Consumer Reports: Annual Results News
05-04-2009, 09:56 PM
#401
Suzuka Master
That's odd. I recently test drove the new B8 A4 and was rather impressed when I sat in the rear for a few minutes during the test drive.
05-04-2009, 09:58 PM
#402
Suzuka Master
Strange comparison, yes. It'll be interesting to see how the V6 TSX competes. I'm hoping Acura fixes the steering feel that is often complained about. I haven't driven a 2G myself so I don't know how it compares to the 1G. I would hope that the steering feel isn't that different, because I really like my 04.
05-05-2009, 08:52 AM
#403
Strange comparison, yes. It'll be interesting to see how the V6 TSX competes. I'm hoping Acura fixes the steering feel that is often complained about. I haven't driven a 2G myself so I don't know how it compares to the 1G. I would hope that the steering feel isn't that different, because I really like my 04.
The execution of the EPS does seem better in the SH-AWD TL I tested the last time my car was in for service.
05-05-2009, 09:26 AM
#405
Race Director
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Illinois
Age: 44
Posts: 10,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I like the CC, dang.
Honda, please give SH-AWD to the TSX too as an option.
I'm thinking that the G37 sedan could beat the TL-SH-AWD in a comparison test too.
Honda, please give SH-AWD to the TSX too as an option.
I'm thinking that the G37 sedan could beat the TL-SH-AWD in a comparison test too.
05-05-2009, 10:22 AM
#406
I'm the Firestarter
The only reason I can think of is that Infiniti doesn't make a low-end 4-cyl version.
05-05-2009, 10:54 AM
#408
Senior Moderator
Merged...
05-06-2009, 10:38 AM
#410
Senior Moderator
I guess I can hope that it's not bad enough to turn me away buying one.
05-06-2009, 10:52 AM
#411
Senior Moderator
10-27-2009, 03:20 PM
#413
Consumer Reports Annual Car Reliability Survey - 2009
Consumer Reports Annual Car Reliability Survey - 2009
Looks like Infiniti and Acura at the top of all luxury brands.
Looks like Infiniti and Acura at the top of all luxury brands.
Last edited by DrewSRX; 10-27-2009 at 03:24 PM.
10-27-2009, 03:22 PM
#414
meh... I take these surveys with a grain of salt. Only a limited number of responses and usually people with problems are more vocal then those who are not. We were subscribers/members of CR for years and we never once filled out and submitted those surveys.... and I'm sure we weren't the only one. Nice info though...
Sorta like those idiots on car forums...
10-27-2009, 04:04 PM
#417
My sister-in-law's Cooper S JCW has been the most unreliable car we've ever had in our extended family, including her family and mine.... and unfortunately one of the most fun cars. and wow @ Mitsubishi, sadly there isn't a single model in their lineup that I'm really interested in outside of the Evo X.
3 window motors/regulators, a new supercharger, two other non-regular visits and it was in the shop again recently for something I can't remember, but it was long enough that they needed to get a loaner car. Thank God its still under warranty...
I agree that these need to be taken with a grain of salt though. It's difficult to gauge reliability, there's just way too much gray area. You would need to survey almost every single owner in almost every location, with stock cars only and you'd need to track maintenance logs.
3 window motors/regulators, a new supercharger, two other non-regular visits and it was in the shop again recently for something I can't remember, but it was long enough that they needed to get a loaner car. Thank God its still under warranty...
I agree that these need to be taken with a grain of salt though. It's difficult to gauge reliability, there's just way too much gray area. You would need to survey almost every single owner in almost every location, with stock cars only and you'd need to track maintenance logs.
10-27-2009, 04:20 PM
#418
Senior Moderator
meh... I take these surveys with a grain of salt. Only a limited number of responses and usually people with problems are more vocal then those who are not. We were subscribers/members of CR for years and we never once filled out and submitted those surveys.... and I'm sure we weren't the only one. Nice info though...
Exactly. Not many who have good experience will want to fill out all those questions.
Even i tempted to fill them out but then i saw a bird fly by and lost interest.
10-27-2009, 04:31 PM
#419
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
yay Mazda is alright!
10-27-2009, 05:19 PM
#420
Safety Car
Latest Results
When it comes to predicted reliability -- coming after years of gab from Detroit about how its cars don't break down anymore -- six American brands rank dead last in Consumer Reports' latest predictions on automotive reliability being released right now. At the other extreme, the best brand is Toyota's Scion.
The worst is Chrysler and its least-reliable model is the Town & Country minivan, pictured above. A third of Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge models are considered much worse than average including the new Dodge Journey crossover. Only one Chrysler product is recommended by the magazine, the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup in the four-wheel-drive version. Last year, none got the nod.
And the best: The top seven are all Japanese, led by Toyota's Scion, with the eighth a South Korean, Hyundai. Toyota and Honda dominate the reliability charts. Three of the top five models are made by Toyota, including the Lexus ES, Toyota Venza, and Toyota Yaris hatchback. Number one is the Honda Insight, pictured above right.
In the press release, Consumer Reports touts the reliability of Fords, saying it is the only Detroit maker with "world-class reliability," yet the top ranking Ford brand is Mercury at 10th, followed by Ford at 16th and Lincoln at 20th. The report lauds the Ford Flex crossover, but rips on all-wheel-drive Lincoln clones of Ford cars, the MKS, MKX and MKZ. "They are now consistently making cars with world-class reliability," said Rik Paul, automotive editor of the magazine. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, both built on the same platform, beat out the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in reliability for the second year in a row.
There are vast differences between models. A new Honda Insight is 27 times less likely to have a problem than the biggest dog in the pack, the Volkswagen Touareg, Consumer Reports says.
