Benefit

Drawback

Adaptive Cruise Control: Uses radar or lasers to detect vehicle ahead. Automatically applies brakes if it senses impending danger.

May be especially useful during times of limited visibility.

High initial cost. Unproven reliability. Laser-based systems can be fooled by heavy snow or rain.

Adjustable pedals: Brake and accelerator pedals move forward or backward several inches at the touch of a button.

Allows drivers of most any size to find a comfortable driving position. Also allows the driver to remain a safe distance from steering wheel-mounted airbag. A memory feature is useful for a vehicle with multiple drivers.

May be added additional cost.

Adjustable Steering Column

Lets driver find ideal position behind wheel, especially important for particularly short or tall drivers. A memory feature is useful for cars with multiple drivers. Scope capability allows adjustment front and back, while tilt adjusts up and down.

Power and memory features nice, but added initial expense if not standard.

Air Conditioning/Automatic Climate Control

Reduces fatigue in hot weather. Reduces outside noise and window fogging. Adds considerably to resale value of car. Standard A/C system is on or off with fan settings; automatic climate control allows variable temperature setting and may feature separate A/C adjusters for second and/or third row passengers.

Expensive to buy if not standard. Better on fuel economy than driving with windows down.

Automatic Entry: An electronic card unlocks car as driver approaches, and engine is stared with a pushbutton rather than a key.

No real advantages over more common keyless remote entry systems.

Just as easy to lose a card as it is a key. May be added initial cost if not standard.

Automatic Pilot/Distronic Cruise Control: Uses radar to keep car a safe distance from vehicle ahead when cruise control is engaged.

Added safety feature.

Does not replace intelligent driving decisions, can have added cost.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Vehicles with Bluetooth connectivity should work with Bluetooth compatible cell phones, allowing hands-free operation while driving.

Not all systems work the same; calls can still get dropped. Some contacts or directory listings from cell phone may be too large to download. Voice recognition for dialing still a work in progress.

Central Locking System: Some systems automatically lock the doors when the transmission is shifted into gear, or automatically unlock when the transmission is shifted into park. All systems have a remote key-fob transmitter to lock or unlock the car from outside.

Convenience and safety: allows you to quickly lock all doors if you feel threatened.

May cost hundreds of dollars; may require more maintenance. Keyless-entry fobs can be expensive to replace.

Cooled/Ventilated Seats: Cool air is circulated through the seat.

Whisks away perspiration.

Added initial cost.

Digital Instrumentation

Amusing - if you're into video games.

Can be confusing, distracting; also very expensive to repair.

Head-up Instrument Display: Projects a car's speedometer reading or other instrument displays onto the windshield in front of the driver.

Lets driver read instrument displays without taking eyes off the road.

Unnecessary gizmo. Essential only for fighter pilots.

Heated Seats: Affectionately known as "bun warmers." Keeps you cozy on cold days.

Particularly nice in convertibles and colder climates; allows you to remain comfortable with the top down.

Added initial cost.

In-Car Entertainment Systems: Includes MP3-connectivity and video game systems, and DVD movie systems viewed on seat- or overhead-mounted monitors.

Keeps your sanity and the kids occupied.

High initial cost; added maintenance costs; monthly fee for satellite TV. Ensure that monitor location does obstruct rear driver view.

Massaging Seats

Typically offered in high-end luxury cars. Designed to reduce driver stress.

Superfluous option. Effectiveness and enjoyment should be determined before purchase - highly variable based on driver preferences. High added initial cost. Likely expensive to repair.

Multimedia Entertainment/Infotainment System

Stereo, some cell phone and vehicle controls and settings often included with navigation system; many new systems now touch-screen with increasing levels of sophistication. Newest systems can use voice control to access smartphone apps.

Added distraction while driving. Some systems very complex. Substantial added cost if not standard.

Onboard Navigation System: Uses GPS to plot a course on an electronic map. Some use a DVD-based system.

Convenience and safety.

Pricey. Not always accurate. Voice recognition for hands-free usage a work in progress. Check to ensure what type of system it is and what updates cost. Smartphones with free voice turn-by-turn direction apps may make integrated navigation seem outrageously pricey.

Power Mirrors

Easily adjustable so there's no excuse not using them, which can contribute to safety. May be part of memory feature, which is useful if more than one driver operates vehicle regularly.

