Survey: SUVs are top choice as consumers consider their next vehicle purchase

Over half of Consumer Reports online subscribers plan to buy or have recently purchased a new vehicle, and SUVs are the number-one pick for those still considering which vehicle type to buy, according to a recent survey. The popularity of SUVs signals a return to larger, versatile vehicles, despite the steep prices at the pump last year that led to a surge in small car sales. These findings are from a recent survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center that included more than 2,000 interviews of ConsumerReports.org subscribers.

Survey respondents who recently bought sport/utilities, or anticipated buying one, had several reasons for why they considered SUVs to have unique benefits and advantages over other vehicle types. Space, convenience, and perceived safety are three examples cited by at least a third of CRO subscribers.

Leading reasons to purchase an SUV

63 percent said they need extra cargo space
59 percent said they like to sit up high and see over other cars
51 percent said they need all-wheel drive to handle bad weather
41 percent said the SUV's versatility is worth the lower gas mileage
37 percent said they feel safer in a SUV
31 percent said they don't like the image of minivans
27 percent said they need room to carry more than five people

SUVs can range in size and price, and all of the reasons listed above show why they appeal to various types of drivers. (See our in-depth SUV buying advice and Ratings.) 

It should be noted, however, that because of their taller height, SUVs as a class are not as nimble as passenger cars and have a greater rollover risk in emergency handling maneuvers. Also, their added weight compromises fuel economy. For these reasons, and more, a station wagon or minivan are worthwhile alternatives.

Station wagons--like a Subaru Outback--and even some hatchbacks combine the cargo-carrying flexibility of a small or midsized SUV with the comfort, fuel economy, handling, and performance that can rival a sedan. Even a small hatchback such as the Honda Fit can provide a lot of cargo room for its size. Also, all-wheel drive is not limited to SUVs. An increasing number of cars are offering AWD.

Read our wagon buying advice and ratings, available to online subscribers.

—Maggie Shader with the Consumer Reports National Research Center

2009 Annual Auto Reliability Survey: 10 best and worst models

Just because a model is reliable doesn’t mean it is recommended by Consumer Reports. Four out of the top 10 most reliable vehicles don’t perform well enough in our tests for us to recommend them. The opposite happens as well—some vehicles that score well in our testing are not recommended because they have below average reliability. Seven out of the 10 least reliable vehicles have high enough test scores to be recommended, but their poor reliability prevents them from reaching that recommended status. So, it’s important to look at both performance in our tests as well as reliability because a high scoring car isn’t always a smart purchase choice if it isn’t reliable.

Our 2009 Annual Auto Survey reveals the best and worst vehicles in reliability based on our subscribers’ experiences with 1.4 million vehicles over the past 10 years (2000-2009). Our data helps determine which used cars to choose as well as to forecast how the 2010 models will hold up.

The vehicles listed below are the top 10 most and least reliable new cars in our reliability survey. Models with an asterisk (*) are based on data of one model year only. Click on the vehicles below to visit the model overview pages to see how they performed in our tests and also view a more-detailed look at reliability broken down by 17 potential trouble spots. (Model overview pages are available to online subscribers.)

Most reliable vehicles, listed in order of Ratings score starting with the best score.

1. Honda Insight*
2. Lexus SC*
3. Toyota Venza (4-cyl.)*
4. Mercedes-Benz GLK*
5. Toyota Yaris Hatchback
6. Toyota FJ Cruiser
7. Honda Fit*
8. Toyota Prius
9. Scion xD
10. Toyota 4Runner (V6)

Least reliable vehicles, listed in order of Ratings score starting with the worst score.

1. Volkswagen Touareg*
2. Jaguar XF*
3. Chevrolet Colorado (4WD)
4. GMC Canyon (4WD)
5. Ford F-250 (turbodiesel, 4WD)*
6. BMW 535i (AWD)*
7. Chrysler Town & Country
8. Dodge Grand Caravan
9. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (turbodiesel)*
10. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (V8)

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 

2009 Annual Auto Reliability Survey: Domestics vs. the imports

Asian vehicles continue to lead in car reliability, but a number of domestic and European automakers are showing improvements. Of the 48 models with top reliability scores, 36 are Asian—Toyota accounts for 18; Honda, eight; Nissan, four; and Hyundai/Kia and Subaru, three each. The rest come from Ford with eight; Mercedes-Benz, one; Volkswagen, two; and Volvo, one.

