Consumer Guide's® Rating System

Vehicle ratings are based on test drives by the auto editors. Noted at the top of each numerical rating column are the specific models tested and any equipment that has a bearing on their performance or accommodations. The manufacturers furnish vehicles tested. We use them the way their owners would; commuting, shopping, family vacations, highway travel, and stop-and-go city travel.

Ratings values are in 10 categories on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the highest. It's important to note that with the exception of Value Within Class, these ratings numbers reflect how the model we tested compares with all vehicles, not solely with other models in its class. Ratings numbers and comments are based on the subjective evaluations of our test drivers. However, we have established qualitative guidelines for three categories in the new-vehicle reviews: acceleration, fuel economy, and cargo space. These are guidelines only, not the exclusive basis for our ratings in these categories.

Rating Guidelines
Rating	Acceleration 0-60 MPB	Fuel Economy Miles Per Gallon	Cargo Space Cubic Feet
1	Over 12.0	Under 10.1	Under 8.9
2	11.1-12.0	10.1-13.9	9.0-12.4
3	10.1-11.0	14.0-15.4	12.5-14.3
4	9.1-10.0	15.5-17.9	14.4-15.4
5	8.1-9.0	18.0-21.9	15.5-17.5
6	7.1-8.0	22.0-24.9	17.6-22.0
7	6.1-7.0	25.0-29.9	22.1-49.9
8	5.1-6.0	30.0-34.9	50.0-74.9
9	4.6-5.0	35.0-49.0	75.0-129.8
10	Under 4.6 sec	Over 49.9	Over 129.9

Note that cargo-room ratings for pickup trucks refer to in-cab storage and are not an assessment of cargo-bed capacity. For all other vehicles, the cargo rating is based on the vehicle's maximum cargo volume, meaning with all rear seats folded or removed, when possible.

The average total for all vehicles in that class provides an idea of how the tested models scored relative to others in their vehicle class.

Value Within Class
Value Within Class judges the tested models on a value-for-money basis solely against competitors within their market category. This may be the single most important factor when sorting like vehicles, as it allows consumers to quickly determine the top vehicles in a particular class.