2009 Annual Auto Reliability Survey: Where Ford really stands

Since we announced the results from our latest auto reliability survey, there has been a lot of buzz—and a wide range of interpretation—in the media and blogosphere about Ford’s strong showing. On one hand, I’ve seen a headline that said Ford is number one. (It’s not.) And I’ve seen writers wondering aloud if we’re shilling for the company—casting it in an overly rosy light. (We’re not.)
 
We are always glad to see an automaker raise the level of quality and reliability in its cars. It’s good for consumers who don’t want the hassle and expense of a lot of problems down the road. But, let’s be clear: while Ford is easily the best of the domestic automakers in terms of reliability, it’s still no Toyota or Honda. (Read our full report on car reliability.)
 
Here’s the picture in nutshell:
Toyota and Honda clearly dominate in reliability. They have five of the top seven brands in our ranking: Scion, Honda, Toyota, Acura, and Lexus. All of their models are average or better. Of the 48 models that get our top predicted-reliability rating, 17 are built by Toyota and seven by Honda. That’s half. If you just look at the top 10 models, seven are built by Toyota and two by Honda. (The other is a Mercedes-Benz.) And of the 16 vehicle categories for which we have predicted-reliability ratings, nine are topped by a Toyota-built vehicle and two by Hondas. Overall, that’s a pretty convincing case.
 
When it comes to Ford, we’ve said that it’s the only Detroit automaker that’s building cars with world-class reliability. What do we mean by “world class”? Ninety percent of the 51 models for which we have data are average or above. It is the only American automaker to earn our top rating, received by eight of its models. And only five models are below average. That’s also impressive.
 
Here are some highlights:
The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are among the top models in the family cars class, under only the Toyota Prius. Six versions rate higher than any versions of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, which have typically done very well in our survey results and are often perceived as the paradigms of reliability.
 
The front-wheel-drive Lincoln MKZ tops the upscale cars category, beating out such high-scoring competitors as the Acura TL and Lexus ES. The front-wheel-drive Ford Edge and V6 Mustang rank near the top of their classes. And most other Ford-built models are in the upper half of their categories.
 
Despite all of this goodness, Ford still has its weaknesses. The mighty Ford F-250 turbodiesel 4WD pickup has the fifth worst score in the survey results. The front-wheel-drive Lincoln MKS is at the bottom of the upscale cars category. And three all-wheel-drive Lincolns (MKS, MKX, and MKZ) were also below average.

So, of the 33 brands that we rank, Mercury came in at number 10.  Ford ranked at 16th (still made the top half), and Lincoln’s problematic models sank it to 20th place. (In contrast, Buick, which is GM’s highest-ranked brand, is 19th and Jeep, Chrysler’s highest, is 30th.)

The bottom line
Ford has made some very reliable vehicles, right in there with other generally reliable Asian automakers Honda, Toyota, and the company has been able to maintain that consistency for several years now. So, yes, we think that’s worth a hearty attaboy. But, no, Ford is not yet at the top of the heap.

For more information, visit our guide to reliability. See how the automakers compare (available to online subscribers).

 —Rik Paul

Just In: 2010 Lincoln MKS

For 2010, Ford’s big Lincoln MKS news is the availability of their EcoBoost turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. This engine comes mated only to the MKS’s optional all-wheel drive. That makes some sense, given that the 355-hp would likely overwhelm the front wheels alone. According to EPA numbers, the EcoBoost drivetrain has slightly better fuel economy than the standard 3.7-liter all-wheel drive version, yet has much more power.

To see how it all works, we bought a 2010 MKS with the EcoBoost. Our fairly loaded “hot rod Lincoln” has the “Ultimate” Package, including a moon roof and swankier leather seats, and the Navigation Package. Adding 20-inch polished wheels brought the price to $52,770. It’s curious that the MKS has an integrated blind spot mirror in each side mirror rather than offering the electronic BLIS blind-spot detection system found on more prosaic Fords.

One question comes to mind: What if instead of using EcoBoost to improve performance over the reasonably quick 3.7 liter, Ford had sized the engine to maintain the same performance while significantly improving fuel economy? That answer will have to wait for later EcoBoost applications.

Meanwhile, we’ll see if this MKS improves on the unsettled ride and lack of agility we complained about in our previously tested MKS.

