Consumer Reports: Annual Results News
#162
Go Giants
I guess I should reconsider my Chevy Astro purchase.
#163
Reliability Ratings
hope this is not a repost but just another report of reliability of automakers, honda and acura is number 2 and 3 respectively.
http://www.autoweb.com/content/share...cle_id_int/409
http://www.autoweb.com/content/share...cle_id_int/409
#164
Senior Moderator
Click to enlarge. 2004 Honda Accord
Consumer Reports ranking, by Automaker brand, problems per 100 vehicles:
Subaru 8
Honda 9
Acura 10
Toyota 10
Hyundai 11
Infiniti 11
Lexus 11
Audi 12
Mini 13
Ford 15
Pontiac 15
Cadillac 16
Chevrolet 16
Chrysler 16
GMC 16
Jeep 16
Mazda 16
Saab 16
Dodge 17
Mercury 17
Volvo 17
Buick 18
Nissan 19
Saturn 19
BMW 21
Volkswagen 23
Mercedes-Benz 25
Lincoln 26
Consumer Reports ranking, by Automaker brand, problems per 100 vehicles:
Subaru 8
Honda 9
Acura 10
Toyota 10
Hyundai 11
Infiniti 11
Lexus 11
Audi 12
Mini 13
Ford 15
Pontiac 15
Cadillac 16
Chevrolet 16
Chrysler 16
GMC 16
Jeep 16
Mazda 16
Saab 16
Dodge 17
Mercury 17
Volvo 17
Buick 18
Nissan 19
Saturn 19
BMW 21
Volkswagen 23
Mercedes-Benz 25
Lincoln 26
#166
bmw has been in a steady decline over the years. i still love their cars but for the price you pay it should not have as many problems as they do. my last car was a bmw and i had so many little problems with it.
#168
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What's staggering is the difference between Nissan & Infiniti... position (on the list) 23 vs. 6. Nissan is really going all out on their luxury division and it is a fucking welcome change from a Japanese manufacturer. They're doing everything right thus far. Go Ghosn.
I don't seem to care that Nissan pulled a last-place finish for a Japanese manufacturer (although Mitsu was curiously M.I.A.).
I don't seem to care that Nissan pulled a last-place finish for a Japanese manufacturer (although Mitsu was curiously M.I.A.).
#169
Senior Moderator
TL Shines Under New CR Scrutiny
I can't move this thread here so I will post a link:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116542
It tells of new criteria initiated by Consumer Reports. It highlights the Acura TL in all catagories.
You will remember that CR said that the newly designed third generation Acura TL has dethroned the BMW 3 series as it's new standard of excellence. BMW had held that position for many years.
-XP
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116542
It tells of new criteria initiated by Consumer Reports. It highlights the Acura TL in all catagories.
You will remember that CR said that the newly designed third generation Acura TL has dethroned the BMW 3 series as it's new standard of excellence. BMW had held that position for many years.
-XP
#170
The only problem I see with that, is that the 3 and TL just aren't the same category of car with their drivetrain difference even though the TL is an exceptional Acura.
#171
Consumer Reports
Of 91 tested vehicles, the 2005 Lexus GX470, the 2003 Toyota 4Runner, the 2003 BMW 745Li, the 2004 Toyota Sienna and 2004 Dodge Durango had the best headlights.
Why do you think the TL wasn't listed?
Why do you think the TL wasn't listed?
#173
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Secret Agent
Of 91 tested vehicles, the 2005 Lexus GX470, the 2003 Toyota 4Runner, the 2003 BMW 745Li, the 2004 Toyota Sienna and 2004 Dodge Durango had the best headlights.
Why do you think the TL wasn't listed?
Why do you think the TL wasn't listed?
#175
Senior Moderator
I don't think they're big on style. I assume they are talking about function.
I like mine, too. The only other ones I've driven are the Toyota Sienna. They are adjustable from the driver's seat with a switch.
I like mine, too. The only other ones I've driven are the Toyota Sienna. They are adjustable from the driver's seat with a switch.
#177
Consumer Reports finds new car fuel economy stickers vastly overstated
September 21, 2005
Originally Posted by CanadianDriver
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/050921-4.htm
Consumer Reports finds new car fuel economy stickers vastly overstated
Yonkers, New York - New-car fuel economy tests conducted by Consumers Reports show that government figures posted on new-car window stickers can be short by as much as 50 per cent, according to an investigation published in the October magazine issue. The magazine reports that hybrid cars and the diesel version of the Jeep Liberty are among the worst offenders.
