Consumer Reports is a reliable source and a primary reference for evaluating new and used cars, relying on rigorous testing and surveys of thousands of car owners to assess performance, reliability, and safety.Here are the main aspects that Consumer Reports focuses on for cars and how to use this information:
How are Consumer Reports car ratings classified?
The overall rating for each car depends on four main factors, and a car is awarded the "Top Pick" designation when it excels in all these categories:
Predicted Reliability:This is the cornerstone of their evaluations.
It is gathered through annual surveys of hundreds of thousands of car owners about problems they encountered in 17 areas (such as the engine, transmission, infotainment system, brakes, etc.).
This data is used to predict how reliable newer models are.Road-Test Score:
Consumer Reports engineers conduct objective and intensive tests on every car purchased anonymously (not through manufacturers).
Driving, braking, fuel consumption, comfort, ease of use, and the car's maneuverability are evaluated.
Owner Satisfaction:Current owners are asked whether they would buy the same car again, with assessments of aspects such as comfort, value, and driving experience.
Safety:Crash test results from reliable sources such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are included.
The availability and efficiency of advanced safety features (such as Automatic Emergency Braking systems) are evaluated.
Top categories receiving the best ratings
In their recent reports, these car brands and types often top the lists:
1. Reliability Leaders
Asian brands usually dominate this category due to their long-standing record of quality:
Mazda: Often ranks first or among the top due to consistent quality across its models.
Toyota and Lexus: Maintain excellent reliability year after year.
Honda and Acura: Known for durability and longevity.
2. Electric and Hybrid Vehicles (EVs and Hybrids)
Consumer Reports indicate that hybrid and electric vehicles (especially from Toyota and Honda) are increasingly excelling in owner satisfaction scores and fuel efficiency:
Toyota Prius: Often receives excellent ratings as a reliable and economical hybrid option.
Tesla models: Although some of their models receive low reliability scores due to finishing or door issues, they achieve the highest owner satisfaction scores because of performance and driving experience.
SUVs
Subaru: Models such as the Forester and Outback are often classified as safe, reliable, and practical choices.
Hyundai/Kia: They offer good value for money with significant improvements in reliability.
How to use these reports in your purchasing decision:
Don't rely solely on reputation: Don't assume that a particular brand is generally reliable. Reliability varies from model to model; a brand might have one excellent car and another full of problems.
Focus on expected reliability: If you plan to keep the car for several years, this rating is the most important to minimize future repair costs.
Combine reliability with owner satisfaction: A car with high reliability but low owner satisfaction may be durable but boring or uncomfortable. Look for a car that strikes a balance between the two.
Check the model's history: If the model has been recently redesigned, it may have introduced new problems. Models that have gone 2-3 years without major changes have more stable reliability data.
