Editor's Picks
2008 'Most Reliable' Cars also Save Gas
MOST RELIABLE CARS
Fuel efficient cars won’t just help you save more on gas than standard vehicles, they’re more reliable too.
Nine various hybrid models in the Consumer Reports' 2008 Car Reliability Survey earned above-average predicted reliability ratings. The top-rated hybrids include the Toyota Prius (Stock Quote: TM), Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Lexus GS450h Hybrid, Lexus RX400h Hybrid.
“If you’re looking for a fuel efficient car, there’s now extra assurance that these things are going to hold up,” says Rik Paul, automotive editor at Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports received automotive feedback from 1.4 million subscribers for this year's rankings, a record. Their data indicated a slight comeback for some European models, improving to “average reliability.”
“Overall European cars have been down below domestics in terms of reliability,” says Paul. “This year they have edged up above the domestics for the first time in years.”
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Europeans autos leading the way include the Mercedes (Stock Quote: DAI) family—which has had some problems over the past few years—the C-Class sedan, the sporty SL, and the ML350 SUV received average-reliability rankings. BMW also shows progress. Most versions of the 3 Series and some 5 Series models are average or better. The 6 Series also improved to above average.
Among domestic vehicles, Ford (Stock Quote: F) ranks number one for predicted-reliability. The survey finds nearly all Ford models are now average or better, except some trucks. General Motors (Stock Quote: GM) follows with some standouts of its own. The newly redesigned four-cylinder Chevrolet Malibu scores better than average. The Buick Lucerne with a V8 and the Pontiac G6 with a four-cylinder are also above average. The Chevrolet Avalanche has improved to average.
