Purchasing a new vehicle these days is a trip into buyer-beware country. Prices are up, inventory is down, and increasing concerns about inflation and gas prices, safety and recall issues, impacts on the climate and long-term durability also complicate the search.
Fortunately, it’s possible to simplify the process somewhat by seeking out critical data from independent, trusted sources, such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s annual safety ratings and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s crash testing results. Another valuable resource is Consumer Reports’ annual review of the reliability of different automakers and models, based on data gathered from its members on more than 300,000 vehicles; its appraisal of 2023 models derives from overall reliability ratings during the past three model years.
The latest reliability rankings from CR contain a few surprises. In keeping with the trend over recent years, America’s Big Three — General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (which includes Fiat Chrysler) — fared poorly overall compared to Japanese and Korean automakers, whose brands took seven of the top-10 slots. And two of the three remaining companies are European luxury automakers — even though Mercedes-Benz, long a standard bearer, ranked at the bottom of CR’s list because of ongoing electronics issues.
THE MOST RELIABLE BRANDS
- Toyota
- Lexus
- BMW
- Mazda
- Honda
- Audi
- Subaru
- Acura
- Kia
- Lincoln
CR’s survey also found that certain types of vehicles are far more reliable than others. Hybrid vehicles, in particular, ranked highly with consumers, not just as a way to cut down on fuel expense but for low maintenance and longevity. By contrast, all-electric vehicles and full-sized pickup trucks scored poorly:
MOST RELIABLE TYPES OF VEHICLES
- Hybrid cars
- Sports/sporty cars
- Hybrid SUVs
- Midsize/large cars
- Compact pickups
LEAST RELIABLE TYPES OF VEHICLES
- Full-sized pickups
- Electric vehicles
- Midsize three-row/large SUVS
- Midsize pickups
- Minivans
Among individual car models considered reliable, CR’s list is led by the usual suspects:
MOST RELIABLE MODELS
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- 2023 Lexus GX
- 2023 Mini Cooper
- 2022 Toyota Prius
- 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata
And what vehicles fared worst with CR members, for a wide range of mechanical or electrical issues?
LEAST RELIABLE MODELS
- 2023 Jeep Wrangler
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE
- 2022 Jeep Gladiator
- 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500
- 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
THE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS AT FDAZAR
For more than thirty years the attorneys at Franklin D. Azar & Associates have helped thousands of injured people obtain complete and timely compensation for their losses. Our proven track record and expertise have allowed us to grow into the largest personal-injury law firm in Colorado, with offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. If you’ve been injured in a bus, car, truck, bicycle or motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Please call the car accident attorneys at FDAzar day or night at 720-372-2824 or contact us here for a free consultation and no-obligation evaluation of your case.
