If You Want To Be Happy, Do You Really Need To Buy Japanese?

Japanese vehicles continue their domination over domestic and European brands in Consumer Reports' Annual Car Owner Satisfaction Survey. Of the 39 car models that made Consumer Reports' latest Most Satisfying car list, 18 toted Japanese nameplates with 10 of those built by Toyota.

For the fourth straight year, the Toyota Prius hybrid was identified by respondents as the most satisfying of any vehicle, with 92 percent of Prius owners indicating they would definitely buy one again. Following closely, were the BMW 335i coupe/convertible and Porsche Boxster, which drew scores of 91 and 90 respectively.

European models accounted for 12 cars on the list-a slight increase from last year. Domestic models remained steady at seven, and for the first time, two South Korean models, the Hyundai Azera (83) and Hyundai Santa Fe (80), made Consumer Reports' Most Satisfying car list.

For the first time in five years, domestic models have gained ground in the family car category, which has been consistently dominated by Japanese nameplates. The Ford Fusion V6 with all-wheel-drive and Saturn Aura were identified by respondents as two of the top four most satisfying family cars behind the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry Hybrid. The inclusion of the Lincoln MKZ AWD was also a five-year first for a domestic model to be found among the most satisfying Luxury/Upscale cars.

"These latest results suggest that domestic carmakers are getting better at capturing what people want in the car they drive every day," said Rik Paul, automotive editor for Consumer Reports.

Individual owner satisfaction scores for the vehicles on Consumer Reports' Most and Least Satisfying car lists are published in the Consumer Reports January issue, which goes on sale December 4, 2007. The complete report is also available at www.ConsumerReports.org.

European models dominated the sporty car and roadster categories taking 10 of the top 14 spots. While the BMW 335i RWD (91), Porsche Boxster (90) lead the way, the Mini Cooper proved to be a very satisfying vehicle, three versions - the Cooper S (88), Cooper Convertible (81) and Cooper Hatchback (80) all made the list. Performance generates a strong passion amongst owners, of the top 12 most satisfying cars, half were sports cars.

Consumers Reports Annual Car Owner Satisfaction Survey asks subscribers if they would buy the car or truck they own again, considering its price, performance, comfort, reliability, and enjoyment. In all, subscribers rated their experience with more than 415,000 vehicles and more than 300 separate models, in the survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.

Among the least satisfying cars, domestics accounted for 20 of the 22 in the lineup, 15 of which are from General Motors. These included the least satisfying vehicles to own: the Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander and Saturn Relay minivans, with only 34 percent of respondents reporting they would definitely buy or lease one again.

There were no European nameplates listed among the Least Satisfying Car list, but several popular European nameplates, including Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Saab and Volvo were absent among the Most Satisfying car list.

Consumer Reports Most Satisfying vehicles are those for which at least 80 percent of owners said they would definitely buy or lease the vehicle again. Consumer Reports Least Satisfying vehicles are those for which less than 50 percent of owners said they would do so. Models are listed within categories in order of most satisfying:

Most Satisfying

* Small Cars: Honda Fit, Volkswagen Rabbit
* Family Cars: Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion V6 (AWD), Saturn Aura
* Large Cars: Hyundai Azera, Toyota Avalon
* Upscale/Luxury Cars: Lexus LS 460, Acura TL Type-S, BMW 330i/335i (sedan),
* Infiniti M35 RWD, Lincoln MKZ (AWD)
* Sports Cars/Roadsters: Porsche Boxster, Porsche
Cayman, Chevrolet Corvette, Mini Cooper S (hatchback), Honda S2000, Porsche 911 Carrera, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Audi S4, Mini Cooper (Convertible), Ford Mustang (V8), Volkswagen GTI, Mini Cooper (hatchback)
* Coupes/Convertibles: BMW 335i (RWD), Volkswagen Eos * Wagons/ Hatchbacks: Mazdaspeed3
* Minivans: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey
* SUVs: Lexus RX350, Ford Edge, Toyota Land Cruiser, Chrysler Aspen (4WD), Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4 (V6), Toyota 4Runner (V6)
* Pickup Trucks: Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tundra (V8)

Least Satisfying

* Small Cars: Chevrolet Cobalt (coupe, nonturbo), Saturn Ion (sedan), Chevrolet Cobalt (Sedan), Chevrolet Aveo (sedan)
* Minivans: Ford Freestar, Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, Saturn Relay
* SUVs: Chevrolet Trail Blazer (6-cyl., RWD) GMC Envoy (6-cyl., RWD), Suzuki Grand Vitara, Jeep Commander (V6), Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Grand Cherokee (V6, gas)
* Pickup Trucks: Dodge Dakota, Chevrolet Colorado (5-cyl.), GMC Envoy (5-cyl.), GMC Canyon (4-cyl.), Ford Ranger, Mazda B-Series, Chevrolet Colorado (4-cyl.), GMC Canyon (4-cyl.)

