Best and worst used cars
The Consumers Union that testes every year cars sold in the USA and rates them according to reliability scores issued the 2011 Consumer Report and teaches us which are the most reliable models and those to avoid
Savvy car buyers know that the best way to get the most vehicle for their money is to buy a used car. With the average new car losing 47 percent of its value in the first three years, buying used is an affordable way to get the safety and comfort features you want at a far better price.
The Best of the best list guides you to the 2001 to 2010 models that scored well in our road tests when new and have been consistently reliable over time. Each has achieved multiple years of above-average used-car verdicts (available to subscribers), indicating that owners have had relatively few problems.
Models built by Toyota
The Worst of the worst list shows models that have had multiple years of below-average reliability in our survey. It is dominated by vehicles from domestic and European manufacturers, primarily General Motors, which had 16 of the 29 models listed.
Our reliability data are derived from our Annual Auto Survey, which generated responses from subscribers on 1.3 million vehicles. We also list reliable cars by price range (available to subscribers), so that you can easily see what's available for your budget.
Here we highlight the most reliable and well-rounded vehicle in each category. We also list other contenders in order of their overall reliability scores for model years 2001 to 2010. Each model has at least three years of reliability data.
Small cars - Honda Fit
The Fit has been an economical, reliable, and versatile hatchback ever since it went on sale in the U.S.
Other good choices:
Toyota Echo, Honda Civic, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, Mazda3,
Subaru Impreza (non-turbo), Honda Civic Hybrid, Volkswagen Rabbit, Suzuki SX4 and Mazda Protegé
Family cars - 2004 Toyota Prius
The Prius has had outstanding reliability and has delivered standout fuel economy. But the redesigned 2010 model has only average reliability. Look for one with optional ESC, starting with 2004 models.
Other good choices: Ford Fusion (FWD), Mercury Milan (FWD), Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Mazda6 sedan (4-cyl.) and Nissan Altima
Upscale cars - Lexus ES
The ES has long been a strong contender in this category. It has had outstanding reliability over the past 10 model years and is quiet and comfortable. ESC became standard with the redesigned 2007 model, which included a bigger engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Other good choices:
Lexus IS sedan, Toyota Avalon, Acura TL, Acura TSX, Infiniti G35, 37
Infiniti I30, I35, Volvo S60 (FWD), Lincoln MKZ, Zephyr (FWD)
Luxury cars - 2005 Acura RL
While the RL isn't the sportiest car, it has had excellent reliability wrapped in a comfortable and refined package. The 2005 redesign brought standard all-wheel drive but complicated controls. The Infiniti M35 is sportier and the much-larger Lexus LS is more luxurious.
Other good choices: Lexus LS, Lexus GS (RWD), Infiniti M35, Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan (V6, RWD).
Sports & sporty cars - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is affordable and fun to drive. Look for models after 2006, when ABS became standard. The Lexus SC is a top-down cruiser with the added comfort of a folding hard-top roof. For a sportier alternative, consider the Acura RSX coupe and the Honda S2000 roadster.
Other good choices: Lexus SC Acura RSX, Honda S2000, Toyota Camry Solara, Honda Civic Si, Ford Mustang, BMW Z3, Z4, Toyota Celica, Porsche Boxster, Scion tC, Volvo C70 and
Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Small SUVs - Honda CR-V
The CR-V is comfortable and drives like a car, with a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine. In 2005 ESC and curtain air bags were made standard, and the 2007 redesign brought more power and improved fuel efficiency. The Acura RDX is quick and agile but has a stiff ride. The Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander offer third-row seats.
Other good choices: Acura RDX, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage ('05-09), Hyundai Tucson (V6), Subaru Forester, Infiniti EX and Nissan Rogue.
Midsized & large SUVs - Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is quiet and refined, with a comfortable ride. It delivers good fuel economy, especially the Hybrid model. The Land Cruiser combines luxury with serious off-road ability.
Other good choices: Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota 4Runner (V6), Honda Pilot, Toyota, Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX, Lexus RX Hybrid, Acura MDX, Infiniti FX35, Toyota, Sequoia, Mazda CX-9, Lexus GX and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
Minivans - 2008 Toyota
A Lexus-like ride and comfort are hallmarks of the Sienna. The well-mannered suspension and refined V6 engine, along with very good reliability, are among its strong suits. Look for post-2004 models, which are roomier and more powerful. AWD is optional, but the run-flat tires may wear somewhat quickly. The Honda Odyssey has better handling, but its reliability has not been as good.
Pickup trucks - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline combines car-like handling with the utility of a pickup truck. It is easy to get in and out of the cabin, the tailgate can open horizontally or drop down, and the composite bed has a lockable, all-weather trunk. The Toyota Tundra offers greater towing and cargo-hauling capacities.
Worst of the worst (listed alphabetically)
Audi A6 (2.7T, 3.0T), BMW 535i (AWD) and X5, Cadillac SRX (AWD), Chevrolet Astro, Aveo, Blazer, Colorado (4WD), Impala (V8), S-10 Pickup (4WD) and Uplander, Chrysler PT, Cruiser (turbo), Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, GMC Acadia (AWD), Canyon (4WD), S-15 Sonoma (4WD) and Safari, Hummer H3, Jaguar S-Type, XF, Kia Sedona, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Mini Cooper Convertible, Pontiac G6 Coupe & Convertible, Saturn Outlook (FWD), Saturn Relay, Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible and Volkswagen Passat (V6, FWD).
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