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Meh... These "studies" never really mean much...
The "ratings" and "problems" don't make much sense.
A malfunctioning radio has the same "reliability" effect as a breaking rod....
I stopped listening to ratings agencies (sales propaganda pushers) when they started creating a category to fit any manufacturer's specific model.
How is that even possible?
I own a MINI and while it's fun to drive, I have to honestly say it's kind of a piece of crap in the quality dept. The survey has reflected this time and time again.
I think the issue is that with the proliferation of gadgets/tech in even the least expensive cars, these surveys don't seem to be assigning adequate weights to particular issues. I've heard of more than a few cars that have their nav/infotainment units freeze up occasionally which is a bummer but not nearly as important as engine or transmission issues. Fairly recently, a manufacturer (one of the domestics, I forget which) took a huge hit in reliability ratings due to infotainment system issues. While its great that manufacturers are sure to look at these results and pay attention to such issues in the future, it also makes these ratings less valuable when looking for a vehicle. As with all of my vehicle purchases, I scour the heck out of a model specific car forum to get a feel for any common issues.
Well, it is an article by Chris Woodyard of USA Today.
With all surveys, one has to question the methodology and potentially dig a little deeper and find out how any survey is funded. Most don't dig this deep.
Where does the data come from on the Consumer Reports reliability? How is the data collection paid for? Where does it come from?
Where does the data come from on the JD Power conclusions? Who pays for this data collection? Where does it come from?
"Only a day after Consumer Reports looked at vehicle reliability, J.D. Power and Associates examined how owners rate the quality of their cars after three years of ownership and reached the same result: Lexus was first and Fiat was dead last.
And also like the other survey, Buick makes a big move up in the Power brand rankings. Now it's in second place, up three notches from last year's survey. On Tuesday Buick became the first domestic name to break into the Top 10 of Consumer Reports' annual list of top auto brands."
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