Nearly two-thirds of consumers offset high gas prices with driving or lifestyle changes

WASHINGTON, D.C., (April 23, 2013) – Half of U.S. adults consider gas prices to be “too high” when it reaches $3.44 per gallon, indicating a potential breaking point on gas prices, according to a new consumer price index developed by AAA. Roughly two-thirds of Americans (62 percent) are offsetting high gas prices by changing their driving habits or lifestyle.

“It was not long ago that motorists were shocked to pay more than $3 per gallon for gasoline, but now that is standard at stations nationwide,” said Robert L. Darbelnet, President and CEO of AAA. “Today’s average consumer feels a breaking point on high gas prices closer to $3.50 per gallon, and expensive prices have forced many motorists to change their driving habits.”

Additional Resources

• Gas Price Omnibus Study April 2013

AAA’s gas-price index tracks consumer attitudes by determining at what price the cost of gasoline becomes too high. The results from the open-ended survey demonstrate how attitudes can be expected to change as prices rise above significant milestones:

• 46 percent believe gas is too high when the price reaches $3.00 per gallon
• 61 percent believe gas is too high when the price reaches $3.50 per gallon
• 90 percent believe gas is too high when the price reaches $4.00 per gallon

“It is possible there is a new normal in terms of consumer attitudes now that gas prices have remained above $3 per gallon for more than two years,” continued Darbelnet. “Most people have resigned themselves to paying higher gas prices and are cutting back on driving, shopping and dining out to save money.”

Consumers report changing their driving habits or lifestyle in a number of ways to offset recent gas prices, including:

• Driving less – 86 percent
• Reducing shopping or dining out – 71 percent
• Driving a more fuel efficient car – 54 percent
• Delaying major purchases – 53 percent
• Working closer to home – 39 percent
• Carpooling – 33 percent
• Using public transportation more regularly – 15 percent
• Other – 18 percent

Younger consumers ages 18-34 are more likely to offset recent gas prices by working closer to home or using public transportation more regularly than adults ages 35 and up (48 percent vs. 35 percent and 25 percent vs. 10 percent, respectively). These results could suggest a generational shift in terms of attitudes towards driving, but it is too early to say whether these attitudes would continue into the future.

Today’s national average price of gasoline is $3.52 per gallon, but prices currently vary by more than $1 per gallon nationwide. The national average has remained above $3.00 per gallon for 28 consecutive months. While the national average has not surpassed $4.00 per gallon since 2008, it is not uncommon for motorists living in the West Coast, Northeast and near the Great Lakes to pay more than $4.00 per gallon.

AAA developed the price index by asking respondents, “At what price do you start to consider the cost of gasoline to be too high? Please tell me the price per gallon to the nearest ten cents.” AAA combined the answers from 974 respondents to determine the potential consumer breaking point for high gas prices.

This report presents the findings of a telephone survey conducted among two national probability samples (landline only and cell phone), consisting of a combined total of 1,011 adults (503 men and 508 women), 18 years of age and older and living in the continental United States. Interviewing for this survey was conducted on March 28-30. The total included 661 interviews from the landline sample and 350 interviews from the cell phone sample. This study has a 95 percent margin of error of ±3.8 percent.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

(WASHINGTON, April 22, 2013) Today’s national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.52. This price is a penny less expensive than one week ago but, it is 16 cents less than one month ago and 35 cents less than one year ago. After declining for 45 of 51 days the national average has now increased for three straight days. Despite this recent string of rising prices, the national average remains 27 cents below the peak 2013 price to date of $3.79 on Feb. 27. In 2011 the national average for regular unleaded gasoline peaked at $3.98 on May 5. In 2012 the price peaked at $3.94 on April 5 and 6.

While motorists in every state but three (Utah, Idaho and Wyo.) are paying less at the pump  than one month ago, those in some Midwestern states have seen prices climb sharply in the last week following supply concerns from heavy rains in the region. Prices in 43 states and Washington D.C. are lower than one week ago, compared to four Great Lakes states, which have seen the average price increase more than a dime per gallon (Ill. 10 cents, Mich. 24 cents, Ohio 28 cents and Ind. 28 cents).

The recent storms and resulting power outages provided the catalyst for higher retail prices in the Midwest, however analysts had warned that the region was susceptible to price increases as regional refineries had yet to undergo maintenance and make the transition to summer-blend gasoline production. Gas stations in much of the country must make this retail switch by June 1, however refineries shift to making summer blend in March and April to meet a May 1 production deadline. During this switch regional production is reduced and supplied markets are more susceptible to unexpected disruptions, as was the case during the recent storms in the Midwest.

