Sedan reliability shows large gaps from first to worst

When you plunk down a big chunk of your hard-earned cash on a car, the last thing you expect out of your new ride is to have it break down and leave you stranded on the side of the road.

That's why you need to check out Consumer Reports' annual review of the most and least reliable new cars. Our report can help you find a reliable set of wheels.

If you're considering a new family sedan, check out these reliability winners and one loser. And for more information, visit our guide to car reliability.

Winners

Volkswagen Passat 1.8T

Base MSRP price range: $21,120-$35,660

This fine four-door sedan brings home well above-average predicted reliability. Intriguingly, the V6 version of the Passat has scored poorly in reliability in the past, but the turbocharged four-cylinder version looks to be reversing that trend. Adding to the Passat's appeal is its almost cavernous interior space, responsive handling, and a comfortable, quiet ride. The spirited 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder engine also returns a very good 28 mpg overall and 39 on the highway. Front seats are accommodating but very firm. The trunk is huge. Great reliability combined with very good test scores add up to a winning sedan.

Mazda6

Base MSRP price range: $21,190-$29,895

With road test scores just a step behind the Passat—and equally strong reliability—the Mazda6 brings a decidedly sporty and stylish bent to the sedan segment. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine squeezes an impressive 32 miles out of a gallon of fuel. The Mazda6 is also rewarding to drive, with agile handling, and a ride that seemed responsive to some testers, but a tad harsh for others. The front seats hold you in place without your back protesting in pain. Give this Mazda a try. It might make you rethink an underappreciated brand.

If reliability is your top priority, consider these other strong choices: Toyota Camry Hybrid; Toyota Camry with a base four-cylinder engine; and Honda Accord with a base four-cylinder engine.

Loser

Nissan Altima

Base MSRP price range: $22,300-$31,950

The Altima is a big, rolling conundrum. What's so good about this car are its roominess, the power and efficiency of its four- and six-cylinder engines, and modern safety and infotainment systems. What's bad is that the Altima scrapes the bottom of the barrel for reliability. The V6 version is well below average; the four-cylinder model is merely below average. Particular trouble spots include body integrity issues (such as wind noise and squeaks/rattles) and problems with the audio system—ranging from glitches with audio, navigation, and infotainment/Bluetooth systems. Owners told us about some minor engine and brake issues with the four-cylinder models; V6 owners noted some transmission and body hardware complaints. Even if you're tempted by a Nissan dealer's price break, remember that just because you see a Japanese nameplate, the car is not guaranteed to be trouble free.

Promising from the outset

Kia Cadenza

Base MSRP price range: $34,900-$43,800

Being the first on your block to buy a brand-new or recently redesigned car can be risky. Our data shows that manufacturers often need a couple years to work out the bugs. But the Cadenza is one of the few models that seem to have hit the reliability bull's-eye right from the start. Although we have only one year of data, we predict the Kia Cadenza will have well-above-average reliability. What you also get with this spiffy Kia is a luxurious, quiet interior, a roomy backseat, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride. The V6 engine is slick and rewards frugal drivers with a competitive 22 mpg. Controls are refreshingly easy to use. Never considered a Kia? We'd definitely give the Cadenza a once-over.

—Mike Quincy