I found this [portion] of the article particularly interesting:
The Japanese Myth
In addition, CR's data shows that just because a car is Japanese doesn't mean that it's a great car. Honda and Toyota are lauded for their reliability and have built a number of high-rated models, including seven of Consumer Reports' Top Picks for 2007. But not all Japanese cars excel in reliability.
Other Japanese makers, such as Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi have struggled to build high-quality cars consistently.
Nissan's lineup, on average, actually scores above Toyota's in CR's tests, 75 vs. 70. Nissan also produces several of the most reliable cars in Consumer Reports' latest reliability survey, including Infiniti sedans. But three Nissans -- the Armada, Titan, and Infiniti QX56 -- were among the models with the most reliability problems in the survey; all three are made in the same plant in Canton, Miss. Ford vehicles, in comparison, have slightly better reliability in the CR survey than cars from Nissan.
Like GM, Toyota has a large lineup, increasing the challenge of producing consistently excellent vehicles. Eight other automakers had higher average test scores, leaving Toyota just mid-pack in this respect. While tested Toyota vehicles are very reliable and most have good fuel economy, they typically lacked agility in CR's testing.
The analysis also showed that U.S. automakers build some good models. But many vehicles are mediocre, and even the best seldom rise to the top of their categories against stiff competition.
Some automakers' vehicles consistently do well in important areas such as handling, braking, and fuel economy, which weigh heavily in Consumer Reports' test ratings. The automakers that typically do best in CR's ratings tend to build well-rounded vehicles that appeal to a broad audience.
Some companies with smaller product lineups consistently design well-rounded vehicles. All the Hondas tested by CR were reliable, and most had smooth, refined engines and transmissions, good fuel economy, handling, fit and finish, and crash-test scores. But almost all suffered from road noise. Mazda also has a smaller lineup, and all but one Mazda Tribute had good handling and braking in CR's tests. Most were noisy.
The full story, titled "Which companies make the best cars?" appears in CR's Annual April Auto Issue, which goes on sale everywhere magazines are sold on March 6. Free highlights from the April Auto Issue will be available at http://Cars.ConsumerReports.org.
The Japanese Myth
In addition, CR's data shows that just because a car is Japanese doesn't mean that it's a great car. Honda and Toyota are lauded for their reliability and have built a number of high-rated models, including seven of Consumer Reports' Top Picks for 2007. But not all Japanese cars excel in reliability.
Other Japanese makers, such as Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi have struggled to build high-quality cars consistently.
Nissan's lineup, on average, actually scores above Toyota's in CR's tests, 75 vs. 70. Nissan also produces several of the most reliable cars in Consumer Reports' latest reliability survey, including Infiniti sedans. But three Nissans -- the Armada, Titan, and Infiniti QX56 -- were among the models with the most reliability problems in the survey; all three are made in the same plant in Canton, Miss. Ford vehicles, in comparison, have slightly better reliability in the CR survey than cars from Nissan.
Like GM, Toyota has a large lineup, increasing the challenge of producing consistently excellent vehicles. Eight other automakers had higher average test scores, leaving Toyota just mid-pack in this respect. While tested Toyota vehicles are very reliable and most have good fuel economy, they typically lacked agility in CR's testing.
The analysis also showed that U.S. automakers build some good models. But many vehicles are mediocre, and even the best seldom rise to the top of their categories against stiff competition.
Some automakers' vehicles consistently do well in important areas such as handling, braking, and fuel economy, which weigh heavily in Consumer Reports' test ratings. The automakers that typically do best in CR's ratings tend to build well-rounded vehicles that appeal to a broad audience.
Some companies with smaller product lineups consistently design well-rounded vehicles. All the Hondas tested by CR were reliable, and most had smooth, refined engines and transmissions, good fuel economy, handling, fit and finish, and crash-test scores. But almost all suffered from road noise. Mazda also has a smaller lineup, and all but one Mazda Tribute had good handling and braking in CR's tests. Most were noisy.
The full story, titled "Which companies make the best cars?" appears in CR's Annual April Auto Issue, which goes on sale everywhere magazines are sold on March 6. Free highlights from the April Auto Issue will be available at http://Cars.ConsumerReports.org.
