2015 Car Brand Report Cards

Think of reliability and road-test performance as a dating couple: often seen together, but not always. That's the way it can be with cars, too: A top score in our tests doesn't mean a car will be reliable; conversely, reliable cars can—and do—score poorly in our road tests.

To take full measure of how the automakers stack up, our brand Report Cards provide a composite of the average road-test score and predicted reliability across their lineup. The overall scores show which automakers get it right in performance and reliability.

This year Lexus again topped our list, thanks to very good road-test performance and solid reliability across the board. Next up was Mazda, which is all the more impressive because half of its models have been introduced or redesigned within the past three years. Rounding out the top five were Toyota, Audi, and Subaru.

Buick's improved reliability helped it take top honors among all domestic brands for the second year running. In addition, it moved up several spots in our overall rankings, even passing Honda.

Our Annual Reliability Surveys have found that redesigned models often come with teething problems. Mercedes-Benz was the biggest loser, taking a major hit due to a drop in reliability from several models and the low-scoring and unreliable new CLA. Acura and Infiniti also fell from grace. Acura's once-stellar reliability has declined in recent years, and the unimpressive RLX redesign fell short in our tests. Infiniti is an example of how one low-scoring and unreliable model—here, the new Q50—can hurt a carmaker with a small lineup.

The Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Fiat brands all scored near or at the bottom, the result of poor reliability and a variety of new or redesigned models with low road-test scores.

Our rankings of car brands are calculated by factoring vehicle road-test scores and predicted reliability. The percentage of vehicles we recommend is listed as well.

You can use this information to first look for the areas that concern you most. The brands are listed in order of an overall score that combines two factors. Or you can focus on either performance or reliability attributes.

1. Overall score. Look to see who excels. We combine each brand's average road-test score with its average reliability score.

2. Road-test score. This will tell you how well the brands' models perform in our tests overall. This score is an average of all of the models Consumer Reports has currently tested.

3. Predicted reliability. This column provides a guide to how, on average, new cars from that automaker are likely to hold up.

4. To be included. A brand must have at least two models with test and reliability data to be included. Brands that did not have sufficient data to rate are Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mitsubishi, Ram, Smart, and Tesla.

Acura

Honda's upscale brand makes cars and SUVs that offer an appealing combination of generally good reliability, luxury features, and strong resale value. That said, Acuras don't have the panache or inviting interiors of certain other true luxury brands, and the driving experience is often more ordinary than engaging. And Acura's controls and touch screens tend to be annoying and unintuitive. Its MDX and RDX SUVs scored well in our tests, but we were unimpressed when we tested the RLX and ILX sedans. Those models have also come up short in owner satisfaction.

Audi

Audi is a luxury brand that markets itself on available technology features as much as performance, luxurious interiors, or its Quattro all-wheel-drive system. It has recently begun heavily promoting its TDI diesel power plants by oering them on almost its entire range of vehicles. Despite once being masters of interior ergonomics, many new Audi models feel overloaded with controls. The MMI user interface found across the lineup is designed to make life easier for the driver, and after some mastery time this control system is actually quite logical. Many of Audi's vehicles are solid performers, and most have high-grade interiors. As Audi moves to more compact vehicles, though, fit-and-finish blind spots reveal themselves.

BMW

They may not be quite the ultimate driving machines anymore, but most BMWs are responsive, comfortable, and fuel-efficient. Several models have recently given up some sportiness in return for added comfort, refinement, and high-tech features. But BMW still builds some fun sporty cars, such as the 2 Series coupe, along with some plush luxury cars and a wide variety of polished SUVs. Its ever-expanding stable of models stretches from coupes and sedans to hatchbacks and SUVs, and even includes two electric cars. The M versions are dedicated high-performance machines that are more track-worthy than daily drivers. The fussy controls tend to be daunting at first, though the iDrive system isn't as exasperating as it used to be. Reliability of most models has been average.

Buick

Buick is in the process of shedding its stodgy image with a product resurgence led by the sporty, refined, competitive, and affordable Regal. Most other models are luxurious and refined, with beautiful interiors, and one of the most straightforward touch-screen radio and navigation systems in the business. Reliability is solid, though most Buicks can't match the latest competitors' gas mileage. Of the entire model range, only the small Encore is not recommended, because it scored too low in our tests. Most trim levels on every model come with Wi-Fi hot spots for 2015.

