Data sources

• Fuel economy: U.S. EPA / Department of Energy data from fueleconomy.gov. City, highway and combined MPG are EPA test estimates; annual fuel cost is EPA's figure for 15,000 miles a year at national average prices. Class averages are our calculation across all gas and hybrid versions EPA lists in the same size class and year.
• Recalls: NHTSA recall campaigns by make, model and year from nhtsa.gov. A recall listed for a model year may not cover every car; only a VIN check confirms it.
• VIN decoding: NHTSA's Product Information Catalog and Vehicle Listing (vPIC). The decoder runs in your browser and sends the VIN straight to NHTSA; we never see or store it.

Abbreviations

Transmissions: A6 = 6-speed automatic, AM7 = 7-speed automated manual (including dual-clutch), M6 = 6-speed manual, CVT = continuously variable. Drive: FWD front-wheel, RWD rear-wheel, AWD all-wheel, 4WD four-wheel drive. Electric and plug-in hybrid versions are rated in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Annual fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving, at national average prices.

We refresh the data when EPA publishes new model years. Spotted an error? Tell us.