2009 Annual Auto Reliability Survey: A high price doesn’t mean it’s reliable

Paying more for a new car doesn’t guarantee that it will be reliable. Inexpensive small cars and midsized family sedans are the most reliable vehicles according to our 2009 Annual Auto Survey, which is based on our subscribers’ experiences with 1.4 million vehicles.

Twenty of out of 37 small cars and 21 out of 41 family cars have above-average predicted reliability. Minivans are at the bottom of the list, but there are not as many minivan options. See how the other vehicle categories fare below.

Car type	% of models rated average or better
Family cars	91%
Small cars	84%
Small SUVs	83%
Upscale cars	78%
Compact pickups	74%
Midsized SUVs	74%
Full-sized pickups	68%
Luxury cars	67%
Sporty cars	62%
Upscale/luxury SUVs	55%
Large SUVs	50%
Minivans	43%

When it comes to buying a new car, you do not need to spend top dollar. It pays to do your research and find the model that meet Consumer Reports’ stringent requirements to be recommended, as well as your budget.

For more details on our 2009 Annual Auto Survey including the full list of most and least reliable new cars by vehicle type, see our reliability report. Also, check out our guide to car reliability for more details on new and used car reliability as well as owner satisfaction.

—Liza Barth 

Ford builds Transit Connect passenger vans to avoid "chicken tax"

When my colleague Jim Travers and I had a chance to drive the new Ford Transit Connect, we kept asking ourselves the same question: Is it a commercial van or a passenger van? Ford said it was initially aiming for commercial buyers. Yet almost every time we saw a Transit Connect on the auto show circuit, it was set up with a three-passenger rear seat and side windows. (Taken a step further, we could envision it configured as a small camper.) There was a clear disconnect between presentation and reality.

We’re not the only ones left wondering if this is a passenger vehicle or not. Port authorities must wonder, as well. It turns out, the vehicles are both, and poultry is to blame.

The Ford Transit Connect is converted from passenger to cargo vehicle when it arrives in the United States, thanks to the "chicken tax," according to the Wall Street Journal. The so-called chicken tax is a 25-percent levy on imported commercial trucks and vans levied by President Lyndon B. Johnson in retaliation for a tariff Germany placed on American chicken exports. At the time, the only foreign automaker selling trucks in the U.S. was Volkswagen with its Transporters.

Since then, almost all foreign carmakers have sought creative ways to circumvent the tax. At first, Volkswagen marketed its Transporters as "station wagons" complete with up to 23 windows and seating for up to nine passengers. Later, VW and other automakers built factories in the U.S. and moved production of its trucks there.

Now, according to the WSJ, Ford has found a new way around the tax for its Transit Connects. The company reportedly ships all the vans from Turkey, where they are built, to the United States with rear seats and windows installed. As passenger vans, they are subject to a much lower tariff of 2.5 percent.

When they arrive here, they are shipped to an independent company, where the rear windows and seats in most Transit Connects are removed. The windows are replaced with solid panels to turn the Transit Connects into cargo vans. The seats and glass are then shredded and recycled.

We’re enthusiastic about the Transit Connect and the prospect of seeing it replace less-efficient large vans. But even if Ford found this is the cheapest way to bring them here, this seems like an enormous waste of energy and natural resources. On the other hand, it may mean a passenger version may be relatively affordable to offer, should there be demand.

—Eric Evarts

Tires Q&A: How to choose the right tire for a Honda Odyssey

In our ongoing series of Q&A blog columns, we will highlight common and interesting questions posted to our Car forums, with answers from our automotive experts.

Question: I'm looking for some advice about tire sizing. I'm very interested in using the Michelin HydroEdge tires on my 2003 Honda Odyssey van. However, the size available for my van (225/60R/16) does not meet the load rating requirement.

I've noticed a lot of people are using this tire on the van over at TireRack, but I haven't seen any mention of the sizing. If I were to go up to a 235/60R/16 I would meet the load rating.

My question: Will there be any negative consequences of moving to a slightly wider tire? Perhaps lower mileage?

I'm also interested in the Goodyear Assurance TripleTread but the same issue applies for this tire.
 
