When it comes to buying a new automobile or locating a used car, everyone has their own set of requirements. Some customers are looking for a secure vehicle, while others are looking for performance for a specific reason, and yet others are looking for a new automobile with the newest technology.
Most individuals, on the other hand, desire the greatest automobile available that they won’t have to take to the shop too often. Some manufacturers create more dependable automobiles than others, but as new technology is integrated into newly released models, choosing companies based on reputation has grown increasingly difficult.
Based on Consumer reports dependability ratings for new automobiles and the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability research from three model years ago, as well as reader feedback.
Mazda:
For the second year in a row, Mazda outperformed Lexus and Toyota in Consumer reports dependability rankings. While this may be related to Toyota’s stumbles last year, Mazda has been steadily climbing the survey rankings for some years. Older versions, including the Mazda6 and MX-5 Miata sports vehicle, are still dependable.
Newer automobiles, such as the revamped Mazda3 and Mazda CX-5, are likewise more trustworthy than second-year models. In addition, the Mazda range as a whole is praised for its aesthetic and driving characteristics. Mazda is currently one of the most premium automobile options among major trustworthy car companies.
Genesis:
The Hyundai Group’s new luxury business is already receiving accolades for the way its cars drive, but it also receives top marks for dependability. It won J.D. Power’s 2021 reliability assessment by 11 points over Lexus among three-year-old automobiles. Some of this is due to the fact that early Genesis models used outdated technology, which was not considered in Consumer reports car assessment.
In 2021, Genesis ranks 15th among the most dependable brands. More issues have been reported by both magazines with current Hyundai and Kia vehicles, which will ultimately share Genesis parts. It remains to be seen if the brand can maintain its position at the top of the rankings, but these figures are encouraging.
Buick:
Buick has shown to be a dependable brand throughout the years, and is often the most dependable American brand, debunking the myth that only Japanese brands perform well in these studies. Buick’s portfolio is small, and its models have had a few years to iron out some early issues. Despite being the brand’s oldest vehicle, the Encore compact SUV has shown to be quite dependable among contemporary models. The new Enclave three-row SUV’s early problems were ironed out.
The Regal and LaCrosse, as well as the Cascada convertible, have done well among retired models. Buick has also reported fewer issues with infotainment systems and other electronics than Cadillac, another GM brand.
Lexus:
Lexus has slipped a notch in the rankings as it overhauls its range with a slew of new models and technologies. Even yet, owing to the extensive usage of established mechanicals, it has shown to be a reliable brand in numerous tests. Established models like the ES, RX, and the recently discontinued GS score highly and are among the finest options for new or lightly-used vehicles since both gasoline and hybrid powertrains are still hassle-free.
However, the company’s most recent infotainment system has gotten mixed reviews, and Lexus is working on upgrades that should enhance the system’s reliability.
Porsche:
Porsche’s new and three-year-old vehicles continue to score strongly in dependability assessments, defying the trend among European automakers. The company’s sports cars, like as the 718 and 911, have few documented issues, but higher-volume vehicles, such as the Panamera and Cayenne, have. In 2021, its six-strong portfolio outperforms BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover.
The one sour note has been the new Taycan electric car, which was recently chastised by Consumer reports for its poor first-year dependability.
Toyota:
Toyota, like Lexus, has built a reputation for dependability. It also holds up for consumers searching for secondhand automobiles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota sixth among three-year-old automobiles, and evergreen vehicles like the Corolla, Camry, and Prius sedans, as well as the Sienna minivan and Highlander SUV, remain trustworthy.
However, Consumer reports claim that Toyota is currently launching new models with hit-or-miss mechanical reliability in their early years. In addition, the company’s most recent infotainment systems require certain upgrades in order to please customers.
Honda:
Honda has had a difficult few years as issues with its long-running popular vehicles, such as the Civic small and the CR-V crossover, have surfaced. Honda’s engine and gearbox troubles appear to be resolved in 2021. Consumer reports noted substantial gains in 2021 for these standbys, despite the brand scoring below average in the J.D. Power survey. There are still some infotainment issues, and the Odyssey and the freshly launched Passport have low dependability, according to the newspaper.
In both polls, Honda’s Acura subsidiary has reliability issues, despite the fact that the firm has produced more reliable automobiles in recent years than Nissan and its Infiniti branch.
