And in case you question the validity of the information, Consumer Reports surveyed over 675,000 subscribers to arrive at its results. The question, put forward last spring, asked 2003 model owners if they had any serious mechanical problems between April 2002 and March 2003.
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| Both domestic and European brands have made huge strides in reliability since their horrible scores in 1980. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
While domestic brands have improved over the last few years, having rocketed from a horrendous 106 problems per 100 vehicles way back in 1980 to the current rate of 18, the Europeans have also stepped up their game. Twenty-four years ago the European brands could only manage 53 problems per 100 vehicles.
To be fair the differences between the two continents come down to a mere 2 problems per 100 vehicles, hardly enough to warrant trading your new BMW in for a Cadillac. BMW is actually the best of the Europeans, and nameplate for nameplate rates ahead of some of the domestic brands. The European stats are being dragged down by Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz, all with below average reliability.
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| When it comes to passion, reliability means little. The MINI Cooper experienced a worse-than-average reliability rating, yet scored among the highest for owner retention. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
But as important as reliability is for repeat business, vehicles that inspire passion for the automobile can be even more conducive to repeat sales. While the MINI Cooper experienced a worse-than-average reliability rating in the Consumer Reports survey, it scored among the highest for owner retention. Actually out of all vehicles surveyed, the Europeans beat out the domestics in this category, with owners of the BMW 3-Series, BMW Z4 roadster, Porsche Boxster and Volvo XC90 saying they would purchase the car again. Only three domestics faired as well, and all by General Motors. The Chevrolet Corvette sports car and Tahoe SUV joined the Hummer H2 as potential repeat sales.
Other winners included the Volkswagen Passat V6 and Honda Accord V6 jointly won the family sedan segment, while the Ford Focus achieved most fun to drive in the small sedan category. The winners of the best vehicles for families needing space went solely to the Japanese, with the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey ranking highest.