Any good advice for choosing tires for this van? I'm looking for something that will last a good while and be very good in the rain.  

Answer: This issue is to swap-out Euro-Metric tires for P-Metric tires on the Honda. The Odyssey came with Euro-Metric tires, also called “Hard”-metric tires by some. This size designation is common in Europe, whereas in the U.S. a “P” precedes the size designation. The two size designation systems are similar, but not the same, adding to the confusion of making a tire purchase.  

In the case of the Odyssey, replacing the Euro-Metric original equipment tire with the same “size” P-metric version would result in load capacity shortfall of 44 pounds. (The load capacity and load index, a code that coincides to the load capacity both can be found on the tire’s sidewall.) Multiply that by four tires and the load capacity in down 176 pounds.   Most tire retailers may sell the tire in the two designations interchangeably, but tire manufacturers won’t recommend switching. Our advice when buying new tires is to follow the recommendations made by automobile manufacturer by replacing tires with the same size and load index as listed on the tire placard. The placard is usually found on the door jamb, under the fuel fill cover or in the glove box of most cars. With this knowledge, you can find a tire that best meets your performance and budget needs in our ratings.

—Gene Petersen

Before buying, be sure to consult our car, truck, and winter tire ratings and buying advice. And check out our new, interactive tire ratings tool.

2009 Frankfurt Motor Show: Ford Grand C-Max to join mini-minivan market

Announced this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford says it will jump into the mini-minivan market with its European Focus Grand C-Max when it introduces the next generation of the van in late 2011. As the name implies, the Grand C-Max is based on the overseas Focus, though this taller people mover has sliding rear doors and seating for seven. A smaller five-passenger C-max is not planned for U.S. sale.
 
The Grand C-Max will join an underrated sub-class of mini-minivans here in the United States. There are only two such vehicles on the market today, and neither setting the sales charts on fire: the Mazda5 and the Kia Rondo. However, both are efficient, smart packages that have performed well in our tests and make appealing alternatives to more traditional car types.
 
The C-Max will have a new four-cylinder Ecoboost engine, with turbocharging and direct injection. Ford estimates the Grand C-Max will have about 180 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. At least in Europe, the vehicle will offer start-stop technology that turns off the engine when the car is stopped and restarts it when needed, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Electronic aids such as blind-spot detection and Ford’s semi-automatic parking system will be available.
 
The C-Max will give Ford dealerships an alternative to a more traditional crossover vehicles and SUVs—an important proactive move in a tough economy and with tightening fuel economy regulations. Chevrolet will offer a similar concept when their small Cruze-based people mover, the Orlando, goes on sale in 2011, as well.
 
Check out our Kia Rondo and Mazda5 road tests, available to online subscribers. Read our minivan buying advice, highlighting the best-in-class minivans.  For more on the C-Max and other upcoming vehicles, see our New Car Preview section.
 
—Eric Evarts

Connecting with the Ford Transit Connect

Ford dropped off a new Transit Connect at our Connecticut test track this week to let our engineers and editors try it out this week. Colleague Eric Evarts and I, both with admitted geekish gearhead tendencies and previous owners of various minivans, trekked out to the 327-acre Auto Test Center from our New York headquarters to get some seat time.

For those of you who haven’t yet connected with the Transit Connect, it is a tall, commercial version derived of the Focus and built in Turkey. It is designed for local, urban deliveries and for relatively light payloads. Ford is hoping to find a ready market with small contactors and delivery service, who find a full size van or pickup too much truck for their needs. Plans for the Transit Connect in the U.S. don’t include a diesel power plant, although European buyers do have that option.

The carmaker has displayed various incarnations of the Transit Connect at major car shows, decked out in everything from kayak outfitter gear to more traditional contractor getups and even a taxi cab. At the New York auto show, they displayed several examples, including a family friendly model.
http://onlocation.consumerreports.org/ny-auto-show/Default.asp

But the contractor-friendly van delivered to our track is pretty basic inside. There’s lots of painted metal and plain plastic—none of which is a problem. But our loaner has a back seat, which, while not necessarily a bad idea, is not something normally expected in work vans. It eats into the cargo area, and it seems to send a mixed message about who the target buyer really is. The key message here is the vehicle’s huge cargo volume and relatively high load capacity at 1600 lbs.

