Fierce competition has caused major leadership changes in the auto industry as engineers push the envelope for technological superiority. However, there is a downside-- initial new product releases are always prone to teething issues.
This week, Consumer Reports has released its Auto Reliability Survey, ranking international automakers based on how reliable its model range is. This time, the biggest surprise is undoubtedly Ford Motor Company's dramatic decline.
Two years ago, Ford was considered "Detroit's poster child for reliability." Not only did Ford best fellow domestics GM and Chrysler, it cracked the top 10 to challenge the typically more reliable Japanese makes as well.
However, severe reliability issues, especially regarding the MyFord/MyLincoln Touch electronic infotainment system, caused Ford's reliability rankings to slip next to last out of the 28 ranked automakers. Beyond Ford's center stack, Consumer Reports noted that the Explorer, Fiesta, and Focus models experienced more reliability issues than normal.
According to Consumer Reports director of automotive testing Jake Fisher, "Ford's bumpy road can be seen in he numbers. Sixty percent of all Ford-branded models and half of Lincoln's were below average in predicted reliability, and none placed above average."
While Ford tumbled down the ranks, reliability leaders are all the usual suspects. Eight automakers that rank among the "Top 10" hail from Japan. Topping the list in a powerful display of dominance is Toyota Motor Co., with Scion, Toyota, and Lexus grabbing the top three spots. Next, Mazda, Subaru, Honda, and Acura finish a 7-brand streak of Japanese makes. Ranked at #8, Audi breaks the streak as the leading European brand in reliability. Last, but not least, Nissan's premium brand Infiniti and South Korea's Kia brand round out the top.
A major improvement, Audi has climbed a total of 18 spots since the reliability survey of last year. Other major move makers include GM's Cadillac and GMC brands. Rekindling the automaker's original slogan, "Standard of the World," not only is it exciting to see the premium marque climb up the ladder in reliability, the achievement is particularly remarkable considering that it's the edgy Cadillac CTS Coupe that earned most reliable domestic car.
On the way opposite end of the spectrum, the most reliable import is awarded to the conservative, yet highly innovative, Toyota Prius C hybrid.
Turning attention to European brands, Consumer Reports saw significant improvements for all German luxury automakers. Audi's major rank boost is attributed to six of its seven models rated at average or better. What's more, even the new four-cylinder turbocharged C250 sedan from Mercedes Benz managed to earn respectable reliability ratings. The staple Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan received a rank boost from average to above average as well. Finally, the BMW vehicle lineup is considered to be generally reliable. However, the BMW 7 Series and the turbocharged six-cylinder X3 crossover both scored below-average results in the survey.
Mainstream European automaker Volkswagen emerged from the survey with a mix of results. Although its Passat, CC, Eos, and diesel Jetta sedan all showed respectable numbers, other models including the new Beetle, the four- and five-cylinder gasoline Jetta, the GTI, and the Touareg SUV all scored abysmal ratings.
Finally, here is the bit of information we're sure many of our readers are most curious to learn-- the lowest rung car companies. The last 5 spots on Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Survey belong to Dodge, Ram, Lincoln, Ford, and finally, Jaguar.
Check out Consumer Reports' video below to see how Consumer Reports ranks the brands.
