The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Consumer Reports Top 10 Reliable Autos

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Consumer Reports Top 10 Reliable Autos
Here’s a quick rundown of the most and least reliable new cars (according to Consumer Reports) in ten different categories… Not many surprises here, but it’s still an interesting list to look at. All cars are 2007 models unless otherwise indicated…

Small Cars
Best: Honda Fit
Worst: Chevrolet Cobalt


Family Cars
Best: Honda Accord Hybrid (slightly better than the 4 cyl Accord)
Worst: Volkswagen Passat


Upscale/Large Cars
Best: Lexus ES350
Worst: Jaguar X-Type


Luxury Cars
Best: 2006 Lexus LS
Worst: Cadillac STS


Sporty Cars
Best: Lexus SC
Worst: Pontiac Solstice


Wagons/Minivans
Best: Pontiac Vibe (the Toyota Matrix is essentially the same car)

Worst: Buick Terraza


Small SUV
Best: Toyota FJ Cruiser (though I’ve never thought of this as being particularly small)
Worst: Kia Sportage


Midsized SUV
Best: Toyota Highlander Hybrid (slighly better than the regular Highlander)
Worst: Mercedes-Benz M-Class


Large SUVs
Best: Toyota Land Cruiser
Worst: Nissan Armada


Pickup Trucks
Best: Subaru Baja (this is hardly a truck!)
Worst: Nissan Titan


Interestingly, the hybrid version of a couple of cars aced out the standard version. Not by much, but still.



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bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 11/18/2006 10:19:50 AM
-1 Boost
i would have to disagree. but anyway i dont trust or believe these consumer reports it makes no sense. there are cars on the least reliable list that have other cars based on them are built in the same factory, and use indentical engines and arent on the least reliable list....(cadillac sts v8 and xlr same engine, xlr same platform and factory as the corvette) i read the whole list and only one model of the escalade was on here but they all are identical models with different body styles, there are so many other inconsitency on these reports that it is totally senseless, this is good for people that will buy into anything that is on paper if anyone is smarter than this please think before taking these reports off face value, way to inconsistent, and they make little to no sense


99gs40099gs400 - 11/17/2006 10:15:37 AM
0 Boost
Lexus and Toyota ones again !!!!! man year after year this is so predictible is not even funny. Prediction
for 2008 models ? any taker ? HAHAHAHAHA


EL34EL34 - 11/17/2006 11:38:06 AM
-6 Boost
Really, what are the differences between the best and worst, a broken switch recall?


BMW530iBMW530i - 11/17/2006 4:18:43 PM
-3 Boost
Knowing consumer reports and JD Powers method for assessing quality, YES.


someguysomeguy - 11/17/2006 6:53:45 PM
+2 Boost
EL34, understand that NONE of the germans are currently capable of making more reliable cars than Toyota/Lexus. Also Toyota/Lexus currently doesn't make any car that can outhandle or out perform the german BMW's M division, MB's
AMG, and AUDI's S/RS... get real and get a life, whats the avg age here 16? German cars are the coolest! for sure!






audiotaudiot - 11/17/2006 11:40:14 AM
0 Boost
I don't buy a car on a micron's difference in reliability figures. I buy it for driveability.


XYZZXYZZ - 11/18/2006 4:25:25 AM
0 Boost
micron?

try EIGHT YEAR OLD corollas being more reliable than anything from germany NOT EVEN 3 or 4 years old.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/19/2006 1:13:18 PM
0 Boost
Well, I don't keep my cars for eight years.

My five-year-old A6 was in better shape than my wife's five-year-old RX when we traded her car in. She treats her cars just about as well as I do- it's splitting hairs.

Reliability really is not an issue if you treat your car well. It seems like that's all Lexus has to offer. Their cars are not memorable or class-leading.


Agent009Agent009 - 11/20/2006 8:34:11 AM
+2 Boost
I agree while there can be differences, most of the time it is splitting hairs.

My daily beater is (An 8 year old A4 with 150K) is in better shape than the 5 year old Lexus RX we sold with 65k on it. The Lexus was very reliable mechanically, however the leather was splitting the trim was falling off and a lot of paint issues were starting to surface.

Simply put the Lexus started to look tired while the A4 still looks darn near new. It suffers from none of wear and tear issues. If I were to match repair costs the Audi probably has cost a bit more to maintain, since the consumables are a bit more costly. However it has proven to be a match to the Lexus as far as reliability goes no significant repairs for either car.




