Skip advert
Advertisement

How does Driver Power work?

Each year our Driver Power survey gives owners the chance to tell us about the cars they bought over the last two years. Here we explain how it works...

Welcome to Driver Power 2024, and a massive thank you to everybody who took part in the biggest, most respected and comprehensive car ownership survey in the UK.

Each year, thousands of owners report back to us on the cars they bought over the last two years, telling us about how comfortable they are to sit in, to how fast they accelerate, how well they handle, if they can be depended on to start on the button - and much more besides. 

Collating all these responses is a mammoth job - there are around 400,000 individual data points to analyse - but that work is undoubtedly worth it, because here we’re able to reveal the top 50 cars to own, as voted for by car owners just like you.

Advertisement - Article continues below

These results form something of a car-buyer’s bible for consumers, who can get the inside line on what life is really like with these models over the course of a typical ownership period. Are their infotainment systems up to snuff? Do they feel responsive when you steer and brake? How much interior storage is there on board, and does their build quality match up to their looks?

How the Driver Power ratings work

Here’s a quick guide to the all important Driver Power car ratings.

Driver Power how it works

A. This number tells you where the car sits in the Driver Power top 50. If your model isn’t listed, look out for our used-car survey in September.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

B. Here we tell you when each car went on sale, as well as the main things owners commented on when responding to the survey.

C. We’ve picked out some interesting comments – some favourable, some less so – from owners of each model.

D. These bars represent a score in each of our 10 judging categories. The longer the bar, the better the car performed in that particular area. 

E. Our judging categories include Value. A high score shows that a car offers a lot for what you pay for it.

F. We have 10 judging categories, and the percentage is the average of a car’s scores. This is its rating, and defines its overall chart position.

Not had your say yet? 

You can take the Driver Power survey today and tell us about your car. But we’re not just interested in newer cars, there’s a used car survey for older models and we want to hear about your experience at the dealership, as well as how you find your car insurance company, breakdown recovery firm, electric car charging operators - if the service is of interest to motorists, it’s of interest to Driver Power so please take the chance to have your say. There are 1,000s of motorists who would really appreciate your help. Click here to get started...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Most reliable small cars to buy 2024
Most reliable small cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Most reliable small cars to buy 2024

We reveal the most reliable small cars you can buy, according to our latest Driver Power survey
17 Jul 2024
Most reliable family cars to buy 2024
Most reliable family cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Most reliable family cars to buy 2024

These are the most reliable family cars you can buy, according to our Driver Power survey
10 Jul 2024
Most reliable 4x4s and SUVs to buy
Most reliable SUVs - header image
Best cars & vans

Most reliable 4x4s and SUVs to buy

We reveal the most reliable 4x4s and SUVs, according to our Driver Power survey
27 Jun 2024
Dacia, Kia and MG have gone from no-hopers to celebrated winners
Opinion - Dacia Duster
Opinion

Dacia, Kia and MG have gone from no-hopers to celebrated winners

Mike Rutherford thinks Dacia, Kia and MG were once considered underdogs, but the 2024 Driver Power results show just how far all three manufacturers h…
23 Jun 2024

Most Popular

New Tesla Model 2: CEO Elon Musk reaffirms affordable, entry-level electric car will arrive in 2025
Tesla 'Model 2' teaser image
News

New Tesla Model 2: CEO Elon Musk reaffirms affordable, entry-level electric car will arrive in 2025

The baby Tesla, also referred to as as project ‘Redwood’, is scheduled to enter production in the first half of 2025
24 Jul 2024
Car Deal of the Day: brand-new VW ID.7 EV with 381-mile range for less than you’d expect
Volkswagen ID.7 - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: brand-new VW ID.7 EV with 381-mile range for less than you’d expect

If you want an electric car that can go the distance, then maybe you should consider our Deal of the Day for 23 July
23 Jul 2024
'Luxury car' tax grab to hit 70% of EVs, fuelling calls for exemption
Luxury car tax
News

'Luxury car' tax grab to hit 70% of EVs, fuelling calls for exemption

New Labour Government urged by UK motor industry to address concerns of potential EV purchasers and boost uptake of electric vehicles among private bu…
25 Jul 2024