In a study of 303 cars and trucks, model years 2000 to 2006, Consumer Reports found that shortfalls in miles per gallon occurred in 90 per cent of vehicles tested. The largest discrepancies involved city driving, with some models falling short by 35 to 50 per cent of their claimed mpg. Hybrids had some of the biggest disparities, averaging 19 mpg below Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) city ratings, although hybrid cars still won three of the best five spots for overall mileage in the magazine's testing.
The magazine attributes the problem to the use of outdated testing procedures dating back to 1973, and that the EPA allows car manufacturers to use hand-built prototype vehicles and the most favourable test conditions when testing, yielding results that are nearly impossible for consumers to achieve. By comparison, Consumer Reports buys new cars and trucks anonymously from dealerships, and tests on public roads and its own test track.
Assuming 12,000 miles (19,312 km) of driving over five years, with no fuel price increase, Consumer Reports estimates that a Dodge Ram driver will pay US$2,588 more in fuel than the EPA estimates, while Mercury (Ford) Grand Marquis drivers will pay US$1,742, and Nissan Quest owners US$1,316 more.
Further, Consumer Reports believes that carmakers are falling short of government-mandated Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) levels, because of the EPA's unrealistic tests and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) inappropriate methods of calculation. The magazine's study shows that if more accurate mpg figures were used by NHTSA to rate CAFE compliance, most automakers would likely fail to meet the standards.
Consumer Reports finds new car fuel economy stickers vastly overstated
Yonkers, New York - New-car fuel economy tests conducted by Consumers Reports show that government figures posted on new-car window stickers can be short by as much as 50 per cent, according to an investigation published in the October magazine issue. The magazine reports that hybrid cars and the diesel version of the Jeep Liberty are among the worst offenders.
In a study of 303 cars and trucks, model years 2000 to 2006, Consumer Reports found that shortfalls in miles per gallon occurred in 90 per cent of vehicles tested. The largest discrepancies involved city driving, with some models falling short by 35 to 50 per cent of their claimed mpg. Hybrids had some of the biggest disparities, averaging 19 mpg below Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) city ratings, although hybrid cars still won three of the best five spots for overall mileage in the magazine's testing.
The magazine attributes the problem to the use of outdated testing procedures dating back to 1973, and that the EPA allows car manufacturers to use hand-built prototype vehicles and the most favourable test conditions when testing, yielding results that are nearly impossible for consumers to achieve. By comparison, Consumer Reports buys new cars and trucks anonymously from dealerships, and tests on public roads and its own test track.
Assuming 12,000 miles (19,312 km) of driving over five years, with no fuel price increase, Consumer Reports estimates that a Dodge Ram driver will pay US$2,588 more in fuel than the EPA estimates, while Mercury (Ford) Grand Marquis drivers will pay US$1,742, and Nissan Quest owners US$1,316 more.
Further, Consumer Reports believes that carmakers are falling short of government-mandated Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) levels, because of the EPA's unrealistic tests and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) inappropriate methods of calculation. The magazine's study shows that if more accurate mpg figures were used by NHTSA to rate CAFE compliance, most automakers would likely fail to meet the standards.
#178
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http://www.consumerreports.org/main/...=1127286195979 (full article)
#180
Outnumbered at home
Is this a suprise? I thought it came out a long time ago that the method used are no longer valid.
though I will say in all the cars I have owned my numbers have been pretty much dead on to the estimates.
though I will say in all the cars I have owned my numbers have been pretty much dead on to the estimates.
#181
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My MPG returns have been HIGHER than the EPA estimates on ALL my cars.
#183
Moderator Alumnus
Originally Posted by youngTL
Me too. I think it depends on your driving style.
I love when I catch up to those impotent asshats not even trying...
#184
Registered Abuser of VTEC
Originally Posted by SiGGy
ya, rush rush rush is the way most people drive. Beating the crap out of their cars to gain one car spot at a time by riding other peoples ass/bumpers in traffic...
I love when I catch up to those impotent asshats not even trying...
I love when I catch up to those impotent asshats not even trying...
#185
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
My MPG returns have been HIGHER than the EPA estimates on ALL my cars.
#186
I'm the Firestarter
Originally Posted by youngTL
I use 22mpg in the city. On the highway I get 34 or 35. And keep in mind this engine is the G25...it's non-VTEC even. Imagine what I could do in a TSX! Sauceman has some good results of what the TSX is capable of
#187
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Originally Posted by SiGGy
I love when I catch up to those impotent asshats not even trying...
