Some of the best bets in cars for 1994 include the Hyundai Excel, Nissan 240SX, Ford Taurus Wagon, Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Trans Sport.
That’s according to analyst Jack Gillis’ “The Car Book 1994.” The consumer guide rates the best and worst of the 1994 cars and mini-vans based on expected performance in crash tests, fuel economy, repair and insurance costs, warranties and complaints.
Other highly rated cars, divided into categories by size or type, include the Toyota Tercel, Plymouth Sundance, Chrysler Concorde and Nissan Quest. Among the cars that received low ratings were the Suzuki Swift, Geo Prizm and Mitsubishi Diamante.
“We’re trying to give consumers information that we feel they can’t find anywhere else,” said Jay Einhorn, a research associate for “The Car Book.”
Gillis, director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America, gives the most weight in his best bets to crash performance. The results are based on the U.S. Department of Transportation crash test program.
“We feel that safety is the most important feature that consumers should look at,” Einhorn said. Looking at crash tests alone, Gillis found the Ford Escort and Thunderbird, Honda Prelude and Toyota Camry to be among the best performers.
“I think the safety aspect of all new vehicles is a primary concern for all buyers now,” said Larry Oldham, general manager and owner of Man-O-War Ford in Lexington. “Maybe that’s why the Taurus is the No. 1 selling car in the county.”
He said the 1994 Taurus has standard dual air bags, up from a driver-side bag in 1993. The Thunderbird went from no air bags in 1993 to standard dual air bags in 1994.
“There’s a lot of different things that customers base their (buying) decisions on, but certainly safety is one of the most important,” Oldham said.
Gillis also provides information in the book on types of insurance, the best tires, lemon laws, leasing versus buying, and service contracts. “The Car Book” sells for $11.
