Consumer Reports Releases 2011 Car Reliability Survey
Ford took a beating, dropping from 10th to 20th place mainly due to problems with their MyFord Touch system and dual-clutch transmissions.
Chrysler was the big surprise, improving their rankings considerably thanks to the Chrysler 200, Dodge Durango, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Consumer Reports gets their data from surveys submitted by 1.3 million vehicle owners who subscribe to the magazine.
It is the largest consumer survey of vehicle owners, but some industry analyst claim the data can be biased and unfair.
Case in point: many of the Ford reliability issues came about from problems experienced with the MyFord Touch system - not related to driving dynamics or mechanical issues.
Below is a list of the best and worst vehicles by brand based on predicted reliability. Models with an asterisk (“*”) are based on data for one model year only.
Make |
Worst model |
Best model |
Scion |
xB |
xD |
Lexus |
IS Convertible* |
CT 200h* |
Acura |
TSX |
TL (FWD) |
Mazda |
CX-9 |
MX-5 Miata |
Honda |
Odyssey* |
CR-Z* |
Toyota |
Sienna (AWD)* |
Highlander (4-cyl.) |
Infiniti |
G Convertible |
QX56* |
Subaru |
Tribeca* |
Forester (non-turbo) |
Nissan |
Z |
Titan* |
Volvo |
XC90* |
C70* |
Hyundai |
Santa Fe (V6) |
Elantra Wagon |
Kia |
Sedona |
Optima* |
Jeep |
Wrangler (4-door) |
Patriot |
Lincoln |
MKX (FWD)* |
MKZ Hybrid* |
Chrysler |
Town & Country |
200* |
Volkswagen |
Routan |
Golf TDI |
Chevrolet |
Silverado 2500* |
Volt* |
Mercedes-Benz |
GL-Class |
C-Class (RWD) |
BMW |
550i* |
X3* |
Ford |
Edge (AWD)* |
Fusion Hybrid |
Dodge |
Ram 2500 (turbodiesel) |
Caliber |
GMC |
Sierra 2500* |
Sierra 1500 (V6, 2WD) |
Mini |
Cooper Clubman S |
Cooper Hatchback |
Buick |
LaCrosse (AWD)* |
Enclave (FWD) |
Cadillac |
Escalade* |
CTS (V6, RWD) |
Audi |
Q5 (V6) |
A4 (4-cyl.) |
Porsche |
Cayenne* |
911* |
Jaguar |
XF |
XJ* |
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