That said, the Transit Connect is relatively fun to drive. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in our loaner provides adequate oomph, though no more. Without a load heavier than Eric and I, it handles reasonably well with a responsive steering system, making it more fun to drive than larger vans. We actually enjoyed driving it more than some new cars we have driven recently.

Time will tell how the Transit Connect does in the marketplace, but at least two of us think it’s a good idea. It might even make a decent mini motor home replacement for those VW Campers in our past.

What do you think?

—Jim Travers

Free Volkswagen Routans from The Oprah Show

The king-maker of midday, Oprah Winfrey will give away Volkswagen Routan minivans on her popular television program this summer. In 2004, The Oprah Winfrey Show gave away 276 Pontiac G6’s, making a massive media splash in the process. Promoted as making dreams come true, many winners faced with taxes on their winnings were not able to keep their cars. Presumably, the smaller-scale VW promotion will go smoother. (There are reportedly two Routans up for grabs, and neither will look like the "O Edition" here made up from our test Routan.)

But does a free car mean it is a good car?

Nope. The Pontiac G6 scores 49 out of 100 in our tests. Its token “high” is the controls. “Lows” include just about everything else: Noise, sloppy at-the-limit handling, steering, braking, ride, fit and finish, seat comfort, turning circle, and reliability.

Of course, this is a different year and different vehicle. The Routan is built by Chrysler, with limited modifications to its Town & Country/Dodge Caravan minivans. The T&C Limited scores 64 in Consumer Reports testing, and it is not recommended due to predicted reliability being much worse than average. (See our video review.)

The VW version is distinguished with a more familial grille, a soft dash top, and retuned suspension and steering that gives it a slightly more responsive and taut feel. However, the result is less than convincing. While we have not completed testing on our Routan, the Chrysler engines in other minivans are a bit noisy and not particularly fuel efficient. The cleverest elements from the platform -- the second-row seats that fold into the floor known as "Stow and Go" or the "Swivel-and-Go" seating—are absent from the Routan. Although the large bins under the floor that the seats stow in are still very useful for storage.

Volkswagen is banking on the Oprah effect to goose minivan sales and raise awareness. And it is probably a safe bet. (Unless, of course, Oprah is the touch of death: Pontiac is about to be put to pasture…)

In the first six months of 2009, the Town & Country has sold 43,737 units, according to Automotive News. The Dodge Caravan is close at 41,747. Volkswagen sales are just a fifth that at 8,290, a figure that is less than half the total produced. Before reading into the comparison, the Routan has outsold the Eos, Golf/GTI, New Beetle, Passat, and the Rabbit— only the CC and Jetta outsell it in VW’s lineup. (Links in this paragraph go to model overview pages, where online subscribers can review ratings, pricing, reliability, and road tests.) Comparing the before and after sales will be complicated by the impact of Chrysler idling the manufacturing plant for weeks during its bankruptcy proceedings, thereby reducing supply to better match demand. That said, I’m still curious…

Bottom line:
While Oprah can be seen at many times as the champion for the underdog, there is no mistaking this relationship—VW ads and “sponsorship” make it apparent.

Be skeptical of celebrity endorsements. And do your own research on your next new or used vehicle, trusting independent sources such as Consumer Reports that are free from advertiser influence. If you can find them.

Also read: "Word jumble–How should Volkswagen spell Routan?"

—Jeff Bartlett

Driving with more than two kids

Fitting car seats can be a puzzle made more challenging with the need to transport multiple children. I have two children in car seats (one rear-facing and the other forward-facing) and recently had my 9-year-old niece with us for the weekend. We only have a small car and small SUV, so she had to squeeze between the car seats. We first tried the SUV (Toyota RAV4), but couldn’t access the center seat belt, because it was wedged under the forward facing convertible seat and wouldn’t move so that she could access it. We ended up using our Toyota Corolla. It was still a tight squeeze (luckily my niece is slender), but all kids were able to safely buckle up

When I was a child, back during simpler times, we would all pile in the car or station wagon. Car seats weren’t available, so it was easier to carpool and drive together. It made for lots of fun in the back seat. Obviously, the invention of child car seats has greatly improved child safety and reduced child crash deaths, but it also meant a change in the driving culture. If you want to drive more than your brood, you may need to install an additional child safety seat--if you have room in your current car. Progress has meant we lost the ability to car pool other kids, and thereby save gas and help our friends.

