The company collects feedback from car owners around the world and conducts research on consumer satisfaction with a particular car brand. The most interesting car reliability rating that the company maintains is called VDS (Vehicle Dependability Study), which includes a long-term study of cars during their operation. We offer you based on the new rating of reliability and quality Vehicle find out what are the most reliable brands and models in the world on automotive market these days.
The VDS rating is aimed at the long-term reliability of vehicles. During the study, the company's specialists constantly monitor defects, malfunctions and problems that arise for car owners during operation. Data analysis starts from the moment of purchase of a new car in a car dealership and is carried out during the first three years.
Today we will take a closer look at those car brands, which took the first ten lines of the rating in terms of reliability and quality.
Recall that the number of points in the table means the average number of officially registered problems per 100 cars.
10 Chevrolet
In the top ten of the car reliability rating this year was the Chevrolet brand, which has registered 123 problems per 100 cars in three years. It is worth noting that this figure is better than the industry average of 147. JD Power noted that the least likely to break following models: Camaro, Malibu and Silverado.
9 Scion
Youth oriented car brand Scion (a division of Toyota) this year scored 121 points and ranked ninth in the ranking. Compared to last year, the brand's position in the reliability ratings has improved by 13 positions. The most reliable models: Scion tC, xB and xD.
8. Mercedes-Benz
A luxury car always means difficult to maintain. That is why maintenance premium brands is significantly more expensive than ordinary cars. But unfortunately, the luxury and price of the car does not yet indicate its reliability. That is why the Mercedes company monitors not only innovative technologies and fashion trends in the automotive market, but also monitors the quality of products. Thanks to this, it took the fifth line of reliability this year. JD Power recorded just 119 problems per 100 vehicles in 2012 over the three years of the study.
7 Lincoln
Brand Lincoln, company-owned Ford outperformed Mercedes by one point in reliability and took 7th place in the rating with 118 points. The most reliable cars: MKS and MKZ.
6 Porsche
Porsche has really known for decades how to make sure that the owner of a car with a sporty character gets exactly what is usually expected from powerful vehicles. But besides this, German engineers know a lot about the technological reliability of their products. This year it ranks sixth in the reliability rating. Jd Power awarded the brand 116 points (116 reported problems per 100 vehicles). The most reliable model with the least number of identified defects and malfunctions: Porsche 911.
5.Honda
The same number of problems have been registered in Honda cars for three years, i.е. for 100 cars - 116, the same as the Porsche brand. Ridgeline was recognized as the most reliable car. Models and also showed good reliability values.
According to experts, JD Power has been improving its products for several years by improving build quality and weeding out unreliable suppliers of auto components.
4 Cadillac
This brand showed the most unexpected result for last years. In accordance with the JD Power car reliability rating, the brand has outperformed brands such as , and , which previously ranked much higher than the American Automobile Company, in terms of reliability and quality. Based on a three-year study, 2012 Cadillac cars are more reliable than Mercedes, Porsche and Honda cars of the same year. For three years, an average of 114 problems per 100 vehicles were registered.
3.Toyota
Toyota has always relied not only on pricing, but also on the quality of its products. It is thanks to reliability that the brand has gained popularity all over the world, which allows it to remain the world's largest car manufacturer on the world market. This year, the Japanese company ranks third in the three-year-old car reliability rating.
According to the results of the studies, an average of 111 problems per 100 vehicles were registered. The highest reviews were received by the Corolla and Sienna models.
2. Buick
More and more American brands are gradually getting into the top 10 most reliable cars in the world. This year, the Buick brand was not just in the top ten, but in the top three among the highest quality vehicles in the world. This was made possible by the fact that Buick cars according to the results of the study received 110 points (110 problems per 100 vehicles).
The LaCrosse car was recognized as the most reliable model of the brand, which bypassed such cars as Avalon and Ford Taurus in terms of quality and reliability.
1 Lexus
The Lexus brand this year not only traditionally took first place among all reliable cars, but also outperformed its competitors with an amazing result. Think about it. In three years, according to research conducted by JD Power, there were 89 problems per 100 vehicles. The most reliable passenger car recognized model Lexus ES. Among SUVs, the most reliable and quality car became SUV Lexus GX. Experts also singled out crossovers such as the RX for their low failure and breakdown rate within three years of operation after purchase.
