In 2003, the average number of years a customer would keep a car is around four years. In 2012, the average number of years a customer will keep a car is six years. Even with a myriad of choices at their fingertips, Americans are opting to make car purchases that will allow them to retain these vehicles for a longer period of time. Automakers have been improving the quality and reliability of vehicles, which means that customers can retain vehicles for a longer period of time while experiencing fewer vehicular problems.