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Consumer Reports: Tesla and other U.S. car manufacturers drop in rankings

By on October 24, 2018

SAN JUAN – Consumer Reports’ (CR) latest Annual Auto Reliability Survey, which collected data from its members about their experiences with more than half a million vehicles, found that Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler and Tesla are among the brands that tumbled in the organization’s predicted new-car reliability rankings, which were announced Wednesday.

The nonprofit membership organization that provides product testing and ratings said every U.S. automaker landed in the bottom-half of its reliability rankings. Ford ranks the highest at 18, down three spots from the previous year. Right below Ford on the list is Buick, which had performed well in recent years and was in the top 10 last year. Cadillac is the worst-rated domestic manufacturer and ranks near the very bottom at 28.

Asian brands, led by Lexus, Toyota, and Mazda, in that order, continue to be the best for new car reliability in CR’s survey. Seven of the top 10 brands in this year’s reliability rankings are from Japan and South Korea, including Subaru, Kia, Infiniti, and Hyundai.

Three European brands, Audi, BMW, and Mini, round out the top 10. Audi and BMW both declined from last year. Three other brands, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz, finished midpack. Volvo finished last overall.

Tesla fell six spots from last year and now ranks third-worst (27 out of 29).

“Time and again, consumers tell us that reliability is what matters most when it comes to choosing a vehicle that will meet their families’ needs,” said Marta L. Tellado, president and CEO of Consumer Reports. “That’s why we conduct this exhaustive survey each year—to equip people with the trustworthy information they need to make confident choices, which in turn helps drive the market toward even greater reliability.”

Consumer Reports’ prediction of new-car reliability is a key element of CR’s Overall Score. The score also includes road-test performance, owner satisfaction survey results, whether a vehicle comes with key safety systems, and results from crash tests, if applicable.

For more information on CR’s annual #CRCarReliability survey, visit CR.org/reliability.

Newly Recommended Models with Improved Reliability

Cadillac XTS Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Suburban Chrysler 300
Dodge Charger Infiniti QX60
Lincoln Continental Mazda CX-9
Mazda MX-5 Miata Mini Cooper
Mini Countryman Nissan Armada
Nissan Maxima Subaru Impreza
Volkswagen Golf Volkswagen Tiguan
Source: Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Surveys 2013-2018

No Longer Recommended Models with Declining Reliability

BMW X1 BMW X3
Chrysler Pacifica Ford Fusion
Genesis G90 Honda Clarity
Honda Odyssey Kia Cadenza
Lincoln MKZ Mercedes-Benz E Class
Tesla Model S
Source: Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Surveys 2013-2018

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