BMW:
BMW’s technical flaws of a decade ago have mainly been worked out, making it another manufacturer with substantial dependability gains in recent years. In 2021, BMW takes the top spot in luxury automobiles for the first time. It has also constantly improved its mechanicals, earning a spot in the top ten of the J.D. Power assessments.
New versions of the 3 Series and X5 have also received high dependability rankings from Consumer reports, which is noteworthy given how recently they were upgraded. Regardless, except for Lexus, BMW’s scores outperform full-line luxury manufacturers, putting it far ahead of Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and even Infiniti.
Chevrolet:
Except for Buick, Chevrolet is the only domestic brand that received high marks for both new and three-year-old vehicles. While this still doesn’t bode well for American-branded automobiles, it does provide some direction for customers looking to purchase from the United States, since its three-year-old vehicles outperformed the survey average. Consumer reports, on the other hand, observed that the brand’s full-size pickup trucks and the Bolt electric car had lately improved in terms of reliability. Several versions are also more dependable than mechanically comparable GMC trucks. GM, on the other hand, phased out several of its more dependable models, such as the small Sonic and Cruze, as well as the full-size Impala, while launching numerous new SUVs.
Volkswagen:
Volkswagen’s dependability record is spotty, and many buyers consider the brand to be one of the most difficult and expensive to repair. It has, however, lately ironed out several issues and has a lineup that has shown to be very reliable. J.D Power ranks VW sixth among three-year-old vehicles, not far behind Toyota. Consumer reports also discovered that several of Volkswagen’s more recent redesigns, such as the Jetta and Tiguan, receive comparable grades.
However, there is still room for improvement, since the Atlas three-row SUV continues to have issues, and the Golf and Golf GTI hatchbacks don’t always deliver consistent performance. However, it looks like Volkswagen is on the correct road.
Other Known Brands:
The whole Fiat Chrysler cars such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have been afflicted with flaws throughout the years for both new and three-year-old vehicles, and are among the brands that have continuously recorded difficulties. According to J.D. Power’s assessment, all four brands are at the bottom, with Chrysler coming in second-worst overall. However, Consumer reports claim that there have been some improvements, citing the new Jeep Gladiator’s high dependability ratings in its first year.
While earlier Ford and Lincoln models were able to overcome certain dependability issues, the brand has been gradually phasing out older models such as the Fusion and Continental, replacing them with the troublesome redesigns of the Escape and Explorer. The new Lincoln Aviator SUV also carried over some of Ford’s flaws. Not only are there issues with the electronics, but also with the mechanical and bodywork.
Audi was once one of the most dependable European manufacturers, and popular models like the A4, A5, and A6 continue to be shining points for the firm. Consumer reports, on the other hand, recently awarded the new Q3 small SUV and the e-Tron electric SUV a poor dependability rating. J.D. Power ranked the brand slightly below the national average.
Although J.D. Power does not evaluate Tesla, Consumer reports have been rating its automobiles for several years, with mixed results. In its first year, the Tesla Model Y received poor ratings, whereas the Model 3 and Model S are occasionally praised. And the Model X has experienced a slew of issues since its launch. Consumer reports grade Tesla’s batteries and motor systems well, but its infotainment and bodywork poorly, given rival companies’ difficulties with new electric cars.
Top 15 Brands: Overall Scores Out of 100 points (Consumer reports)
- Mazda: 80
- BMW: 78
- Subaru: 76
- Porsche: 76
- Honda: 75
- Lexus: 75
- Toyota: 74
- Chrysler: 74
- Buick: 72
- Hyundai: 71
- Audi: 71
- Infiniti: 70
- Nissan: 68
- Dodge: 67
- Genesis: 66
Least Reliable Brands Overall Scores (Consumer reports)
- Acura: 59
- Chevrolet: 58
- Ford: 57
- GMC: 57
- Jaguar:54
- Lincoln: 53
- Jeep: 48
- Mitsubishi: 46
- Land Rover: 46
- Alfa Romeo: 44
Most Reliable Vehicles (Consumer reports)
- Toyota Prius
- Lexus NX
- Buick Encore
- Lexus GX
- Honda HR-V
- Toyota Prius Prime
- Hyundai Kona
- Audi A5
- Audi A4
- Mazda CX-5
Least Reliable Vehicles (Consumer reports)
- Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500
- Subaru Ascent
- Volkswagen Atlas
- Jeep Compass
- Volvo XC90
- Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon
- Tesla Model S
- Jeep Wrangler
- Ford EcoSport
- Volvo XC60