The primary factors driving retail gas prices lower in recent weeks have been low demand, continued disappointing economic news and lower crude oil prices. This slide in crude oil saw Wednesday’s settlement price for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil, the traditional U.S. benchmark, fall to $86.68 per barrel, which set a new 2013 low. While prices have recovered slightly, they continue to support lower gas prices for motorists. At the close of today’s formal trading on the NYMEX, WTI settled up 80 cents at $88.81 per barrel.

Increase in maintenance, insurance and fuel drive up average cost for sedans to $9,122 yearly, 60.8 cents per mile

ORLANDO, Fla., (April 16, 2013) – AAA released the results of its annual ‘Your Driving Costs’ study today, revealing a 1.96 percent increase in the cost to own and operate a sedan in the U.S. The average cost rose 1.17 cents to 60.8 cents per mile, or $9,122 per year, based upon 15,000 miles of annual driving.

“Many factors go into the cost calculation of owning and operating a vehicle,” said John Nielsen, AAA Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “This year, changes in maintenance, fuel and insurance costs resulted in the increase to just over 60 cents a mile.”

The findings of the 2013 ‘Your Driving Costs’ study include:

Additional Resources

• INFOGRAPHIC: 2013 Your Driving Costs
• BROCHURE: 2013 Your Driving Costs

In-depth findings of this year’s study, including a breakdown of specific costs by category of vehicle and various annual mileages, are contained in the ‘Your Driving Costs’ brochure which is available at select local AAA branch offices or may be downloaded in the additional resources bar.

Nielsen continued, “Before you make any vehicle purchase, it is important to determine ownership and operational costs and compare them to your current and future financial situation.” To assist consumers in determining their individual driving costs, the AAA ‘Your Driving Costs’ brochure contains a worksheet that can be filled out and personalized for a specific area, driver and vehicle.

Maintenance Costs Up 11.26 Percent

The costs associated with maintaining a vehicle had the single largest percentage increase from 2012 to 2013, growing by 11.26 percent to 4.97 cents per mile on average for sedan owners. AAA’s estimates are based upon the cost to maintain a vehicle and perform needed repairs for five years and 75,000 miles including labor expenses, replacement part prices and the purchase of an extended warranty policy.  Driving the increase in maintenance costs is significant increases in labor and part costs for some models and a major increase in the price of extended warranty policies due to high loss ratios by underwriters.

Fuel Costs Up 1.93 Percent

Gasoline prices were relatively stable compared to the prior year, leading to a minimal fuel cost increase of 1.93 percent to 14.45 cents per mile on average for sedan owners. The average cost of regular grade fuel (used by most of the study vehicles) actually rose 3.84 percent, from $3.357 to $3.486 per gallon. However, several vehicles in the ‘Your Driving Costs’ study had small improvements in their fuel economy ratings which partially offset the fuel cost increase. Fuel costs in the 2013 study were calculated using the national average price for regular, unleaded gasoline during the fourth quarter of 2012.

Tire Costs Remain Unchanged
The cost of tires did not change from 2012 to 2013, remaining at one cent per mile on average for sedan owners. The stable price is attributed to a leveling off of past increased costs for raw materials, energy and transportation from factories to distributors across the country.

Insurance Costs Up 2.76 Percent

Average insurance costs for sedans rose 2.76 percent (or $28) to $1029 annually. Insurance rates vary widely by driver and driving record, issuing company and geographical region. AAA insurance cost estimates are based on a low-risk driver with a clean driving record. Quotes from five AAA clubs and insurance companies representing seven states showed across-the-board modest increases for all sedan sizes, with large cars having less of an increase than small- and medium-size sedans.

Depreciation Costs Rise .78 Percent

After seeing a drop in 2012, depreciation costs were up slightly in 2013, increasing .78 percent to $3,571 a year. This change may be a consequence of recovering new vehicle sales, resulting in more used cars available in the marketplace and thus the softening of the resale value of clean older models.

63^rd Year of ‘Your Driving Costs’ Study

AAA has published ‘Your Driving Costs’ since 1950. That year, driving a car 10,000 miles per year cost 9 cents per mile, and gasoline sold for 27 cents per gallon.