European brands continue to improve in reliability with a significant rebound from Mercedes-Benz and improvements from Volkswagen and Audi. Most Volvo and Porsche models have also done well in our survey.

Ford leads the domestics with about 90 percent of models scoring average or better in our survey. Overall 20 of the 48 GM models have average reliability, but only the Chevrolet Malibu V6 has above average reliability in our survey. Last year, we couldn’t recommend any Chrysler product due to low test scores and poor reliability, but this year the 4WD Dodge Ram did well in our tests and has average reliability. However, more than one-third of Chrysler products are much worse than average in reliability.

The graphs below show the percentage of models that rate above average, average, and below average for Asian, European, and American brands.

 

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 

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 

2009 Annual Auto Reliability Survey: Best and worst models by car maker

It is easy to assume that certain automakers build only reliable cars and others don’t, however, nearly every manufacturer have their share of winners and losers in our annual reliability survey. Each company and even brand product portfolio runs a spectrum of reliability performance, with its own best and worst examples. For some, the range can span from much better than average to much worse than average, whereas other may be centered around average. The key lesson from scanning the data within an automaker is not to make assumptions.

For example, the best Toyota Motor Company model in our reliability survey is the Lexus SC—its predicted reliability score is the second highest out of over 300 vehicles, but the worst is the Lexus GS (AWD), which scores in the bottom 10 percent, and receives a much worse than average rating, and is not recommended in our testing. While it is true that Lexus models tend to be reliable and test well, this is not the case for all Lexus vehicles.

The greatest disparity comes from Volkswagen. The VW Golf (aka Rabbit) is one of the most reliable small cars you can buy, but the Volkswagen Touareg has the lowest predicted reliability score in our 2009 Annual Auto Survey.

In most cases, the best model for reliability is a recommended model and the worst is not. However, Honda’s top reliable vehicle in our survey, the Honda Insight, is not recommended due to low scores in our testing. The least reliable Honda vehicle is the Acura RL, but it has an average reliability score and is recommended. Honda is one of the more consistent manufacturers and has no model that scored below average in reliability.

The two more reliable General Motors products are from two brands that are leaving the GM umbrella. The Saturn Aura (4-cyl.) is newly recommended this year and the Pontiac Vibe will be phased out in the coming months.

Below are the best and worst models in reliability. Models with an * are based on data of one model year only.

BMW
Best: BMW 328i (RWD)
Worst: BMW 535i (AWD)*

Chrysler
Best: Jeep Patriot
Worst: Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan

Ford
Best: Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan (4-cyl.)
Worst: Ford F-250 (turbodiesel, 4WD)*

General Motors
Best: Chevrolet Malibu (V6)
Worst: Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon (4WD)

Honda
Best: Honda Insight*
Worst: Acura RL

Hyundai/Kia
Best: Hyundai Tucson
Worst: Kia Sedona

Mazda
Best: Mazda3 sedan
Worst: Mazda CX-7

Mercedes-Benz
Best: Mercedes-Benz GLK*
Worst: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (turbodiesel)*

Nissan
Best: Infiniti M35 (RWD)
Worst: Nissan Versa sedan*

Subaru
Best: Subaru Impreza Outback Sport
Worst: Subaru Impreza WRX*

Toyota
Best: Lexus SC*
Worst: Lexus GS (AWD)

Volkswagen
Best: Volkswagen Golf (Rabbit)
Worst: Volkswagen Touareg*

Volvo
Best: Volvo S40 (FWD)*
Worst: Volvo XC90 (V8)*

The main take away from this information is don’t judge a book by its cover. Avoid assumptions and do your research before you buy your next vehicle. It takes just a few minutes to browse the model overview pages, or use the interactive new car selector tool, which sorts and filters by the parameters that matter most to you.

Either path will reveal Consumer Reports recommended models that did well in our road tests, score average or better in reliability, and performs at least adequately if included in government or insurance industry safety tests.

