What Do You Consider the Most Important Feature in a Vehicle?

[Joey D]

After reading this story on Autoblog which stated most people want cup holders and heated seats in their vehicles over fuel economy.

Report: Consumers want cup holders, not fuel economy
Consumers prefer cup holders and heated seats over fuel efficiency, according to CNW Marketing Research. That's right, we all talk about how we want our vehicles to be environmentally friendly and easy on gas, but when it comes down to it, what we really want are things to hold our coffee and keep our derrières warm. On the plus side, General Motors is saying fuel economy is becoming more of a priority to shoppers – it points out that four years ago it wasn't even in the top ten (studies by GM list fuel economy behind styling and value). So, what is it going to take to wake up consumers and make fuel efficiency a priority? Most experts feel that a significant hike in the cost of gas will be the kick that sets us straight. Just don't take away the cup holders.

So what is it that you look for in a vehicle, it doesn't matter if you are shopping for a used or new car or planning on leasing. What is important to you?

For me personally I like fuel economy, I drive a lot and I don't like to always have to fill up. I also like something that is fun to drive but won't allow me to get into to much trouble. I also like just enough space to fit some boxes in my car without issue. This is why I have the Cooper, it fit my criteria of cars.

 

[Duke]

The three most important things in a car are handling, handling, and power. In that order.

Though I admit, after driving my wife's TSX, the "features" I definitely wanted on my car were: heated leather seats, HID lighting, and a moonroof. And a manual trans.

 

[Joey D]

Ah yes, HID lighting, I honestly do not know how I lived without it in my past vehicles. Driving at night is much easier and safer now that I own a car with them. And as far as people saying they are blinded by them I have to disagree. As long as the lights are properly aligned and you keep the lens clean there shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Perfect Balance]

For me, "fun to drive"

This usually includes driving feel, "handling, handling, and power," as Duke put it.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

Well, probably displacement plays a small part for me (V6 or V8 please), then air-con is a must, and manual transmission, RWD or AWD. Handling is nice, but I'm just there to have some fun, it's not like my car has to outhandle everyone else's (which is rather hard to prove anyway), just a decent driver's car on the handling side of things.

 

[Muzaffar]

You guys got to be kidding me, thats not what everyone possibly wants in a car do they? Satellite radio and a iPod connector, thats what people want! Not many people could live without having music in their car (including me)

Well maybe the most important thing I consider is the most important feature of a car besides handling, power and speed is probably the structural rigidity of a car. To simply put it, I want a stronger car!!!!!! I can't drive a car which would turn into scrap metal in 10 years time! Cars these days just seems to be very cheaply built. They try to save money building cars by having less reinforcement beams and use less metal. No wonder there is more death in car accidents........ The good example of a good built cars are (and most obviously) the VW Beetle and the Merc W124. Both of these cars could last a lifetime. 👍

 

[slowman]

In order of importance... manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive, handling, lightweight, torque.

Cupholders? Hell no.
Leather? No, it's heavier than cloth.
Carpeting in the trunk? I don't sit back there.
A/C? Just roll the windows down and drive faster.
Power steering? Saps steering feel.
Radio? The music comes from the engine.

I installed the widest tires that I can fit on my wheels without rubbing the strut tubes (225/55R14).

I suppose you folks can tell where my priorities are.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

A/C? Just roll the windows down and drive faster.
Power steering? Saps steering feel.

I laughed when I seen these 2, if you lived in Australian climate I doubt you would say the same of air-con. Rolling down the windows can be just as bad as having them up because the air blowing in your face is hotter than you are!
Racing drivers get very sore arms after racing without power steering, it doesn't really sap feel, IMO, it just makes it easier on the body. Maybe gives more feel in some cars.

 

[Duke]

The good example of a good built cars are (and most obviously) the VW Beetle... could last a lifetime. 👍

If it didn't burn to the ground, that is. And have you ever seen an old Beetle in an accident? Arnold Shwarzenegger could crush a classic Beetle against his forehead like I used to be able to crush a beercan. Talk about unsafe at any speed...

 

[Muzaffar]

If it didn't burn to the ground, that is. And have you ever seen an old Beetle in an accident? Arnold Shwarzenegger could crush a classic Beetle against his forehead like I used to be able to crush a beercan. Talk about unsafe at any speed...