The ‘Your Driving Costs’ study employs a proprietary AAA methodology to analyze the cost to own and operate a vehicle in the United States. Variable operating costs considered in the study include fuel, maintenance and repair, and tires. Fixed ownership costs factored into the results include insurance, license and registration fees, taxes, depreciation and finance charges. Ownership costs are calculated based on the purchase of a new vehicle that is driven over five years and 75,000 miles. Your actual operating costs may vary. See AAA’s 2013 ‘Your Driving Costs’ brochure for a list of vehicles and additional information on the underlying criteria used in the study.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

(WASHINGTON, April 15, 2013) Today’s national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.53. This price is seven cents less expensive than one week ago, 16 cents less than one month ago and 38 cents less than one year ago. The national average has now fallen for 12 straight days and 41 of 47 days since the peak 2013 price to date of $3.79 on Feb. 27. In 2011 the national average for regular unleaded gasoline peaked at $3.98 on May 5. In 2012 the price peaked at $3.94 on April 5 and 6.

Motorists across the country continue to feel relief at the pump as prices in every state but Idaho are lower than one week ago. While Idaho is also one only five states where drivers are not paying less than a month ago, many of those states where gasoline is less expensive have seen prices fall dramatically: motorists in 40 states are paying at least a dime less than one month ago, seven states are paying at least 20 cents less and two states (Ind. and Ohio) are paying at least 30 cents less. Drivers in Hawaii continue to pay the highest gas prices in the country and as of Saturday were the only state to average more than $4.00 per gallon. This marked the first time since February 7 that only one state had registered an average price at the pump above this threshold.

Retail gas prices have dropped steadily since the end of February, however the factors pressuring prices lower have changed during this decline. Prices fell to begin March as many refineries resumed normal operations following the completion of seasonal maintenance and production concerns eased. This decline came even as crude oil prices moved higher. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil settled at what was then a 2013-low of $90.68 per barrel to begin March. On the final trading day of the month WTI settled $6.55 higher at $97.23, which was the highest price since mid-February.

U.S. gasoline prices in April have continued to fall, not just because of weak demand data and signs of economic weakness but as oil prices have also moved sharply lower.

At the close of today’s formal trading on the NYMEX WTI settled $2.58 lower at $88.71 per barrel. This is $8.52 below than the recent peak price on March 28 and is the first time since Christmas Eve that WTI has settled below $90 per barrel.

(WASHINGTON, April 8. 2013) Today’s national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.59. This price is four cents less expensive than one week ago, 11 cents less than one month ago and 34 cents less than one year ago. Today’s 34-cent year-over-year decline is the largest such mark since October 20, 2009. The national average has now fallen for 5 straight days and 34 of 40 days since the peak 2013 price to date of $3.79 on Feb. 27. In 2011 the national average for regular unleaded gasoline peaked at $3.98 on May 5. In 2012 the price peaked at $3.94 on April 5 and 6.

Motorists in every state are enjoying year-over-year price relief at the pump, including declines of more than 40 cents per gallon in nine states. Month-over-month relief has been nearly as universal with drivers in only four states in the Mountain West paying more than they did a month ago: Utah (13 cents), Idaho (5 cents), Colo. (3 cents) and Mont. (2 cents).

Retail gas prices across the country surged to begin 2013, as the national average increased 49 cents through the end of February. This was the largest increase on record for the first two months of a year. The run up was only somewhat attributed to higher crude oil prices and was instead driven by a decline in refinery production and higher gasoline futures prices. Similarly, the recent decline following the dramatic rise has not been a product of lower crude oil prices, which have actually increased during this stretch. Falling retail gas prices have instead been the result of an increase in refinery production and economic concerns, which have raised demand concerns.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil has traded in a relatively narrow range of $7.82 in 2013 in comparison to recent years. WTI began the year at $93.12 and increased to a year-to-date peak of $97.94 on January 30 before settling as low as $90.12 on March 4. By comparison, WTI traded in a $22.40 range during the first quarter of 2011 (a low of $84.32 on February 15, a high of $106.72 on March 31) and a $13.41 range during the same period in 2012 (a low of $96.36 on February 2, a high of $109.77 on February 24).

After economic concerns sent WTI tumbling during the second half of last week, prices recovered slightly today. At the close of formal trading on the NYMEX WTI settled 66 cents higher at $93.36 per barrel.

