Most reliable cars in '06

[SDG35619]

I was plesantly surprised to see Infiniti on top of the luxury bracket...

I wonder what's wrong with the QX56 though? I was eyeing that vehicle for my growing family...

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Consumer Reports: Most reliable cars '06

Nissan, Hyundai have models in both the highest and lowest ranks; hybrids do well.[/size]

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.

For Hyundai, Consumer Reports predicted, the Hyundai Tucson SUV will likely have poor reliability, while the Santa 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.

[Z06ified]

Consumer Reports has about zero credibility with automobiles as far as I'm concerned. They should stick with what they know: shampoo ratings.

[SDG35619]

Originally Posted by Z06ified

Consumer Reports has about zero credibility with automobiles as far as I'm concerned. They should stick with what they know: shampoo ratings.

sooooo you're saying the Infiniti brand is crap?

[wezman]

Originally Posted by Z06ified

Consumer Reports has about zero credibility with automobiles as far as I'm concerned. They should stick with what they know: shampoo ratings.

Consumer Reports does not provide good ratings for car enthusiasts... they provide good ratings for the average car buyer. They look more into the scientific side of ratings rather than just looks and feel.

[xswl0931]

Originally Posted by wezman

Consumer Reports does not provide good ratings for car enthusiasts... they provide good ratings for the average car buyer. They look more into the scientific side of ratings rather than just looks and feel.

I agree. Given that Consumer Reports doesn't have advertisers, they are more likely not to be biased. For reports based on facts (like reliability), I have some faith in them.

[Z06ified]

They're not biased, they're just incompetent.

Based on facts? Not exactly. Their "predicted reliabilty" is based on owner surveys of "problems." Their system is extremely flawed and unreliable itself.

Take for example, the first year or two of the Hummer H2. It had among one of the worst "predicted reliability" and most complaints of any vehicle. Why? Most buyers were complaining about poor fuel economy! First off, anyone who buys an H2 and then complains about poor fuel economy is a complete idiot. Secondly, poor fuel economy is not a "problem" or mechanical issue - its simply a characteristic of the vehicle.

Another example of Consumer Report's inconsistent unreliable data is why one brand of the same car scores much different than a different brand of the same car. For example, you could have a Honda Accord score much different than an Acura TL, or a Ford Taurus scores much different than a Mercury Sable, or a Ford Escape scores much different than a Mazda Tribute. They are all the same car, built at the same plant, by the same people, with the same suppliers. The only difference is trim and the nameplate. There should be practically no difference in predicted reliability or any other rating between the same car with different brand labels.

Consumer Reports also bases their "predicted reliability" based on past reliability records, and assumes the future reliability will be the same. That's like saying if the stock market went up the past 3 years, it will definitely continue to go up for the next 3 years. In some cases for new models, their predicted reliability ratings are only based on a year or less of new data. Not very reliable of a source, and is actually statistically flawed.

So to say Consumer Reports' "predicted reliability" is based on fact isn't quite correct. There is plenty of subjectiveness in their ratings.

[SDG35619]

Originally Posted by Z06ified

...There is plenty of subjectiveness in their ratings.

I'm no consumer reports backer or anything but if you think about it all of them are subjective to the person testing out the car. They give their opinion. Which is what C.R. is doing.

[WRAH]

Originally Posted by Z06ified

Consumer Reports has about zero credibility with automobiles as far as I'm concerned. They should stick with what they know: shampoo ratings.

I have to agree w/ you on this..... This rating is B.S. both sides good/bad

"predicted reliability" are they saying they can see into the future?

[P_Diddy]

Speaking of H2's, have you seen http://www.fuh2.com? It's similar to laughatrice.com

[acuraz88]

Consumer Reports is good magazine with unbiased ratings.. The key here is unbiased.. that means that they take a car evaluate the car in every aspect and then total up the score.. that's why you see cars like the TL and Accord always on the top of their lists..
these cars are the jack of all trades but master of none. I have found CR to very helpful in choosing everyday products that I don't have time to research.

[harley01]

I use Consumer Reports to help judge mechanical reliability. So far they have pretty much been right on target. My Miata and Pathinder were ranked high and each gave me almost no problems. The Pathfinder had soem exhaust issues and Consumer Reports rated that area of the vehicle below average. As far as how a car performs I take it what they say with a grain of salt. They may call the G35 exhaust intrusive, where most owners would disagree. They also warn buyers of first year models since they have no real data to compile.

[Z06ified]

I don't agree they are unbiased. They are DEFINITELY biased towards boring cars, they completely don't understand performance cars, and they love ANYTHING imported. They consistently get the WORST 0-60 times of every car they test out of all the magazines that test cars. Where is their credibility if they can't even drive? Like I said, they should stick to evaluating shampoo - cars are too complicated for them.

I mean can you envision Consumer Reports evaluating a Ferrari 430? They would say it is too loud, too rough, too much power, dangerous, doesn't shift smoothly enough, no cupholders worth a damn, little luggage space, poor gas mileage, too expensive, poor reliability ratings, expensive to repair, too low and scrapes on driveways, and too many people stare at you when driving.

[kenchan]

CR is like guys trying to critique stuff selling at JoAnn's or something...

[Paperchaser]

ppl lets not forget Consumer Reports car ratings are NOT for Enthusiast
it is for Mrs. Mary Joe, single mom who grew up with no male siblings & doesnt know the difference between Honda & Hyundai.
-As far as predicted reliability its simply based on the vehicle models track record
-even reliability is a little BS because in general I feel u need to wait at least 4 years, before saying a car is dependable (most american cars are great the first 3-4yrs then they end up on the "worst car list")

I will probly get slammed for this but IN THE PAST Infinti is the worst Japanese import brand. Im not saying Infiniti is so terrible but in the past they have not proven more reliable than Lexus, Toyota, Acura & Honda thats just a fact

I own a 6MT G35C & I love it to death but ...it is what it is!!

...my 3 cents

[Z06ified]

I go with personal experiences more than Consumer Reports. I bought a 1996 Ford Contour SE V-6 new in 1996, kept it for 7 years and put 130k hard miles on it. It was a great reliable car the entire time I owned it. Yet Consumer Reports rated its reliability as mediocre to poor. If I had listened to Consumer Reports, I would have missed out on driving a very enjoyable reliable car.

Consumer Reports also rates my '02 Corvette as mediocre to poor in reliability, yet it has been completely reliable and nearly trouble-free in the 4 years I've owned it. Unusual for a high performance car, especially since I've driven it hard including track and autocross use.

The president of my company has a Lexus SC 430 which had to have its engine replaced at 24k miles due to main bearing failure. He also has a 2000 SC 300 which has left him stranded on the side of the road at least 3 times. Consumer Reports rated both of these cars very high in reliability. And the president of my company still thinks Lexus is one of the greatest cars out there. I don't get it.