Luxurious - 12/3/2007 10:30:06 AM

+2 Boost

They are all americans, because the non-american cars (Suzuki Grand Vitara aka Previous Geo, and the Mazda B-series aka Ford Ranger) are based on american vehicles

Mate - 12/3/2007 9:39:42 AM

-5 Boost

No, you do not need to buy Japanese to be happy. Then again, as with everything, it all depends on the driver and his preferences. If you want driver involvement, for example, there really isn't much Japan has to offer.

M35MT - 12/4/2007 9:52:12 AM

-2 Boost

Ignorant statement. It has plenty to offer.

E46MANIA - 12/3/2007 9:51:37 AM

-1 Boost

I am carefully researching upcoming Genesis. 375HP RWD sounds very interesting.

http://worldwide.hyundai-motor.com/common/html/about/news_event/press_read_2007_37.html

Shredmo - 12/3/2007 12:02:12 PM

+6 Boost

Korean, not Japanese.

Star - 12/3/2007 10:50:25 AM

-6 Boost

That's true. You could also buy Italian or French cars and it could still be a thrill. As long as you avoid buying the appliances(some call them cars) from Japan happiness is assured.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/3/2007 8:36:44 PM

-7 Boost

LOL, you asked for that one.

Kinger - 12/3/2007 10:32:37 AM

+10 Boost

You need to buy whatever makes you happy to be happy. Seems logical I guess...

Star - 12/3/2007 10:46:21 AM

-8 Boost

"If You Want To Be Happy, Do You Really Need To Buy Japanese?"

Certainly not. I would say is quite the opposite of that(at least from a car enthusiast perspective).

M53R - 12/3/2007 12:14:50 PM

-2 Boost

Well, Japanese cars are more reliable for sure, but is this the only formula for happiness? I dont think so. It will make certain people happy, but not everyone wants a car that takes them from point A to B and barely breaks down. Some people want to have some thrill on the way. Some want to stay playing with the techno gadgets. Some will be happy with a car that everyone looks at. Some prefer fast cars, etc. It depends on what you want, and if your car provides you with your needs, then you will be happy.

M53R - 12/3/2007 12:16:03 PM

-2 Boost

Sorry, this wasnt a reply for you.

drew630 - 12/3/2007 11:00:10 AM

-3 Boost

Nope.

2ndbimmer - 12/3/2007 11:12:10 AM

-6 Boost

Of course not! I dont see how some one would be happy if they did buy japanese! They get you from point A to point B. But, I guess that is what most people are concerned about. A vehicle that I am surprised I didnt see on the satisfying list is the Jeep Wrangler. It has such a huge cult following, people are jeepers for life!

BMW995 - 12/3/2007 11:31:24 AM

-5 Boost

I recently sold my BMW 3 series (2000 model) for an '07 Lexus IS. I loved the way the BMW drove as well as other intangibles the car possessed...Unfortunately the auto trans in that model self-destructs at random after 40,000 miles with a $5,000 replacement cost if you could find the trans. They were failing so fast the supplies were incredibly limited.
So, the IS drives pretty damn well, maybe 95% as well as the BMW, but I can keep this car a lot longer than the 3 series. The only way you can keep a 3 series is to have the best extended warranty possible. I had only 56,000 miles after 7 yrs and I couldn't find a warranty I could trust so I sold the car.

stash84 - 12/3/2007 12:12:03 PM

0 Boost

good move..i hope u bought the 350 !

Kinger - 12/4/2007 5:23:16 AM

0 Boost

I've said this before on here but my 3-series is a 2000 model with over 100,000 miles and its never given any major trouble. German cars are built to last, you'll hear of bad experiences with all makes. Mine is a manual trans by the way. ;)

M35MT - 12/4/2007 9:54:37 AM

-4 Boost

Good choice. Screw the fanboys.

