Consumer Reports drops 7 vehicles

[dodge man]

If you subscribe to CD you can see the results. Its usually a little generic, like "charging system", and then they will have different circles shaded, from good to poor. They will have several different categories for each vehicle, paint, AC, suspension etc. They get their results from surveys they send out to subscribers. As far as I know, their results are 100% based on these responses.

I haven't read CR for years but one thing that gave them a little bit of a black eye is they gave a good review on a car that they always give good reviews for, it was either the Accord or the Camry, them latter admitted they hadn't even tested the vehicle.

Another thing to keep in mind, sometimes a very minor issue can make a vehicle look bad. Say in 2012 Ford got a bunch of junk light bulbs. Does this mean Ford vehicles have a bad electrical system? This is the kind of minor issue that could trigger something that shows up as a problem in the surveys but in reality is a minor issue.

 

[GreenWannabe]

I've answered their survey over a number of years, and their questions don't really allow a complete picture. They ask you to rate entire systems from good to bad (on a 1 to 5 scale), so it is up to each individual to decide if their particular problem is a minor part or a major flaw. Then they simply tabulate the numbers to come up with their reliability judgments. I don't ever take their word for it, I try to find reviews from many different sources to make up my mind on purchases. I've wound up disagreeing with their conclusions many times.

 

[sd455dan]

If you subscribe to CD you can see the results. Its usually a little generic, like "charging system", and then they will have different circles shaded, from good to poor.

Another thing to keep in mind, sometimes a very minor issue can make a vehicle look bad. Say in 2012 Ford got a bunch of junk light bulbs. Does this mean Ford vehicles have a bad electrical system? This is the kind of minor issue that could trigger something that shows up as a problem in the surveys but in reality is a minor issue.

That's true, even with the F-150 EB ( sorry Diamondpilot- couldn't resist taking a little jab earlier) CR reported the problems were not major engine problems and were things like bad sensors and ancillary things.
If I had listened to Consumer Reports, never would have owned (and enjoyed) half the vehicles I have driven over the years.

CR is worth taking into account- but it is not the end all be all authority. jmo

 

[PapaPerk]

Personally, I've never really trusted CR. I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences.

Yeah Consumer Reports are a bunch of city slicker creeps! (0:

 

[PapaPerk]

Yep, I used to be a subscriber until I realized the CR is the least reliable source of information you can find. I pay absolutely no attention anymore to their "opinions" which is all they have.

Well said Bird!

 

[lutt]

I 2nd that. There is a well documented incident from a few years ago where CR gave Bose a less than stellar review, ever since CR has given positive reviews to essentially the same products. In the Audiophile community Bose is regarded as pretty mediocre stuff... but you would not know that reading CR.

I will third that also. Most my friends are farmers, ranchers, and loggers. I'm a part time farmer and rancher. Most people don't subject there trucks to that kind of abuse. My truck is often subjected to rough gravel roads, field roads, mud, and overloaded. You'll find out what works and don't. If I was gonna look at a paticular brand. I'll ask one of them that has tried it. Publishers have no idea what works and don't. Surveys or no surveys. They sure don't know trucks! LUTT

 

[ruffdog]

If you haven't already, try a Moog part.

Rgds, D.

We use Moog ball joints on the F250's because the Ford parts just don't seem to last.

 

[orezok]

This is not a dig at anyone, but...

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Albert Einstein

 

[fordmantpw]

I hate CR! They are trying to stay relevant in the age of ever increasing vehicle reliability. Explain to me, why does an issue with the infotainment system have the same negative effect as a blown engine? Every defect is a defect to them, no matter how large or small.

 

[ray66v]

I find it hilarious that many believe money does not talk at Consumer Reports?

As far as Chrysler, Fiat, VW, being dropped, having worked on cars my whole life, and having seen them all inside out, I would never own anything from those three. So, in my opinion, the only reason they were there in the first place is, money talks.