Cadillac

Cadillac has been chasing European luxury brands such as BMW by building cars and SUVs with edgy, uniquely American styling and impressively finished interiors. It has a number of sports sedans that go toe-to-toe with its German rivals. In fact, in our testing the ATS and CTS beat their Teutonic competitors in terms of handling agility but not in overall performance. Many of the models are let down by shaky reliability and the brand's infuriating Cue touch-screen infotainment system, which is buggy and difficult to use. But not all models are cut from the same sporty cloth. The SRX feels heavy and not that engaging, the XTS is a large front-wheel-drive sedan that feels like it's from Cadillac's past, and the Escalade is just a large, old-school SUV.

Chevrolet

Capitalizing on its down-home American reputation, Chevrolet sells a full lineup, from subcompacts and family sedans to large SUVs and pickup trucks. As such, its products are a mixed bag. For the most part, sedans such as the Malibu and Impala are compellingly quiet and comfortable, if not the most fuel efficient. Its pickups and SUVs succeed more by providing economical functionality with few frills. Chevrolet has committed to electric drive with the Volt plug-in. But otherwise, it doesn't really offer a car that gets great gas mileage. The MyLink touch-screen infotainment system is one of the easiest to use in the business. Reliability ranges mostly from well below average to average, though some older SUVs do better.

Chrysler

Chrysler is the flagship U.S. passenger-car brand within the Fiat-Chrysler alliance, which began in 2009. Although Chrysler Group (now FCA US) is technically a subsidiary of Fiat, it serves as the mother ship for the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram Trucks brands. This year only three vehicles wear the Chrysler badge: the midsized 200 and large 300 sedans, and the Town & Country minivan. The Chrysler 300 is a standout, the other two are so-so. In almost any Chrysler product these days you can expect modernistic styling, lots of convenient storage spaces, simple controls, and the easy-to-use UConnect touch-screen infotainment system. Overall reliability has often been iffy, though. It's good one year but bad the next.

Dodge

Historically, Dodge has been Chrysler's mainstream bread-and-butter brand, with the Dodge version of any Chrysler sibling being slightly cheaper and less feature-laden. Under Fiat's ownership Dodge marketing has been aimed more at performance, exemplified by the Charger and Challenger, or ruggedness, as in the Durango SUV. The Dart, a compact sedan based on a Fiat platform, typifies the brand's renewed emphasis on styling. But in the end it is let down by unrefined powertrains. Newer Dodges are much improved since the Fiat takeover but, except for the Charger and Durango, still lag most competitors overall, and reliability remains a short suit.

Fiat

Fiat is an enormous Italian company with operations worldwide, and the tie-up with Chrysler created the world's seventh-largest automaker. The Fiat brand was reintroduced here in 2011 with the diminutive, retro-styled Fiat 500. Despite attractive looks and a fun driving experience, various crudities limit its appeal and reliability has been dismal. The larger 500L, a small but spacious wagon, arrived in 2013. It proved unimpressive in our evaluations and garnered the lowest score of any new car in our latest reliability survey. The 500 and 500L also scored poorly in an important IIHS crash test. A subcompact crossover, the 500X, which shares its platform with the Italian-made Jeep Renegade, joins the lineup in spring 2015.

Ford

Ford's more recent car designs drive like European sports sedans, with agile handling, an absorbent ride, and a solid feel. Reliability of most has been below average. We can recommend only the Flex SUV with the V6 engine and all versions of the Fusion sedan. The turbocharged EcoBoost engines typically deliver good performance, but fuel economy isn't that great. The problematic MyFord Touch control interface, which has been recently improved, has been partly responsible. It's being replaced with a new system called Sync 3 that seems to be easier to use. Ford's hybrid models return excellent fuel economy, although in our testing they fall short of the manufacturer's claims. Redesigned versions of the F-150 pickup, Mustang sports car, and Edge SUV are on sale or will be soon.

GMC

GMC's models are twins to Chevrolet's SUVs and trucks but are marketed as more upscale, work-ready versions of the more common Chevrolets. In addition, they all oer an even higher-end, more luxury-laden Denali trim level. In most cases that means the similar Chevrolet truck can be a better bargain. Despite their "professional grade" ad slogans and some styling dierences, the GMCs don't really stand out from their Chevrolet siblings. For example, you can get the Magnetic Ride Control suspension on the Suburban with Chevrolet's LTZ trim. But you must go all the way up to the more expensive Denali trim to get that feature on a Yukon XL.