#188
Yea, I hate when I pass those slow ass drivers and then they catch up to me, but most of the time its just the principle that you're not supposed to drive the speed limit in the fast lane holding up everyone - when both lanes travel the same speed it screws everything up.
But also found that any road with red lights is not worth even trying to speed cause the lights even it out no matter if ur hauling ass or driving under the limit. On a highway however, good luck to the slower drivers catching up, this case shows a substantial lead can be established.
As far as my mileage, its about what the car is rated at city but even when i drive highway the number only goes up 1 mpg.
But also found that any road with red lights is not worth even trying to speed cause the lights even it out no matter if ur hauling ass or driving under the limit. On a highway however, good luck to the slower drivers catching up, this case shows a substantial lead can be established.
As far as my mileage, its about what the car is rated at city but even when i drive highway the number only goes up 1 mpg.
#190
Moderator Alumnus
Originally Posted by heyitsme
Yea, I hate when I pass those slow ass drivers and then they catch up to me, but most of the time its just the principle that you're not supposed to drive the speed limit in the fast lane holding up everyone - when both lanes travel the same speed it screws everything up.
But also found that any road with red lights is not worth even trying to speed cause the lights even it out no matter if ur hauling ass or driving under the limit. On a highway however, good luck to the slower drivers catching up, this case shows a substantial lead can be established.
As far as my mileage, its about what the car is rated at city but even when i drive highway the number only goes up 1 mpg.
But also found that any road with red lights is not worth even trying to speed cause the lights even it out no matter if ur hauling ass or driving under the limit. On a highway however, good luck to the slower drivers catching up, this case shows a substantial lead can be established.
As far as my mileage, its about what the car is rated at city but even when i drive highway the number only goes up 1 mpg.
cutting 2-4 minutes out of my commute is not worth the energy or stress of riding peoples asses and darting in and out of traffic.
I just chill and relax to music, think of things I want to do/take care of.
Speeding/passing people left and right on a trip < 30 miles doesn't save you anything, especially if you add up the MPG, wear and tear on your vehicle... and then mental stress. Shaving off 5m is not worth cost...
Now on long trips I haul ass 90+ MPH ... but on the daily commute I put along at 5mph over the limit.
Most of what I'm talking about is rush hour traffic, not the open road.
#191
Rush hour is rush hour, I never understood the people who tailgate when its clear there are 20 plus cars in front making the slow pace. But it is annoying with the one driver who is on his/her own agenda driving quite slow in the fast lane - if you don't want to drive faster than the cars in the slow lane wtf is your issue slowing up the fast lane to the same speed instead of just merging right.
#194
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Consumer Reports annual new-model preview
Big Three, Japanese Brands "Equal" on Initial Quality - - Source: The Car Connection
The U.S. Big Three closed the gap with the Japanese vehicles on initial vehicle quality, but the Japanese brands still led significantly in durability from 2-8 years, says the chief of the Consumer Reports vehicle test team, David Champion. Addressing a Detroit meeting of the Automotive Press Association, Champion called for such safety enhancers as SUV rear-view cameras and anti-roll stability systems to become standard equipment on all new vehicles.
"Japanese automakers are quicker than others in fixing problems that appear on new models," Champion said. "Often, we find that early glitches are more likely to stay fixed over long-term use on Japanese brands like Honda and Toyota, while often the U.S. Big Three experience a return of problems later on."
Consumer Reports , issuing its annual new-model preview issue this week, rates the hybrid Toyota Prius as the most reliable of the 2006 models, and the Infiniti QX56 SUV the least reliable. The magazine relies for its rankings on reports from readers, as well as its own testers, with a record one million questionnaires received back for the new issue, compared to 675,000 a year ago.
"How drivers and passengers rate vehicles often stems from how the unit feels and looks," Champion said. "A jerky driver, or one who engages in kangaroo stops and starts, keeps the windows open or lets tire pressure run low, will evaluate a vehicle differently than one who doesn't drive like that." Champion added that examples of brands that have reached the target audience on styling and functionality are the BMW 5-Series and the Nissan with the Xterra SUV.