EL34 - 12/3/2007 11:42:12 AM

-6 Boost

About 10 years ago we bought a refrigerator based on the reccomendation of Consumer Reports and the frig did not meet our expectations.

I don't pay attention to what they've got to say anylonger :)

stash84 - 12/3/2007 12:14:06 PM

-7 Boost

wow..after 1 problem !!

hopefully, for your sake, you stick to japanese cars

M35MT - 12/4/2007 9:56:10 AM

-4 Boost

I'm guessing it was a Bosch...

enthusiastx11 - 12/3/2007 11:43:27 AM

-6 Boost

to answer the question...NO.

if you care most about having 0.4 less problems over three years and having a glamourous dealership to go to, then go japanese luxury.

if you care most about styling, performance, technology and handling, then buy german.

06STI - 12/3/2007 12:10:44 PM

+4 Boost

My '06 STI is really fun to drive (in the winter too) and has never needed any servicing other than gas and routine oil changes -- thus I am happy. A buddy at work bought a Mercedes AMG at the same time and has been to the dealer for work 4 times (despite never seeing a winter) -- but he claims to be happy too. To each his own.

Shredmo - 12/4/2007 10:59:53 AM

+1 Boost

I love my '05 Forester XT. A friend has a '04 S4 and loves it. I'd love to have that car too (though I wish it were an Avant). Based on the type of vehicle I prefer, I cannot worry much about where they are from. Not too many AWD perf. wagons to choose from.

M53R - 12/3/2007 12:15:37 PM

-2 Boost

carguy68 - 12/3/2007 12:34:40 PM

-4 Boost

hell no!!!!

supermoto - 12/3/2007 12:36:05 PM

-1 Boost

Remind's me of Clarkson's comment on a particular Japanese car - "it will probably last millions of miles, all of them boring."

enthusiastx11 - 12/3/2007 1:44:07 PM

0 Boost

exactly.
a ride that goes forever but you can't wait to get off it.

ThierryHenry14 - 12/3/2007 1:20:58 PM

+2 Boost

dumbest headline. why not just title this Flame War 32nd Edition? This is just dumb, no merit to the story. shame shame...

Htay7500 - 12/3/2007 4:06:07 PM

0 Boost

I buy w/e interests me, regardless of origin.

Need4Speed - 12/3/2007 8:17:37 PM

0 Boost

In the wrong hands...this is inciteful information. Needlessly so I might add. A typical driver is not one you will find perusing Autospies...they are the ones that are happiest with cars that are extremely reliable and performs average. An enthusiast on the other hand is more "picky" or "discerning" on the type of vehicle that they drive. This group will base their auto selection on many factors, i.e. (in no order of importance)value, performance, reliability, cost, resale, looks, etc. The problem is that each of these criteria is subjective and is wholly based on the threshold of the consumer. For example, a $100,000 car to a multi-millionare would seem like a value as much as $20,000 car to middle class consumer. This goes the same for the other variables that I mentioned. Some really don't care that car will last 100,000 miles...actually he or she may not intend to keep it around that long. My take is buy what makes you happy and if it no longer does anything for you...sell it! Some of you act like the purchase of car is a lifelong committment!! There are so many other things in life to be passionate about.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/3/2007 8:42:16 PM

-3 Boost

"...they are the ones that are happiest with cars that are extremely reliable and performs average."

So in other words, the more ignorant buyers.

Well, let me counter that: they OWN the cars that are reliable and fuss-free. They DREAM OF the cars that look beautiful, feel beautiful and drive beautifully. In other words, European cars.

Need4Speed - 12/4/2007 12:37:53 PM

0 Boost

I'm not one of those that go for branding. My '05 330Ci ZHP is THE MOST satisfying car I've ever owned and driven, it leaves me wanting more everytime I drive it. It also fits my personality. If I could design a car it would be exactly this car. If this car had a Nissan, Toyota, or GM badge on it I would still buy it because of the car...not the badge...its the reason why my plate says "not 4 show". (not in exactly that print but you get the idea)

Need4Speed - 12/4/2007 4:40:27 PM

+1 Boost

So that I'm not taken out of context...when I said "it leaves me wanting more everytime I drive it" ...that simply means I want to keep driving...not that I'm not satisfied with its performance. Actually I've been thinking about after market supercharger but that's another story!

