PDF: Consumer Reports story - Canada.com
PDF: Consumer Reports story - Canada.com
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<strong>Reports</strong><br />
New reliability survey results 63<br />
Luxury SUVs 66<br />
Cars<br />
Road tests, auto products, hot topics<br />
NEWS<br />
Gas-saving models lead in reliability<br />
Fuel-efficient vehicles are a<br />
very reliable segment of the automotive<br />
market overall. And European<br />
cars, which have trailed the<br />
domestic models for about five years, are<br />
showing signs of improvement.<br />
Those are the top findings of our 2008<br />
Car Reliability Survey, based on our subscribers’<br />
experiences with 1.4 million vehicles.<br />
Respondents reported on any<br />
serious problems they had with their vehicles<br />
in 17 trouble spots during the previous<br />
12 months, which allows us to provide<br />
predicted-reliability Ratings for new cars.<br />
We include only models for which we have<br />
100 or more responses.<br />
According to the survey, nine hybrid<br />
models for which we have sufficient data<br />
earned above-average predicted-reliability<br />
Ratings. Most of those hybrids are from<br />
Japanese automakers. We also found<br />
that conventional gas-sippers such as<br />
the Honda Fit, Scion xD, Smart ForTwo,<br />
Highs and lows<br />
and Toyota Yaris had few problems.<br />
Some European automakers, particularly<br />
Mercedes-Benz, had sunk to the bottom<br />
of our predicted-reliability Ratings in<br />
recent years. But the new results show<br />
signs of a <strong>com</strong>eback.<br />
Six Mercedes-Benz models, including<br />
the redesigned C-Class sedan, the sporty<br />
SL, and the ML350 SUV, have improved to<br />
average reliability. As a result, they are<br />
now re<strong>com</strong>mended (see “What’s Up and<br />
What’s Down,” page 64).<br />
Ford leads the domestics<br />
Ford’s three brands—Ford, Lincoln, and<br />
Mercury—continue to pull away from the<br />
rest of the Detroit automakers. Almost all<br />
Ford models are now average or better, with<br />
the exception of some that are truck-based.<br />
Excluding those, Ford’s reliability is now on<br />
par with good Japanese automakers.<br />
General Motors is a mixed bag. Among<br />
the bright spots is the redesigned Chevrolet<br />
Malibu; in its first year, the four-cylinder<br />
version is better than average and the V6 is<br />
average. The Buick Lucerne with a V8 and<br />
the Pontiac G6 with a four-cylinder are<br />
above average, and the Chevrolet Avalanche<br />
has improved to average.<br />
But a quarter of GM models are still<br />
well below average in reliability. Some<br />
that didn’t fare well are fairly new designs<br />
that did well in our testing, such as the<br />
Cadillac CTS and the Buick Enclave, GMC<br />
Acadia, and Saturn Outlook SUV triplets.<br />
Chrysler trails the pack. Almost twothirds<br />
of its products rate below average<br />
for reliability. The redesigned 2008<br />
Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand<br />
Caravan minivans earned low scores, as<br />
did the Chrysler Sebring V6 and Dodge<br />
Avenger sedans and the Jeep Liberty SUV.<br />
The Sebring Convertible has the worst<br />
score: 283 percent worse than average. The<br />
only above-average models are the Dodge<br />
Caliber hatchback and Jeep Patriot SUV.<br />
Toyota bounces back<br />
Last year we called out three Toyota models<br />
that had slipped to below average: the<br />
Camry V6, Tundra V8 4WD, and the Lexus<br />
GS AWD. Toyota seems to have rectified<br />
some of the problems—all 42 of the Toyota,<br />
Lexus, and Scion models in our survey<br />
scored average or better. While the three<br />
models noted above scored merely average,<br />
The Scion xD has the best predictedreliability<br />
score for new cars. Its owners<br />
reported 80 percent fewer problems than<br />
the average new car in our survey.<br />
The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has the<br />
worst predicted-reliability score among<br />
new cars in our survey. It is 283 percent<br />
worse than the average model.<br />
Next month<br />
Family sedans, including a hybrid/<br />
diesel face-off. Plus new ownersatisfaction<br />
Ratings.<br />
december 2008 www.<strong>Consumer</strong><strong>Reports</strong>.org 63