S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/20/2006 11:09:18 PM
+1 Boost
That's EXACTLY what I've been saying!

The RX330 (an '04), that we're just on the brink of trading in, looks old and tired on the inside. Some of the trim (like the chrome on the gearshift, for instance) is loose and/or falling off, and it suddenly feels like the car is Plastic Fantastic.

When I traded in my '00 A6 2.7T last year, it was in mint condition, and felt just like new.

Quality engineering. Truly.


M53RM53R - 11/17/2006 12:23:24 PM
0 Boost
I c ur talking about BMW, when none of the cars above is a BMW . . .


Agent009Agent009 - 11/17/2006 3:37:31 PM
+3 Boost
And millions also don't care about minor issues vs other attributes.


answeranswer - 11/18/2006 1:46:28 AM
-2 Boost
Yeah, there are millions who still are willing to "suffer the brand" and put up with Mercedes' curent level of craftsmanship. What's the point? The hallowed German luxury makes still are trailing in the quality department.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/19/2006 1:14:46 PM
-1 Boost
"The hallowed German luxury makes still are trailing in the quality department."

The Audi A8L has the world's nicest interior this side of a Bentley Continental Flying Spur. The attention to detail is uncanny, and its design is easily more timeless, more elegant and more opulent than Lexus's all-too-Asian LS460.


answeranswer - 11/19/2006 1:33:41 PM
+2 Boost
You are speaking of matters of personal taste on issue where facts are the subject matter.

You might find the A8 to have the best interior and Lexus is too Asian (should they be more Russian?). But this story deals with build quality and reliability which is an area where Lexus is the leader.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/19/2006 9:35:13 PM
+2 Boost
"But this story deals with build quality and reliability which is an area where Lexus is the leader."

Clearly, Lexus has better reliability overall.

But build quality is a completely different matter altogether. Any Audi I've ever sat in has a higher sophistication in its build, with more expensive-looking and feeling plastics, better-looking wood that doesn't feel fake on any panel (unlike a few panels in a few of the cheaper Lexus models), and an overall vault-like feeling that used to be attributed to Mercedes. I would give Audi the edge here overall.


Autoegr525Autoegr525 - 11/17/2006 12:30:53 PM
+1 Boost
consumer reports should stick to reviewing toasters and electric shavers and leave cars to people who know what they're talking about


drew630drew630 - 11/17/2006 1:12:19 PM
-1 Boost
So how much did Toyota pay Consumer Reports this time??


answeranswer - 11/18/2006 1:49:53 AM
+3 Boost
About as much as BMW spent doing consumer reaction studies on the Bangle designs, or "not a single penny" in other words.


phaetonmeisterphaetonmeister - 11/17/2006 1:18:16 PM
+2 Boost
Here we go with this Consumer Reports BS again....just to cite on example on this list-Passat 2.0 T....te very same powerplant thats in the Audi A4....which happened to finished #1 on Wards Automotive New engines for 2006 listing........CR should go back to toaster ovens and leave cars to CD/MT....but sadly the non-aware public eats this crap up!!!


BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 11/17/2006 1:37:16 PM
+1 Boost
One question about the article... How is the Lexus " SC " sporty? There is nothing sporty about that car. Then I pulled up the article to find that the Toyota Solara is considered in the same breath as a Corvette or porsche of the sporty car segment ... huh?


RupertRupert - 11/17/2006 3:51:13 PM
+1 Boost
i agree, how is the SC sporty?
what sporting attributes does it have?
a sports car is a fast, good handling one.
not a lexus SC, the worst handling car in its class.
an sl is sporty, a 6er is sporty, an xk is sporty, but an SC?


jasaerojasaero - 11/17/2006 2:01:52 PM
+3 Boost
How can they claim which 2007 models are the most reliable anyhow?? To me reliability is something that can't be tested until a car has been around at least 2 years!! Sheesh!


cyniccynic - 11/17/2006 4:24:05 PM
+5 Boost
In 2006, JD power ranked Toyota and Honda as most reliable after 3 years of ownership (2003 models). Go to their site and see for youself. Like a credit rating, future reliability is partly based on past track history, which is in fact what Consumer Reports took into account, if you read their methodology.


dustydusty - 11/20/2006 4:10:59 PM
+2 Boost
Yeah, maybe you can find time to read CR's methodology while you're waiting to have your German "masterpiece" repaired -- again!


