Simple SQL question - joining tables when data may not exist

[housecor]

I am joining two tables to make a list of cars and their associated performance ranking doing the following (widgetized):

SELECT car.model, car_rating.performance
FROM car, car_rating
WHERE car.model_id = car_rating.model_id;

However, with this structure, cars with no rating aren't listed since this join requires an entry for the model_id in both tables. Is there any easy way around this, or do I have to put a null rating into the car_rating table for each model_id so the join pulls all models?

Thanks in advance!

[LifeinAsia]

SELECT car.model, car_rating.performance
FROM car LEFT OUTER JOIN car_rating ON car.model_id = car_rating.model_id;

[housecor]

Ah, I knew there had to be an easier way! Thanks!