Here's the brand ranking, best to worst:
1. Scion
2. Honda
3. Toyota
4. Infiniti
5. Acura
6. Mitsubishi
7. Lexus
8. Hyundai
9. Porsche
10. Mercury
11. Saab
12.Subaru
13. Suzuki
14. Kia
15. Mazda
16. Ford
17. Nissan
18. Volvo
19. Buick
20. Lincoln
21. Volkswagen
22. Pontiac
23. Mercedes-Benz
24. Audi
25. Chevrolet
26. BMW
27. Mini
28. GMC
29. Saturn
30. Jeep
31. Dodge
32. Cadillac
33. Chrysler
10-27-2009, 05:26 PM
#421
The sizzle in the Steak
The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, both built on the same platform, beat out the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in reliability for the second year in a row.
10-27-2009, 05:53 PM
#422
Punk Rocker
10-27-2009, 05:57 PM
#423
Not just a smell
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To your point, it seems then a lot of BMW owners had bad experiences, and considering how many of them are rabid badge whoring fans, it would take a lot for them to respond... not so?
10-27-2009, 06:00 PM
#424
Not just a smell
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, both built on the Mazda6 platform, beat out the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in reliability for the second year in a row. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Nice work, Mazda!
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, both built on the Mazda6 platform, beat out the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in reliability for the second year in a row. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Nice work, Mazda!
10-27-2009, 06:13 PM
#425
Senior Moderator
Considering how many BMWs are sold, then yea there are bound to have people voicing their bad experiences. The fuel pump issues sure didnt help anything.
As much as I love European brands, I wont sit here and argue they are more reliable than the Japanese. Look at the chart though and you will see many of those brands are closer to the reliable side than anything. Cars are improving overall.
What i dont get is how the Lexus GS is on the list for least reliable.
As much as I love European brands, I wont sit here and argue they are more reliable than the Japanese. Look at the chart though and you will see many of those brands are closer to the reliable side than anything. Cars are improving overall.
What i dont get is how the Lexus GS is on the list for least reliable.
10-27-2009, 06:42 PM
#427
Senior Moderator
Im with Jr. I take these surveys with a grain of salt. I think the majority of those that fill them out are the ones that had a negative experience 
Just like forums where you see problem areas
Just like forums where you see problem areas
10-27-2009, 08:04 PM
#428
Senior Moderator
I am on the panel and fill out my forms whether or not I have a bad experience, but I agree that people with negative experiences are likelier to respond.
As a CTS owner.....OUCH at the rating. I've had no significant problems with mine in the seven months and 7000 miles I've owned it, just some clicking in slow, full-lock turns that GM has no solution for.
As a CTS owner.....OUCH at the rating. I've had no significant problems with mine in the seven months and 7000 miles I've owned it, just some clicking in slow, full-lock turns that GM has no solution for.
10-28-2009, 12:52 AM
#432
I shoot people
for Infiniti 
10-28-2009, 01:21 AM
#433
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
10-28-2009, 01:37 AM
#434
05/5AT/Navi/ABP/Quartz
I don't think it is that hard to get on the survey list. I'm a subscriber and purchased a new car, bingo, I get the questions every year. I fill it out, send it in and get another next year.
The results may not be accurate but it's pretty much the most unbiased and largest available. In some instances they are concerned about things I'm not. I think it can be used to alert you to possible areas of concern.
The results may not be accurate but it's pretty much the most unbiased and largest available. In some instances they are concerned about things I'm not. I think it can be used to alert you to possible areas of concern.
10-28-2009, 05:30 AM
#435
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
So Subaru fell, and the worst model (WRX) only has data for one model year? I call 
But good to see the only American brand in the top 15 is Mercury. The Ford brand with 3 car models. And Ford at 16.
But good to see the only American brand in the top 15 is Mercury. The Ford brand with 3 car models. And Ford at 16.
10-28-2009, 05:54 AM
#437
This is still the perception of many people...
If Japanese cars at the top of the list for reliability and domestic/Euros are at the bottom, then the study is credible
^anything other than that =
people also call bs on JD Power but they said Suzuki was one of the most unreliable brands. Who do you believe?
If Japanese cars at the top of the list for reliability and domestic/Euros are at the bottom, then the study is credible
^anything other than that =
people also call bs on JD Power but they said Suzuki was one of the most unreliable brands. Who do you believe?
10-28-2009, 07:47 AM
#438
Senior Moderator
535i?? 
That just hit the market about a year ago. With the E60 being one of my fave sport sedans, I'd better scope out the BMW forums to see what's up with that N54 motor....seeing as there's no mention of the 550i nor the 528i.
That just hit the market about a year ago. With the E60 being one of my fave sport sedans, I'd better scope out the BMW forums to see what's up with that N54 motor....seeing as there's no mention of the 550i nor the 528i.
10-28-2009, 10:52 AM
#440
I don't think it is that hard to get on the survey list. I'm a subscriber and purchased a new car, bingo, I get the questions every year. I fill it out, send it in and get another next year.
The results may not be accurate but it's pretty much the most unbiased and largest available. In some instances they are concerned about things I'm not. I think it can be used to alert you to possible areas of concern.
The results may not be accurate but it's pretty much the most unbiased and largest available. In some instances they are concerned about things I'm not. I think it can be used to alert you to possible areas of concern.
I agree. CR may be focused on some areas that some of us don't feel to be of any real concern, but overall it can be a useful as a basic guideline to inform of particular brand reliability. Regardless, I still think most informed and careful consumers gather information from more than one source.
Terry