Okay..... maybe that wasn't as I thought it would be. But you can't deny that the build quality was top notch. The first Beetle was build 60 years ago and even now, you would still Beetles around the street being driven. I don't know why, but I get the impression that most German cars are build like a tank.

What slowman said is completely true. Nothing could be better than simplicity. 👍

 

[TheCracker]

But you can't deny that the build quality was top notch. The first Beetle was build 60 years ago and even now, you would still Beetles around the street being driven.

That's because they only stopped making them a few years ago. You see as many old Mini's as you do Beetles driving around Europe - you can't tell me that it's because they have a great build quality too! You only see still see plenty of them around because they made so god-damn many of them in the first place!

For me, the most important features are:
• AWD - i live on a steep hill that can get almost undrivable in poor ice & snow weather.
• An estate like boot - dog owner.
• 'Enjoyable' handling - well, you've got to have some fun in your 'behind the wheel' life.

I guess i'm starting to show my age now!

 

[Muzaffar]

That's because they only stopped making them a few years ago. You see as many old Mini's as you do Beetles driving around Europe - you can't tell me that it's because they have a great build quality too! You only see still see plenty of them around because they made so god-damn many of them in the first place!

Okay, okay!!!! I get the point! I will not discuss about it anymore.....

So uh....... maybe another thing I need inside a car is a satnav. Comes in handy if you get lost in the middle of the night, with no one helping you.....

 

[Boz Mon]

For me, "fun to drive"

This usually includes driving feel, "handling, handling, and power," as Duke put it.

Pretty much the same for me, thats why I drive a Prelude

 

[Metar]

I'm not driving yet, but being rather tall and long-footed, I consider my legroom the most important feature in the cars I sat in so far. Current-gen Renault Scenics take that category by miles, while our 306 squeezes me in unless the guy on the other side is rather small. Otherwise, I'm shifting gears with my knee...

Well maybe the most important thing I consider is the most important feature of a car besides handling, power and speed is probably the structural rigidity of a car. To simply put it, I want a stronger car!!!!!! I can't drive a car which would turn into scrap metal in 10 years time! Cars these days just seems to be very cheaply built. They try to save money building cars by having less reinforcement beams and use less metal. No wonder there is more death in car accidents........ The good example of a good built cars are (and most obviously) the VW Beetle and the Merc W124. Both of these cars could last a lifetime. 👍

What are you smoking? Cars nowadays are breaking records in terms of safety, with your average hatchback achieving what Mercedes and Volvo alone managed some 15 years ago. Beetles are incredibly fragile, and car-manufacturers aren't "skimping on steel", but rather adding so much crumple-zones that cars are gaining weight, fast - a 900kg hatch in the early '90s now weighs 1300kg (though they've grown in size as well, but you get the point).

I laughed when I seen these 2, if you lived in Australian climate I doubt you would say the same of air-con. Rolling down the windows can be just as bad as having them up because the air blowing in your face is hotter than you are!

For once, we agree. AirCon depends on the climate, but here, it's an absolute must. With high humidity and regular 40c in the summer, cars without AirCon are ovens. I wonder why nobody thought of that Maybach system (the one which uses solar panels on the roof to power the AC when the car is parked, cooling the car throughout the day) before, and offered it as a modification here. He'd make a fortune.

• An estate like boot - dog owner.

I'll want that with my cars.

 

[TS]

In order of importance to me:

• Air Conditioning (driving in Arizona in the middle of summer without A/C is not fun)
• Fuel Efficiency (gas is expensive foo's)
• Good sound system (Unless if I'm in a supercar/exotic, I don't want to hear the road/wind/engine noise)
• Performance (I'm only 16, I don't need to carve through corners like Kimi Raikkonen or haul absolute ass like John Force)

 

[Boz Mon]

I'm not driving yet, but being rather tall and long-footed, I consider my legroom the most important feature in the cars I sat in so far. Current-gen Renault Scenics take that category by miles, while our 306 squeezes me in unless the guy on the other side is rather small. Otherwise, I'm shifting gears with my knee...

Funny you should say that, one of the kids I race karts with has a friend that is like almost 7 feet tall, HUGE. He drives a chevy extened cab truck with the seat all the way back, and he still barely fits in the thing.

