The invention is directed to a data collection and evaluation system that includes a telematics device for collecting, time-stamping, and storing vehicle sensor data. Examples of the type of data collected include door data, ignition data, speed data, global positioning data, and diagnostic and trouble code data. The system further includes an external data acquisition device, such as a mainframe computer system or a hand-held computing device like an iPAQ. The external data acquisition device is configured to communicate with the telematics device over a wireless network, which enables the telematics device to transmit the time-stamped data to the external data acquisition device and receive information and instructions from the external data acquisition device. The ability of the system to automatically collect and transfer data and communicate with an external data acquisition device allows for the automation of fleet management processes, vehicle maintenance and repair processes, and certain security features.