Even though a lot of buyers prioritize getting the latest technology in their new car purchase, reliability should still a key factor. Thanks to the internet, you don’t have to personally kick the tires on every car in every lot in town just to find a reliable ride. A good place to start is Consumer Reports, which just released its list of the most and least reliable cars.
We reported last week that Subaru is now number one on CR’s list for most recommended brands. However, what may be surprising is that only one of Subaru’s models, the Crosstrek, also made CR’s list of most reliable cars.
10. Mazda CX-5
9. Lexus NX
8. Honda Fit
7. Kia Sedona
6. Mazda6
5. Toyota Prius
4. Subaru Crosstrek
3. Toyota Prius Prime
2. Lincoln Continental
1. Toyota Prius C
As usual, Toyota takes up a few spots on this list, but it’s only the Prius family that does so. Knocked off the list is the Sienna minivan, that got edged out by the Kia Sedona, which is a bit of an underdog in the family hauler segment. It’s also nice to see Jalop favorites such CX-5 and Mazda 6 make the cut. The Continental is a bit of a surprise, especially since no one seems to be buying them. According to
GoodCarBadCar, Lincoln sold fewer than 9,000 Continental sedans in 2018.
And now for the bad news: If you are using the Consumer Reports reliability data to determine which cars to avoid, things are not looking good for General Motors.
10. Volkswagen Atlas
9. Cadillac CTS
8. Alfa Romeo Giulia
7. Kia Cadenza
6. Cadillac Escalade
5. Cadillac CT6
4. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
3. Tesla Model X
2. Buick Enclave
1. Jaguar F-Pace
Half of that list are cars from GM, most of which are Cadillacs. The Jaguar and Alfa probably won’t shock too many buyers, but the Volkswagen Atlas is a popular car for families and the inclusion of it on this bottom ten could hurt its sales in a very crowded and competitive segment.
What buyers should keep in mind when referencing these lists is exactly what aspects of the car did CR find troublesome; just because a car is deemed not as reliable as others doesn’t mean it’s going to leave you stranded on the highway.
Furthermore, cars like the Giulia and F-Pace are more often leased as new models instead of purchased for long term ownership. If you are the type of buyer who only drives cars within the warranty period then moves on to another model, these rankings may not hold as much weight.
To see the full details of each report visit Consumer Reports.