2008 Annual Car Reliability Survey: Gas-saving models in the lead

Fuel-efficient vehicles are a very reliable segment overall, European cars are improving, and, on average, Ford continues to build the most reliable American cars. These are the key findings from Consumer Reports latest Annual Car Reliability Survey. This year we had responses on more than 1.4 million vehicles (model years 1999 to 2008) owned or leased by our subscribers.

A total of nine hybrid models for which we have sufficient data rated above average in predicted reliability, most from Japanese automakers. From the Family Cars category, the Toyota Prius, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid, as well as the luxury Lexus GS 450h Hybrid sedan are all among the most reliable. The Lexus RX 400h and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid are among the most reliable in midsized SUVs, while the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid small SUVs rated above average in predicted reliability. The Honda Civic Hybrid is also above average. In addition, conventional gas sippers such as the Honda Fit, Scion xD, Smart ForTwo, and Toyota Yaris had few problems. 

Ford’s three nameplates – Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury – lead the domestic automakers and continue to pull away from the rest of Detroit.  Except for some truck-based vehicles, almost all Ford products are now average or better. Excluding those, Ford’s reliability is now on par with good Japanese automakers. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan continued to rank among the most reliable family cars. The freshened Ford Focus sedan rated above average, a vast improvement from when the new model debuted in 2000 with below-average reliability.

European automakers, particularly Mercedes-Benz, showed signs of a comeback. Six Mercedes models, including the redesigned C-Class and E-Class (V6) sedans and the ML350 SUV have improved to average reliability and are now recommended. Last year, no Mercedes models had average or better reliability and so could not be recommended.

Still, Japanese cars are the most reliable overall, leading 15 of 16 categories in Consumer Reports’ predicted reliability ratings. The Scion xD has the best predicted reliability score for all new cars with about 80% fewer problems than the average model.

Check out our full reliability history charts and predicted reliability on hundreds of 2009 models, plus a list of what’s up and what’s down, best and worst models, and a comparison chart of brands (for subscribers).

Comments

[Michael Karesh]

I have a couple questions I hope someone there can answer. David Champion wasn't able to at the release event.

1. What month were most surveys returned? (April?)

2. What was the average problem rate for 2008 models?

It would also be good to know the average problem rate for each of the "blob" scores, and for as many years as possible. But if generating these numbers is too much work, I understand.

[Desiree Calamari]

Dear Michael,
I checked with our Survey Dept. and the answer to your first question is April and May.
I'm still researching #2.
Desiree Calamari
Associate Web Editor
Autos

[david]

Desiree,

In your 2009 survey, could you break out the different Corvette models? Dividing it into coupe, convertible, and Z06 trims would be great. Z06 have different engines. It would be similar to CR breaking out the MB E-class into V-6 and V8 trims.

Thanks,

david

[Desiree Calamari]

Our Survey Dept. informs me that we had broken out the Corvette Z06 from the regular Corvette, but not the Coupe from Convertible. We did not sufficient reliability data to report on the Z06.

[Desiree Calamari]

Dear Michael, We have the Average Problem Rates chart in "Reliability Histories Detailed ratings 1999-2008" that gives the the average problem rate for each blob.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/used-cars/reliability/reliability-histories-406/index.htm

[david]

Thanks Desiree. That's great. I guess that is way I saw a different satisfaction rating for the Z06 versus the regular Corvettes. Too bad we did not get each responses for the reliability rating. It would be wonderful to have this data ... I am thinking of getting the previous generation Z06.

david

[mike blais]

does anyone have feedback on the new WV Jetta sportwagon diesel TDI

[julio cesar]

I´m trying to buy a new car, between a journey and a camry but i don´t know which one i can choose. Could you recomend me something?