No. 1 California
Despite its reputation as a car-culture haven, the Golden State is by far the worst of the 50, with low rankings in each of the four categories. From highway congestion and poor legal protections to the high cost of gasoline and insurance, the nation's most populous state has it all.
No. 2 Illinois
The Land of Lincoln is also a Disaster for Drivers, garnering low marks, like California's, in all four categories. The lowest grade is in legal rights for motorists.
No. 3 New York
The Empire State fares a lot better than California and Illinois in insurance rates, which were pretty close to the national average. But that is more than canceled out by rock-bottom expenditures on road maintenance and sketchy legal motorist protections.
No. 4 Michigan
Ironically the center of America's remaining auto manufacturing is none too friendly to end-use customers. The Wolverine State really chews up motorists on insurance, with the country's second-highest average rates.
No. 5 Alaska
Despite all that oil production, Alaska has the nation's second highest gas prices, as well as the next-to-worst rating for infrastructure/safety. But the self-styled Last Frontier does rank in the top one-third in legal protections for drivers.
