'Consumer Reports' 2008 Annual Car Reliability Survey'

Consumer Reports' 2008 Annual Car Reliability Survey

By Tony Stark at 10/23/08 20:05

Just a few hours ago, a Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit was held that discussed about Consumer Report's 2008 Annual Car Reliability Survey. On the general view, the Japanese automakers reigned as the best reliable cars, with European car makers improving and Ford still holding the title for the best maker of American cars.

Most of the cars that went on the above average and most reliable are all fuel efficient cars, hybrids. The reliability survey will first appear on print with Consumer Report's December issue.

In the report, there were a total of nine hybrids that rated above average. These came from a list of models where Consumer Reports has sufficient data thus their report is reliable. Most models that rated above average were from Japanese automakers.

The Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, along with the luxury Lexus GS450h Hybrid sedan reigned the Family Car reliability category as the most reliable. For the midsized SUVs category, it is the Lexus RX400h and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid that took the spot as the most reliable. The cars mentioned all rated above average in the report.

The Asian car maker took a small break when the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid ruled the small size SUV category as the most reliable and rated above average as well. Another car that made it into the above average rating is the Honda Civic Hybrid.

Ford is now almost at par with the Japanese carmakers when it comes to reliability. Perhaps one of the largest news update the 2008 Consumer Report Reliability Survey brought is the above average rating of the new Ford Focus sedan. If you still remember, the car was rated below average when it first debuted in 2000. Now I can see Ford employees will go on a late night party.

We'll update you more about the Consumer Report as soon as more details are release.

Based on my twenty years in auto inspections business, I do NOT believe that ford can be compared with a Toyota or Honda no matter how you look at it. But mazochism is still legal so go right ahead, and buy one.

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