BMW530iBMW530i - 11/17/2006 4:17:51 PM
0 Boost
Sporty Cars
Best: Lexus SC
=======================

LMAO.

The SC430 is not sporty at all. Every car in its class outhandles it big time.


RupertRupert - 11/17/2006 6:02:51 PM
+2 Boost
every car in it's class?
i reckon a flipping rolls royce out handles the SC!
i bet a cadillac could take it on and win!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/19/2006 1:15:30 PM
+1 Boost
The Cadillac STS and CTS drive surprisingly well.


mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 11/17/2006 4:52:21 PM
+2 Boost
Please. WE ALL KNOW that CR isn't a reliable source for us. They make up the most BS about stuff. Like "sharp cutoff" for the optioal xenons in the 3-Series. Well duh! That's what we want! We don't want dim headlights! They are so stupid.


BillBill - 11/17/2006 5:07:46 PM
+1 Boost
They classified the SC as sporty? I drove one of those and it felt like the slightest steering input would send it off the road. Zero feedback.


RupertRupert - 11/17/2006 6:07:55 PM
+2 Boost
many people agree with you.
and amazingly the ride isn't that great.
very crashy, apparently. may be different in america, but here (europe), they tried to make it sporty, and they made it plain stiff. and of course the usual lighter-than-air steering that feels like it's going through a box of treacle before it gets to the wheels doesn't help. i'm not too bothered about steering "feel", but at least make it direct and accurate!
the SC is lexus' second worst car, the LX being first. the LX is an icon, but as a car it's useless. and it has a very pathetic engine.


BBCarFanBBCarFan - 11/17/2006 5:19:07 PM
+2 Boost
We all know that this list is compiled from past history, so what do we think it will look like in 5 years? Have fun...


jt716jt716 - 11/17/2006 6:03:19 PM
0 Boost
I mean if all of you buy just on reliability go buy a Rolls Royce. I mean if it breaks down they will send a person wherever you are to either fix it on the spot or collect it n give you a replacement to drive until you get your car back! I thought the hilander had a recall? And what happened to the fusion? that was reliable n so is the zephyr n milan. Atleast the camry didn't get it! It looks ike crap ne way


Homer008Homer008 - 11/17/2006 6:44:40 PM
+1 Boost
It's purely amazing how well Japanese are building cars these days. It seems like they are getting better and better every each year..Just incredible job from Toyota! Congrats.


audirevolutionaudirevolution - 11/17/2006 9:43:08 PM
+2 Boost
Predictable...
Because its something from Consumer Reports Autos.
Always full of BS.
Reliability matters for cars 3 years and older.
Most cars do not have problems before then.

The Lexus SC is really the worst in its class.
Not sporty at all.


BMW530iBMW530i - 11/17/2006 9:55:20 PM
+5 Boost
Watch out, I just got boosted down big time because I spoke the truth about the SC430.

THE SC430 HANDLES LIKE A BOAT!!!

Can't the Toyota fanboys ADMIT that? It's not a lie, it's the damn truth.


Auto_FanAuto_Fan - 11/17/2006 10:34:05 PM
+4 Boost
Totally agree, the SC is just a dull convertible, no soul and not sporty at all. CR should know better.


chewychewy - 11/17/2006 11:27:34 PM
+1 Boost
Again no numbers. The difference between the "best" and the "worst" is getting smaller each year. But Consumer Reports will hide that or they won't make any money.


answeranswer - 11/18/2006 1:54:30 AM
-3 Boost
Yes, and in a horse race the difference between 1st and 6th can be only a matter of milliseconds. But, being first is still pretty important isn't it?


XYZZXYZZ - 11/18/2006 4:35:41 AM
-2 Boost
good point, answer!

the german fan boys make a BIG DEAL when their favs can corner at 0.01 or 0.02 g better than the competition.

WTF difference does it make when most drivers rarely even corner at more than say, .60 g? so they should choose a car that corners at .85 instead .82 just so they can enjoy paying THOUSANDS extra for the magic feel?

a fool and his money....


XYZZXYZZ - 11/18/2006 4:57:24 AM
-1 Boost
the same apply to acceleration and braking. unless a person plans on weekend track days, really, how much difference does .5 second make? how OFTEN do people use 100% power while commuting?

the differences in reliability, on the other hand, can result in THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS expended (or saved) to keep the car running.

of course, most poseurs are willing to pay ANY PRICE to boost their egos.


chewychewy - 11/18/2006 4:54:34 PM
-1 Boost
That is for 100 vehicles. So each vehicle will have at least 1 defect, some BMWs might have two. Some might have none, some Lexuses might have two, some might have none. ALMOST no difference.


answeranswer - 11/18/2006 1:43:03 AM
0 Boost
I wouldn't turn to Consumer Reports for 0-60 times or burn-out contests, much in the same way I don't look to autospies.com posters for factual information.