—Tom Mutchler

Cash for clunkers: American cars

The “Cash for clunkers” program intended to jump start auto sales is in full gear. The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) allows consumers to trade in their gas guzzler for an instant credit toward the purchase of a more fuel-efficient vehicle based on specific qualifications.

All automakers are hoping to benefit from the potential sales surge. In particular, Chrysler and GM could benefit from a sales boost to coincide with their exit from bankruptcy.

If you are considering junking your old car and want to buy from an American brand, then check out our list of domestic vehicles that qualify for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program. All models listed are also Consumer Reports recommended, which means they must have performed well in Consumer Reports' tests, have average or better reliability, and, if crash-tested, provide good overall safety. In addition, we list the owner cost score, which factors in depreciation, fuel, interest, insurance, maintenance and repair, and taxes over the first five years. A much more detailed view of owner costs, for three, five, and eight years as well as full ratings, reliability, safety and more are available in the model overviews for each new car (available to online subscribers).

For comparison, we have included the overall mpg from Consumer Reports’ tests to illustrate real-world fuel economy numbers. To judge the benefits from making a switch, we used these figures to calculate the annualized fuel costs based on 12,000 miles a year at an average price of $2.50 a gallon for gas. We assumed the trade-in vehicle had 18 mpg. If the overall EPA mpg is less, then the fuel savings would increase. (Compare your fuel economy scenario.)

Make & model	EPA mpg	CR's overall mpg	Annual CR fuel costs	Minimum fuel savings	Cost of ownership score (1-5 years)
Chevrolet HHR	24	24	$1,250	$417
Chevrolet Malibu (4-cyl.)	26	25	1,200	513
Ford Escape (4-cyl.)	21	21	1,429	238
Ford Escape Hybrid	28	26	1,154	595
Ford Focus	27	26	1,154	556
Ford Fusion (2010)	25	24	1,250	467	N/A
Ford Fusion Hybrid (2010)	39	34	882	897	N/A
Ford Mustang	20	20	1,500	167
Ford Taurus	21	18	1,667	238
Lincoln MKZ	21	20	1,500	238
Mercury Mariner	23	21	1,429	362
Mercury Mariner hybrid	28	26	1,154	595
Mercury Milan	23	21	1,304	362
Pontiac Vibe	28	29	1,034	595
Saturn Aura XR V6	20	20	1,500	167

For more information about the program, visit our Cash for clunkers special section.  To get advice on whether it is the right time to buy a new car, see our post Is Cash for Clunkers for you? Visit our New car buying and leasing forum to share your experience and give advice to others making the trade.

—Liza Barth

Also read:

Cash for clunkers: Recommended cars that qualify for a voucher
Cash for clunkers: The best gas guzzlers to junk
Cash for clunkers: Compare the fuel savings
Cash for clunkers: Fuel and owner costs
Cash for clunkers bill cuts fuel consumption–running the numbers

Car brands: Who owns what?

The auto industry is very complicated these days, with constant change across all corners of the globe. The worldwide economic slowdown dictates widespread cost reductions, inspiring partnerships and changes in ownership. Further confusing the scene are past commitments between companies: For example, the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is based on a Mercedes-Benz platform–even though Chrysler and Mercedes are no longer joined at the hip.

To help clear up some of the confusion, here is a road map to navigate who owns what brands among the major companies that sell in the U.S. car market.

BMW owns: BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce

Fiat owns: Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Lancia, Maserati; Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep–20-percent stake

Ford Motor Company owns: Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo (for now), and still owns 13.4 percent of Mazda

General Motors owns: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC. Also owns a controlling interest in Daewoo, as well as Opel and Vauxhall in Europe and Holden in Australia. (Pontiac to be discontinued)

Honda owns: Honda, Acura

Hyundai owns: Hyundai, Kia

Tata Motors (India) owns: Jaguar and Land Rover

Mazda (partially owned by Ford)

Mitsubishi

Daimler AG owns: Mercedes-Benz and Smart

Nissan owns: Nissan and Infiniti (Nissan is owned by Renault--France)

Porsche owns: Porsche and a majority share in Volkswagen

Subaru (A controlling interest of Subaru is owned by Toyota)

Suzuki

Toyota Motor Company owns: Lexus, Toyota, Scion, Daihatsu and Hino Motors, with a stake in Fuji Industries (Subaru’s parent company) and Isuzu

Volkswagen owns: Audi, Volkswagen, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and overseas SEAT and Skoda.