We were lucky that my niece doesn’t need to use a car seat, but if we had to fit another child in a car seat, we would most likely have a problem. The move from two to three kids in regards to transportation is difficult. Many people I know who have three children buy a minivan, but others decide they don’t want the stigma of a minivan and choose a 3-row SUV instead. However, they end up sacrificing fuel economy for image.

The good news is you may not necessarily have to “upsize” to transport more children. With the right car seats, you can potentially fit three across in some vehicles, but it requires buying narrow car seats. We recently posted our updated convertible car seat Ratings (available to online subscribers) where we list our recommendations for car seats that offer the best potential for fitting more than two children in the back seat. Armed with this information, you may be able to transport the family and friends without super-sizing your vehicle, saving money that could be used for college.

See our new car selector to compare vehicle fuel economy, plus check out our Ratings and buying advice on infant, convertible, and booster car seats.

—Liza Barth

From the logbook: Volkswagen Routan

School’s almost out and road trip season beckons. And having mapped dozens of trips all around the country, I don’t think there’s anything better to drive than a minivan – especially with kids. These vehicles offer the best combination of seating and cargo-carrying flexibility ever.

One of the newest (well, sort of) models is the built-in-Canada Volkswagen Routan. However, despite the German engineering tag line, this is a merely a Chrysler minivan in disguise. (Some have taken to combining its pedigree and moniker, Chrysler and Routan, into a tasty new name: Crouton.) While Volkswagen made some exterior styling changes, according to the company, most of the money was retuning the suspension and steering. Unfortunately, the van is powered by Chrysler’s noisy and inefficient 3.8- and 4.0-liter V6 engines. (See our Chrysler Town & Country ratings and road test, available to online subscribers. Watch our Chrysler and Dodge minivans video.)

Our SEL model with the 4.0-liter engine rang in at $36,215 before we bargained for some substantial discounts. These vans are not exactly flying off dealer lots, so there’s a lot of room for haggling.

How does it all work? Can VW turn some American iron into European sophistication? Have a look at the book:

“A Town & Country by another name – comfortable ride, but lots of rattles inside with shaky seats and plastic panels.” [But another tester countered, saying the VW was “slightly better than the Chrysler-branded products, but that isn’t saying much.”]

“Feels nothing like a VW.”

“Still has dead steering on center [as well as] loose body control.”

“Feels too bouncy on side roads.”

“Engine has good power and transmission is responsive and smooth.”

“Road and wind noise are quite high.”

“Not comfortable to drive – seat needs more lumbar.”

“Lack of telescope steering wheel makes it tough to find a good driving position.”

“Six adults traveled into and out of Boston and everyone hated the seats.”

“Shifter on dash is awkward – the huge steering wheel blocks the ‘PRND.’”

“Main gauges pick up too many reflections.”

“Some very clunky, plasticy interior components (center console, glove box, etc) – not characteristic of VW.”

“Certainly no Odyssey or Sienna, but the VW treatment benefits the van. Chrysler should adapt the suspension and dash modifications ASAP.”

“Like putting lipstick on a pig.”

In the end, only a few people thought the Chrysler-to-VW transformation works, with a few comments saying that the suspension, steering and brakes are a step-up from Detroit’s original. Most didn’t see where VW supposedly spent money improving the van. We’ll have more on the Routan in an upcoming road test.

—Mike Quincy

Minivans, mom-mobiles, and the best choices for family haulers

Minivans became popular in the mid-1980s, replacing station wagons with clever packaging. But over time, they became stigmatized and derided as “mommy-mobiles.” Minivans can seat up to eight people and have versatile interiors, making them helpful for busy parents having to cart around cargo, kids and their friends, and sometimes both at the same time. They are the right transport for many families, and with continued concern for fuel economy and a cultural trend to more multi-generation families cohabitating (often out of economic necessity), minivan appeal may increase. Mommy mobile? You betcha.