The new reliability rating of vehicles on the US market, compiled annually by the American agency J.D. Power, published edition Autoguide. The rating is based on a survey of about 37,000 American car owners about breakdowns of their cars over the past 12 months of operation, and places are distributed according to the number of complaints per 100 cars of each model of a particular brand, the site clarifies. Quto.ru .
Recognized as the most reliable subcompact car Kia Rio: there are an average of 122 malfunctions per hundred of these cars, while the average for the automotive industry is 142 breakdowns. Also in the top three in this category are Chevrolet Sonic and Nissan Versa. In the category of premium cars in this category, the Lexus CT is recognized as the most reliable with 99 breakdowns per 100 copies.
In the category of compacts, the hybrid was awarded the highest marks Toyota Prius, on the second and third positions were Buick Verano and electric car nissan leaf. AT premium segment among compacts, the Lexus ES is in the lead, the second and third positions are occupied by the Infiniti Q40 and BMW 4 Series, respectively.
The most reliable mid-size car recognized Chevrolet Malibu with 124 breakdowns per 100 cars. A little inferior to him Toyota Camry and Buick Regal. Lexus GS named the most hassle-free premium mid-size car. In second place was the BMW 5 Series.
The most reliable mid-size sports car was the Dodge Challenger. Second place - chevrolet camaro. Leading in the full-size class Buick LaCrosse. Chevrolet Impala and Ford Taurus are on the second and third lines.
Category compact crossovers the top three were Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Trax and Volkswagen Tiguan. The Audi Q3 was named the most reliable premium SUV in this category, ahead of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Most Reliable compact SUV recognized Chevrolet Equinox, ahead of GMC Terrain and Ford Escape. In the premium segment of this category, the first place went to Mercedes-Benz GLK, second and third Porsche Macan and Lexus NX.
Toyota Tacoma was recognized as the most reliable mid-size pickup truck, which was ahead of Nissan Frontier. In the full-size pickup category, the Chevrolet Silverado won, overtaking the Ford F-150. The Ford Super Duty and Chevrolet Silverado HD were named the most hassle-free heavy-duty pickups.
In the category of mid-size off-road vehicles, the first place went to the Chevrolet Traverse, in the back of which three cars breathe at once - the Buick Enclave, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Venza, noted in the publication. In the premium segment of this category, the Lexus RX is leading, ahead of the Lincoln MKX and Lexus GX. The Ford Expedition was named the most reliable full-size SUV, surpassing the Chevrolet Tahoe.
In the minivan segment, the Honda Odyssey took the lead with 140 breakdowns per 100 vehicles.
When a person plans to buy a car, he, first of all, thinks about its reliability. This will allow you to operate the machine without problems in the coming years, not to be afraid for the failure of the main components due to the presence of initially weak points in them. Reliability is a collective concept, which includes many values and criteria. In the ranking of the most are only the best models different manufacturers, which deserve such a title and provide car owners with what they expect from cars.
TOP most reliable cars in the world.
After all, there are frankly terrible and simply bad cars that break down literally immediately after they leave the salon. Moreover, people know about this, but continue to buy, because they are attracted by the low cost. But not always affordable price means low quality. To do this, we have formed a small rating. Here we will consider the most, as well as individual models in different categories. The top was compiled on the basis of research conducted by various leading analytical companies. The opinions of the car owners themselves and their feedback were also taken into account in the framework of a special survey.
The concept of car reliability
First you need to define what is meant by this concept. Every year, many companies and organizations involved in analytics try to select the best cars according to one criteria or another. One of the most important is reliability. The inclusion of an automaker in these lists significantly increases the demand for their line of cars. Therefore, it is in the interests of the companies themselves to produce really high-quality and trouble-free cars.
Data collection for the final grades is collected by several methods:
- questioning of car owners;
- surveys;
- research;
- crash tests;
- testing under difficult conditions;
- observation during the operation of the machine, etc.
All the data obtained are summarized, which makes it possible to derive a common denominator for certain cars, as well as manufacturers. The reliability of a car means a combination of several qualities and characteristics inherent in a really good car.
