Japanese cars still the most reliable - US survey

[Chalupa]

Japanese cars still the most reliable - US survey

November 10, 2004

Detroit, Michigan - Japanese car manufacturers lived up to their reputation for industry-leading quality in a closely watched survey of vehicle owners published this week in the US by Consumer Reports magazine.

Japanese companies topped the magazine's annual survey of cars and trucks, with an emphatic 29 of 32 places on the magazine's "most reliable" list.

The same survey gave American brands mixed reviews but pounded their European counterparts for quality failings - including top names like Mercedes, Jaguar, BMW and Volkswagen.

Toyota, long the benchmark for industry quality, led the pack with 16 models on the magazine's "best" list, spread over its Toyota, Scion and Lexus brands

Honda had seven models on the most-reliable list, including two from its Acura range.

Hyundai's mid-sized Sonata sedan also earned top marks, the first time the Korean automaker has figured on the magazine's "best" list, underlining the strides it has made in quality.

The survey will not make pleasant reading for European manufacturers, however.

They accounted for 20 of the 38 models in the "least reliable" category including the high-priced Mercedes-Benz S and E-Class; the Jaguar S-Type and X-Type and BMW's 5 and 7 Series.

Most Volkswagens, including the Golf, Jetta and new Beetle, also rated far below average for reliability.

Among the least reliable were Ford's flagship F-150 pick-up, the VW Touareg sport utility vehicle, BMW 5 Series, Nissan Quest minivan and Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster.

The magazine based its survey on feedback from five million consumers. - Sapa-AFP