Methodology

DecodedCars doesn't road-test cars or publish opinions. It brings together official public data and compares it the same way for every model, so each page answers the same questions. This page explains every calculation once, in full.

Fuel economy and fuel cost

MPG, EV range, charging time, CO₂ and yearly fuel cost come from the EPA. "vs. class" compares each version's combined MPG with the average for the same model year and EPA size class (which is based on interior volume). EPA fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year at national prices. Your real-world results depend on how and where you drive.

Dimensions and weight

Length, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight come from Transport Canada's Canadian Vehicle Specifications, licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. They are Canadian-market measurements; U.S. versions are usually the same or very close. Width excludes mirrors.

Trims, horsepower and features

Trims, engine horsepower, transmission, seating, assembly plant and whether each driver-assist system is standard or optional come from NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer. We look up the configurations of each model year that owners most often report to NHTSA, so the list may not include every trim or option package. "Some trims" means standard on some configurations and optional or missing on others. For hybrids, horsepower is the gasoline engine's rating; the electric motor is listed separately.

Pros and cons

Each model year is compared with its EPA class average and with its rivals: models of the same year, body style, market tier (mainstream, luxury or exotic) and similar size (length within 10 inches). Only clear differences are called out — for example fuel economy at least 15% better than average, three times the complaints of rivals, or a "do not drive" recall. It is not a road test or a review.

Best and worst years to buy used

We compare model years from 2015 that are at least two years old. Each year gets a score: complaints + recalls × 20 + crash complaints × 3 + fire complaints × 10. A "year to avoid" is shown only when its score is at least 40 and twice the best year's. Complaints are not adjusted for sales, so the best-selling models collect more reports.

Recalls and complaints

Recalls and owner complaints come from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation data files, downloaded daily. Complaints are unverified reports, counted once per report; we never publish owners' narratives or personal details. A recall covers specific build dates and parts: only the VIN confirms whether your car is affected, at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.

Safety ratings

Star ratings and crash-test photos come from NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program (NCAP). Ratings from before 2011 used a different test and aren't comparable with current ones.

What changed each year

We compare each model year with the one before: engines, hybrid or electric versions, drivetrain, fuel economy, weight and crash rating. A length change of 2 inches or more, or a wheelbase change of 1 inch or more, usually signals a redesign. For next year's models, whose EPA list is still filling in, we never say something was dropped.

Used-car checklists

Each checklist is built from that year's recalls and most-reported systems. On top of that, for any used car it pays to check the service history and a vehicle history report, and to have an independent mechanic inspect it before you pay.

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