- operational reliability. This criterion makes it clear how long the most reliable car can be operated without the need for repair work. At the same time, the car must be in operation, and the owner must follow the manufacturer's recommendations for replacing consumables, etc. That is, a natural process of operation is observed. The sooner a problem occurs that is not related to a violation of the manufacturer's recommendations, the lower the rating is awarded to the car.
- Durability. This indicator determines how long the car can be operated if regularly and efficiently perform regulated maintenance.
- Ease of repair. Even if the machine breaks down, some problems arise, the manufacturer must provide for the possibility of quickly eliminating them.
- Working capacity. Using this criterion, it is determined how much the operational period declared by the automaker in the technical documentation corresponds to the actual duration of the machine.
Often, car enthusiasts think that experts give high marks only to the most expensive brands and models. Allegedly high price means high quality. But this is not always the case. Many companies put on the market really, in terms of reliability, they are significantly inferior to budget cars.
Top ten most reliable automakers
Here the situation is quite interesting and will surprise many. Especially those who continue to believe in the superiority and dominance of the quality of German cars. Yes, once the Germans were at the top of the Olympus of reliability. But it is impossible to conquer new peaks on past merits. Therefore, in the ranking of the most reliable cars, the situation spun. Once leaders begin to lag behind, and once again obvious outsiders are confidently moving up. Let's start from the weakest representative of the top ten and end with the winner of the rating of the most reliable cars in 2018. Keep in mind that dozens of companies were outside the top. Therefore, even being in 10th place is a serious achievement.
bmw
Opens ten the best manufacturers cars of 2018. BMW company seriously lost its position, because in a few years it confidently went down several steps. The once unconditional first place has turned into an unstable 10th line. But the reliability rating must be fair. Because BMW can not be put higher. Their new machines often break down, and in order to fix a number of problems, they have to deal with a very complex internal device.
The statistics say that bmw car increasingly becoming a visitor to car services. It seems that the Germans decided to make money on spare parts and. How else to explain such a change in performance, as well as the inability to fix more than 80% of faults with your own hands. As in the 2017 ranking, in 2018 experts award only the last lines of the top companies from Germany. Even if they were once ahead of everyone in reliability, and reliability legendary models literally infuriated competitors who were not able to offer something similar. What brand was before, and what cars have become now, is somewhat depressing for true fans of the Bavarian automaker.
The company has established itself as a manufacturer of inexpensive but good workhorses. Cars received an improved anti-corrosion coating, fixed the problem increased consumption oils, put reliable and constructively simple engines, which allowed us to enter the top 10. But these cars have problems. And they start after 100 thousand run. They are not very serious, they can be eliminated. Repels only the unexpectedly high cost of repairs. Some models are not well thought out. Sometimes you have to disassemble half the engine just to change the spark plugs. There are other similar examples of shortcomings that prevented Nissan from being above the 9th line in the rating.
KIA and Hyundai
These brands can be put in one row and awarded the same 8th place. Close cooperation and mutual use of technological and design solutions make it possible to identify brands as completely different. Having bounced over their heads, the Koreans gradually drop down again in the reliability rating. Their motors have ceased to be a model of durability, overgrown with new problems and shortcomings. But Koreans would not be themselves if they did not continue to work hard on their mistakes. They succeed in a lot, they managed to get rid of a number of chronic problems. So far it only upsets chassis, unable to compete with European models.
Honda
These cars of Japanese origin are quite expensive to maintain. But the owners themselves believe that the money justifies itself. Serious problems for cars of this brand were executive hydraulics and multi-link suspension. They simply simplified the designs without fear of losing some technical edge over their competitors. But this initially controversial move allowed a different look at Honda from the standpoint of car reliability. They have become much better, and therefore deservedly climbed to the 7th line of the rating.
When a person buys a Porsche for himself, he expects for that kind of money not just luxury and dynamics, but also an appropriate level of reliability. Gradually, the VAG Group sub-brand rises steadily, forcing skeptics to talk about really high quality car performance. Currently, indicators of durability and suitability for repair are far from the cherished positions. But the engineers keep working hard. Some doubts cause the most sports models. But the Panamera and Macan have a minimum of claims. Largely thanks to these models, the company took 6th place in the top.
