Buying a car is one of the most important decisions we make in life, almost as important as being a kid and having to choose a Pokemon. It’s not just a means of transportation, but an extension of our lifestyle and, in many cases, a major investment that will accompany us wherever we go. Obviously, when you buy a car, you think about freedom, not being tied to a garage that will slowly drain your wallet. That’s why, nowadays, reliability has become a key factor when choosing which car to buy.
There’s nothing worse than getting excited about a new vehicle and, soon after, facing mechanical problems, warning lights on the dashboard, and unexpected repair costs… To help you avoid this scenario, Consumer Reports conducted an exhaustive analysis of more than 330,000 vehicles, revealing the most and least reliable car brands of 2024. And yes, as expected, Japan continues to reign supreme.
Japan leads the ranking
It’s no coincidence that brands like Lexus, Toyota, Honda, and Mazda are synonymous with quality and durability, as Japanese manufacturers have maintained their commitment to precision, detail, and efficiency in all their vehicles for years. In last year’s ranking (2024), six of the ten most reliable brands are of Japanese origin, reinforcing their reputation as the best options for those looking for a durable and reliable car.
What is Consumer Reports?
Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to evaluating products and services to help consumers make informed decisions. Founded in 1936 in the United States, it has become a trusted source of information on product quality and reliability, basing its research on rigorous testing and user surveys.
What’s the ranking like?
According to Consumer Reports, the most reliable car brands of 2024 are as follows:
- Lexus – Score: 79/100
- Toyota – Score: 76/100
- Mini – Score: 71/100
- Acura – Score: 70/100
- Honda – Score: 70/100
- Subaru – Score: 69/100
- Mazda – Score: 67/100
- Porsche – Score: 66/100
- BMW – Score: 64/100
- Kia – Score: 61/100
Toyota and Lexus again occupy the top spots, which is no surprise to anyone who knows a little about the subject. These brands have built their reputations on vehicles that last for years without major problems and are our best friends.
Which are the least reliable brands?
While some brands shine, others have disappointed consumers (a lot). At the bottom of the ranking, we find several American and German brands that have recorded a high number of breakdowns.
- Chrysler – Score: 18/100
- Mercedes-Benz – Score: 23/100
- Rivian – Score: 24/100
- Volkswagen – Score: 26/100
- Jeep – Score: 26/100
- Volvo – Score: 28/100
- GMC – Score: 36/100
- Lincoln – Score: 38/100
- Ford – Score: 40/100
- Dodge – Score: 42/100
So, looking at this data… It’s clear (perhaps) which vehicles not to buy…
Consumer Reports analyzes everything
To evaluate car reliability, an entire research team selects between 200 and 300 samples per model each year and compiles issues in 20 key areas reported by users over a 12-month period.
At CR, they examine the most critical components, such as the engine, transmission, and propulsion system, as well as build quality details, including paint, trim, and annoying noises. They also review the electrical system, climate control, suspension, and brakes, as well as more specific components in electric and hybrid models, such as the battery, charging, and energy regeneration. Even minor issues, such as windows, locks, and heated seats, are on the list. However, active safety systems, such as airbags, are left out of the analysis, as their failure rate is too low to be representative.
Why? To provide consumers with informed information about what they’re going to buy, and, above all, to ensure they’re aware of what they’re buying and whether, knowing this information, they’ll actually want to continue with their purchase.