Do European, Asian or American Brands Fare Better for Reliability?

Photos

For the first time in 24 years domestic cars have ranked higher in Consumer Reports reliability rating than the Europeans. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

The Japanese brands take top spot, with an average of only 12 problems per 100 vehicles. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Both domestic and European brands have made huge strides in reliability since their horrible scores in 1980. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

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, American Auto Press)

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.

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.

Then how can the industry average rate at 17 problems per 100 vehicles? We havent 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. Whats more, some European marques havent been quick to respond to problems, leaving dealers and customers in the lurch for fixes and parts.

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.

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.

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.