Possible added initial cost.

Power Seats

Fun but frivolous. However, memory feature is useful for cars with multiple drivers. Some high-end cars feature power bolsters that may auto-adjust. Power seat settings vary by model.

Possible added initial cost.

Power Windows

So convenient it's hard to make do without them. Particularly useful for those who frequently use toll roads. Many now feature auto up/down functionality rather than press-and-hold.

Possible added initial cost; more to go wrong, so higher maintenance costs.

Premium Stereo Sound System/Compact Disc Player

Improves resale value of car. Reduces boredom. MP3 player compatibility becoming the norm. Some vehicles offer "jukebox" capability and are also memory-card-compatible.

Added initial cost; target for theft most notably on aftermarket systems, which can be easier to remove.

Push Button/Remote Vehicle Start

Allows the driver to start the vehicle remotely. Rapidly cools or heats vehicle interior depending on weather conditions. Auto shut-off typically after ten or so minutes. Doors remain locked to prevent theft.

Added cost but added convenience.

Self-Parking System

High wow and geek factor.

Superfluous option; only for drivers who shouldn't be parking their cars in the first place.

Sunroof/T-Top/Moonroof/Panoramic Roof

Fun. Can increase resale value substantially. Panoramic roofs can make otherwise cramped interiors seem more open.

Added wind noise; usually reduce interior headroom; may leak or squeak if moldings deteriorate.

Trip Computer: Calculates fuel consumed, miles remaining to destination, miles traveled.

Entertaining. High-end versions allow driver to monitor various fluid levels and other engine conditions.

Can be annoying if you are easily distracted.

Voice-Activated Controls: Lets you verbally command your radio, climate-control system or cell phone.

No need to take your eyes off the road or your hands off the steering wheel.

Added initial cost. Not bullet-proof; not all systems work well, though voice recognition technology may improve over time.

Voice-Activated Internet: Will read your e-mail.

Allows you to work during your commute.

Distracting; limited vocabulary of voice recognition systems; may allow you to only receive, not send messages; monthly access fee.

XM/Sirius Satellite Radio: Beams radio signal directly to car.

Offers 100 channels, fade-free signal, nationwide reception and often no commercials.

Slightly higher initial cost plus monthly fee.

Engineering Feature

Benefit

Drawback

Automatic Transmission

Makes driving easier in stop-and-go traffic and on hilly roads. Adds to resale value if appropriate for vehicle.

May decrease fuel economy, though not as much as in prior years. May decrease acceleration. May decrease resale value if not appropriate for vehicle (e.g. sports cars).

Continuously Variable Transmission: An automatic transmission that, instead of using separate gears, uses belts to produce continually changing speed ratios.

Better fuel economy than with a manual transmission because it lets the engine work in its most efficient range.

A complex technology whose reliability still hasn't been proven. May be very expensive to repair.

Heavy-Duty Cooling System

Necessary for hauling heavy loads in hot weather, especially on a vehicle with air conditioning.

None except initial cost.

Adjustable Shock Absorbers/Ride Control: Shock absorbers that can be adjusted by either the driver or an onboard computer.

Allows you to adjust the ride to different driving conditions. Sport handling means a firm, more controlled ride, and Touring means a softer, more comfortable ride.

Expensive to buy; expensive to repair. Most drivers put it on one setting and leave it.

All-Wheel Drive/Four-Wheel Drive

Increases traction, particularly in snow and rain. Can improve handling on dry surfaces.

Adds complexity and weight, raising vehicle price and lowering fuel economy and performance.

Heavy-Duty Suspension

Necessary for hauling heavy loads.

Rougher ride when not hauling.

Safety Feature

Benefit

Drawback

Adaptive Headlamps

Headlamps adjust based on vehicle driving dynamics (such as cornering) to increase usable illumination at night. The most sophisticated systems also adjust for vehicle speed, weather conditions, or have automatic high beams that negate the need for driver input.

Usually only available as option with HID (high intensity discharge or bi-xenon) headlamps.

Anti-Lock Brakes or ABS: Electronic sensors and computer control prevent brakes from locking up.

Prevents car from skidding uncontrollably during a panic stop. Shortens stopping distances in adverse conditions.