However, when it comes to judging reliablity and build quality they know what they are talking about.

It's easy (and sadly obvious) to attack the reviewer when you don't like the results. But the facts are the facts. Lexus/Toyota have proven to build reliable cars with a high level of quality.

You don't have to agree with the findings of Consumer Reports or JD Power, as long as you enjoy being wrong.


dustydusty - 11/20/2006 4:19:39 PM
+2 Boost
Pretty logical there, Answer. I like to read Autospies to find out who doesn't like certain tail lights and other heady stuff like that.


WillisWillis - 11/18/2006 8:18:51 AM
+3 Boost
ApexAlex,

Nobody here criticized the SC's quality, nobody. What they criticized was the SC's placement in the SPORTY CARS category.

I like Lexus, but the SC430 and some of their SUV's are my least favorite models from their lineup. The SC430 is rock bottom in its class. All it has on its side is price and reliability, nothing else. I'm sure an open-minded Toyota fan like you would agree with me here.

It might be the most reliable, but are these qualities the consumer who shops in this class looks for? Yes, they are, but they also look for SPORT and HANDLING and a bit of EXCITEMENT. None of these traits are offered by the SC430, and it's not even that comfortable from what I've read. The SC430, to me, is a flop. It fails at being sporty and it fails at being a luxury tourer. The Mercedes SL or Jaguar XK8 succeed in both departments. I hope the next generation SC will be more competitive.


XYZZXYZZ - 11/18/2006 8:47:17 AM
+2 Boost
points taken.

but note also, the category is sportY cars, not sportS cars. i presume you're aware of the fine distinction.

i don't believe lexus ever intended the SC to be a true sports car. if i'm not mistaken, from its intro, you could only get a stick with the Six, not the V8. i don't know if that stick is even still available. if there were few buyers, they probably read into that that the SC demographic ONLY wants cruisers.

the forthcoming LF-A may be lexus' attempt to remedy the situation.


BillBill - 11/18/2006 3:49:22 PM
+2 Boost
The LF-A seems to be more an attempt to compete in a class above the SC, SL etc. We're talking SLR, Carrera GT etc here.


RupertRupert - 11/18/2006 4:52:21 PM
+2 Boost
hang on, what 6?
is there a 6 cylinder engine with the SC?
if there is we don't get it in the UK.
honestly, it would be too cheap with a 6.

that engine is also pathetic, 280 hp from a 4.3 may have been fine 5 years ago, but now, when lexus' own 3.5 excedes it, it should be gone.


BillBill - 11/18/2006 9:40:49 PM
+1 Boost
He's talking about the old SC300 (Toyota Soarer). The 6 cylinder model was available with a manual transmission.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_SC

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Soarer


M53RM53R - 11/18/2006 9:27:32 AM
+1 Boost
Will.

When u say stiff suspension, u must mean BMW, since its the flagship in handling. And Ive noticed that u always try to insult germancars without making it quite obvious. HYPOCRITE.


Rupert.

how can u say the LX has a pathetic engine? its the most reliable with amazing hp/l and excellent fuel efficiency. It even makes american cars look efficient!!!!!! ;)


RupertRupert - 11/18/2006 7:07:35 PM
+2 Boost
yeah the LX is obviously the greatest vehicle in the world thanks to its smooth engine and reliability.
everyone should drive LXs.
oh god, imagine that. they'd have to reinforce carparks and boats and roads to cope with the extra weight.


jt716jt716 - 11/18/2006 11:32:07 AM
+1 Boost
I mean if Toyota was real reliable like everyone says then why did it fail in its best category Mid-size sedan?? I mean Ford just need to put their head together n they made a great car. And you have to agree with me that its better then the taurus and 2006 camry. I don't know who wins in the 2007 test. But I give kudos to Ford for trying and at least holding back the crossovers just for improving quality.


Auto_FanAuto_Fan - 11/18/2006 3:01:57 PM
0 Boost
I think only two owners will be very satisfied in this case.