Honda

Honda builds an almost full line of models, from a subcompact to an eight-passenger SUV. They typically oer competitive fuel economy, very good reliability, and good resale value. The driving experience of most models is responsive and secure though not very exciting. Ride comfort and noise isolation are not Honda strong suits. The roomy and capable Accord four-cylinder and Odyssey minivan are standouts, and the Odyssey is on our list of Top Picks. Recent Hondas have been burdened with optional touch-screen audio systems that are frustrating and distracting to use, and have cost them in our Ratings. Honda has recently begun to use CVTs in its higher-volume models, which has helped fuel economy but has taken away the traditional fun-to-drive character.

Hyundai

Hyundai has left its bargain-basement image well in the rearview mirror. The styling and fit-and-finish of many of its vehicles are on the rise, yet they remain the more aordable choices in their respective segment. The Equus ultra-luxury sedan and Genesis luxury sedan undercut their competition by tens of thousands of dollars, and the Santa Fe SUVs and Sonata sedan are strong competitors. But there are models that don't stand out from the pack, and reliability has been just average across the board. Models such as the Genesis Coupe and Veloster have below-average reliability, and the Accent scored poorly in the IIHS narrow-offset crash test. Hyundai's rapid improvements from one generation to the next are apparent in every model that we test.

Infiniti

Nissan's luxury Infiniti division always has promise but rarely hits a home run. Fit and finish is usually very good, and the powertrains are first-rate, but for a few years now most Infiniti vehicles haven't impressed us overall, and reliability has never been up to Lexus standards. One exception was the midsized G37 sports sedan, which was once a Top Pick. Its replacement, the Q50, has been unimpressive. Infiniti's flagship Q70 sedan, formerly the M, remains a very good car, with proven above-average reliability, in contrast to the smaller Q50, whose debut year was a disaster. Infiniti's current alpha-numeric naming convention seems designed to confuse. Sedans all use a Q prefix; SUVs use a QX.

Jaguar

Jaguar is one of the storied British luxury and sports car brands, always known for avant-garde looks, plush interiors, powerful engines, and generally deplorable reliability in the past. Jaguar, along with Land Rover, was once owned by Ford, but both brands are now owned by Tata, a huge Indian multinational conglomerate. Tata has injected new capital and broadened the line, and seems intent on making Jag a more credible alternative to BMW and Mercedes. Most recent Jaguars have been sleek and low-slung but pay for the styling statement with impeded access; a tight, narrow cockpit; and cramped rear seating. On the plus side, sharp handling puts Jags among the more sporting luxury-car choices.

Jeep

The Jeep brand has been the very essence of rugged, go-anywhere vehicles for decades. Reliability, fuel economy, comfort, and build quality have often lagged, but the brand has a long history of customer loyalty despite all of that. Nowhere has that been truer than with the iconic Wrangler, a fundamentally archaic car whose owners love it. The big exception has been recent versions of the Grand Cherokee, which is derived from a Mercedes design from when Daimler owned Chrysler. Reliability for most versions has been iffy at best, but the current Grand Cherokee has many good qualities. The much newer Cherokee has some promise, but in its debut year the powertrains proved to be underdeveloped. The subcompact Renegade arrives (from Italy) this spring.

Kia

Like its corporate relative Hyundai, Kia delivers competent cars sold for less than the leaders in their respective segments. Over the last several years, Kia's lineup has been thoroughly overhauled, and the result is a portfolio of cars that look exceedingly sharp and are sometimes focused more toward the sporty side of the market than the equivalent Hyundai model. Still, Kia hasn't fully sorted out its suspension tuning. With models such as the K900 and Cadenza, the brand is following Hyundai's push into luxury segments. Those and other models are available with high levels of tech goodies and safety systems. Reliability has recently been a strong suit, ranging from average to well above average, and Kia's powertrain offerings generally deliver respectable acceleration and fuel economy.

Land Rover

Though Land Rover gained fame as the safari vehicle of choice in the far-flung British Empire, it has morphed into luxury-level SUVs: costly, coveted, and toweringly eccentric. India's Tata acquired Land Rover, along with Jaguar, in 2008. The top-end model, the Range Rover, has long enjoyed a prestige reputation. The Range Rover name has been applied to some smaller models, such as the over-styled Evoque, but not to all. Newer Land Rovers have reduced their baling button count, but controls remain complicated and in-vehicle communications systems are rather dated. Off-road capabilities remain first-rate on most models. However, the new emphasis on fuel economy and on-road manners has diminished the off-road focus in some models. Powertrains and other components are shared with Jaguar.

