Subaru Tops Consumer Reports' List

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Consumer Reports Automaker Report Cards 2012: Subaru Drives Into Top Spot as Honda Slips

YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Riding a wave of impressive redesigned models in the last few years, Subaru for the first time has earned the top score in Consumer Reports automaker report cards for 2012.

Subaru's score of 75, two points higher than last year, reflects better test scores for such redesigned models as the Impreza, Legacy, and Outback over the last few years. The 2012 Impreza, which Consumer Reports just tested, now tops the small-sedan class and is the Consumer Reports Top Pick in that category. Subaru's average road-test score of 82 is the highest in Consumer Reports analysis.

Honda, which had been the perennial winner for the past four years, slipped two points to fourth place among 13 major automakers, behind Mazda and Toyota. Honda has been hurt by several redesigned models—including the Civic and Odyssey—that didn't measure up to their predecessors. Honda models, however, are still among the most reliable on the road overall.

Toyota remains among the top three automakers for the fifth straight year, buoyed by consistently above-average reliability and most vehicles have high test scores.

Consumer Reports automaker report cards reflect the performance, comfort, utility, and reliability of more than 275 vehicles that CR recently rated, providing a perspective on which manufacturers are building the best all-around models. Each automaker's overall score is based on the average road test scores and reliability ratings for all of its models that CR has tested.

"While Japanese automakers still hold the top five spots, their lead is shrinking. In some of Honda's and Toyota's recently redesigned models, cost-cutting has become more noticeable," said David Champion, senior director, Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center.

Mazda showed the most dramatic improvement among the 13 manufacturers rated by Consumer Reports. It climbed to second place from last year's seventh and increased its overall score by nine points. It was helped by an improved Mazda3 and the shedding of two models that dragged down its score, the Tribute SUV and RX-8 sports car.

On the other hand, Ford dropped the farthest, from fifth place last year to 10th. Ford's road-test score improved by two points over last year's, but subpar reliability of some new vehicles, due largely to the troublesome MyFord Touch infotainment system and Power-Shift automatic transmission, hurt its report-card grade.

"GM and Chrysler are building nicer cars with each redesign. Still, their scores are dragged down by several older designs that score low in Consumer Reports testing or have reliability issues," Champion said, "As more new products are introduced, their fortunes could change if they can improve their overall reliability."

Although Chrysler remains in last place, its overall score jumped eight points, making it the second most improved automaker. Chrysler's average road-test score also increased by eight points, the most of any automaker, and its overall reliability improved to average. The turnaround can be credited mostly to Chrysler's extensively freshened and redesigned vehicles.

Europe a mixed bag:

Volvo earned the best grade of any European automaker, thanks in part to a big improvement in the redesigned S60 sedan. Still, average reliability and less-than-stellar test scores kept it from making further progress.

Like Toyota and Honda, Volkswagen's redesigns of some of its best-selling models, including the Jetta and the Passat, dropped in Consumer Reports road-test scores. The Jetta once provided an upscale alternative to more common small cars, but its new interior is stingy and handling is lackluster, eroding that advantage. The Passat has evolved from a sportier midsized sedan to a larger, more mundane, less sophisticated car. The change has brought mixed results. On the other hand, the redesigned Audi A6 and A8 posted big gains in CR's road tests.

Despite having frustrating controls, BMW and Mercedes-Benz models are nicely finished and well-mannered on the road, and they get high scores in Consumer Reports road tests. And though reliability has climbed to average for both carmakers, they were hurt by the reliability of some popular models. Mercedes' flagship S-Class sedan joined the company's large GL SUV with subpar reliability. The reliability of some turbocharged Mini Coopers and the 5 Series hurt BMW's grade.

The complete report and scores for all 13 automakers in Consumer Reports automaker report cards for 2012 is available in the April issue of Consumer Reports on newsstands March 6th or at ConsumerReports.org starting February 28, 2012.