Minivans have evolved since the Dodge Caravan defined the segment, but still remaining true to the original mission and basic one-box design. Over time, a shift toward SUVs caused the segment to shrink and uncompetitive models from Ford and GM got discontinued. More families decided to choose three-row SUVs instead as their primary family hauler, since it offered the same amount of seating, go-anywhere pretensions, keeping up with the Joneses notion, and a tougher image.

Minivans have become ever more refined with clever packaging, abundant safety systems, available AWD, improved reliability, and road-trip-ready entertainment systems. The Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are leaders in the dwindling class with excellent cargo space, a usable and comfortable third row, and both have better gas mileage than most three-row SUVs (19 mpg overall for the FWD versions of the Odyssey and Sienna).

In addition, minivans have been statistically safer. A recent study published in the Journal for Injury Prevention reported that SUVs are more dangerous than minivans. The study looked at crash data from 2000-2006 and found that children seated in minivans had a significantly lower risk of fatal and non-fatal injuries than those in an SUV. The rate was 35 percent less likely that a child would suffer an injury in a minivan and a 24 percent greater chance of fatality in an SUV than a minivan. Real factors that could influence these results include difference between driver psychographics/behavior and the increased risk for SUVs to rollover in crashes.

Interestingly, both Odyssey and Sienna both sell better than their three-row counterparts the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. However, across brands, there are more choices for SUVs than minivans.

Bottom line:
When researching your next vehicle, focus on the attributes you seek, rather than the car type. By doing so, you might find some surprising choices. For large families seeking a safe, roomy model with a comfortable ride, versatile interior, and respectable fuel economy, the right answer may be a minivan. In general, we’ve found minivans to be a good alternative to large SUVs. They’re less expensive, get better mileage, generally ride and handle better, and provide easier access to the third-row seat. Smaller families may see similar appeal with the Kia Rondo and Mazda5, two Consumer Reports recommended models that are somewhat hidden treasures.

What ever model you seek, the interactive New Car Selector can help you quickly sort and filter models down to the attributes that matter most to you.

—Liza Barth 

Minivans became popular in the mid-1980s, replacing station wagons with clever packaging. But over time, they became stigmatized and derided as “mommy-mobiles.” Minivans can seat up to eight people and have versatile interiors, making them helpful for busy parents having to cart around cargo, kids and their friends, and sometimes both at the same time. They are the right transport for many families, and with continued concern for fuel economy and a cultural trend to more multi-generation families cohabitating (often out of economic necessity), minivan appeal may increase. Mommy mobile? You betcha.

Minivans have evolved since the Dodge Caravan defined the segment, but still remaining true to the original mission and basic one-box design. Over time, a shift toward SUVs caused the segment to shrink and uncompetitive models from Ford and GM got discontinued. More families decided to choose three-row SUVs instead as their primary family hauler, since it offered the same amount of seating, go-anywhere pretensions, keeping up with the Joneses notion, and a tougher image.

Minivans have become ever more refined with clever packaging, abundant safety systems, available AWD, improved reliability, and road-trip-ready entertainment systems. The Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are leaders in the dwindling class with excellent cargo space, a usable and comfortable third row, and both have better gas mileage than most three-row SUVs (19 mpg overall for the FWD versions of the Odyssey and Sienna).

In addition, minivans have been statistically safer. A recent study published in the Journal for Injury Prevention reported that SUVs are more dangerous than minivans. The study looked at crash data from 2000-2006 and found that children seated in minivans had a significantly lower risk of fatal and non-fatal injuries than those in an SUV. The rate was 35 percent less likely that a child would suffer an injury in a minivan and a 24 percent greater chance of fatality in an SUV than a minivan. Real factors that could influence these results include difference between driver psychographics/behavior and the increased risk for SUVs to rollover in crashes.

Interestingly, both Odyssey and Sienna both sell better than their three-row counterparts the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. However, across brands, there are more choices for SUVs than minivans.