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 

Consumer Reports 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey – Who’s up and who’s down

Ford has secured its position as the only Detroit automaker with world-class reliability, according to Consumer Reports’ 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey. About 90 percent (46 of 51) of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln products were found to have average or better reliability. The results now available online in the car types pages, new car selector, and on the model overview pages—all available to online subscribers.
 
Ford’s sustained production of vehicles that are as dependable—or better than—some of the industry’s best dispels the notion that only Japanese manufacturers make reliable cars. Other than the Toyota Prius, the reliability of the four-cylinder Fusion and Milan ranks higher than that of any other family sedan. Both of those Ford Motor Company products continue to beat the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, while the upscale Lincoln MKZ tops its rivals, the Acura TL and Lexus ES.
 
The findings are based on responses on 1.4 million vehicles owned or leased by subscribers to Consumer Reports or its Web site—the biggest response in the Annual Auto Survey’s history. Consumer Reports’ expert team of statisticians and automotive engineers used the survey data to predict reliability of new 2010 models. Predicted reliability is CR’s forecast of how well models currently on sale are likely to hold up. 
 
Other key findings:

The Lin­coln division has had mixed results: some models score below their Ford equivalents. All-wheel-drive versions of the Lincoln MKS, MKX, and MKZ are below average.
 
The least reliable vehicle, the Volk­swagen Touareg, is 27 times more likely to have a problem than the most reliable car, the Honda Insight.
 
Twenty of 37 small cars have above-average predicted-reliabil­ity including the Honda Fit, Scion xD and Volkswagen Golf.
 
Even good brands falter. Among the least reliable vehicles in their respective classes are the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS, the Nissan Versa sedan, and the Subaru Impreza WRX. The Lexus GS AWD is the only Toyota mod­el with below average reliability.
 
Some newer GM products are bright spots. Overall 20 of the 48 GM models Consumer Reports surveyed have aver­age reliability scores. (GM has a number of strong contenders either just released or in the pipeline, but they are too new for CR to have reliability data on them.)
 
More than one-third of Chrysler products are much worse than average, including its new car-based SUV, the Dodge Journey. Last year, Consumers Reports couldn’t Recom­mend any of its products either because of mediocre performance, poor reliability scores, or both. However, this year CR can rec­ommend: the four-wheel-drive ver­sion of the redesigned Dodge Ram 1500 pickup.
 
Of the 48 models with top reliability scores, 36 are Asian—Toyota ac­counts for 18; Honda, eight; Nissan, four; and Hyundai/Kia and Subaru, three each.

With only a few exceptions, Japanese vehicles are consistently good. All Honda and Acura products have average or above average reliability.

Hyundai and Kia continue to make reliable cars. The Hyundai Elantra and Tucson, and the Kia Sportage get top marks. Only Kia’s Sedona minivan and Sorento SUV score below average.

European brands continue to improve. Mercedes-Benz has significantly rebound­ed, with most models average or better. Scores from rival BMW are more mixed.

Volkswagen and Audi are also staging a nice reliability recovery. The Volkswagen Rabbit (Golf) and the new CC earn top scores.

Porsche has one serious hic­cup this year: The Boxster drops to below average, which strikes it from Consumer Reports Recom­mended list. But the Cayenne SUV im­proved to average.

Full reliability history charts and predicted-reliability ratings on hundreds of 2010 models, plus a list of what’s up and what’s down, best and worst models, and a comparison chart of brands can be found online in the Guide to Reliability, in the December issue of Consumer Reports, and in the latest Consumer Reports Cars publication, Best & Worst for 2010 on sale November 17, 2009, everywhere magazines are sold.

Survey: Why are consumers holding off on car purchases?

Overall, 40 percent of American consumers are delaying buying a new car, according to latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. Respondents who said they are considering the purchase of a used car exclusively (75 percent) and those planning to buy a new car (63 percent) were far more likely to report a delayed new-car purchase than consumers who do not expect to be in the car market soon (31 percent).

