Top 10 Best Automakers of 2018: Consumer Reports
Ever wonder which automakers make the best vehicles?
Consumer Reports is out to answer that question each year, searching for the automakers that produce reliable, high-performing models. The brand rankings are based on the publication’s vehicle testing, along with owner feedback on over 640,000 cars to determine the predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings.
Each Overall Score is a composite of the road test score and the predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings from Consumer Reports‘ Annual Auto Survey.
SEE ALSO: Most Dependable Vehicles of 2018: J.D. Power
To keep things fair, brands are ranked based on the average overall score for all of their current test models. That means automakers with fewer models must really excel in order to perform well.
Top 10 Best Automakers of 2018: Consumer Reports
10. Toyota
This year, Toyota had an overall score of 72 across 20 tested models. The Japanese automaker’s road test score was 67. It ranked high for predicted reliability, but owner satisfaction could be better.
9. Honda
In ninth place this year is Honda, with an overall score of 73 and a road test score of 78. A total of eight models were tested from the brand. Predicted reliability was average, while owner satisfaction was above average.
8. Tesla
The only American automaker on the list is Tesla, with two models tested. It received an overall score of 74, while its road test score came in at 88. Owner satisfaction is highest, while predicted reliability is average.
7. Subaru
Seven models were tested from the Subaru brand, earning a road test score of 83 and an overall score of 76. Both owner satisfaction and predicted reliability were above average.
6. Kia
With both above average predicted reliability and owner satisfaction (although not the highest rank), Kia comes in sixth place. The Korean automaker had eight models tested, earning an overall score of 76 and a road test score of 78.
ALSO SEE: Top 10 Worst Automakers of 2018: Consumer Reports
5. Porsche
Porsche has the highest owner satisfaction, but average predicted reliability. Ranking fifth overall, the German automaker had four models tested, contributing to an overall score of 77 and a road test score of 88.
4. Lexus
Toyota’s luxury arm continues to perform well in the annual rankings, finishing in fourth place this year. Six models were tested wearing a Lexus badge, helping earn the brand an overall score of 77 and a road test score of 73. Both owner satisfaction and predicted reliability were above average.
3. BMW
Like Lexus, BMW had above-average predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. But the German automaker earned an overall score of 79 across eight tested models. Its road test score was 88.
2. Audi
Audi finishes second place this year, ahead of rival BMW. But like BMW and Lexus, the German automaker had above-average predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. With eight models tested, Audi earned an overall score of 80 and a road test score of 86.
1. Genesis
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Consumer Reports refuses to tell us how it comes up with its Road Test Score--how does it weight the various criteria? Frankly, I find Car and Driver's review much more detailed and enlightening.
"Predicted reliability"? What kind of lame-ass rating is this? "Owner satisfaction" might be a lousy metric because most people don't say they bought a lousy vehicle. It makes them look a bit stupid. The only one I like in this list is Tesla. Maybe Consumer Reports is testing only the boring cars from the domestics. How can the Mustang, Jeep Wrangler, Fiesta ST, Ford Raptor, Corvette, Focus RS, etc. not be good enough to put domestics on the list. Rolls Royce, Bently, Aston Martin, McLaren, Mazda, etc. Like WTF!