most models got above-average Ratings.<br />
Almost all models from Honda and<br />
its Acura luxury division received aboveaverage<br />
scores. In addition, Subarus for<br />
which we have sufficient data scored average<br />
or better in reliability.<br />
What’s up and what’s down<br />
* Based on data for one model year.<br />
Nissan showed striking improvements,<br />
with the perennially troublesome<br />
Armada SUV, Titan pickup, and Infiniti<br />
QX56 SUV finally gaining average reliability.<br />
The new Nissan Rogue and Infiniti EX<br />
SUVs have started out above average,<br />
Our reliability Ratings play a big part in whether <strong>Consumer</strong> <strong>Reports</strong> re<strong>com</strong>mends a vehicle.<br />
A model must have an average or better predicted-reliability Rating, must perform well in<br />
our testing, and must do well in independent crash and rollover tests, if tested.<br />
Newly re<strong>com</strong>mended<br />
Models with<br />
improved reliability<br />
Audi A8<br />
BMW 6 Series<br />
Chevrolet Avalanche<br />
Lexus GS (V6, AWD)<br />
Mazda CX-7<br />
Mazda CX-9<br />
Mercedes-Benz E350<br />
Mercedes-Benz ML350<br />
Mercedes-Benz S550<br />
Mercedes-Benz SL*<br />
Mercedes-Benz SLK<br />
Nissan Armada<br />
Nissan Titan<br />
Saturn Aura XR (V6)<br />
Toyota Camry (V6)<br />
Toyota Tundra (V8, 4WD)<br />
Volkswagen GTI<br />
Volvo XC90<br />
Models for which we<br />
now have sufficient data<br />
Chevrolet Malibu*<br />
Hyundai Veracruz<br />
Infiniti EX*<br />
Kia Rondo*<br />
Mercedes-Benz C-Class*<br />
Mini Cooper Clubman*<br />
Nissan Altima Hybrid<br />
Nissan Murano*<br />
Nissan Rogue*<br />
Pontiac Vibe*<br />
Scion xD*<br />
Suzuki SX4<br />
Toyota Corolla*<br />
Toyota Highlander*<br />
Toyota Highlander Hybrid*<br />
Toyota Matrix*<br />
Toyota Sequoia*<br />
Volvo C30*<br />
Volvo S80*<br />
Not re<strong>com</strong>mended<br />
Models with<br />
declining reliability<br />
Audi A3<br />
BMW X5 (6-cyl.)<br />
Cadillac STS (V6)<br />
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (turbodiesel, 4WD)<br />
Chrysler PT Cruiser (turbo)*<br />
Dodge Charger (V8)<br />
GMC Acadia<br />
GMC Sierra 2500 (turbodiesel, 4WD)<br />
Porsche Cayenne*<br />
Saturn Outlook<br />
Volkswagen Eos<br />
Models now with sufficient<br />
data but that are below average<br />
Buick Enclave (AWD)*<br />
Cadillac CTS*<br />
Chrysler Sebring (V6)*<br />
Chrysler Sebring Convertible*<br />
Chrysler Town & Country*<br />
Dodge Avenger*<br />
Dodge Grand Caravan*<br />
Jaguar XK*<br />
Jeep Liberty*<br />
Land Rover LR2*<br />
Saturn Vue*<br />
Suzuki XL-7*<br />
Volvo XC70*<br />
New or redesigned 2008 models for which we<br />
have insufficient data include the Audi A5, BMW 1<br />
Series, BMW X6, Dodge Challenger, Lexus LX,<br />
Mitsubishi Lancer, Pontiac G8, Saturn Astra, and<br />
Toyota Land Cruiser.<br />
which is a good sign, and the Altima Hybrid<br />
sedan is well above average.<br />
The two closely related South Korean<br />
nameplates, Hyundai and Kia, rank right<br />
up there with the better Japanese makers.<br />
Most of their models scored average<br />
or better, with only the Hyundai Entourage<br />
and Kia Sedona minivans receiving<br />
below-average scores.<br />
Europe rebounds<br />
While Mercedes-Benz has improved in reliability,<br />
none of its models scored above<br />
average and a third are still below average.<br />
Audi continues to improve, with twothirds<br />
of its lineup scoring average or better.<br />
Its sister brand, Volkswagen, has several<br />
models rating average or better in our<br />
survey, but the Passat sedan, Touareg SUV,<br />
and Eos convertible have not done well.<br />
BMW has also shown progress in recent<br />
years, with most versions of the 3 Series<br />
and some 5 Series models being<br />
average or better. The 6 Series improved to<br />
above average.<br />
Ford continues to<br />
pull away from<br />
the other Detroit<br />
automakers.<br />
Volvo has continued the upward march<br />
as well. Of the nine Volvos for which we<br />
have sufficient data, only the redesigned<br />
XC70 wagon rated below average in reliability.<br />
Land Rover continued to fare poorly,<br />
with all four of its SUVs, including the<br />
new LR2, scoring well below average.<br />