Lexus

Lexus is known for making quiet, plush, and very reliable cars, mostly exemplified by the flagship LS. But rarely have they been called sporty. Its interiors are mostly well-finished, and the engines are smooth and fairly powerful. Lexus' hybrid models are very fuel eicient, with the CT 200h clocking in at 40 mpg overall. Many of its SUVs, such as the large LX and midsized RX, score highly for owner satisfaction, and the new NX small SUV looks promising. With the new RC, a coupe version of the IS sedan, Lexus has a model that injects some style and pizzazz to a mostly bland lineup. The GS sedan, though competitive, hasn't been a sales success. But not all is perfect in Lexus-land: The CT 200h hybrid and IS sports sedan aren't recommended, because they scored too low in our tests, and some models are growing long in the tooth.

Lincoln

This is Ford's luxury brand, and its models are gussied up with more upscale interiors and convenience and electronic features than their Ford brethren. But like Ford, reliability has been spotty of late, largely because of the soon-to-be-replaced MyLincoln Touch electronic control interface. Most Lincoln models land no better than midpack in our Ratings, lacking the spirited driving experience and luxury ambiance of class leaders. The lone exception is the well-executed MKZ sedan, which is based on the Ford Fusion. With a luxurious, quiet interior and ride and handling rivaling a European sports sedan, it's easily the best recent Lincoln in memory. But we can't say the same about the MKC, which doesn't make a compelling case for itself over the Ford Escape Titanium.

Maserati

Maserati, a famous maker of exotic Italian high-performance road and race cars, has been a small niche brand for almost its entire 100-year history. Ownership has changed hands several times, and even Chrysler owned a big chunk of it in the 1980s. Fiat has owned the brand since 1993 and introduced the more aordable but hardly exotic Ghibli in 2014. As a four-door low-slung touring car, it competes with other four-door coupes such as the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS. Though it offers exclusivity, it falls short on refinement, ride quality, and attention to detail.

Mazda

Mazda is the sporty-car brand that really builds only one sports car. But from the iconic MX-5 Miata roadster, the Japanese automaker has been able to distill some form of its fun-to-drive identity into every new model it unleashes. That trend has extended to its growing SUV lineup, including the small CX-5 and even smaller CX-3. At a time when some automakers are turning their backs on what made them great, it is refreshing to see a brand that understands itself and replicates its sporty DNA in every new car it makes. But based on their poor scores in IIHS crash tests, we can't recommend the CX-9 SUV or the Mazda5 small minivan.

Mercedes-Benz

Among the finest automakers in the world, you used to be able to count on every Mercedes to have an exquisite ride, superb handling, an impeccable interior, and sophisticated electronics. The model range includes finely crafted sedans, SUVs, coupes, and convertibles. But these days, just because you see a three-pointed star on the hood doesn't guarantee the car will live up to those lofty standards. Some models, such as the S-Class, are unparalleled when it comes to ride quality and low interior noise levels. On the other hand, the CLA's harsh ride and unrefined demeanor seems like Mercedes just mailed it in. It's hard to believe that the same company produced both cars.

Mini

These small cars, designed and engineered by BMW, embody the classic style made famous by the British icon. Ground-hugging, front-wheel-drive hatchback, sedan, and coupe models drive like proverbial go-karts, with all that entails: quick, precise handling and, in some models, a choppy ride. Practicality takes a backseat. Taller SUV-lite models feel similar and offer all-wheel drive. If you need more power, the turbocharged S models are quick. Minis can be customized to your heart's content, but they command a premium price and shouldn't be viewed as bargain cars. The Mini version of BMW's iDrive system oers comprehensive connectivity but is confusing at first. Fuel economy for the line is pretty good but not stellar. Reliability hasn't been very good.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is becoming a rather obscure brand in the United States. Aside from the Lancer Evolution—which is probably Mitsubishi's most commonly known model among car enthusiasts—there is little in the lineup to get excited about. Every other one of its models is an also-ran, or even unknown, in its respective category. Even ones that scored well in our reliability survey cannot be recommended because they scored too low in our testing. Unless you are in the market for a hardcore performance sedan like the Evo, we would steer clear of Mitsubishi.

Nissan

Of all the major Japanese brands, Nissan has had the most inconsistent product line. The company has long-produced excellent six-cylinder engines, and at some times the vehicles themselves are first-rate. But at other times they're mediocre. In the recent past we've noted a quality fall-off in cars such as the subcompact Versa and compact Sentra. Reliability of the Altima sedan has been subpar, and the Sentra and midsized Pathfinder's has been even worse. There's reason for hope, though. The redesigned Rogue small SUV is a package that's worth consideration, and the recently introduced Murano SUV looks good so far. With the Leaf, Nissan also pioneered the first mass-market, practical, and affordable EV. A huge and all-new Titan arrives in 2015, and the flagship Maxima sedan will be reborn for 2016.

