Consumer Reports released their 2011 Annual Auto Survey yesterday and listed the most reliable vehicles in multiple categories. At Vehix, we’re committed to helping new car buyers save money and choosing a reliable vehicle is a great way to minimize trips to the dealership and keep your hard-earned cash in your pocket.
Like ratings from J.D. Power and Associates, Consumer Reports data is based on the voice of the consumer. In other words, actual vehicle owners complete surveys where they describe their ownership experience with their cars, trucks, suvs and vans. Wherever possible, we include reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates in our new car reviews. Along with safety and fuel-economy ratings, it’s one more fairly objective way to assess if a vehicle will meet your needs today and tomorrow.
But these two companies don’t always agree with each other, and as time goes on, these companies’ recommendations can change pretty dramatically. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes for the worse.
For instance, if you purchased the Consumer Reports “New Car Preview – 2012″ issue that is still found on many newsstands in late October, you’ll find a call-out over the photos of many vehicles that reads “Recommended.” Yet many of those same “recommended” vehicles are no longer recommended based on the data that was released October 25. Here are a few examples:
- 2012 Cadillac SRX is recommended in the New Car Preview yet Not Recommended in the 2011 Annual Auto Survey
- 2012 Ford Flex Ecoboost is recommended in the New Car Preview yet Not Recommended in the 2011 Annual Auto Survey
- 2012 Kia Sorento is recommended in the New Car Preview yet Not Recommended in the 2011 Annual Auto Survey
- 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is recommended in the New Car Preview yet Not Recommended in the 2011 Annual Auto Survey
Read: Consumer Reports list of vehicles that are no longer recommended (requires subscription)
Confused yet?
Do you trust the published 2012 guide or the 2011 survey?
Does it matter if a vehicle went from above average to average or average to below average in terms of reliability?
Our recommendation is to look closely at Consumer Reports reliability ratings as well as those from J.D. Power and Associates, yet don’t assume they are the final word on reliability. Because we all know people who have owned cars that are exceptionally reliable even though they’re poorly rated by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates (see the example of my brother’s 1999 Dodge Durango). At the same time, you know people who curse their supposedly reliable vehicle that is nothing more than a shiny lemon.
With that bit of warning and opinion, let’s take a look at Consumer Report’s latest list of the most reliable new cars by category.
Consumer Reports Most Reliable New Cars for 2012
Click the vehicle names to read reviews. Vehicles with an asterisk (*) are the “most reliable and recommended” vehicles.
Small Sedans / Hatchbacks
- Scion xD *
- Honda Fit *
- Scion xB *
- Chevrolet Volt *
- Mazda3 *
Family Cars
Upscale / Luxury Cars
- Lexus CT 200h *
- Lexus ES *
- Acura TL *
- Lexus IS Sedan *
- Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
- Lincoln MKZ (AWD)
- Lexus LS *
Sports Cars, Coupes and Convertibles
Wagons / Minivans
Small SUVs
Mid-sized SUVs
Luxury / Large SUVs
Pickup Trucks
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- Vehix 2011 March Motor Madness Bracket
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Tags: 2011 Lexus IS, 2011 Lincoln MKZ hybrid, 2012 Acura TL, 2012 Chevrolet Volt Review, 2012 Mazda Mazda5, 2012 Mazda3, 2012 Mazda5 Review, 4Runner, Accord Crosstour, Accord Crosstour Review, Acura MDX, Acura RDX, Acura TL, chevrolet volt, Chrysler 200, Consumer Reports, Consumer Reports Most Reliable Vehicles, Crosstour, ford fusion hybrid, Honda CR-Z, Honda Fit, Honda Ridgeline, Infiniti QX56, Lexus CT 200h, Lexus ES, Lexus ES 350, Lexus LS, Lexus LS Review, Lexus LX, List of most reliable cars 2012, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mazda3, MIata, Most reliable cars 2012, Nissan Titan, Ridgeline Review, Scion xB, Scion xD, Subaru Forester, Titan, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander, toyota prius, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Venza, Venza
It is in reality a nice and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
I always use Consumer Reports as a basis when purchasing a car. I especially like old consumer reports as my specialty is in purchasing used vehicles. However, I wouldn’t strictly rely on just CR as a basis for purchasing a car. I also use Edmunds, MSN Autos, and forums when deciding how “reliable” a car actually is.
Craig,
Good suggestion. There are many reliable sources to assess the value and reliability of vehicles and we recommend people use at least a few before they commit their cash to a new car.