Over the years, I have evaluated hundreds of makes and models of cars and trucks. Although the vehicles are all different, in many cases the evaluation process is similar. I start with an overall walk-around of the vehicle to get familiar with the design and exterior features. Then I spend a few minutes with the owner’s manual familiarizing myself with the features of the vehicle.
  Once I’m comfortable behind the wheel, I take a look at all the controls. I try to notice placement of switches, interior lighting, bins and cup-holders. No one buys a car or truck because of the cup-holders or bins, but a poorly placed cup-holder or lack of storage for sunglasses, cell phone and all the other stuff we tend to carry with us can make a great car frustrating to drive.
  At the same time, I look at mirrors and note potential blind spots. I consider what this vehicle would be like in the winter when drivers may be wearing gloves. Then, before I take the vehicle for a ride, I get in the backseat to evaluate head- and leg-room. This is where I make notes about ease of entry and exit. And just to get another opinion, I always ask my wife, Jo-Ann, to give me her thoughts. At 6 feet tall, I could have a completely different impression than my wife who is 5-foot-5.
  Finally, I look at cargo capacity. If it is an SUV, how easy is it to load cargo? Do the seats fold down? Is there a privacy cover? If it is a sedan, does the trunk have a low lift-over for easy loading? Is there a light? Do the hinges intrude into the trunk and potentially crush cargo?
  Once I have my notes, it is time to go out on the road. I learned a long time ago that road tests need to be consistent. You need to cover the same basic route to compare one vehicle to another. This is pretty easy for me since I drive about 100 miles a day back and forth to work.
  This is where I look at acceleration, braking, steering, ride and handling. In most cases, the figures I cite for 0-60 mile per hour times and 60-0 braking times come from the manufacturer. When the times seem to be exaggerated, though, I will perform my own tests. I use an electronic device called a G-Techpro that easily measures braking and acceleration.
  When I’m on the road — especially the highway — I consider how quiet the car is. When a car sounds noisy, I measure the noise with a sound level meter. This device records the sound level in decibels. It is only then that I can state with authority that one vehicle is louder than another. This is especially critical when comparing vehicles in the same class.
  Most people listen to the radio, CDs or MP3s, and the last thing I am is an audiophile, so I have one specific CD that I listen to in each vehicle. It is only then that I can compare one sound system to another.
  If the vehicle has a navigation system, I will always plot a course to see how easy the system is to use. Some systems are much more intuitive than others.
  Finally, I open the hood and take a look at the engine. After many years of repairing cars, I like to take a look at how serviceable the engine would be. I try to look at everything from a basic check of vital fluids that everyone should do, to tuneup and maintenance that a professional technician would perform.
  When I’m driving a vehicle I tend to use it as if it were my own. What is it like to carry groceries and make trips to the home center? How many beach chairs can fit in the trunk? Although I’m not a golfer, I try to consider how many golf bags you could carry.
  Finally, at the end of my time with the vehicle, I add up the mileage and calculate fuel consumption. It is only now that I can render an honest opinion to AAA members about the vehicles in which they are interested.