A consumer-driven Rating<br />
Our reliability data are based on a subscriber<br />
survey and are not derived from<br />
<strong>Consumer</strong> <strong>Reports</strong>’ vehicle testing.<br />
From the survey, we derive a reliability<br />
hi<strong>story</strong> for 10 model years as well as our<br />
forecast of how 2009 models will probably<br />
hold up. This predicted-reliability Rating<br />
is based on a model’s overall reliability for<br />
the newest three model years, provided<br />
the 2009 version hasn’t significantly<br />
changed. If a model was new or redesigned<br />
in that time frame, we might use just one<br />
or two years of data. In rare instances, we<br />
make a prediction for a redesigned model<br />
if the manufacturer’s and model’s histories<br />
are outstanding.<br />
64 consumer reports december 2008
Best and worst in reliability<br />
These 2009 models earned the highest and lowest predictedreliability<br />
Ratings based on the <strong>Consumer</strong> <strong>Reports</strong> 2008 Car<br />
Most reliable<br />
Listed in order of Ratings score,<br />
starting with the best score.<br />
Reliability Survey. Models marked with (2008) have been<br />
redesigned for 2009 but their data are still used in the rating.<br />
Least reliable<br />
Listed in order of Ratings score,<br />
starting with worst score.<br />
SMALL CARS<br />
Scion xD*<br />
Mini Cooper Clubman*<br />
Suzuki SX4<br />
Honda Fit (2008)<br />
Toyota Yaris<br />
Hyundai Elantra (shown)<br />
Smart ForTwo*<br />
Mazda3 (sedan)<br />
Honda Civic (sedan)<br />
SMALL CARS<br />
Nissan Versa (sedan)*<br />
FAMILY CARS<br />
Toyota Prius<br />
Kia Optima<br />
Toyota Camry Hybrid (shown)<br />
Ford Fusion<br />
Mercury Milan<br />
Nissan Altima Hybrid<br />
FAMILY CARS<br />
Dodge Avenger*<br />
Chrysler Sebring (V6)*<br />
Chevrolet Impala (V8)<br />
SPORTY CARS, COUPES & CONVERTIBLES<br />
Lexus SC*<br />
Volvo C30*<br />
Honda S2000<br />
UPSCALE/LUXURY CARS<br />
Infiniti M35 (RWD)<br />
Lexus IS 250<br />
Acura TSX (2008) (shown)<br />
WAGONS & MINIVANS<br />
Toyota Matrix*<br />
Scion xB*<br />
Pontiac Vibe* (shown)<br />
Toyota Camry Solara<br />
(4-cyl.)<br />
Nissan 350Z<br />
Scion tC (shown)<br />
Infiniti G35 Sedan (RWD)<br />
Acura TL (2008)<br />
Lexus GS450h Hybrid*<br />
Subaru Outback (turbo)*<br />
Toyota Sienna<br />
Honda Odyssey<br />
SPORTY CARS, COUPES & CONVERTIBLES<br />
Chrysler Sebring (convertible)*<br />
Saturn Sky<br />
Pontiac Solstice<br />
UPSCALE & LUXURY CARS<br />
Cadillac STS (V8)*<br />
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (V8)*<br />
WAGONS & MINIVANS<br />
Chrysler Town & Country*<br />
Dodge Grand Caravan*<br />
Hyundai Entourage*<br />
Chevrolet Corvette<br />
Saab 9-3 (convertible)*<br />
SMALL SUVs<br />
Honda Element<br />
Toyota FJ Cruiser (shown)<br />
Toyota RAV4 (4-cyl.)<br />
Honda CR-V<br />
Infiniti EX*<br />
SMALL SUVs<br />
Land Rover LR2*<br />
Saturn Vue (V6, AWD)*<br />
Dodge Nitro<br />
Suzuki XL-7*<br />
Jeep Wrangler<br />
MIDSIZED SUVs<br />
Honda Pilot (2008) (shown)<br />
Lexus RX400h (hybrid)<br />
Lincoln MKX (FWD)<br />
Toyota 4Runner (V6)<br />
Toyota Highlander Hybrid*<br />
Toyota Highlander*<br />
LARGE SUVs<br />
Toyota Sequoia* (shown)<br />
MIDSIZED SUVs<br />
Land Rover Range Rover*<br />
Volkswagen Touareg<br />
Cadillac SRX (V6)<br />
Mercedes-Benz M-Class (V8)*<br />
BMW X5 (V8)<br />
Land Rover Range Rover<br />
Sport*<br />
Audi Q7<br />
LARGE SUVs<br />
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class<br />
(V8)<br />
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class<br />
(turbodiesel)*<br />
Land Rover LR3*<br />
Jeep Commander (V8)<br />
Ford Explorer (V8, 2WD)*<br />
Mercury Mountaineer<br />
(V8, 2WD)*<br />
Porsche Cayenne*<br />
Mercedes-Benz R-Class<br />
Jeep Grand Cherokee (4WD)<br />
Cadillac Escalade ESV*<br />
GMC Acadia (FWD)<br />
Saturn Outlook (FWD)<br />
Cadillac Escalade<br />
PICKUP TRUCKS<br />
Toyota Tundra (V6)*<br />
Honda Ridgeline (shown)<br />
* Based on data for one model year.<br />
PICKUP TRUCKS<br />
Ford F-250 (turbodiesel<br />
4WD)*<br />
Dodge Dakota (4WD)<br />
Cadillac Escalade EXT*<br />
Dodge Ram 2500<br />
(turbodiesel 4WD)<br />
Chevrolet Colorado (4WD)<br />
GMC Canyon (4WD)<br />
december 2008 www.<strong>Consumer</strong><strong>Reports</strong>.org 65