AAA travel guides now spotlight kid-friendly activities for many top destinations 

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 5, 2013) – Planning a trip the whole family will enjoy is easier when you let AAA’s travel professionals help point the way with expert recommendations. To select their top picks for key family travel destinations, AAA editors became kids again. With an eye toward finding options for tots to teens, they visited and played at countless attractions touted as kid friendly — many designated as AAA GEMs, offering a Great Experience for Members — along with notable restaurants and events. This family-friendly content is available in AAA’s popular digital and printed travel guides for select destinations.

“The key to a successful family vacation is planning activities that are fun and exciting for every member of your group, recognizing that what’s exciting to a 6-year old can differ from what appeals to teens,” said Bill Wood, executive editor, AAA Travel Publishing. “Recommendations from our editors help make these distinctions, ensuring easier travel planning and memorable vacation experiences.”

AAA’s Top Picks for Kids are currently available for 19 U.S. cities coast to coast, including New York, Orlando, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Selections are separated into categories that include options for kids under 13, teens and kids of all ages.

AAA Editors’ Top Picks for Kids can be found in the AAA.com Travel Guides, the downloadable AAA eTourBook^® guides available at AAA.com/ebooks and the printed AAA TourBook^® guides available at AAA/CAA offices.

SAMPLE: AAA Editors’ Top Picks for Kids – Miami

UNDER 13 

Miami Seaquarium: At this AAA GEM attraction, kids enjoy the antics of Salty the sea lion, Flipper the dolphin and Lolita the killer whale. Between-show activities include saltwater exhibits with sea turtles and reef fish. There’s even a pirate ship playground with water guns and a spiral slide.

Monkey Jungle: What could be more fun than a whole park filled with monkeys? A fenced-in path through this subtropical forest keeps humans and monkeys safely separate while allowing visitors to get really close to these wonderful animals.

TEENS

Duck Tours South Beach: If you want to tour South Beach and get a taste of its rich Art Deco legacy without hearing choruses of, “I’m bored,” hop on an amphibious vehicle. The entertaining and educational 90-minute excursion concludes with a big splash into Biscayne Bay.

La Carreta Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious introduction to home-style Cuban cuisine, a big part of the Miami experience, at this local institution, a AAA One Diamond Restaurant, on Little Havana’s Calle Ocho (8^th Street). Sample charbroiled meats and chicken-and-rice dishes, and snap a family photo with the giant metal chicken outside.

ALL AGES

Beaches: You’re in Florida after all. Miami Beach is the obvious choice, particularly if you are staying there. There is also nearby Key Biscayne with its two public beaches: Crandon Park – a 2-mile stretch of sand noted for its calm waters and rental cabanas – and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, with its postcard-worthy historic lighthouse.

Everglades National Park: Drive down to South Florida’s wilderness jewel, a AAA GEM attraction. This endangered “River of Grass” is a haven to birds as well as alligators, snakes, turtles and manatees. Drive the 38 miles from the entrance to the Flamingo Visitor Center and enjoy the views from your car. Trailheads radiate out from the road at several spots, inviting short hikes. A thrilling high-speed way to explore the park is by airboat ride, offered at Everglades Alligator Farm and Everglades Safari Park.

About AAA

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

At the State Hands-On Competition, teams will race against the clock to correctly diagnose and repair a deliberately “bugged” 2013 Ford Focus SE. A combination of the online written exam and hands-on competition scores determine each state’s championship team that will compete in the national finals. For additional details on 2013 State Hands-On Competition locations and dates, visit Autoskills.AAA.com.

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition is open to 11^th and 12^th grade students in secondary schools and colleges across the country that offer courses in automotive technology. Schools may enter one two-student team per instructor. Teams competing in the State Hands-On Competitions represent the 10 teams that scored highest on a statewide online written exam, administered at the beginning of the competition in January.

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition enables many of its participants to embark on promising careers in the automotive repair industry to help fuel the rising demand for well-trained technicians that can repair both computer and mechanical components in today’s advanced vehicles.  Both the national and the state-wide competitions are organized with the support of AAA and Ford personnel, local automotive instructors and the AAA Approved Auto Repair program, a free public service AAA performs to identify quality repair facilities throughout the country.

About Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills is a nationwide automotive technology competition that offers millions in scholarships and prizes to high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers as automotive service technicians.  More than 13,000 students from across the U.S. compete for the chance to represent their school and state in the National Finals. The competition tests students’ automotive knowledge, workmanship and problem-solving abilities. For additional information on the competition, visit http://autoskills.aaa.com/.

