TheCarConnection.com Simplifies Car Research With Easier Ratings and Reviews, New Shopping Tools and Mobile Updates

MENLO PARK, Calif., June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for peak car buying season, TheCarConnection.com (http://www.thecarconnection.com) has re-launched with all new car ratings and reviews, plus new car research tools that simplify the process for shoppers to make better car buying decisions. In addition, TheCarConnection.com has released a new Android mobile app and updated it's iOS and mobile web apps to provide a unified mobile experience across laptops, tablets and phones for on the go car shoppers.

"We have seen a major behavioral shift in how and where people are doing car research," said Jeff Birkeland, vice president, product management of TheCarConnection.com. "Today nearly every car purchase starts with online research and up to 35 percent of users access us on mobile devices.  Our revamped tools give users easy access to simplified information so they can make the right car buying decision from wherever they are."

All New Car Ratings

The new "TCC Rating" provides a clear numeric value for more than 250 cars per year based on a 10-point scale that reflects the overall opinion written by experts. The number rolls up ratings across key sub-categories users care about: Interior/Exterior; Performance; Quality; Safety; Fuel Economy; and Features. The "TCC rating" graphic also features a simple color-coded "Stop" (red), "Caution" (orange), or "Go" (green) message along with the numerical score for fast, visual recognition of approval or disapproval.

New Research Tools

With "Decision Guide" the site provides a unique, tool for every review that gives a user a single place to quickly:

• See at a glance how a car stacks up in each rating sub-category
• Scan quotes from other leading car research websites around the Web without ever needing to leave the page
• View pricing across a model's different style and package options with a simple slider bar

Editors have also created an all-new Car Tips & Advice section filled with buying guides, comparisons, recall information and more.

Android App and Mobile Updates

TheCarConnection.com is also releasing an all-new car research app for Android, along with updates to both it's mobile web and iOS apps, to continue to address exploding growth in car research searches that are performed on mobile devices. 

The Car Connection for Android is available for free on Google Play here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.highgearmedia.thecarconnection

The Car Connection for iPhone is available for free from the Apple App Store here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-car-connection/id370081680?mt=8

"Buying a car has traditionally been overwhelming, intimidating and exhausting, but it doesn't have to be," continued Birkeland. "Our tools and mobile apps give car buyers easy to understand data they can trust all in one place. There is no need to bounce around multiple sites for reviews and pricing information or to create your own spreadsheet just to make sense of it all.  TheCarConnection.com takes the headache out of the research process and gives you the peace of mind that you are making a smart, research-backed decision."

About TheCarConnection.com

TheCarConnection.com is the car review site that makes car research easier. With a team of veteran, Web-savvy car journalists representing more than 50 years of automotive experience, TheCarConnection.com editorial team provides car reviews, advice and updates on more than 250 car models each year. In addition, TheCarConnection.com features the unique "TCC Rating" and "Decision Guide" research tools that combine expert car reviews with third party opinions gathered from around the Web to simplify the research process for car shoppers. TheCarConnection.com is part of High Gear Media, a vertical media company publishing engaging, premium automotive content on some of the Web's fastest growing car websites targeting key buyer and vehicle segments including Motor Authority, and Green Car Reports. High Gear Media is backed by Accel Partners, Greylock Partners and DAG Ventures.

SOURCE TheCarConnection.com