As AutoZine archive covers nearly all cars in the world, it is uneasy to classify all the cars into different categories. Basically, classification is made according to target buyers and price. It is easy to understand how important target buyers are. For instance, those interested in Lotus Elise are unlikely to love the similarly-priced Chevrolet Camaro because of completely different character, so they won’t be classified into the same category.

Another point to be noted is price. There are price differences among different markets, especially for exclusive high-performance cars. Whenever a price is being considered, it is always based on the retail price at the place where the car is produced, minus taxes. Excessive retail / distribution cost is also taken into consideration because there are a few European countries having very inefficient retail systems. After all, price is not the only important factor to the buyers, so there is up to ± 50% tolerance in some extreme cases.

Magnitude of rating
 

Junk

Poor

Average

Good

Outstanding

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Rules for rating

Generally speaking, cars are assessed in these areas:

• Exterior and interior styling
• Engine and performance
• Handling and ride quality
• Comfort, equipment, practicality and safety
• Build quality and reliability
• Price and running costs
• Originality and innovation

However, AutoZine always rates cars from enthusiastic driver’s point of view. Like British or French and unlike American, handling is usually regarded as more important than performance. Besides, the meaning of "handling" also differs from American’s view point as cornering g-force. Steering feel, steering attitude, adjustability and precision of controls are seen as most important.