Some manufacturers were not included in Consumer Reports automaker report cards for 2012. In order to give an overall score, Consumer Reports must have both road-test data and sufficient reliability data from its Annual Auto Survey on at least four models. CR did not have sufficient data on enough models from Jaguar, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Porsche, and Suzuki to calculate a score. Ratings on individual models from those makers are available at ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

APRIL 2012

The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports®, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent commercial use of its materials, its name, or the name of Consumer Reports®.

SOURCE Consumer Reports

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The 2012 Automotive Report Card: Which Brands Are The Best?

by Pete Bigelow | AOL Autos

Posted: Feb 29, 2012

The results of the annual Consumer Reports automotive report card caught a lot of people by surprise when they were released Tuesday – not necessarily because of which automaker claimed top honors, but because of which automaker did not.

A wave of redesigned vehicles helped catapult Subaru into the top position for the first time. It had finished second in last year’s ranking, and buoyed by recent successes with the Outback and Impreza, it improved two points this year to finish with an overall score of 75.

Subaru’s rise to the top meant that Honda’s four-year run as the top automaker among the 13 ranked was over. Honda drifted into fourth-place overall, and the problems caused by last year’s Japanese catastrophes didn’t seem to play much of a factor.

David Champion, Consumer Reports director of research, gave a blunt assessment of the automaker’s chief problem.

“They seem to be cheapening vehicles," he told The New York Times. "It's almost like a role reversal of where the domestics were 10 to 15 years ago."

Mazda showed the most dramatic improvement in this year’s rankings, rising from seventh place to second. Toyota finished in third place.

Overall, Consumer Reports editors and researchers tested 275 models from 13 automakers in reliability and road-test performance. Here’s a more in-depth look at what they found:

1. Subaru

Of all the automakers included in the Consumer Reports automaker report card, none ranked higher than Subaru, which inched upward two points to an overall score of 75 this year. And of all Subaru’s models, none tested better than the Impreza, which inched past the Hyundai Elantra to claim the top pick in the small-sedan class.

The Impreza, redesigned for 2012, got high marks for a smooth ride that “rivals some luxury sedans,” according to the report card and a roomy interior. Its combined fuel economy of 27 mpg is impressive, especially considering the Impreza is an all-wheel drive vehicle.

Subaru has been on a sales tear the last few years, winning over more and more customers to its solidly reliable vehicles that come packed with plenty of utility and arguably the best all-wheel-drive system (standard in all Subarus) in the auto industry. This crowning by Consumer Reports should help he Japanese brand even more.

2. Mazda

Among the 13 manufacturers rated by Consumer Reports, Mazda showed the most dramatic improvement, climbing into second place overall after a seventh-place finish only one year earlier. Consumer Reports cited an improved Mazda3 as a key factor in the company’s rise.

The model enjoys an all-new six-speed automatic transmission that highlights the manufacturer’s Skyactiv-Drive technology. The Madza3 earns high marks for fuel efficiency as well, reaching 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

3. Toyota

Of the ten categories in which Consumer Reports named a winner this year, Toyota took home best-in-segment prizes in five of them. Toyota remains among the top five automakers for the third consecutive year in the CR report card, largely because most of its vehicles bring home high test scores.

The revamped Camry Hybrid could be considered the best of the bunch. It earns plaudits for its combined 38 mpg and "crisper handling," says the CR report. Other keys include its smooth ride, quick acceleration and improved interior.

"Combined with the improved Camry, Toyota’s ability to maintain a competitive lead among hybrids and SUVs is a big factor in its strong presence on this year’s list," said Consumers Reports automotive editor Rik Paul.

4. Honda

Honda, winner of the past three overall Consumer Reports automaker reports cards, has been dethroned. It finished fourth in this year’s report, as its overall score slipped two points. Consumer Reports notes that Honda has been hurt by several redesigned models, including the Civic and Odyssey, that "didn’t measure up to their predecessors."

