Recently, Consumer Reports has released a ranking of the most reliable brands and models of cars for 2023.
Consumer Reports surveyed and collected data from over 330,000 people, with car models ranging from 2000-2024, to investigate issues related to their engines, transmissions, electric motors, and infotainment systems. The organization then evaluated the severity of each type of problem to give a reliability score for each car model on a 100-point scale.
MINI ranks high as a trusted brand
According to the publication, Lexus and Toyota respectively occupy the first and second positions in the ranking of the most reliable brands for 2023. This result comes as no surprise as these two brands have long been known for their durability. Another Japanese car manufacturer, Honda, ranks fifth, with their luxury brand, Acura, in fourth place.
However, the surprising fact is that MINI ranks third, surpassing some Japanese car manufacturers such as Honda and Subaru.
Jake Fisher, Senior Director of Auto Testing at Consumer Reports, said: “Buying a reliable car is a good way to avoid inconvenience and repair costs while the vehicle is still under warranty. It is also a smart way to save ownership costs over time. That is why consumers always tell us that reliability is one of the most important factors when purchasing a car.”
Meanwhile, Chrysler and Rivian are at the bottom of Consumer Reports’ list, representing the least reliable car models according to their assessment.
When it comes to regional reliability, Asian car manufacturers maintain a strong performance with an average score of 63/100. European automakers achieve an average score of 46/100, while American car brands are rated relatively low with 39/100.
Toyota dominates the list of most reliable cars for 2023
According to Consumer Reports’ evaluation, Toyota dominates the list of the top 10 most reliable car models for 2023, with 7 out of 10 cars in this list belonging to the Japanese brand. The top spot on the list goes to the Toyota 4Runner (87 points) – a popular SUV in the United States. The next three spots are also taken by Toyota models, namely the Camry Hybrid (87 points), Camry (86 points), and RAV4 Prime (86 points).
The Japanese car manufacturer also holds the two bottom positions on the list with the Toyota Corolla (77 points) and Toyota Highlander Hybrid (75 points). Stability, durability, and fuel efficiency are believed to be the factors that contribute to Toyota’s high user satisfaction and reliability ratings.
The remaining positions on the list also belong to Japanese brands, with the Subaru Forester ranking 6th with 82 points. Positions 7 and 8 are occupied by the Toyota RAV4 and Acura RDX, both with 80 points. The sole German model on the list is the BMW X5, ranking 5th with 82 points.
In terms of body types, sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons are still the most reliable vehicle types with an average score of 57/100, followed by SUVs, minivans, and trucks.
Consumer Reports’ statistics also show that internal combustion engine cars are more reliable than electric cars. Electric cars have nearly four times the chance of experiencing a problem compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. On the other hand, hybrid cars are 26% more stable compared to regular gasoline cars.
Thái Sơn (Tuoitrethudo)
Reference: Carscoops