- On Wednesday, Consumer Reports released its annual list ranking auto brands by reliability.
- Lexus took the top spot with an average reliability score of 78 out of 100, and Toyota ranked second with a reliability score of 76.
- Consumer Reports cited Lexus’ well-finished interiors, smooth engines, and fuel-efficient hybrids as among the brand’s strengths.
- The publication said Toyota’s powertrains, fuel economy, ride quality, lack of cabin noise, and intuitive controls were among the brand’s strengths.
On Wednesday, Consumer Reports released its annual list ranking auto brands by reliability.
The publication created the list by analyzing survey responses on more than 500,000 vehicles, and this year’s list included 29 brands.
Lexus and Toyota topped the list for the sixth consecutive year. Lexus took the top spot with an average reliability score of 78 out of 100, and Toyota ranked second with a reliability score of 76. Last year, Toyota finished first and Lexus was second.
Consumer Reports said every Lexus model it had sufficient data for received a reliability rating of “average” or above, citing well-finished interiors, smooth engines, and fuel-efficient hybrids as among the brand’s strengths.
"Lexus is an excellent example of how technologically advanced luxury vehicles can also be very reliable," the publication said.
Consumer Reports said Toyota's powertrains, fuel economy, ride quality, lack of cabin noise, and intuitive controls were among the brand's strengths.
"Toyota builds solid, efficient, and reliable vehicles," the publication said.
Mazda experienced the largest increase from last year to this year, rising nine spots to a third-place ranking.
American brands accounted for nine of the 10 least reliable brands, and none placed in the top 15. The highest-rated American brand was Ford, at No. 18.
Asian brands took the top five spots and 11 of the top 15.
These are Consumer Reports' 15 most reliable car brands and their average reliability scores.
15. Honda — 50
Most reliable model: Honda Fit
14. Nissan — 51
Most reliable model: Nissan Maxima
13. Acura — 51
Most reliable model: Acura ILX
12. Genesis — 52
Most reliable model: Genesis G80
11. Porsche — 54
Most reliable model: Porsche 911
10. Hyundai — 57
Most reliable model: Hyundai Santa Fe XL
9. Mini — 57
Most reliable model: Mini Countryman
8. BMW — 58
Most reliable model: BMW i3
7. Audi — 60
Most reliable model: Audi Q5
6. Infiniti — 61
Most reliable model: Infiniti Q60
5. Kia — 61
Most reliable model: Kia Sedona
4. Subaru — 65
Most reliable model: Subaru Crosstek
3. Mazda — 69
Most reliable model: Mazda MX-5 Miata
2. Toyota — 76
Most reliable model: Toyota Prius C
1. Lexus — 78
Most reliable model: Lexus GX