Consumer Reports' automaker for reliability

By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY
Chrysler and General Motors (GM) took the bottom two spots, respectively, in Consumer Reports magazine's new automaker for reliability, even as the pair seek billions more in federal loans to stay afloat.

The third of Detroit's Big 3 automakers, Ford Motor, fared better at fourth from the bottom, also beating Suzuki.

First place went to Honda (HMC) for the third-consecutive year, followed by Subaru, Toyota (TM) and Mazda. Next came a tie by Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen and BMW, among the 15 makers rated. They were followed by Hyundai, Volvo and Mitsubishi.

The rankings are based on a combination of the magazine's cumulative tests on automakers' models and predicted reliability based on readers' responses on their 1.4 million cars. It is a widely watched measure in the auto industry because of the non-profit's reputation for independence.

"Chrysler is a sad story," says David Champion, the magazine's auto testing chief. "The new models have missed the mark in terms of our testing and consumer appeal."

While GM received critical acclaim for its Buick Acadia crossover and Cadillac CTS sedan, only the Chevy Malibu sedan achieved better-than-average reliability in the ratings, Champion said.

While a Honda Accord may lack pizazz, it's so reliable, "It will save you money in the long run," Champion said.

Chrysler issued a statement saying that it has reduced its warranty claims by 30%, so that it expects to see an improvement in the rankings next year.

GM has lots of older models in the lineup that bring down the results, spokeswoman Janine Fruehan says. The magazine recognized improved quality in some of GM's new vehicles, "but we have work to do on the reliability front," Fruehan says.

In December, GM and Chrysler were granted a total of $17.4 billion in federal loans to keep operating through the recession. GM is seeking another $16.6 billion in loans, while Chrysler wants another $5 billion.