Car owners should consider reliability ratings. These ratings are based on many factors, including the car's quality and overall reliability. These numbers can be used to help you select the right car.
Consumer Reports is a data collector on car breakdowns that has been around for more than 80 years. Consumer Reports analyzes more than half a billion cars annually and assigns reliability ratings to the most reliable purchases from both the primary as secondary markets. Its algorithm is not foolproof. It is heavily weighted towards newer models. This means that cars older than a year often have higher recalls.
Consumer Reports provides reliability ratings on a 5-point scale. Each score indicates whether or not a particular car has had more or fewer problems than the average. A vehicle with a CR reliability rate of 3.4 means that it is three times more reliable then the average car. Likewise, a car with a CR rating of two is twice as unreliable as the average. These numbers are not indicative of the quality of your vehicle. You should still research your options to make an informed decision.
Numerous major automotive review institutes consider the Hyundai Accent to be a great buy. The Hyundai Accent's reliability ratings are poor and has been the subject of numerous recall campaigns. In addition to its comparatively low reliability rating, the Toyota 4Runner also has a high number of recalls. During these campaigns, the vehicle was recalled for items such as incorrect weight labels, loose roof racks, and adhesive hood scoops.
According to the 2015 CNN ranking Audi is ranked third in reliability. Audi was also rated number three in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study is a study that evaluates vehicles' initial and ongoing dependability.
Audi's high-ranking is partly due to its reputation as a reliable car manufacturer. It ranks higher on the dependability scale than automakers Lexus or Cadillac. Honda and Chevrolet rank lower.
Subaru is a well-known brand in the automotive industry. Like other Japanese brands, it maintains very high reliability standards. However, it's influenced by how its customers like to handle the product and what exterior/interior styling they prefer.
SUVs offer the lowest recall rates and are a great option if you're searching for a vehicle. The recall rates for Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Tahoe and Nissan Murano are all slightly higher than the industry standard. Other options include the Honda Accord/Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and Subaru WRX.
It doesn't really matter if your car is brand new or used. However, reliability can play a significant role in the final price. A high recall rate is a sign that a vehicle isn't likely last. It's wise to research the reliability ratings of any car before making a purchase.