Why a favored car doesn't always win

A common accusation we hear is that cars often score highly in Consumer Reports because the test engineers here "like" them. Sometimes we have cars where the overall score doesn't match our individual feelings, such as the Mercedes-Benz C230. (See "Final Thoughts: Mercedes-Benz C230"). The truth is that our overall score is a composite of many different individual test results. We run the tests, give the individual scores, and then calculate an overall score. In this way, every car is rated by the same system. There isn't a "styling," "cachet" or "got to have it" category in our scoring. As a result, sometimes that overall score corresponds to our individual likes and preferences. And sometimes it doesn't.

For instance, the top-scoring sports sedan in the C-Class's test group is the Lexus IS 250. It's a very nice car that's a strong contender in its class--but it lacks the steering feel that several of us desire in a sports sedan. Another example: Several CR auto engineers would buy a Nissan Murano instead of a Honda Pilot; they don't need the third-row seats of the Pilot and they prefer the Murano's sporty handling. Also, regarding pickup trucks, some of find that the longer bed and higher towing capacity of a Toyota Tundra makes more sense than the better-handling but smaller Honda Ridgeline.
Another example: one of our engineers (who we'll call, Jake) drives the Dodge Viper every chance he gets. His two-year-old son calls it "Daddy's Viper." Don't be mistaken--the Viper's many shortcomings remain acknowledged, but it doesn't diminish his enjoyment of the car's burbling, spurting exhaust or its awesome power. (We're discounting his comments that the Viper's hatchback utility help make it a viable family car.)

While in the end we give every vehicle an overall score, we also list the good and the bad about each vehicle. No doubt--high-scoring vehicles are definitely worthy of consideration. But the partnership we have with you is to give all the information so that you can do the research and make the best choice for your individual wants and needs. 

--Mike Quincy