Porsche

Porsche is known for sports cars, but it is an expanding brand, having introduced two SUVs and a four-door to its lineup. Not to mention the seemingly endless rollout of variations of each model. Despite that, the Porsche brand has not been diluted, as the iconic German sports carmaker bakes it high-performance ride and handling DNA, invigorating exhaust note, and beautifully crafted interiors into every new model. Plus, 2015 and beyond will see fuel-efficient hybrid and diesel powertrains work their way into various models. A hybrid version of the Panamera is available this year. It will be interesting to see how the fuel-saving Porsches hold up to the brand's performance standards, and how the complicated models fare reliability-wise.

Scion

This was supposed to be Toyota's "youth division," but it's arguable that Scion hasn't exactly made major inroads in setting sales records or attracting younger buyers. Toyota's stepchild oers small, fuel-efficient (but noisy) vehicles that are somewhat practical and a bit edgier than the mainstream models from the Toyota brand. From the quirky iQ to the near-track-ready FR-S, Scion has had to work hard to try to forge a distinct personality. But aside from its fuel economy numbers, the iQ completely underwhelmed us in our testing, and the tC hatchback does a bad imitation of a sports coupe. Only the versatile box-on-wheels xB is recommended, and even then it scores in the bottom-third of its class. New models, including a compact hatchback and a subcompact sedan, are on the way.

Subaru

This Japanese automaker has long been synonymous with safety, practicality, and all-wheel drive. But it can finally count itself as one of the automakers known for competent technology. Be it the Eye Sight suite of high-tech safety features or the brand's new touch-screen infotainment system, the most recent crop of Subarus delivers the latest tech. Some of those features have not made it to every last model in the lineup, but as time wears on that might change. Many Subaru models place well in our Ratings, and reliability for most models is strong.

Tesla

A new type of car company for a new type of car, Tesla so far builds only expensive electric luxury models. That said, its first volume model is polished, comfortable, nimble, quick, and even reliable enough to recommend. Its Silicon Valley connections make Tesla's huge touch screen far more capable and easier to use than most automotive systems, and its cars get automatic updates sent over the airwaves. Unlike other electrics, huge batteries give Teslas a range of more than 200 miles. The company is rolling out its own network of fast, free charging stations across the country and opened its first pilot battery-swap station in December. Its Model X SUV is expected to arrive in early 2016, followed by the less expensive midsized Model 3 sedan later in the decade.

Toyota

Remember when Toyota made fun cars such as the Celica, Supra, and MR2? We don't, either. Instead, Toyota focuses on building solid, reliable cars that are pleasant, comfortable, and very popular. The Camry is a perennial best seller, the Highlander is consistently one of the top-scoring SUVs in our tests, and the Prius has been our fuel-economy champion for more than 10 years. Toyota has been a leader in hybrid technology, and outstanding reliability is a common theme across the line of vehicles. What's not to like? Well, its trucks are somewhat crude and out-classed by just about everything from Detroit, and there is nothing in its lineup that screams, "Let's go for a drive!" Highly competent cars? Yes. But soul-stirring? Not so much.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen has spent a lot of time designing more of its cars to closer align with the American market. Still, most of its cars feel more premium than their competitors, thanks to responsive handling, firm and comfortable rides, and an overall solid feel. Most models use refined turbocharged four-cylinder engines that deliver a good blend of performance and fuel economy. Diesel engines can also be found throughout its lineup. The redesigned Golf and GTI are especially impressive, with high-quality interiors and a fun-to-drive demeanor. VW may be shooting for more sales, but its German roots mean it will always be selling comparatively premium products—evidenced by their sometimes-heady sticker prices and subsequent maintenance costs. Reliability has been somewhat hit or miss.

Volvo

Solid and staid, Volvo sedans, wagons, and SUVs have secure if not particularly sporty handling and many of the latest electronic safety and collision-avoidance systems. Their interiors are generally quiet, comfortable for passengers tall and short, and elegantly—though not opulently—finished, with comfortable seats and mostly simple controls. But Volvos aren't as luxurious as most competitors, because of their ordinary performance and mundane ride and handling. Most models have an overly firm ride. The aging five-cylinder engine used in several models sounds gru and lacks refinement. The new turbocharged four-cylinder provides smooth and lively performance, and is a much more refined choice. Infotainment systems on most models are not very intuitive. Volvo reliability has been average.