Eternal complaints about their engines do not prevent the company from Japan from remaining among the best automakers in terms of reliability. Technical specifications significantly improved, the suitability for repair has increased several times. Own 5 place Subaru received for the use of new alloys in the manufacture of engines. The degree of forcing the engines was also slightly reduced, which made it possible to extend their service life with minimal power loss. Excellent dynamics, one of best turbines in the world, in combination with good equipment and a durable hull, made it possible to get into the middle of the rating and firmly gain a foothold in their positions.
Audi
Here one can rightly enter Volkswagen, which is the main protagonist of the VAG Group, of which Audi is a part. Although the Germans have lost their positions in the quality ratings, they are still confidently holding on to their 4th line. Engineers took an important step by starting to use an aluminum body. This made it possible to give lightness, economy and durability. The problem of corrosion is gone, but there are difficulties in body repair. It can be done, only it is usually very expensive for the owner. Aluminum can be called the basis for modern and future cars. But since the melting point of this material is higher, and expensive equipment is required for welding, such innovations automatically increased the cost of already not the cheapest Audi cars.
The Japanese auto giant has always been in high positions, and in the near future the situation will definitely not change. Decent bronze. In some aspects, reliability indicators cannot be called reference. But according to the results of a study of their economy and Maintenance experts could not lower the brand below 3 positions. Toyota has taken a big step forward with more wear-resistant and durable automatic transmissions and robotic boxes. Their repair was simplified, reliability was increased, while maintaining high work efficiency.
Mazda
Another one won silver Japanese company. Do not be surprised that such high positions went to the Japanese. They deserve it with their hard work and desire to be the best in the world. In many ways, reaching the 2nd position is due to the emergence of SkyActiv technology, on the basis of which modern gasoline and diesel engines companies. Gone characteristic problems with electronics, significantly increased efficiency and maintainability automatic transmissions. A improved appearance generally deserves special attention. Because Mazda was in such a high place, only slightly behind the leader. Now this is one of best cars which are recommended to buy on secondary market. Over time, they do not lose their reliability, and if repairs are necessary, no significant problems arise.
Lexus
And won the palm in 2018 Lexus. It seems that the manufacturer does not notice competitors, but is confidently moving forward. Their cars are incredibly stylish, luxurious, dynamic, high quality. In these components, they have practically no competitors. According to the evaluation results, the experts came to the conclusion that the Japanese make the best electronics, motors, gearboxes. Also, the problem that was complained about several years ago by car owners of models with high mileage. Then there was an active failure in different systems. Current models at 400 thousand kilometers do not encounter serious problems. Although car repairs are quite expensive, Lexus owners rarely go to a car service with such problems. The failure-free operation of the engines and the stability of the chassis to the most severe operating conditions left no chance for competitors. Therefore, the experts gave the well-deserved first place to Lexus.
Class Leaders
If we talk about the reliability of a particular car, then highlight the top ten best cars in the world is extremely difficult. Therefore, instead of a collective rating, we propose to study small tops from representatives of different classes who managed to win first places. Based on the results of 2017, these cars are positioned as the most attractive cars in terms of reliability. Each car has passed a thorough examination, has been evaluated by experts and ordinary motorists.
- This is the German association for technical supervision, which deals with issues technical inspection cars in Germany. Car owners admit that the results of their checks are the most objective. For evaluation, the reports of technical inspectors are used, which cannot be bribed.
- One half of the maintenance is carried out by TUV, and the other half in Germany is handled by this organization. This is the German Automotive Association. They make brief conclusions after testing more than 15 million cars a year. The organization determines the 9 best representatives of the most popular classes.
- German car club. It is the largest public organization in Europe. It includes about 18 million car owners. They deal with issues of technical failure, which allows compiling relevant statistical reports.
- Warranty Direct. British company whose data is based on information from insurance organizations. They analyze insurance payments, thereby determining which weak spots some cars have. As a result, each model receives a conditional reliability index. Another important advantage of their work is the availability of information about average cost car repair.
- Auto Expert. UK edition. They receive their analytics by conducting an annual survey. More than 50,000 car owners take part in the survey every year. The result is presented in the form of a generalized rating, which includes the top ten cars, regardless of the class or year of manufacture.
