Fact #740: August 13, 2012
Interest in Smaller Vehicles is on the Rise
Consumer Reports conducted a survey of 1,702 adults in April 2012. Respondents were asked what type of vehicle they currently own and what type of vehicle they plan to buy next. The responses reveal a shift from larger vehicle types including large sedans, minivans and large SUVs, toward smaller cars and SUVs. Of those surveyed, 17% owned a small car while 22% reported that they were planning to buy a small car. Small and midsized SUVs also appear to have gained favor with consumers while interest in large SUVs has declined. According to the results of the survey, the number of respondents considering pickup trucks has increased slightly while consideration of wagons, sporty cars and convertibles have remained low but consistent.
Survey Respondents: What vehicle type they currently own and what type they plan to buy when they purchase another vehicle.
Supporting Information
| Vehicle Type | Currently Own | Plan to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Small car | 17% | 22% |
| Midsized SUV | 11% | 15% |
| Small SUV | 9% | 11% |
| Pickup truck | 13% | 14% |
| Convertible | 1% | 1% |
| Sporty car | 5% | 5% |
| Wagon | 2% | 2% |
| Large SUV | 5% | 3% |
| Minivan | 10% | 5% |
| Sedan | 24% | 18% |
| Note: The random, nationwide telephone survey was conducted in two waves, April 5 to 7 and April 12 to 15, 2012. The Consumer Reports National Research Center interviewed 1,702 adults in households that had at least one car. Source: Consumer Reports, "High gas prices motivate drivers to change direction." |
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