It's the second time in three years that no Honda models claimed a best-in-segment prize. But the report notes that despite the shortcomings that sunk the automaker in this year’s ratings, Hondas are overall "still among the most reliable on the road."

5, Nissan

After an eighth-place finish last year, Nissan ticks up three positions in this year's rankings to No. 5. Consumer Reports editors attribute the automaker's rise to steady increases in its reliability and road-test performances.

Its sub brand Infiniti G earned top honors in the sports sedan category, as analysts noted its "blistering acceleration" and well-crafted interior, making it one of the highest-scoring overall sedans in the rankings.

Nissan's fifth-place position solidifies a solid showing for Japanese automakers, who dominated the Top 5 this year. But there's some caution to be heeded, says David Champion, Consumer Reports director of research.

"While Japanese automakers still hold the top five spots, their lead is shrinking," he said.

6. Volvo

For the second consecutive year, Volvo remains ahead of the rest of the European pack. It finished in sixth place overall in this year's automotive report card, with Consumer Reports editors noting that the redesigned S60 helped Volvo cement its frontrunner status.

Still, "average reliability and less-than-stellar test scores" prevented Volvo from climbing further up the charts. And Consumer Reports said overall, "the European automakers were stymied by confusing controls and inconsistent reliability" in the Swedish brand that is now owned by Chinese automaker Geely.

7. Hyundai

The bad news for Hyundai: The Elantra was edged out for best-small-sedan honors after winning the title four consecutive years. The good news: the Sonata makes its debut as a top pick, winning the affordable family sedan category.

Consumer Reports says it chose the four-cylinder Sonata as a less expensive alternative to the Camry hybrid, and that it provides a roomy interior with deft handling and good gas mileage, at 27 mpg combined, all at a price that comes just a little bit higher than many smaller sedans.

Overall, Hyundai placed seventh in this year’s rankings.

8. BMW

BMW finished eighth overall in this year’s Consumer Reports rankings, a notable advantage over its main adversary, Mercedes-Benz. But similarities exist. CR notes that both brands have average liability and are “well mannered” on the road.

And like its chief competitor, BMW was hurt by some its most popular models. Consumer Reports points to the inconsistent reliability of some of the turbocharged Mini Coopers--Mini is part of the BMW Group along with Rolls-Royce-- and the 5 Series that hamper BMW’s overall grade.

9. Volkswagen/Audi (again) (They had them listed from 10 to 1 - I reversed it)

Then there's the flipside for the Volkswagen Group. Maligned as its Passat and Jetta offerings may be, Consumer Reports had nothing but praise for VW's sister company, Audi, especially the Audi A6 and A8, noting that they had posted big gains in road testing. Inconsistent reliability had thwarted the Audi in years past, but now it's a key factor in stabilizing Volkswagen Group as a whole in the rankings.

9. Volkswagen

Volkswagen finished in ninth place overall on the Consumer Reports automotive report card, third among European automakers.

Yet some of its best-selling models, including the Jetta and Passat, hurt it in the rankings. Consumer Reports emphasizes its disappointment with the two, citing Jetta for a "stingy" interior and "lackluster" handling, while the Passat gets flat-out insulted with a "more mundane, less sophisticated" synopsis. Ouch.

10. Ford

As dramatic as Mazda's rise was on the charts, it was equalled by Ford's fall. The automaker fell from fifth place last year to 10th overall in the latest Consumer Reports automotive report card. The rating notes that below-average reliability of some new models, due largely to the "troublesome" MyFord Touch Infotainment system, pictured above, hurt its grade. Consumer Reports has been especially hard on Ford's new communications system, and he company says it is continuing to address some of the magazine's complaints.

On a bright note, the Ford Mustang earned Best Sports Car honors for the second straight year, as Consumer Reports analysts noted the 5.0-liter V8 in the GT coupe provides excellent acceleration and good fuel economy in its class.