- consumer reports. An independent organization from the USA that has existed for over 80 years. They collect data on car breakdowns by surveying owners. Each year, the company has at its disposal information on more than 500,000 vehicles. They recently completed the largest study in the world, which included over 300 car models produced since 2000. They also tell at the end of the year which cars have risen in the reliability rating, and which have lost their previous positions. In parallel, the organization offers the tops of the best cars on the secondary market, which cost up to 30 thousand dollars and were released no more than 10 years ago.
- JD Power. An agency from the USA that collects data on machine breakdowns during the first 3 months from the start of their operation, as well as for the first 3 years. As a result, the leader in each class is published, as well as several cars that are as close as possible to it in terms of reliability.
Summing up the results of the work of all analytical companies and organizations, it was possible to compile an overall rating according to various criteria. Each class will feature leaders selected by various expert analytical organizations. Therefore, conditionally, each car deserves 1 position. The opinions of experts differ, which is why it is important to name several leaders for each class.
Compact passenger cars
The leaders in this segment are:
- Honda Jazz (branded as the Fit in some markets);
- Chevrolet Aveo, also known as Sonic;
- ix20 from Hyundai;
- Mazda 2.
These are small budget cars who were able to demonstrate their best qualities. The level of reliability of some of them has increased markedly in recent years. Also worth mentioning compact premium vehicles of this class. Here the leaders are:
- Audi A1;
This is an option for those who are willing to spend a little more money on a small car.
compact crossovers
Here it was possible to determine conditionally 4 leaders, although in fact these are 3 cars. The best small crossovers are:
- Mitsubishi ASX;
- Dacia Duster;
- Opel Mokka;
In fact, Opel and Buick are identical cars. You can also safely add to Dacia Renault Duster.
Class C passenger cars
There was a tough fight here, as many organizations represented their segment leaders. But after a thorough analysis of the studies, 4 top positions were formed. It is these cars that can be considered the most reliable in 2018 according to such criteria as reliability, maintainability and durability:
- Toyota Corolla;
- Toyota Prius;
- Mazda 3;
- Mitsubishi Lancer.
Please note that all presented cars are products of the Japanese automobile industry.
Class C also has its own leaders among the premium segment. This included:
- Audi A3;
- BMW 1 Series;
- Volvo C30.
There is already a dominance of Europeans with the inclusion of only one representative of Japan.
The double hit of Lexus, the leader in reliability, once again proves the ability of the Japanese automaker to produce really high-quality and trouble-free cars.
Premium crossovers and SUVs
We will conclude the review with what brand of car has earned such a high rank in the most prestigious class. Since SUVs and crossovers are at the peak of popularity now, everyone is eager to present the best representative of this segment. No surprises are to be expected. The top four looks natural. It included:
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We are accustomed to believing in the impeccability of the "Germans", in the reliability of the "Japanese" and in other axioms (or is it legends?), Which automakers themselves have been stubbornly repeating for decades. Of course, there are independent studies that prove that this or that respected brand has received recognition all over the world for a reason. It is all the more interesting that some other reliability ratings completely refute popular misconceptions.
Myth 1. Cars used to be better
We live in an age of disposables. Durable-looking "tourist" boots can come apart at the seams in a couple of months, even if you walked in them exclusively around the city. From the body of the "fifth" iPhone, the paint peeled off already in the first days of operation. And I personally know the buyer Ford Mondeo, who, in the first year of owning a car, encountered so many small and not very troubles that he handed over the car back to the dealership. Has this happened before?
It is believed that the models of previous years were created with a much greater margin of safety. Like it or not, it is impossible to say. But manufacturers take into account the fact that we have begun to change cars more often and rarely think about what repairs a car will need after 200 thousand kilometers.
It is believed that companies have massively switched to components with more Low quality, starting to buy them from manufacturers from third world countries. The automotive components industry has indeed changed: for example, the Chinese company Fuyao Glass Industry has now come in second place in the supply of automotive glass to the factories different brands(by the way, this year she opened production in Russia and began to supply glass to Kaluga plant Volkswagen). Such examples cause concern among motorists of the old school.
