American car owners are quite loyal -- 73 percent of respondents to a Consumer Reports survey (consisting of 1,700 interviews among adults whose household owns at least one vehicle) say that they are somewhat or very likely to purchase the same brand they currently drive. And, interestingly, females and older drivers are more likely to be brand-loyal than their male and younger driver counterparts; income, it seems, does not influence loyalty.

But if they were to switch, what would sway them? The answer isn't flash or power, but instead the very real-world considerations of quality and fuel economy. Those are the top two (lower price came in a close third) of thirteen factors, including safety record, reputation and styling, that influence buyers to switch brands. Check out the entire list after the jump.

The percentage of respondents who could be influenced to change car brands based on specific factors.
MOTIVATING FACTOR PERCENTAGE
Higher quality 75%
Better fuel economy 73
Lower price 67
Better safety record 65
More standard equipment 62
Better overall reputation 61
Lower-cost financing 57
Free maintenance 57
Generous trade-in allowance 57
Bigger cash rebate 48
Local dealership reputation 47
Better styling 46
Convenient dealership location 37