(WASHINGTON, April 1 ,2013) Today’s national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.63. This price is four cents less expensive than one week ago, 12 cents less than one month ago and 29 cents less than one year ago. The national average has fallen for 12 consecutive days and 29 of 33 days since the peak 2013 price to date of $3.79 on Feb. 27.

At the state level, prices have fallen for drivers in the vast majority of the country. Forty-two states have a lower average price today than one week ago, led by declines of more than a dime in three states: Ind. (15 cents), Ohio (14 cents) and Mich. (12 cents). Forty-five states and Washington D.C. have a lower average price than one month ago, led by declines of more than 20 cents in five states: Ohio (24 cents), Ga. (24 cents), Mich. (21 cents), Fla. (21 cents) and Ind. (20 cents). The only five states where motorists pay a higher average price than one month ago are in the Mountain West: Idaho (0.03 cents), Colo. (0.6 cents), Utah (4 cents), Wyo. (4 cents) and Mont. (5 cents).

Despite experiencing the two largest month-over-moth increases at the pump, motorists in Wyo. and Mont. still pay the least in the nation for a gallon of gasoline at $3.33 and $3.36 respectively. Drivers in only two states pay an average of more than $4.00 (Hawaii $4.38 and Calif. $4.04), which is the fewest since February 19.

While retail gas prices declined steadily in March, oil prices creeped higher on signs of continued economic recovery. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) began the month with what was at the time it’s lowest settlement of the year ($90.68 per barrel) before rising to end March at it’s highest price since February 14 ($97.23). Prices retreated slightly today as WTI settled 16 cents lower at $97.07 per barrel at the close of formal trading on the NYMEX.

(WASHINGTON, April 1, 2013)

Gas Prices Nearly 30 Cents per Gallon Less Expensive than Last Spring

• The national average price of gasoline decreased during March for the first time in 10 years, and gas prices now average nearly 30 cents per gallon less than a year ago. The national average should remain less expensive than last year’s prices this spring.
• Today’s national average is $3.63 per gallon, which compares to $3.92 per gallon a year ago. The national average decreased 15 cents per gallon (3.9 percent) last month, which was the first month-over-month decline for March since 2003, when the average decreased by one cent per gallon.
• “It is very unusual for gas prices to decline in early spring like we have seen this year,” said AAA spokesman Avery Ash. “An increase in refinery production and lower oil prices in early March have combined to provide rare falling prices for motorists in comparison to recent years.”
• The national average reached $3.79 per gallon on Feb. 27, which currently is the highest average price for 2013. Since that time the national average has dropped 29 out of 33 days.
• The national average increased 34 cents (10 percent) per gallon from the beginning of the year ($3.29) through the end of the first quarter of 2013. Last year, gas prices increased nearly twice as much during the first quarter with a rise 65 cents (20 percent) per gallon.
• This week marks the one-year anniversary of the 2012 peak in gas prices, when the national average reached $3.94 per gallon on April 5 and 6. Gas prices peaked in 2011 at $3.98 per gallon on May 5.
• Gas prices declined in March as many refineries resumed normal operations following the completion of seasonal maintenance. The price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil also remained relatively low for much of the month. Gas prices spiked in late January through February primarily because of supply concerns with refineries in February processing the lowest amount of crude oil in nearly two years due to extensive maintenance and facility upgrades.

Gas Prices in April Should Remain Less Expensive than Recent Years

• Gas prices in April should remain less expensive than in recent years because oil is cheaper and refinery production is rising. The price of WTI crude oil is about $6 per barrel less than a year ago, while refinery utilization has increased by about five percent since early March, according to the federal Energy Information Administration.
• “AAA has no record of gas prices ever peaking in February, and it is too early to say whether prices may have hit a high for the first half of the year,” continued Ash. “While it is possible that gas prices may surge briefly again this spring, the national average should remain less than last year’s high of $3.94 per gallon. Yet even with the recent declines, we cannot lose track of the fact that gasoline remains very expensive for many American motorists.”
• Much of the country must transition to more expensive summer-blend gasoline and there is still refinery maintenance left to complete, which could result in a brief surge in gas prices.
• AAA expects the average price of gas in 2013 will be less than last year as a result of increased domestic production and continued low demand.

