CR's who makes the best new cars?

[Bubba1]

Just received Consumer Reports Annual auto issue. Full of interesting stuff. They ranked most of the major manufacturers based on their entire lineup's standardized road test scores, average owner reliability survey this past year, and the percentage of models recommended.

Here they are: 1st group has, at minimum, better than average reliability with CR comments:
1. Lexus - only marque to have overall much better than average reliability. "Lexus makes quiet, plush, and very reliable cars, but most aren't engaging to drive..."
2. Acura - Brand with highest percentage of recommended models. "The MDX, RLX, and TL are enjoyable to drive and offer an inviting blend of luxury and reliability. Though the ILX and RLX are reliable, they aren't as fun or as rewarding."
3. Audi -
4. Subaru- "Subarus are simple, dependable, and fuel efficient....plus some are great fun to drive. But they often lack modern connectivity and can be noisy."
5. Toyota- "Toyota's forte is buiding solid, reliable cars, and most are pleasant, comfortable, and quiet. It's hybrids are impressive. But few models are fun to drive."
6. Mazda - "Mazda's are sporty to drive and provide very good reliability. they successfully blend ownership and driving satisfaction. But they usually ride stiffly and ride noisier than most other brands."
7. Honduh -

Next group all ranked with average reliability:
8. Infiniti - "Nissan's luxury division builds quiet, nicely finished and powerful cars and SUV's. But their fuel economy lags behind the class leaders, and reliability trails Lexus and Acura."
9. Mercedes
10. BMW
11. Volvo
12. Buick
13. GMC
14. Chrysler
15. Kia
16. Hyundai
17. VW
18. Nissan - "Recent redesigns have left Nissan lagging behind its Japanese competitors in reliability and refinement. The Murano is still worth considering but older models need updates".
19. Chevrolet

The bottom dwellers
20. Cadillac - "Cadillac makes some great handling, stylish, and luxurious cars. But they are dragged down in both testing and reliability by their complicated controls,"
21. Dodge
22. Ford - "Newer designs have subpar reliability and so-so fuel economy, but they drive like European sports sedans. its hybrids have excellent fuel economy. MyFordTouch continues to be a problem."
23. Jeep

Recommended Nissans and Infinitis:

Leaf SL
Q70 (V6)
Maxima
Quest SL
Murano SL
QX60
QX70
QX80
Frontier SV (V6)

Just one Nissan made the "models to avoid list":. The Armada. CR noted "The Armada has the room and power to carry 8 people and their stuff, but it comes at a cost. Overall fuel economy of 13 mpg is abysmal, reliability is poor, and ownership costs are worst in its category. Interior quality is so-so for a $50K+ vehicle..."


Thoughts? Comments?

My thoughts include that CR seems to agree with many of us that Mazda has become the "fun" new car to own. Nissan has declined, which should not surprise us NICOnauts. I credit some of that decline to Nissan's disturbing obsession with CVT, and their stubborn + misguided belief that they can make a boring CVT car "fun" with marketing and styling alone. I do see a few minor pluses amongst the negative trend. For example, the Titan appears to have improved significantly and the Murano is still a solid viable vehicle. Nissan just needs to de-uglify its front end.

[MinisterofDOOM]

For once, I pretty much agree with CR. Nice to see them wrapping up their comments with notes on fun-factor.

Also nice to see that the Sentra isn't on the recommended list. What a pile of wasted steel.

Not sure why anyone would recommend the Maxima, though. Terrible CVT, terrible interior space, aging uncompetitive powertrain, polarizing styling. What's "recommended" about that? I would frankly recommend an Avalon over a Maxima. At least the Avalon has no delusions about its fogeyness, looks decent, and comes with cogs in its gearbox.

[nissangirl74]

6. Mazda - "Mazda's are sporty to drive and provide very good reliability. they successfully blend ownership and driving satisfaction. But they usually ride stiffly and ride noisier than most other brands."

I love the ride of the Speed3. I agree that it is somewhat stiff but it isn't a deal breaker. It does decrease some over ownership - I'm at 19K+ miles- and I'd much rather have this than that "floaty, disconnected" feeling. I disagree with road noise. Yes, there is some but it is minute and could easily be remedied by a tire upgrade.

[Jesda]

Lexus got its act together over the last couple years. Quality is back on top and some of their offerings are great to drive.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

This is pretty interesting feedback!