In formal negotiations to be sold:
Hummer: Tengzhong (China)
Saturn: Penske Automotive Group
Saab: Koenigsegg (Sweden)

--Liza Barth

Just In: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

“Didn’t we test two of these already?” asked my colleague Eric Evarts. Yep. This is the third Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr that we’ve tested in five model years. (We tested a 2006 Zephyr and a 2007 MKZ.) Although we consider the name change to be a step back—Zephyr and Aviator were pretty good names, rather than a bunch letters that follow some obtuse branding scheme—Ford otherwise keeps on making substantial improvements.

The MKZ’s platform-mate, the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan, was thoroughly freshened for 2010, so the Lincoln follows suit. (Follow the links for ratings and reviews.) It had already received a strong 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic back with the 2007 name change, and it finally got stability control (a big omission in this class) for 2009. For 2010 it gets a new fascia, making it hard to tell apart from our MKS that sits across the parking lot.

More important changes include better noise isolation and a revised interior that looks less like a throwback to the days of the Ford Fairmont. (I wish they had also moved the center-mounted stop light to the trunk lid, like they did on the 2010 Fusion/Milan, to improve rear visibility over the high rear deck.)

Our modestly equipped front-wheel drive MKZ has the Technology Package (basically HID headlights) and a power moon roof. It rings in at $37,160. I have to admit, this poses something of a head-scratcher, especially if you compare it to the Fusion. The Fusion SEL we’re testing lacks the MKZ’s 3.5-liter V6 and the dual full-power and ventilated front seats. And the Lincoln is somewhat quieter and more posh inside.

But our nicely-equipped Fusion drives well, like the Lincoln. The 3.0-liter V6 works well. (You could get the 3.5-liter in the Fusion Sport, if desired.) Our Fusion has blind-zone detection and a backup camera, options Lincoln doesn’t let you buy without the added cost of a navigation system. (You’d think the “Technology” package would include those technologies.) Finally, the Ford is nearly $9,000 less than the Lincoln. It’s hard to see the added $9K of value in the MKZ.

Perhaps even more troubling: There are a lot of excellent cars in this class for the same price or less, including the Acura TL and Infiniti G37. Indeed, even the larger, plusher, and faster Hyundai Genesis we tested is $1,000 less than the Lincoln.

Our first impression? The MKZ is a very quiet and pleasant car—just like its Fusion sibling.

—Tom Mutchler, photo by Mike Leung.

Top 40 Best Deals on American-Made Cars

Memorial Day is a time to commemorate the sacrifices made by men and women to protect our freedoms and values. It is a time to rally around the flag, with picnics, parades, and yes, car sales. In the patriotic spirit, our Auto Price Services team has studied the market and compiled these best deals on American-made cars for the holiday weekend.

Made in America
Buying an American-made car puts a new car in your driveway, and it also stimulates the economy from the automaker down through the parts suppliers, factory workers, and neighborhood dealerships. Given the recent announcements from Chrysler and General Motors that they will be making drastic cuts in the number of franchised dealerships, there will now be a greater drive than ever for these stores to make a deal. Likewise, their competitors will also offer significant discounts.

As is the case with our Best New Car Deals, to make this list, a vehicle must meet our stringent requirements to be recommended. Specifically, the vehicle must have performed well in Consumer Reports' tests, have average or better reliability, and, if crash-tested, provide good overall safety. Vehicles also must not have tipped up in the government rollover test.

To truly judge the deals, we factored customer rebates as well as hidden dealer incentives, as available in our new car price reports. From a list of all discounted models, we whittled it down to the 40 American-made models that meet our recommended criteria and offered the greatest discounts.

The list showcases a diverse assortment of 11 brands, reflecting the global nature of the auto industry and the reality that most companies build cars in the United States. (Conversely, many models from Chrysler, Ford, and GM are imported from other countries.)

While pro-America motives may fuel your purchase, be sure to research the models that best suit your needs and budgets, weighing the potential risks in choosing from a brand in bankruptcy proceedings or being divested, such as Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, and Saturn. Tremendous up-front savings can be overshadowed by excessive depreciation unless you plan on keeping the car longer than five years. There also may be limited dealer access.

