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I learned a decade ago that the level of trust and respect typically given to CR is misplaced. they use bizzarre subjective criteria an seem to use no sense at all in many cases.
I learned a decade ago that the level of trust and respect typically given to CR is misplaced. they use bizzarre subjective criteria an seem to use no sense at all in many cases.
For their reviews, yeah. But the reliability ratings are pure statistics from the owner surveys.
For their reviews, yeah. But the reliability ratings are pure statistics from the owner surveys.
That’s my take. The long term reliability data is useful. They tend to like appliance cars. If that’s not your preference, you’re not going to like their reviews.
I’m surprised by the MDX.
I own an Outback. From the gripes in the forums, I was surprised to see them at #7. I guess you only hear about the problems and most cars chug along without issues.
Not at all surprised to see Alfa and VW near the bottom. Really surprised to see Cadillac dead last, especially with cars like the CTS and ATS long in the tooth when presumably the bugs should have been worked out. Also surprised Dodge is so highly ranked, although that could be a product of models that have been around a while, and have relatively few bells and whistles to break.
I remember when CR said that if you make a right angle turn in a Jeep CJ at 30 MPH or more, it will roll over.
They never did explain why on God's Green Earth somebody would DO that! In all the miles I have driven military Jeeps, CJ's and Wranglers, I have never experienced a roll-over.
They also agreed with ralph nader that the Corvair was "unsafe at any speed", AFTER the car had been redesigned to address the problems noted. My 1963 Corvair Spyder was a great little car, if driven intelligently.
I did not read the article noted in the OP. As soon as I saw "CR" I knew Jeep (all models) would be somewhere in the bottom 10. Jeeps always are! The major complaints? wind noise (especially with the soft top), "uncomfortable" ride, lack of "amenities" (little or no fancy junk in the interior), etc. Really, CR? It is a body-on-frame TRUCK, not a Cadillac. If you want the ride and comfort of a Cadillac or Rolls Royce, buy one and leave our Jeeps alone!
I If you want the ride and comfort of a Cadillac or Rolls Royce, buy one and leave our Jeeps alone!
In this case, I think that CR is doing a service to potential buyers who have some sort of fantasy about Jeep ownership and how a Wrangler would turn out to be an awesome daily driver. So tell them it's not that and to go buy an Outback or Forrester instead (comfy daily driver that can handle the moderately gnarly logging roads that most people probably top out at) and save a bunch of money on trying to make a Jeep work when it's not right for that kind of buyer.
In this case, I think that CR is doing a service to potential buyers who have some sort of fantasy about Jeep ownership and how a Wrangler would turn out to be an awesome daily driver. So tell them it's not that and to go buy an Outback or Forrester instead (comfy daily driver that can handle the moderately gnarly logging roads that most people probably top out at) and save a bunch of money on trying to make a Jeep work when it's not right for that kind of buyer.
Yep, as the saying goes "It's a JEEP thing, you wouldn't understand!"
As it happens, I currently have a Jeep Wrangler AND a Subaru Forester, and I have owned a Subaru Outback wagon and an "SUS" (Sport Utility Sedan) Outback. I find the Jeep Wrangler more comfortable than the Forester. However, the Forester is easier to get in and out of than the Outback wagon and sedan were. Of course, my Wrangler is an Unlimited, so it is a little longer and rides better than the short wheel base ones.
I realize my attitude does not match your post, beachmouse, but I frequently choose to drive the Jeep instead of the Forester. IMO, the Jeep is just more fun to drive; 4.0L inline 6, 6 speed manual, 6 disc CD player, comfy seats, easy clutch, 2 meter Ham radio installed, towable behind my motorhome (the Subaru is not towable), just all around a better vehicle for me.
I realize some people do not like Jeeps. That's fine, I don't like Fords!
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