 

[Gashlycrumb]

Characteristic wise I look for good performance, handling and "quality" (I like my doors to go thunk).Ideally all of this will be wrapped up in a light and compact package. Oh, and manual too

As for features, for me aircon and powersteering are a must in a daily driver. I don't care about cup holders because I don't tend to eat or drink in my car and I wouldn't bother with heated seats because it never gets cold enough to bother here (my car didn't even get frost on it last winter). I also want Airbags and ABS brakes, I can do without traction control.

 

[Philly]

(I'm only 16, I don't need to carve through corners like Kimi Raikkonen or haul absolute ass like John Force)
[/LIST]

You're 16. Yes you do.

For me, the entertainment factor and ride are huge. Handling is certainly more important than acceleration, although I still want a lot of get off the line power. I'd like a reasonably comfortable interior with leather and a radio and A/C. Also important are sound, appearance and a manual seats. A manual box would also be nice, but an manu-matic will work too.

Yes, the only thing I don't love about my car is it being FWD, which is completely livable.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

Good heat (Michigan weather)
Good AC (Michigan weather)
Good sound system (Must have my rock)
Nice-to-me looks.

There are ways of fixing anything mechanically... deficient in anything.

 

[Leonidae]

engine, heater, windshield wipers, headlights, turning signals, brake lights, dashboard lights.. all this can be found from '80 KP60 Starlet, so it is enough for me.

 

[YSSMAN]

I think the most important thing for me is always going to be character. I like a car that has a bit of an attitude about it, one that wants to be more than just basic transportation. Thats why I've gravitated towards Volkswagens for my own personal use, and certainly why I'm highly considering the MINI as a replacement.

Other than that, a manual transmission is usually the second most-important feature. Oh, and a good ride/handling balance. CRITICAL!

 

[High-Test]

It has to be reliable. The only time I have ever had to attempt starting my car twice was on a -26 degree day, with a windchill of god knows what.
It has to handle well
It has to be well-built. This and reliability seem to go hand in hand, but there's still the satisfaction of the door thunk that Gashlycrumb mentioned.
Rides well
CD player
Air conditioning
Preferably rear-drive or AWD. FF is good fun, but I've liked rear drive more. I guess I'm still partial to the way my old SC300 handled as compared to a Saab 9-3.
Ponies help. 200 seems to be my magic number for most cars. But fun can be had with much less if the car is light enough.

 

[Thirdeye]

Reliability.

 

[Keef]

The three most important things in a car are handling, handling, and power. In that order.

Though I admit, after driving my wife's TSX, the "features" I definitely wanted on my car were: heated leather seats, HID lighting, and a moonroof. And a manual trans.

I'll agree fully with Duke. Once I actually get to use all those nifty gizmos in new cars I'm sure I'll want them, but ignorance is bliss. But then again, heated seats just aren't as cool as a roof that comes off and a back window that rolls down.

 

[TS]

You're 16. Yes you do.

I've got more common sense than about 90% of other 16 year olds that think that they're invincible behind the wheel and feel that they can do whatever they wish on the road. They always say, 'Oh I can't get into an accident, I drive well' when in reality, that person has had 3 speeding tickets and is currently driving on a suspended license.

 

[Sage]

A/C. I spent a whole summer once driving a truck with no A/C, and that was absolutely awful.

Given that almost every car has A/C now, I’d put handling next.

 

[ND4SPD]

Fun to drive factor as many have pointed out already. Rwd or AWD as well. Also, the ability to row through the gears is a big factor as well. Screw cup holders!.....Damnit, I wish my RX-7 had cup holders....

 

[Keef]

Fun to drive factor as many have pointed out already. Rwd or AWD as well. Also, the ability to row through the gears is a big factor as well. Screw cup holders!.....Damnit, I wish my RX-7 had cup holders....

Cup holders are for pussies. The Sol had some but I never used them because they could hardly be called cup holders. I stuck to bottled drinks that I threw on the floor. I had 3 half empty bottles of Mountain Dew in there went I went to the salvage yard to get my stuff out of the car.

 

[Metar]

I don't get the thing with cup-holders. Even as a passenger, I never saw the need for those :\

 

[Philly]

I've got more common sense than about 90% of other 16 year olds that think that they're invincible behind the wheel and feel that they can do whatever they wish on the road. They always say, 'Oh I can't get into an accident, I drive well' when in reality, that person has had 3 speeding tickets and is currently driving on a suspended license.

You don't have to get speeding tickets to drive fast. Give yourself a few months. You'll learn how much fun it is to go around that corner just a little faster or that you have to somehow get around that car in front of you.