Survey says! (JD Power): reasons U.S. buyers avoid Volt, Prius, Leaf (& others...)

[MetroMPG]

JD Powers' 9th annual "Avoider Study" is out, and has some interesting tidbits in it.

The study ... now in its ninth year, examines the reasons consumers fail to consider—or avoid—particular models when shopping for a new vehicle.

It is based on responses from approximately 24,045 owners who registered a new vehicle in May 2011

The most interesting thing to me is apparently fuel economy was the #1 influence on purchase decisions, above other factors like reliability, etc.

So looking at 3 of the most efficient models - Volt, Prius & Leaf:

• #1 stated reason for buying a Volt, Prius or Leaf: "gas mileage and environmental impact"
• #2 stated reason for buying a Volt: "the image the model portrays"
• #2 stated reason for buying a Prius: "reliability"
• #2 stated reason for buying a Leaf: "low maintenance costs"

But the fun part is where they look at reasons why people said they AVOIDED purchasing these models:

• Volt: purchase price
• Leaf and Prius: exterior styling

And also...

For the Volt and Leaf, a notable proportion of buyers cited the models’ small size as an avoidance reason. For the Prius, performance is a prominent reason for avoidance.

Too bad the 1st generation Honda Insight isn't still for sale. It probably would have scored an avoidance hat-trick: price, styling and performance!

Full article: 2012 Avoider Study | JDPower.com

[Old Tele man]

...one reason "for" and infinity "against"????

[cfg83]

MetroMPG -

Yeah, I can understand all of those POVs.

CarloSW2

[euromodder]

As long as you have dead-cheap gas, mainstream US cars aren't going to become much smaller.

Small cars will be a niche market catering for the 0,01% that give a $h!t about fuel economy.