Bottom line:
When researching your next vehicle, focus on the attributes you seek, rather than the car type. By doing so, you might find some surprising choices. For large families seeking a safe, roomy model with a comfortable ride, versatile interior, and respectable fuel economy, the right answer may be a minivan. In general, we’ve found minivans to be a good alternative to large SUVs. They’re less expensive, get better mileage, generally ride and handle better, and provide easier access to the third-row seat. Smaller families may see similar appeal with the Kia Rondo and Mazda5, two Consumer Reports recommended models that are somewhat hidden treasures.

What ever model you seek, the interactive New Car Selector can help you quickly sort and filter models down to the attributes that matter most to you.

—Liza Barth 

Mother’s Day: Happy Moms on the road

Moms are always on the run whether it’s commuting or acting as the family chauffeur--driving kids to school, activities, a friend’s house and daily errands, Moms always seem to be in the car and on the go.

In commemoration of Mother’s Day, check out our ideas for family friendly vehicles and tips on how to help Mom on the road. For those looking for a new car, here are some recommended models that have done well in safety tests, in reliability ratings, and that we've found to be comfortable, quiet, and spacious during our testing, yet attain reasonable fuel economy.  In addition, we’ve also included models from some of our car testing staff, who also happen to be Moms, that are particularly functional and include features that make them easier to live with such as easy access, quiet, have good visibility, and particularly roomy and versatile interiors.

Minivans: The Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey minivans are roomy, comfortable and seat up to eight people. They have ample storage and above average reliability. The Sienna also offers AWD.

Mom’s pick: Let’s face it, if you add up all of the criteria that a Mom may need or want you're more than likely going to come up with a minivan.  But if you don’t need quite that much room or just aren’t quite ready to make the leap to a minivan consider the Mazda 5 or Kia Rondo. These somewhat smaller hatches give you roomy, versatile interiors that are minvan-like but aren’t quite as large or uncool.

Sedans: The Honda Accord is a good choice in a mid-sized sedan. It has a generous back seat and powerful four- and six-cylinder engines. Stability control is standard on all models and crash-test results are impressive. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, the Infiniti M is roomy and comfortable with a well-appointed interior and logical controls. All-wheel drive is also available.

Mom’s pick:  When the noise and chaos of the day put you on the brink of overload you may find some solace in the Toyota Prius Hybrid which his surprisingly more roomy than you might think and the quiet (at times silence) of the interior can have an almost calming effect for any crazed Mother.

SUVs: The Toyota RAV4 is comfortable, agile, and gets impressive fuel economy.  For a larger SUV or minivan alternative, the three-row Toyota Highlander scored high for its refinement, quiet interior, ride comfort, power, fuel economy, and flexible and roomy second-row seat. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers great fuel economy.

Mom’s Pick:  The Subaru Forester is also a great choice. It has a quiet cabin, very good fit and finish and a roomy backseat.  Kids also find the Forester easy to get in and out of and if you have to be out driving in poor winter conditions (and what snowbelt dwelling Mom doesn’t) the AWD can provide some additional security.

If you’re the Mom who always ends up with an extra kid or two, then you may also want to take a look at the Hyundai Santa Fe. It's another SUV where the optional third row can come in handy and is easy to raise and lower.

Hatchbacks and Wagons: The Volkswagen Rabbit hatchback is sporty, practical and fun to drive. It has a versatile interior and good crash-test results.

If a new car is not in the cards this year, you can help Mom by giving her a driving break on her special day. Many people hit the road on Mother’s Day to visit family. On this road trip, let Mom just relax in the passenger seat or even in the back seat. Let Dad drive and have kids play a leading role in road trip preparations--getting directions (see our Ratings of GPS navigation systems), choosing activities and snacks, and bringing her favorite music or DVD along for the ride (including headphones). For more information on in-car entertainment, see our guide to mobile electronics. Better yet, Dads should be encouraged to take the little darlings out of the house so Mom can get some peace and quiet for a change.

By giving a Mom a break on the road it will ensure for at least one day she’ll be stress-free and prepared to take on Monday’s challenges.

—Liza Barth