Well, who knows, possibly all.


chewychewy - 11/18/2006 4:52:24 PM
+3 Boost
Two M3's for a rebadged Toyota Camry. Deal.


answeranswer - 11/18/2006 5:28:12 PM
+1 Boost
If the big German luxury auto brands don't lead in studies like this the way Toyota/Lexus has for years there can only be two reasons:

1. They don't care.

or

2. They don't have the capability.

Either option is disappointing when you truly think about it. With their prowess at engineering, I tend to believe #1 myself.




Homer008Homer008 - 11/18/2006 9:17:10 PM
+1 Boost
That is an interesting observation. I tend to believe #1 and #2 myself.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/19/2006 1:18:57 PM
+1 Boost
I think that Lexus fans are too close-minded.

Reliability is so little of an issue in these days of pampering, high-tech, and yet simple luxury sedans, coupes and SUVs.

If you're looking for a car that's satisfying in all conditions, I wouldn't look to Lexus. I just don't see what all the hype is about. They're pleasant. They're just not particularly good.


answeranswer - 11/19/2006 1:38:20 PM
+1 Boost
That is your opinion of course and I respect that.

But those "pampering, high-tech" features are more likely to continue functioning in a Lexus as time goes by.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/19/2006 9:38:16 PM
+1 Boost
And yet, I haven't had any problems with the "pampering, high-tech" features in my German car, either. A "lemon" of a German car simply shows that you don't know how to maintain it- it's not really the car's fault, unless it really is a certified lemon.

I just would never see any reason to buy a Lexus. Anyone here could say the same thing about the German brands. There's no clear leader.


XYZZXYZZ - 11/20/2006 6:12:27 AM
0 Boost
i finally got around to reading the new CR magazine rating all the new cars.

you may not have had issues with YOUR german car.

PERCENTAGE-WISE, however, a far higher proportion of owners do, in comparison with domestic and asian cars.
and EVERYONE falls short of the reliability standard set by toyota/lexus.

the ONE and only area where there is a high percentage of problems in lexi and toyotas, is in the STEREO. next to engine computers, possibly the most complex electrical/electronic component in modern cars.
german cars seem to have problems not only with stereos, but JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE electrical. from power equipment/accessories on up. and down.




S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/20/2006 11:11:31 PM
+1 Boost
I still don't know how this makes or breaks an ownership for you guys.

Most people who have problems don't even have serious issues. They may bring their cars in, say, six times a year.

But the car is still amazing, and reliability barely counts as truly ownership-affecting unless your car really is a lemon.

Is that turly Lexus's only card to play? I'm really getting sick of hearing it. Luxury cars are irrational, that's what makes them fun to own. You feel guilty for indulging. A rational luxury car isn't a luxury car at all.


XYZZXYZZ - 11/22/2006 4:06:02 AM
+1 Boost
even if the "minor" problems are handled under warranty, you STILL have to go thru the hassle of taking the car in. losing time, money, convenience.

i have had ZERO occasions to have any of my japanese trucks and cars taken in for NON-routine service over the past 30 years. for me, such reliability has become a LUXURY i expect in new cars. i've become totally spoiled for it.

this contrasts sharply with about 4 or 5 unscheduled dealer visits over just 3 years with a 2000 ford bought new.

german cars have even MORE reliability issues than domestics. the owner fans must not value their time much.


XYZZXYZZ - 11/22/2006 4:18:32 AM
+1 Boost
as for "Most people who have problems don't even have serious issues. They may bring their cars in, say, six times a year." --

how with me (doing most of my own maintenance), bringing in my car ONE time in six years.

generally, for ONLY the first post-sale service/follow-up.

THAT'S how reliable toyotas are.

after the 1st year of selling the corollas rebadged as Prizms, chevy dealers said, "They drive their new car off the lot, and WE NEVER SEE THEM AGAIN." compared with the NORMALLY trouble-prone chevys of that era, this indeed was a SHOCK to chevy dealers. (who also make profits in SERVICE as well as sales.)

the records run up by toyota with CR did not just appear out of thin air. actual owner experiences are what's reflected in the CR stats and recommendations.


ryaajusryaajus - 11/20/2006 12:11:27 PM
+1 Boost
Mercedes is very upset about this report
http://money.cnn.com/2006/11/17/autos/pluggedin_Taylor_Mercedes.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2006112009


DallasMR2DallasMR2 - 11/20/2006 1:52:22 PM
+1 Boost
How about that sweet Honda Fit?

sarcasm aside, it's a great car, but hasn't been mentioned, so i thought i would. :)
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