Expensive to buy but is usually standard equipment nowadays. May require some additional maintenance.

Blind Spot Monitoring System

Sensors monitor and detect other vehicles to the rear and side to assist in lane changes. Warns with audible or visual notifications if impending lane change may be hazardous. Helps compensate for vehicle blind spots.

Some added cost. Can't compensate for unsafe driving behavior, though technological advancements will continue to improve; NHTSA may initiate legislation to make this standard on future vehicles.

Driver Drowsiness Monitor

System monitors parameters to determine if driver behavior indicates he/she may be drowsy and alerts driver to the situation.

Added cost; limited availability for most makes/models. Can't compensate for unsafe driving behavior.

High Intensity Discharge Lights: Cast blue-white light three times stronger than standard halogen headlights.

Wider, more intense beam allows driver to see farther.

Added initial cost and higher cost of repair/replacement. Glare can distract oncoming drivers.

Lane Departure Warning System

Sensors monitor multiple driving criteria to warn of potential lane drift. Warnings may be visual, auditory or vibratory. More-sophisticated systems take steps to correct unintended lane change if driver does not respond.

Some added cost. Can't compensate for unsafe driving behavior, though technological advancements will continue to improve; NHTSA may initiate legislation to make this standard on future vehicles.

LED Headlamps

Natural "white light" brightness of LEDs better illuminates vehicle's path. Long bulb life and low energy consumption.

Higher initial cost.

Limited-Slip Differential

Improves traction on slippery surfaces or in high-performance applications.

Not as sophisticated as traction control; not nearly as effective as four- or all-wheel drive.

Limp-Home: Electronics automatically cut out half the engine's cylinders to create less heat should the cooling system fail.

Allows you to continue to drive the car with an overheating engine without damaging it.

None.

Night Vision/Thermal Imaging: Allows driver to see three to five times farther down the road at night.

Reduces chances of hitting pedestrians, bicyclists and animals.

Added initial cost. Unproven reliability.

Pre-Collision/Pre-Safe Systems

System helps protect vehicle occupants by reducing the impact and potential severity of a pending crash. Most use laser or radar sensors to detect imminent impact. System functionality varies and may include any or all of the following: audible warning tones, precharging of brakes, bolstering of the seats for added support, relocation of passenger seat to a safer position, folding up rear head restraints, closing windows and sunroof, tightening seatbelts and applying brakes if needed. Rear impact systems are also being introduced.

Does not prevent the impact of a crash; cannot take the place of save driving. New technology; offered predominantly on high-end cars. Likely significant added initial expense.

Rear Window Defroster

Increases outward vision in icy or humid conditions.

Can crack window if left on in hot weather.

Rearview Camera

Often integrated when vehicle is equipped with navigation system; display automatically shows the rear view when transmission placed in reverse.

None, but can be distracting. Driver shouldn't rely on camera view alone since the viewable area is designed to show only what is out of visual range when looking over shoulder.

Reverse Sensing System: Sensors in vehicle's rear bumper are activated when transmission is placed in reverse.

Detects nearby children, mailboxes or other obstacles that could be hit during backing and alerts driver with an audible signal or warning lights.

Initial cost.

Stability/Skid Control: Uses engine-management and ABS electronics to help prevent the car from sliding sideways on slick surfaces.

Added safety, particularly on icy roads.

Added additional cost; may also require more maintenance.

Telematics/OnStar: Automatically sends distress signal via cell phone if car is involved in an accident that triggers airbags. May also provide personal medical information.

Of particular benefit in rural areas where an accident might not be discovered quickly.

Added initial cost; requires a cell phone; eventual monthly fee.

Tire Pressure Sensor: Warns when air pressure is too low.

Convenience and safety feature. Can also help reduce premature tire wear. Mandatory equipment on all 2008 and newer vehicles.

Driver must heed warning for it to be effective. Sensors must be replaced when tires are replaced.

Traction Control: Uses sensors to determine when wheels begin to slip and reduces engine speed/applies brakes to maintain optimum traction.

Helps maintain vehicle control during emergency avoidance maneuvers. Allows for smooth acceleration on slippery roads. Useful on wet, muddy or icy roads, but not as effective as all-wheel drive.

Expensive, though now standard equipment on most new cars. Mechanical complexity. No benefit under normal driving conditions.