However, statistics can dispel doubts. Studies conducted on the European market show that among the current 4-5 year old cars there is the same proportion of instances with various kinds of malfunctions (about 11%), as among cars manufactured 15 years ago and examined at the beginning of the "zero" years. Such data are given in the reports of the German organization TUV, which deals with vehicle inspection. Of course, in this case we are talking about neat Europeans who keep their cars in good technical condition.
And what about the ocean? There statistics are even better. Research by the American agency J.D. Power, fixing all (even the smallest) problems that arise during the operation of machines, show that over the past 10 years the number of comments has decreased by as much as half! In 2003, there were an average of 273 problematic parameters per 100 three-year-olds, and in 2013 this number fell to only 126 (data from the 2013 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study report).
However, if we talk not about the "average" car, but about the models specific brands, you can see that depending on the year of manufacture, reliability can vary over a very wide range. For example, according to the TUV rating, reliability Renault cars has dropped significantly over the past decade. In the 2004 report, the four- or five-year-old Laguna and Megane models are in quite worthy places - at the level of the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series. Of the used cars surveyed, only 10.5% of the Laguna and 11.3% of the Megane had serious problems. Over the years, the situation has changed radically.
In the 2013 report, Lagunas and Megans, aged four or five, are already at the bottom of the list with numbers of 18% and 23%. Lower - Renault Kangoo(23.2%), but the related Dacia Logan (25.8%) was recognized as the most unreliable car.
A similar drop in quality is observed in Citroen. If the Xsara golf-class model in 2004 surpassed Audi and BMW business sedans in reliability, demonstrating the result of only 9.8% of faulty cars at the age of 4-5 years, then the Citroen C4 that replaced it breaks down almost twice as often (16, 7%).
However, such examples are, fortunately, the exception. The special quality of previous models is believed, first of all, by hardened “car gurus”, who found the times when “Mercedes was still the same”, and new Lada is no longer a match for “the very first Zhiguli”. To believe them or not is a philosophical question. Neither one nor the other can give any reliable statistics of breakdowns.
Myth 2: Engineering excellence of prestige brands
At world premieres of cars, journalists are always impressed by how luxury brands effectively present their technical know-how. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Range Rover, Cadillac - all of them will certainly show the new components in the context and allow you to ask engineers in detail about all the benefits of fresh solutions. This is done so that buyers have no doubt that they are paying not only for the brand and expensive finishing materials, but also for true technical excellence. True, not a single brand, of course, admits that a car stuffed with advanced electronics is more capricious than simpler models, and components and assemblies that have received new design solutions are sometimes less reliable and more expensive to repair than cheaper designs.
A year ago, the British organization Warranty Direct, which collects statistics on warranty and post-warranty car repairs in the UK, published a rating worst cars over the past 15 years. The list can be called shocking: it consists almost entirely of the flagship models of the German car industry. The real surprise was that it even included models that, in other ratings, on the contrary, were called the most trouble-free. The worst ten cars, according to Warranty Direct, looks like this:
- Audi RS 6 (2002-2011 release)
- BMW M5 (2004-2011)
- Mercedes-Benz SL (2002-2012)
- Mercedes-Benz Viano (1996-2004)
- Mercedes-Benz CL (2000-2007)
- Audi A6 allroad (2000-2005)
- Bentley Continental GT (2003-2012)
- Porsche 911 (body 996) (2001-2006)
- Range Rover (2002-2012)
- Citroen XM (1994-2000)
Such an amazing selection of cars can be easily explained: the experts took into account not only the total number of breakdowns, but - more importantly - also the cost of repairs. This can explain why the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-Benz SL were blacklisted. Of course, the comparison of repair costs is only partially fair, but it should be noted that the rating taking into account the "monetary factor" gives more correct results than without it.
Although even without taking into account the "price of the issue", the reliability of many respected brands is highly questionable. For example, statistics on engine breakdowns do not speak in favor of Audi, BMW, Mini and Volkswagen, Warranty Direct experts say. For every 27 Audi vehicles, there is one engine failure. Worse - only the MG Rover brand, which has one breakdown for every 13 cars. Well, the best results were shown by the Honda and Toyota brands, which have one engine failure in 344 and 171 cars, respectively.
