These new models received the lowest ratings in Consumer Reports' most recent reliability survey. Models are listed in alphabetical order by manufacturer, within each vehicle category.

Small Cars:
- Volkswagen Golf
- Volkswagen Jetta (4-cyl.)
- Volkswagen New Beetle

Midsize Cars:
- Audi A6 3.0
- BMW 7-Series
- Cadillac CTS
- Cadillac Seville
- Jaguar S-Type
- Jaguar X-Type
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Pontiac Bonneville

Sporty Cars:
- Chevrolet Corvette
- Mercedes-Benz SLK
- Mini Cooper


Source: Consumer Reports New Car Preview 2004

Least Reliable SUVs:

- Cadillac Escalade
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Ford Expedition
- GMC Envoy
- Hummer H2
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Land Rover Discovery
- Land Rover Freelander
- Lincoln Navigator
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- Oldsmobile Bravada
- Saturn VUE
- Toyota 4Runner (V6)
- Volvo XC90


Source: Consumer Reports

Most European and American cars have poor quality.

I'm surprised to see the mini on there

VW did very bad , damn

The 4Runner and M-Class are not reliable?

You learn something new everyday.

Originally posted by Supercharger
Most European and American cars have poor quality.

I agree! European cars are way "over-engineered" and complicated and, sadly, American manufacturers are still playing "catch-up". I am a little surprised to see the 4 Runner on the list though. Our 2003 has 8000 miles and has been GREAT! It is the V8 though.

Originally posted by Supercharger
Least Reliable SUVs:

- Toyota 4Runner (V6)

Source: Consumer Reports

ok, how the hell can the v6 in this 4runner be less reliable then the v8 (which is stated as one of the most reliable suvs) the v6 just has less torque and better mpg, this car is great i dont know wat these people were smoking when they did this

Originally posted by mental pimp
ok, how the hell can the v6 in this 4runner be less reliable then the v8 (which is stated as one of the most reliable suvs) the v6 just has less torque and better mpg, this car is great i dont know wat these people were smoking when they did this

Simple, the V6 is a completely different engine, with different technology, than the V8. For example, Toyota's V6 has VVT (variable valve timing), the V8 doesn't. That makes the V6 more complex than the V8 (and I'm sure VVT isn't the only difference -- I'm not that familiar with Toyota's product line).

Originally posted by mikeb
I'm surprised to see the mini on there


Obviously you don't own one:D As a Mini owner I can say it is a blast to drive and that the build quality leaves a LOT to be desired. Very fun car but the QC department needs work.

Originally posted by mikeb
I'm surprised to see the mini on there

Seriously? Check out www.mini2.com/forum and look at the "Faults and Fixes" section. They've had TONS more problems than the 8 - linkage cables breaking, faulty windshield, buzzing, leaking roof, bad brakes, engine cut-out, cruise problems, rattles, stalling - just on the first page of posts that I'm reading.

Beemer may have made a cool-looking car, but if you buy it don't expect to be driving it that frequently. They already have 8 TSBs between the two models (5 regular and 3 S), and I've heard that the JCW package only makes things worse, due to added stresses.

Ironically enough, I can't even blame the British. :D Virtually all of the problems I've had have been with the BMW components on the car. Things seem to be improving overall, but things need to get a LOT better.

I'm seriously thinking about looking for a used RX8 when all is said and done. Wonderful cars, you guys are lucky to have them.

hmmmmm

Least Reliable SUVs:
- Hummer H2

Those pesky H2's just keep stalling out on the highways from running out of gas.

actually I read somewhere that is what has happened to a bunch of H2 owners, they run them out of gas. I guess they were shocked to find out what driving something that gets less than 9 mpg is like... idiots

hahahahaha

Originally posted by GodWhomIsMike
hmmmmm

Least Reliable SUVs:
- Hummer H2

Those pesky H2's just keep stalling out on the highways from running out of gas.

actually I read somewhere that is what has happened to a bunch of H2 owners, they run them out of gas. I guess they were shocked to find out what driving something that gets less than 9 mpg is like... idiots

hahahahaha
Ironically, the most common complaint of H2 owner's was the poor fuel economy! What did they expect a Toyota Prius. They should have known what they were getting into before they bought it.:p

Frankly, I don't understand this myth of "German" build quality. I guess they have to justify the higher premium they pay for their cars. The only exception is Porsche who quality significantly improved after they adopted Toyota's Lean Manufacturing principles.


Anyone interested in a good book, read "The Machine That Changed The World" and you'll understand why the Japanese tend to have better quality control. Actually this book is probably only interesting to engineers who are looking for an overview on Lean Manufacturing.


Magic8

Originally posted by jtimbck2
Simple, the V6 is a completely different engine, with different technology, than the V8. For example, Toyota's V6 has VVT (variable valve timing), the V8 doesn't. That makes the V6 more complex than the V8 (and I'm sure VVT isn't the only difference -- I'm not that familiar with Toyota's product line).

ohhh ok, thanks for clearing that up

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14447