Toyota Dominates Consumer Reports’ 2011 Auto Survey

Asian brands continue to dominate Consumer Reports’ 2011 Annual Auto Survey, sweeping the top nine spots. Toyota’s American brand Scion leads the pack, followed by Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Honda, and Toyota.

The brands scored strong on predicted reliability tests. Of the 91 Japanese models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data, 87 (96 per cent) were rated average or better and 24 Japanese models earned the highest rating.

The biggest improvement was from Mazda, which moved up eight spots from last year. All its models were rated above average. Lexus, with 11 models included rebounded seven places from last year.

Scion remains the top brand in Consumer Reports’ survey, but only two models of its three, the xB and xD, had sufficient data to be included. The South Korean brands ranked 11th and 12th in Consumer Reports’ survey. Hyundai had just one below-par entry, the V6 Santa Fe. The V6 version of its corporate cousin, the Kia Sorento, also finished below average.

European models continue to be a blend of reliable and not so reliable vehicles. Consumer Reports said European vehicles’ reliability falls slightly below that of US domestic models. Of the 58 European models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data, 37 (64 percent) scored average or better in predicted reliability. Volvo ranked the highest at 10th overall, helped by the redesigned S60, which was above average in its first year. Volkswagen was able to hold on to 16th place in the ranking; seven of its 11 models scored average or better.

Mercedes-Benz and BMW improved, but results were inconsistent for their various models. Mercedes’ compact GLK SUV improved, but its flagship S-Class luxury sedan fell to below average. BMW’s redesigned X3 SUV did well, for example, but the redesigned 5 Series sedan was well below average.

According to Consumer Reports, the survey ratings are unrelated to road-test results but are a key factor in determining whether or not Consumer Reports recommends a car. Findings are based on responses on 1.3 million vehicles owned or leased by subscribers to Consumer Reports or ConsumerReports.org. The survey covered model years 2002 to 2011.