Nameplates falling short are the Kia Amanti, Lincoln Town Car, and Mercury Montego, says Champion - and, because of safety concerns, the Chrysler 300. Consumer Reports coordinates its findings with the crash-safety tests of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The magazine does its testing on an 88-acre tract in Connecticut, which features off-road course and a steep rock-strewn climb. - Mac Gordon
"Japanese automakers are quicker than others in fixing problems that appear on new models," Champion said. "Often, we find that early glitches are more likely to stay fixed over long-term use on Japanese brands like Honda and Toyota, while often the U.S. Big Three experience a return of problems later on."
Consumer Reports , issuing its annual new-model preview issue this week, rates the hybrid Toyota Prius as the most reliable of the 2006 models, and the Infiniti QX56 SUV the least reliable. The magazine relies for its rankings on reports from readers, as well as its own testers, with a record one million questionnaires received back for the new issue, compared to 675,000 a year ago.
"How drivers and passengers rate vehicles often stems from how the unit feels and looks," Champion said. "A jerky driver, or one who engages in kangaroo stops and starts, keeps the windows open or lets tire pressure run low, will evaluate a vehicle differently than one who doesn't drive like that." Champion added that examples of brands that have reached the target audience on styling and functionality are the BMW 5-Series and the Nissan with the Xterra SUV.
Nameplates falling short are the Kia Amanti, Lincoln Town Car, and Mercury Montego, says Champion - and, because of safety concerns, the Chrysler 300. Consumer Reports coordinates its findings with the crash-safety tests of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The magazine does its testing on an 88-acre tract in Connecticut, which features off-road course and a steep rock-strewn climb. - Mac Gordon
#195
Safety Car
Consumer Report's Most Reliable
http://www.cnn.com/2005/AUTOS/10/26/...ble/index.html
Consumer Reports: Most reliable cars '06
Nissan, Hyundai have models in both the highest and lowest ranks; hybrids do well.
October 27, 2005; Posted: 10:22 a.m. EDT (1422 GMT)
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Consumers can't just put their faith in a trusted brand name when it comes to looking for a new car.
Nissan and Hyundai had models in both the highest and lowest rankings of Consumer Reports predicted-reliability survey this year, according to the magazine.
Nissan's luxury brand, Infiniti, had two of the most reliable models -- the Infiniti M35 and M45. But four Nissan cars -- the Nissan Quest, Armada and Titan and and Infiniti QX56 -- landed on the list of worst for predicted reliability. (Click on car names for vehicle details and images.)
For Hyundai, Consumer Reports predicted, the Hyundai Tucson SUV will likely have poor reliability, while theSanta Fe SUV and and the Elantra should have average reliability. Reliability for the newly redesigned Sonata remains unknown.
"The message to consumers is clear: You can't gauge reliability based only on a nameplate. Some automakers do have a better track record but individual models -- especially newer ones -- can have some problems," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center, in a statement. "New-car buyers should always check our reliability rating for the model they're buying."
Of the 31 cars that earned the top rating, only two were from U.S.-based manufacturers -- the remaining 29 vehicles were from Japanese automakers, and none represented European brands. Almost half of the top 31 -- 15 vehicles -- were manufactured by Toyota.
Of the vehicles with the worst reliability, 22 were from U.S.-based manufacturers, 20 from European brands, four from Japanese makers and two from South Korean companies.
Hybrid models turned in above-average results, despite their complex mechanical drivetrains. Hybrids use both gasoline engines and electric motors that run on batteries charged by the gasoline engine.
Consumer Reports surveyed the owners of more than a million vehicles. Owners were surveyed through the magazine's Web site and through surveys mailed to subscribers. To calculate predicted reliability for 2006 model-year vehicles, the magazine averaged overall reliability scores for the last three model years, provided that the vehicle remained substantially unchanged over that time. For vehicles that were new or substantially redesigned during that time, data from the just one or two years was used.
Best predicted reliability:
(As calculated by Consumer Reports)
Small cars:
Toyota Echo
Honda Civic (2005)
Toyota Prius
Honda Civic Hybrid (2005)
Toyota Corolla
Subaru Impreza (non-turbo)
Sporty cars/Convertibles Coupes
Honda S2000
Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005)
Lexus SC430
Chevrolet Monte Carlo (2005)
Sedans
Lexus GS300/GS430*
Infiniti M35/M45*
Lexus IS300 (2005)
Honda Accord Hybrid*
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord 4-cyl.
