Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - Survey says! (JD Power): reasons U.S. buyers avoid Volt, Prius, Leaf (& others...)

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

Quote:

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...

Quote:

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! :D

Full article: 2012 Avoider Study | JDPower.com