Consumer Reports recently released the results of their 2008 Car Reliability Survey, which was based on their subscribers’ experiences with over 1 million vehicles and while automotive makers Ford and Toyota did well, it was the Scion xD that came out on top.

Consumers were asked to report on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the previous 12 months within 17 trouble spots, allowing Consumer Reports to provide predicted-reliability ratings for new cars and only included models in which they had 100 or more consumer responses.

According to the survey, nine hybrid models earned above-average reliability ratings, most from Japanese automakers, while conventional gas powered fuel efficient vehicles had few problems.

Consumer Reports findings revealed that most Ford models are now average or better than average compared to last year, with the exception of some models that are truck-based. Excluding those, the study finds that Ford’s reliability is now as good as those of Japanese automakers, while General Motors didn’t fare so well.  Results show the Chevrolet Malibu four-cylinder is better than average and the Buick Lucerne V8 and Pontiac G6 with a four-cylinder are also above average, but a quarter of GM models are still well below average in reliability, namely the Cadillac CTS, Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia. Lastly, Chrysler seems to be merely limping along; results show that almost two-thirds of its’ automobiles rated well below average. The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler Sebring V6, Dodge Avenger sedan and Jeep Liberty SUV all earned low scores, while the worst score went to the Sebring Convertible.  Dodge Caliber hatchback and Jeep Patriot SUV are the only above-average models in the Chrysler line-up. 

The study revealed that Toyota has seen a marked improvement from last year – all 42 of the Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models scored average or better, while most Honda models received above-average ratings.

Nissan has rapidly moved up the ranks with the Titan pickup, and Infiniti QX56 SUV gaining average reliability, while the Nissan Rogue and Infiniti EX SUVs have started out above average – which is a good sign.   The Altima Hybrid sedan is well above the pack with high marks all around.

To read the full article, visit ConsumerReports.org.

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