Lexus LS430
Wagons
Toyota Matrix
Minivans
(None rated "Best")
Small SUVs
Toyota Rav4 (2005)
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Subaru Forester
Mercury Mariner*
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mid-sized SUVs
Lexus RX400h (hybrid)*
Toyota Highlander
Toyota 4Runner (V-8)
Infiniti FX35
Large SUVs
Toyota Land Cruiser
Pick-up trucks
Honda Ridgeline*
Toyota Tundra
Consumer Reports: Most reliable cars '06
Nissan, Hyundai have models in both the highest and lowest ranks; hybrids do well.
October 27, 2005; Posted: 10:22 a.m. EDT (1422 GMT)
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Consumers can't just put their faith in a trusted brand name when it comes to looking for a new car.
Nissan and Hyundai had models in both the highest and lowest rankings of Consumer Reports predicted-reliability survey this year, according to the magazine.
Nissan's luxury brand, Infiniti, had two of the most reliable models -- the Infiniti M35 and M45. But four Nissan cars -- the Nissan Quest, Armada and Titan and and Infiniti QX56 -- landed on the list of worst for predicted reliability. (Click on car names for vehicle details and images.)
For Hyundai, Consumer Reports predicted, the Hyundai Tucson SUV will likely have poor reliability, while theSanta Fe SUV and and the Elantra should have average reliability. Reliability for the newly redesigned Sonata remains unknown.
"The message to consumers is clear: You can't gauge reliability based only on a nameplate. Some automakers do have a better track record but individual models -- especially newer ones -- can have some problems," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center, in a statement. "New-car buyers should always check our reliability rating for the model they're buying."
Of the 31 cars that earned the top rating, only two were from U.S.-based manufacturers -- the remaining 29 vehicles were from Japanese automakers, and none represented European brands. Almost half of the top 31 -- 15 vehicles -- were manufactured by Toyota.
Of the vehicles with the worst reliability, 22 were from U.S.-based manufacturers, 20 from European brands, four from Japanese makers and two from South Korean companies.
Hybrid models turned in above-average results, despite their complex mechanical drivetrains. Hybrids use both gasoline engines and electric motors that run on batteries charged by the gasoline engine.
Consumer Reports surveyed the owners of more than a million vehicles. Owners were surveyed through the magazine's Web site and through surveys mailed to subscribers. To calculate predicted reliability for 2006 model-year vehicles, the magazine averaged overall reliability scores for the last three model years, provided that the vehicle remained substantially unchanged over that time. For vehicles that were new or substantially redesigned during that time, data from the just one or two years was used.
Best predicted reliability:
(As calculated by Consumer Reports)
Small cars:
Toyota Echo
Honda Civic (2005)
Toyota Prius
Honda Civic Hybrid (2005)
Toyota Corolla
Subaru Impreza (non-turbo)
Sporty cars/Convertibles Coupes
Honda S2000
Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005)
Lexus SC430
Chevrolet Monte Carlo (2005)
Sedans
Lexus GS300/GS430*
Infiniti M35/M45*
Lexus IS300 (2005)
Honda Accord Hybrid*
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord 4-cyl.
Lexus LS430
Wagons
Toyota Matrix
Minivans
(None rated "Best")
Small SUVs
Toyota Rav4 (2005)
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Subaru Forester
Mercury Mariner*
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mid-sized SUVs
Lexus RX400h (hybrid)*
Toyota Highlander
Toyota 4Runner (V-8)
Infiniti FX35
Large SUVs
Toyota Land Cruiser
Pick-up trucks
Honda Ridgeline*
Toyota Tundra
#196
The sizzle in the Steak
at Chevrolet Monte Carlo (2005) in the Sporty cars category.
#198
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Originally Posted by TSX69
Best predicted reliability:
(As calculated by Consumer Reports)
Small cars:
Toyota Echo
Honda Civic (2005)
Toyota Prius
Honda Civic Hybrid (2005)
Toyota Corolla
Subaru Impreza (non-turbo)
(As calculated by Consumer Reports)
Small cars:
Toyota Echo
Honda Civic (2005)
Toyota Prius
Honda Civic Hybrid (2005)
Toyota Corolla
Subaru Impreza (non-turbo)
#199
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Originally Posted by TSX69
[url]
Sedans
Lexus GS300/GS430*
Infiniti M35/M45*
Lexus IS300 (2005)
Honda Accord Hybrid*
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord 4-cyl.
Lexus LS430
Sedans
Lexus GS300/GS430*
Infiniti M35/M45*
Lexus IS300 (2005)
Honda Accord Hybrid*
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord 4-cyl.
Lexus LS430
#200
Senior Moderator
is this just for Japanese cars?