Regardless of the model that catches your eye from this list, buying these models will help keep America working and put you behind the wheel of a good car.

Make & model	Expires	MSRP	Invoice price	Customer rebate	Dealer incentive	Bottom line price	Potential savings below MSRP
2009 Nissan Titan SE 4X4 Crew Cab SWB	6/1/2009	$33,200	$30,061	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	25%+
2009 Ford Focus SES Sedan	6/30/2009	17,865	16,552	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Ford Focus SES Coupe	6/30/2009	17,865	16,552	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Nissan Armada LE 4X4	6/1/2009	47,860	43,562	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe	6/1/2009	29,160	26,734	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Convertible	6/1/2009	27,345	25,100	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew 157-in.	6/1/2009	34,760	31,303	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	20%+
2009 Ford Escape XLT 2.5L 4WD	6/30/2009	25,205	23,381	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Odyssey EX	6/1/2009	29,455	26,692	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Mercury Sable Premier	6/30/2009	29,380	26,917	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Ford Escape XLT 3.0L 4WD	6/30/2009	26,215	24,300	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Ford Taurus Limited FWD	6/30/2009	30,670	28,053	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Mercury Mariner Premier I4 4WD	6/30/2009	26,515	24,598	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Ridgeline 3.5 Auto RTS	6/1/2009	31,305	28,363	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Nissan Frontier 4.0 LE Crew Cab 4X4 AT	6/1/2009	29,190	27,045	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Mercury Mariner Premier V6 4WD	6/30/2009	27,515	25,508	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Auto 4WD SR5 Crew Max	6/1/2009	34,285	31,369	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Ford Taurus X Limited AWD	6/30/2009	34,175	31,272	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Camry 2.4 Auto Hybrid	6/1/2009	26,150	23,796	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Camry 2.4 Auto SE	6/1/2009	22,815	20,533	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Camry 2.4 Auto LE	6/1/2009	21,650	19,593	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Lincoln Navigator Luxury 4x4	6/1/2009	56,020	51,383	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 EL	6/30/2009	45,730	41,628	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Subaru Outback 2.5 Auto I	6/1/2009	23,295	21,907	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Toyota Camry 3.5 Auto V6 XLE	6/1/2009	28,695	25,823	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS I4	6/1/2009	18,700	17,922	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Passenger	6/1/2009	32,595	30,727	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1LT 4X4 Crew Cab	6/1/2009	34,295	31,723	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Mazda Tribute 2.5 Auto i Grand Touring 4WD	6/1/2009	26,375	24,681	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Subaru Outback 3.0R Limited w/Navigation Auto 4WD	6/1/2009	34,095	31,721	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Accord 2.4 LX-P	6/1/2009	21,905	19,869	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD	6/1/2009	35,295	31,969	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Mazda Tribute 3.0 Auto S Grand Touring 4WD	6/1/2009	27,635	25,856	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Honda Accord 2.4 LX-P 5AT	6/1/2009	22,705	20,592	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 HEV Auto	6/1/2009	26,650	24,976	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	15%+
2009 GMC Sierra 4WD Crew Cab SLT SWB	6/1/2009	41,855	38,716	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 A/T	6/1/2009	22,450	21,466	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Sedan	6/1/2009	21,040	19,728	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE Auto Sedan	6/1/2009	25,680	23,800	Yes	No	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+
2009 Honda Accord 3.5 EX-L V6 5AT	6/1/2009	28,955	26,240	No	Yes	Get the Bottom Line Price	10%+

—Jeff Bartlett and Michael Dempsey

 

2009 New York Auto Show: Behind the wheel with Ford Active Park Assist

Ford will soon roll out a self-parking system that promises to help the parallel-parking challenged sit back and let the car do the work. Much like the system introduced by Lexus a couple of years back, Ford’s Active Park Assist lets the driver sit back and watch the steering wheel spin back and forth as the car glides smoothly into an available space. But unlike the Lexus system, this one promises to be truly usable in the real world – at least some of the time.

Impressive as the Lexus system was when we first tried it, it had severe limitations in the name of safety. (See our claim check video on the Lexus self-parking system.) If you pressed the gas, it canceled out, making backing into a space on a hill impossible. It also needed a lot of room, because it had to get into a space on one try. It couldn’t jockey back and forth.

