaluate value for money.

What Makes Edmunds Reviews Unique?

• They blend data with real-world testing for a well-balanced take.
• Comprehensive pricing tools through TMV pricing, lease calculators, and incentive tracking. 
• Long-term testing fleet by conducting extended real-world tests on vehicles over thousands of miles.
• Consumer-oriented approach with reviews written in a clear, practical style for everyday buyers.

AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) was founded in 1902 as a nonprofit federation of motor clubs advocating for driver rights, road safety, and better infrastructure. While best known for its roadside assistance and travel services, AAA has also been providing automotive reviews, safety research, and buying advice for decades.

AAA’s auto research division focuses on vehicle testing, fuel price tracking, and safety studies. It also conducts Green Car Guides, Top Picks for Teens, and other consumer-focused car evaluations.

Expert Auto Reviews from AAA

AAA car reviews are practical, safety-focused, and consumer-friendly, emphasizing reliability, efficiency, and ease of use over high-performance metrics.

• Safety and crash-test ratings by incorporating data from IIHS and NHTSA while also conducting independent safety evaluations.
• Fuel efficiency and cost of ownership by providing detailed insights on real-world fuel economy and maintenance costs.
• Driving comfort and usability through evaluations of seating, visibility, control layout, and ease of entry/exit.
• Eco-friendly and EV insights as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) testing, offering detailed range and charging analysis.
• Teen and senior-friendly reviews highlight cars best suited for young drivers or older adults, considering visibility, safety tech, and ease of driving.

What Makes AAA Reviews Unique?

• Consumer-oriented reviews that prioritize safety, reliability, and affordability rather than high-performance specs. 
• Independent testing through AAA’s automotive research centers, focusing on real-world usability.
• Special focus on EVs and green cars by conducting extensive electric vehicle and hybrid testing, including charging infrastructure analysis.
  Trusted by families, AAA is known for teen driver recommendations, senior-friendly vehicle lists, and safety-first evaluations.

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