Consumer Reports Survey Reports Domestics are Ahead of Europeans
European cars are best, right? Well, not so according to new rankings by Consumer Reports. It depends on what the word "best" refers to.
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| For the first time in 24 years domestic cars have ranked higher in Consumer Reports reliability rating than the Europeans. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
When it comes to reliability, the average domestic vehicle is less temperamental than the Europeans. This is the first time the tables have turned in twenty-four years, back when European cars were revered for styling, performance and personality, but not trustworthiness.
Currently, owners of Chrysler Group, Ford Motor and General Motors vehicles report a mere 18 problems per 100 vehicle average compared to a 20 problems per 100 average for Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Volvo and other Europeans combined.
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| The Japanese brands take top spot, with an average of only 12 problems per 100 vehicles. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Then how can the industry average rate at 17 problems per 100 vehicles? We haven't factored in the Japanese brands yet, that average only 12 problems per 100 vehicles.
That puts the Europeans dead last, not including the Koreans, which is hardly as prestigious a position as their respective nameplates infer. While European cars often offer superior driving dynamics and better perceived quality, the touchy, feely part of the quality equation, higher levels of complex electronics make them more challenging to own. What's more, some European marques haven't been quick to respond to problems, leaving dealers and customers in the lurch for fixes and parts.