Vehicle Reliability Ratings

For most consumers, reliability ranks almost as high as price as a top "buy indicator" when shopping for a used car or truck.

"Buying someone else's problems" was clearly identified as a chief reason new-car buyers resisted purchasing used cars, according to focus-group research conducted by J.D. Power and Associates.

MSN Autos' reliability ratings help offset this concern by clearly identifying key problem areas in best-selling used cars, complete with "reparability" information that includes estimated repair costs.

In combination with MSN Autos' interactive Kelley Blue Book pricing reports and Used Car Marketplace classifieds, the new Reliability Ratings make MSN Autos the Web's most useful site for used-vehicle shoppers.

Rating Seven Essential Systems
MSN Autos rates the mechanical reliability of each of a car's seven essential systems. These systems are the Engine; Transmission & Driveline; Steering & Suspension; Brakes; Heating & Air Conditioning; Starting & Charging; and Accessories.

If a system has a reputation for problems, their nature and severity are described—in everyday language ordinary car owners can easily understand. Not only that, MSN Autos provides cost estimates for the parts and labor needed to make repairs.

Overall Reliability Ratings
MSN Autos also combines each system's rating to yield an at-a-glance Overall Reliability Rating for each vehicle, so users can compare makes and model years easily. Then, too, the ratings of all vehicles are analyzed to provide Best of Class Ratings for individual vehicles with the highest reliability scores in their category—e.g. Sports Cars.