Mazda tops US reliability brand ranking

MAZDA, Buick and Honda are among the brands that made gains in the US’ latest Annual Auto Reliability Survey from Consumer Reports (CR), the mission-driven nonprofit organisation committed to creating a fairer, safer and more transparent marketplace for consumers.

The 2020 Auto Reliability Surveys, which rank among the largest surveys of their kind in the US, are based on data collected from CR members about their experiences with more than 300,000 vehicles.

The survey findings were announced at an online news conference before the Detroitbased Automotive Press Association on Nov 19.

Owners reported everything from transmissions needing replacement after as little as 5,000 miles (8,046.7 kilometres) to display screens that required hardware replacement and even paint that was marred by embedded human hair.

“A car might be great to drive and have all the features you want, but all that won’t matter too you much if you have to keep going back to the dealer for repairs,” said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports. “We use extensive feedback from owners to help you avoid hassles by choosing a reliable car.”

For the first time ever, Mazda ranks at the top of CR’s reliability list. Historically, that top spot has been held by its much larger competitors Toyota and Lexus.

The key to Mazda’s success is that it redesigns models conservatively and has avoided introducing risky new powertrains and infotainment systems.

The entire lineup benefits from many shared platforms and components, with only modest changes during redesigns.

CR’s auto statisticians calculate reliability ratings for every major mainstream car, minivan, SUV and truck on the market, even ones that are brand-new and redesigned for 2021.

To do so, the team analyses annual CR member surveys data on a model’s reliability history, calculating the brand’s overall reliability and if applicable, the reliability of models that use some of the same components.

Consumer Reports’ prediction of new-car reliability is a key element of CR’s Overall Score, which is a holistic measure of a vehicle’s quality designed to make it easy for consumers to quickly find the best cars, SUVs and trucks to suit their needs.

The Overall Score also includes road-test performance, owner satisfaction survey results, whether a vehicle comes with key safety systems and results from crash tests, if applicable.

This year, there are 11 models with reliability ratings that improved enough to lift their Overall Scores to enable them to be “CR Recommended.”

“Consumers deserve products that are safe, secure and provide good value. At a time when people are faced with so much uncertainty and misinformation, CR continues to provide people with trusted information rooted in science, evidence and data,” said Marta Tellado, president and CEO of Consumer Reports.

“Our annual auto reliability, combined with our comprehensive auto testing, helps to shape a marketplace that puts consumers first.”