Fewer Americans Paying $4 per Gallon for Gasoline

• Motorists in only two states are paying an average of more than $4 per gallon for gasoline today, which includes Hawaii ($4.38) and California ($4.04). This contrasts with a month ago when 60 million Americans (20 percent) lived in a state where gas prices averaged more than $4 per gallon.
• The five states with the highest gas price averages today include: Hawaii ($4.383), Calif. ($4.044), Alaska ($3.998), N.Y. ($3.893) and Conn. ($3.873). The five states with the cheapest gas price averages today include: Wyo. ($3.328), Mont. ($3.358), S.C. ($3.411), Tenn. ($3.425) and Ark. ($3.436).

Learn how to save money on gas with a few simple tips from AAA. 

AAA updates fuel price averages daily at www.FuelGaugeReport.AAA.com. Every day up to 120,000 stations are surveyed based on credit card swipes and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability. All average retail prices in this report are for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline.

From a full electric vehicle to a spacious minivan AAA top picks driven by fuel efficiency and comfort

ORLANDO, Fla., (March 26, 2013) – Most Americans (86 percent) rely on their vehicle to get them to and from work every day. With an average commute of 25 minutes each way and gas prices hovering about $3.50 per gallon since February, selecting the right vehicle can make a commute more enjoyable and lower expenses.  For motorists in the market for a new car AAA Auto Buying experts have selected vehicles that go the distance with comfort and performance.

“Many Americans are spending several hours every week in their vehicle to get to and from work,” says John Nielsen, director, AAA Automotive Engineering & Repair. “Having a vehicle that is reliable, fuel-efficient and comfortable can really make a difference in your everyday routine.”

AAA’s top vehicle picks are selected by AAA Auto Buying experts who test drive and evaluate hundreds of vehicles each year.  Fuel efficiency, comfort and overall performance helped create this top list of vehicles for commuters.

Additional Resources

• Find Your State’s Average Commute Time
• Ways to Save Money on Gas
• Latest Gas Prices

Compact Vehicles

Chevrolet Volt: This four-passenger, plug-in electric vehicle, sidesteps range anxiety with a gasoline engine on board to run a generator. The newest versions of the Volt allow a driver to force operation of the gasoline engine, ideal for a commute that starts on a highway, where gasoline power is more efficient, and ends in a city, where battery power is more cost effective. The car is exceptionally quiet, handles well and boasts great acceleration but rear seat room is tight if you plan to carpool. TrueCar reports that the Average Paid price of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt five-door hatchback is $38,871, 2.8 percent less than the MSRP*.

Toyota Prius or Prius V: These gasoline-electric hybrids set the standard for fuel efficiency in a gasoline-powered vehicle. The Prius seats five in reasonable comfort and is exceptionally efficient for urban commutes where regenerative braking and the ability to turn the gasoline engine off while the car is stopped enhances fuel efficiency.  TrueCar reports that the Average Paid price of the 2013 Toyota Prius door hatchback is $24,066, 3.7 percent less than the MSRP, and the Prius V five door wagon is $26,350, four percent less than MSRP*.

Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI: The SportWagen is a wagon style model that uses a diesel engine to deliver smooth acceleration with strong fuel economy. Handling is also precise and predictable. With the option of manual or automatic transmission, these cars are fun to drive, making the longer commutes seem less daunting. TrueCar reports that the Average Paid price of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen four-door manual hatchback TDI is $23,894, 9.2 percent less than the MSRP*.

Sedans

Audi A4: Beautifully finished and very comfortable in front, the A4 can make light work of any commute. Front-wheel drive is standard, but the option for Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system is available. The ride is firm but compliant and the handling is tops. The body structure feels exceptionally solid, even when facing rough urban pavement. Driving pleasure earns a very high grade, although the rear seat room earns a much lower score. TrueCar reports that the Average Paid price of the 2013 Audi A4 four-door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T is $31,697, 5.1 percent less than the MSRP*.

Buick LaCrosse: A steady ride, comfortable seating, responsive handling and an excellent V-6-based drivetrain make this car an ideal choice for commuting in a carpool. Performance is excellent. For buyers seeking the room and comfort of the LaCrosse with more fuel efficiency, a four-cylinder eAssist drivetrain is offered. Consider it a mild hybrid. TrueCar reports that the Average Paid price of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse four-door sedan base is $30,727, 5.6 percent less than the MSRP*.