Active Park Assist addresses both of those concerns, and in a brief test drive, it got us into a space set up in front of the convention center several times without incident. It eased a demo Lincoln MKS back and forth into a space, relying on the driver to avoid hitting cars in front and back with the aid of ultrasonic sensors, a camera and audible signals. But the system still couldn’t be relied on to consistently get us close to the curb, neatly lined up with cars in front and back.

Still, progress is being made, and maybe parallel parking skills are destined to go the way of the manual transmission and clutch.

Active Park Assist will be available on the Lincoln MKS this summer, and it will follow on the Ford Flex, Escape, and Mariner in the fall. Ford says the price will be less than $1,000. 

—Jim Travers

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 New York auto show.

Ford and GM offer job-loss incentives to help boost sales

In an effort to stimulate car sales and boost consumer confidence, Ford and GM have announced their job-loss customer protection plans. Both incentives, similar to the Hyundai Assurance and AutoNation programs, are an effort to help consumers worried about job stability and making monthly car payments.

Ford’s program, called the Ford Advantage Plan, will cover payments of up to $700 a month for 12 months on any new Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury if customers lose their jobs. In addition, Ford announced zero-percent financing on select vehicles in their lineup. The program will run until June 1st.

General Motor’s program, called GM Total Confidence, will cover payments of up to $500 a month for nine months if you lose your job for economic reasons. In addition, during the first two years of ownership, GM will help protect the retail value of the vehicle at trade-in time if the outstanding principal loan is more than the NADA Clean Retail Value. All vehicles will be backed by a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistance and alternate transportation should your vehicle break down. The GM program is available on vehicles purchased from April 1st through April 30th.

The Hyundai program has produced a bump in sales; GM and Ford are hoping it will work for them, as well.

—Liza Barth

Upscale sedans—Road test and videos

Our February-issue car test group consists of upscale sedans, including some that blur the lines between upscale and luxury cars. The full road tests from the magazine have been posted at ConsumerReports.org, along with videos hosted by our automotive experts. These videos highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each model, bringing the road tests to life.

Tested upscale sedans include the redesigned Acura TL and Nissan Maxima plus, new models including the Hyundai Genesis, Lincoln MKS, and Pontiac G8. In addition, we tested the new Jaguar XF luxury sedan.

In the March issue, we’ll report on subcompact cars including the redesigned Honda Fit.

--Liza Barth

2009 Detroit Auto Show: Lincoln C concept--Not quite fully loaded

Lincoln used its press conference to introduce several new and updated models, including the 2010 MKT and MKS, but it was the C concept that was most intriguing. A small car with a relatively spacious interior, the C showcases a potential package for an urban commuter. It also demonstrated the potential for a future generation of Ford’s Sync infotainment system.

As demonstrated in a clever video, the C allows the driver to interact via natural-language voice commands with an intelligent interface, represented by an animated, human avatar. Being a connected, mobile device, the C demonstration included cell phone, text messaging, calendar, and smart music play list operations. The avatar named "Eva" brought the functions to life, acting as a digital assistant.

Lincoln went to great pains to show the hypothetical user putting on her safety belt and interacting responsibly with the Sync-like system when the vehicle was stopped. But, as you can see in the image, it is unfortunate that the concept doesn't seem to have the most basic safety device in the front seats—a head restraint.

—Jon Linkov

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show.

Addendum 1/20/09: In response to Freeman Thomas, director of Ford’s Strategic Concepts Group:

Thanks for the comment and clarifying the head-restraint function.
 
As you can see in these images, the driver¹s head-restraint was not deployed when the vehicle was on stage. In fact, going through our photos from the event, we find the driver's head rest was retracted in each image. On closer examination, we also do not see a seat belt in use in the photos.
 
The function as described in your comment is quite clever. As vehicles address head restraint requirements, visibility is hindered in many vehicles. If head restraints are only raised when an occupant is present, it would open up much over-the-shoulder and rearview-mirror visibility.
 
However, the driver's head rest should be present at all times when the seat is occupied. After all, head restraints provide important protection against whiplash from rear-end collisions -- a very common accident type that often occurs when a vehicle is not in motion, such as when stopped on a show stage.