Consumers are putting off buying a new or used vehicle because

Current vehicle is in good shape	72%
Concerned about the weak economy	61
Vehicles have become too expensive	49
Vehicle financing is too expensive	41
Waiting for incentives to get better	31
Concerned about losing job, or have lost job	29
Expect vehicle prices to drop	28
Vehicle financing is difficult to obtain	26
Concerned the brand may go bankrupt	16

The random, nationwide survey found drivers reporting a median of 23.1 mpg with their current vehicles, though they have higher expectations when it comes time to purchase. In-market car shoppers sought just 25.2 mpg in their next ride, though those who aren’t yet ready to buy will expect 30.0 mpg.

Clearly the economy has a limiting effect on major purchases, though consumers may also be looking for more fuel-efficient choices. Based on other data collected, when they are ready to buy, they will also place a high value on quality and safety, as well.

For more insights into car-buying today and American consumer behavior, read the full Auto Pulse report.

—Jeff Bartlett with the Consumer Reports National Research Center

Survey: Car buyers look to buy American, sound off on concerns

American consumers are favoring U.S. automakers, with 79 percent in a recent nationwide survey reporting that they are very likely or somewhat likely to buy from a domestic company. Just half were likely to consider an Asian make and 37 percent said European. However, purchase consideration varied widely among Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors, revealing significant changes in interest from a year ago. These results are from the latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. (Read "Car buyers are thinking American, with Ford, GM up; Chrysler down.")

Ten percent of all survey respondents are more likely to purchase Ford products now, compared with consumers’ views a year ago. General Motors purchase intent has remained relatively static, with just a one percent increase. Chrysler, on the other hand, saw a dramatic 28-percent decrease in reported likelihood to purchase. Interestingly, more respondents were willing to consider a used Chrysler product than a new one despite the reliability risks. Propensity to purchase from automaker versus a year ago:

New-car buyers

Ford	+17 percentage points
General Motors	-6
Chrysler	-25
Used-car buyers
Ford	+15 percentage points
General Motors	+7
Chrysler	-17

Among those respondents who are somewhat less or much less likely to consider buying from a U.S. automaker than a year ago, including buyers and non-buyers, the chief complaint for both Chrysler and Ford was that their product offerings aren’t appealing. However, the leading General Motors complaint was concern for the company’s future and its economic condition. Looking specifically at the responses from new-car buyers reveals true differences in brand perception.

	Chrysler	Ford	GM
Product offerings don't appeal	57%	67%	49%
Company’s economic condition	43	42	58
Concern about company’s future	44	30	46
Product quality	43	25	47

The strong doubt about General Motors’ corporate health stands out, as the company emerged from bankruptcy weeks prior to the survey being conducted by telephone from July 30th to August 3rd. Also, consumers are drawn to Ford for its corporate health and product quality, despite more than two-thirds finding the vehicles unappealing.

The domestic automakers will need to prove their viability to consumers to regain their interest. Ford, in particular, must freshen its portfolio to fully capitalize on its potential, before either the competitors shape up or consumer patriotism wanes. (See how these automakers compare in our tests and reliability data in the “Detroit report cards.”)

For more insights into car-buying today and American consumer behavior, read the full Auto Pulse report.

—Jeff Bartlett with the Consumer Reports National Research Center

Survey: Why aren’t consumers buying cars now?

Forty percent of American car owners have delayed purchasing a new vehicle, based on the latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. The leading reason for putting off buying is that their current car is still in good shape (72 percent).
 
The cars may be running well, but just like you, they aren’t getting any younger. The survey found that the typical vehicle in the United States is roughly eight years old, achieving a median of 23.1 miles per gallon. (Those not in the market reported the highest fuel efficiency, likely due to owning more recent models, at 23.7 mpg.)
 
Other leading reasons for the delayed purchases, include concern about the economy (61 percent), new vehicles being too expensive (49 percent), and waiting for better incentives (31 percent).
 
Real and perceived economic hardship and desire for cost-savings are important influences on buying behavior. Concern for losing a job (29 percent), expectation car prices will lower (28 percent), and financing being difficult to obtain (26 percent) are factors for many consumers.
 
Have you delayed replacing your current vehicle? Tell us why in the comments below.
 
For more insights into car-buying today and American consumer behavior, read the full Auto Pulse report.
 
—Jeff Bartlett with the Consumer Reports National Research Center