S4cabriofoxone - 12/3/2007 8:41:10 PM

-4 Boost

I didn't know that was true in the first place.

My last Japanese car was a 1995 Acura TL. I was not happy with it. The second the lease was up I got into an A6 2.7T and haven't looked back since.

NO.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/3/2007 11:05:28 PM

-2 Boost

Still. "Haven't looked back since."

Acuras are simply not appealing to me any more.

Designer1 - 12/4/2007 7:18:53 AM

+2 Boost

Before answering the question lets define "happy". Happiness with a car is like being happy at your job or married life for example. If someone is married to a model, hot and sexy girl, feel very excited when walking with her and showing her off to people, but in reality the two don't agree with each other and always argue which breaks their marriage at some point. The same goes to a work, a good paying job that someone brags about, but its stressfull and have a nasty boss. This sounds like German cars, so I don't see happiness there.
Lets lets see at the Japanese cars and compare them to these scenarios.

Married to a pretty woman, have great communication between the two and attraction, build a secure family and life together, every day is a new day and every night is a wonderful night. Now here, you have a true happiness. The same with a job, you have a good paying job, work with good people and company, and you love your job and has no stress on you. None of these breaks on you nor makes you wonder that it might break. This is the Japanese cars and how they make you feel.

So, yes I will be happy to buy Japanese cause I'll get a peace of mind, and peace of mind is what makes true happiness. :-)

M35MT - 12/4/2007 10:02:41 AM

-4 Boost

Nicely put.

If you're only happy driving a flashy badge, maybe you have deeper issues, (self-concious, narcissistic). But will that really make you happy? I dont think so...

Stupid article. To each his own. I'm not happy 'because I drive a japanese car', I'm happy w/ my car because I love my car. It just happens to be japanese, so what's wrong with that?

Love your bimmer because you love your car, not cuz its a bimmer.

yrralis1 - 12/5/2007 3:03:38 AM

+1 Boost

I have 3 cars: 1)07 Porsche 997tt, 2)07 Mercedes E350, and a 3)07 Honda Civic Si and enjoy all three for different reasons.

Comparing the Porsche to the Civic is probably the most interesting because I actually drive the Civic more .I thus preserve the miles on the Porsche and can go to the supermarket and worry a lot less about shopping cart dings. The absense of worry is in itself a form of enjoyment and for the price the car is an outstanding value.

However --when I want to really enjoy what I feel is the essense of fun driving --I can not compare any car I have ever owned to the 997tt .

Different cars --different aspects of satisfaction -- and "happy" with both.

M53R - 12/5/2007 3:33:43 AM

+2 Boost

Can anyone explain why I was de boosted? At least reply and tell me why!

Need4Speed - 12/5/2007 10:43:27 PM

+3 Boost

There are alot of childish people on this site who are way too sensitive. That's 50% of your explanation right there!

The other 50% is that there are alot of haters who are way too sensitive!

Do yourself a favor and don't pay any attention to boost ratings...to me it just means that someone read my post...who gives a $h!t if they don't agree with me!

ElSparquito - 12/6/2007 1:11:26 PM

+2 Boost

M3R - No joke. Just scanning through the posts, it seems that anyone who disagrees with happiness = Japanese cars gets deboosted. Who cares though - it's not like you're in here for popularity's sake - at least i hope not. I just hope people don't feel "bullied" for having their own opinions and feel like they have to join the crowd.

I do have 2 Japanese cars and a German one. The German car makes me happiest to drive and it has only seen the shop for PM -no worries. I drive the Japanese cars to save gas - that's satisfying, too.

cbro980 - 12/7/2007 11:22:45 PM

+1 Boost

M53R
No, I cannot explain your deboosting. Your comments made perfect sense so a deboosting would not. You either angered someone with common sense or someone did not take the time to read and understand your comment. But then, a lot of that occurs here.

snatchandgrab - 12/7/2007 10:33:38 AM

+1 Boost

It's not necessary to buy Japanese cars to be happy, but I own, a Japanese, German and an American vehicle and I'm probably more happy with my Japanese vehicle (infiniti)than the others, even though my German vehicle is a lot newer (Bmw). But, what makes me happy may not make you happy.