Ford Fusion: Ford’s entry in the affordably-priced family sedan arena has been completely redesigned for 2013. The new model features a sleek exterior, an upgraded interior and new drivetrains. The Fusion is now offered with three engines, a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two optional turbocharged four cylinder engines, either 1.6- or 2.0-liters. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower, matching the output of many V-6s. This Fusion could easily have passed for a luxury car not too many years ago. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is an option. TrueCar reports that the Average Paid price of the 2013 Ford Fusion four door S is $20,038, 10.9 percent less than the MSRP*.

Hyundai Genesis: This V-6-powered sedan is refined, powerful and roomy. The V-6 engine turns in an exemplary performance and the new 8-speed automatic transmission raises the performance level to the point that the optional V-8 is unnecessary. While handling is predictable, the ride does fall a little short of full luxury sedan status. TrueCar reports that the Average Paid price of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis four door sedan V6 3.8 liter is $33,358, 4.9 percent less than the MSRP*.

Nissan Altima: The redesigned 2013 Altima continues to be a top choice for commuting. It is comfortable for all passengers, performs well and offers several unique safety features, including clever use of the backup camera to provide lane departure and blind spot warnings in some models. TrueCar reports that the Average Paid price of the 2013 Nissan Altima four door 2.5 liter is $21,706, 3.7 percent less than the MSRP*.

Crossovers

Ford Flex:  This boxy crossover is hard to beat when looking for room in a vehicle. Buyers will find ample space for passengers or purchases. The ride is quiet and well controlled. The engines are V-6s, with the EcoBoost motor turning in a particularly good performance. Though costly, this EcoBoost engine not only outperforms the base V-6, in AAA testing it also delivered slightly better fuel economy.  TrueCar reports that the Average Paid price of the 2013 Ford Flex SE is $26,803, 15.7 percent less than the MSRP*.

Toyota Highlander: In the crossover category, this vehicle features a comfortable ride and roomy interior. More impressive are its highway cruising manners and despite its size, ease of maneuvering in traffic. And while this vehicle’s size takes a minor toll in handling through sharp bends in the road, add a reputation for dependability and long life and you have a top choice for commuters needing size and passenger capacity.  TrueCar reports that the Average Paid price of the 2013 Toyota Highlander four-door front wheel drive four cylinder is $27,978, 6.3 percent less than the MSRP*.

Minivan

Honda Odyssey: This roomy minivan is offered in a wide range of models, though even basic versions are well equipped and comfortable. Its size suggests that it is best suited to a less crowded commute venue, but even in an urban setting, the Odyssey is easy to drive. Front and second row seating comfort is quite good. The third row folds easily to from a flat load floor with ample space for a wide range of items. TrueCar reports that the Average Paid price of the 2013 Honda Odyssey LX is $27,801, 5.8 percent less than the MSRP*.

AAA provides free vehicle reviews, localized pricing information and more online at AAA.com/AutoMaker. Additional information on AAA Auto Buying is available at AAA.com/AutoBuying.  The AAA Auto Buying Tools App is available here to access information on the go.

TrueCar, Inc. is the AAA preferred supplier for new and used car pricing information for the motor club. TrueCar is an online automotive information and communications platform focused on creating a better car buying experience for dealers and consumers. Consumers want a hassle-free car buying experience and dealers want high-quality sales velocity. TrueCar helps achieve these goals by providing unbiased market information on new and used car transactions and by supplying an online communications platform through which dealers and consumers can communicate with each other. TrueCar’s market-based information provides both consumers and dealers with an accurate and comprehensive understanding of what others actually paid recently for similar vehicles, both locally and nationally.  If you are in the market for a new vehicle, you can configure a virtual vehicle with the specifications you want, see the Estimated or Target Price for that vehicle in your area, and then connect directly with local TrueCar Certified Dealers at AAA.com/AutoMaker.  Once you submit a request, TrueCar Certified Dealer representatives will get in touch with you to discuss vehicles in their inventory.

*The Average Paid price is a proprietary mathematical calculation based on actual recent anonymized transaction information in your regional area, and includes destination and delivery charges after incentives that are subject to change, but does not include tax, title, licensing, documentation or processing fees, other state and governmental charges and/or fees, or any other charges or fees allowed by law. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable manufacturer incentives. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (³MSRP²) is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer¹s trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing. Your actual purchase price is negotiated between you and the dealer.

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