Not only in the Warranty Direct research, but also in the American ratings, these brands do not show the best results. At J.D. Power brands such as Audi, Mini and Volkswagen also rank in the bottom 10 for reliability when evaluating cars as young as three years old. Yes, and BMW showed a result lower than the industry average.
To be sure, you can refer to another independent rating - Consumer Reports, which contains statistics on calls to American car services from 2003 to 2012. The top 20 cars reported to have been "significantly above average" included expensive models such as the BMW 7 Series, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GL, Mini Cooper S and Volkswagen Touareg.
Myth 3. Trouble-free "Japanese"
They say that the Russian ambassador to Japan at one time drove alternately in a Mercedes and a Lexus. There were always many problems with one machine, while the other served flawlessly. Guess what? This story was told to me by my friend, who worked for several years at the embassy, and I subsequently retold it to many acquaintances. Everyone usually guesses correctly, because Japanese reliability is an axiom. Or no longer?
In recent years brand Toyota sadly famous for several large recalls of cars at once due to various kinds of factory defects, however, in the reliability ratings, this brand still occupies high lines. The ability to quickly eliminate the deficiencies found may contribute here.
Indeed, Toyota and Lexus models occupy quite high lines in many ratings, but this cannot be said about other brands. Yes, and Toyota is not praised by all researchers. For example, the German automobile club ADAC, which has been researching car reliability for many years, did not notice any special advantages for Toyota. The list of 21 cars, the owners of which are the least likely to apply for service, includes only one "Japanese" - Nissan Micra. Well, Honda Jazz got into the top 12 outsiders. Of course, here we can talk about the error of German studies: in the German car fleet Japanese models not so much. But in America, there are definitely enough of them.
According to J.D. Power, among the “three-year-olds” Lexus is in the lead, but Mitsubishi is one of the top three outsiders. Worse than this brand only Dodge and Land Rover. Subaru, Nissan and Infiniti also perform worse than average.
Research by Consumer Reports (statistics of calls to car services from 2003 to 2012) also confirms that the Japanese are different from the Japanese. The titles of the best are awarded to several models of Toyota / Lexus, Honda / Acura, Mazda and Infiniti at once. The rest Japanese stamps, according to the researchers, do not represent anything remarkable in terms of reliability.
Myth 4. "The British" are the most problematic
Testing new Jaguar and Land Rover models, we note from time to time that English engineering has stepped far forward in recent years. Take, for example, completely aluminum bodies: this solution is now used not only on sports cars, but also - for the first time in history - on thoroughbred off-road vehicles. And on highways, and on a serious off-road, these cars will not yield to anyone, but all words of admiration usually have to be accompanied by remarks about reliability ratings that have already set teeth on edge.
Is it a joke: in the studies of J.D. Power brand Land Rover has repeatedly been recognized as the worst of all, and Jaguar in latest ranking rose only five lines higher. If for every 100 used Lexuses aged three years there are 71 reported problems, then Land Rovers have 220.
However, representatives of the British brand say that the quality of cars has seriously improved in recent years. Indian concern Tata, which acquired Jaguar Land Rover in 2008, has made significant financial investments in reliability and innovation.
To find some confirmation that the unreliability of British brands is already an outdated myth, one must seriously try. Well, for example, in the latest ranking worst cars ADAC English models no. Also, in the twenty most unreliable models according to Consumer Reports, there is currently not a single Jaguar and Land Rover car, despite the fact that there is a BMW 7-series and X5 (statistics of calls to car services from 2003 to 2012.) That is, according to this study finds that the Jaguar XJ and Range Rover Sport outperform them in quality. However, the fact that the "English" were not among the worst here is still little consolation.
But a recent study by Warranty Direct is already encouraging: Brand Jaguar entered the Top 5 in terms of engine reliability, losing only to Honda, Toyota, Mercedes and Volvo. True, experts immediately make a reservation: the breakdown of the Range Rover engine has become the most expensive warranty case over the past 15 years. The repair cost £13,000, equivalent to RUB 680,000.
Myth 5. Mass brands save on reliability
As much as buyers of luxury models would like to feel the superiority of their cars over cheaper ones, in terms of reliability, many cheap models have long made their way to the leaders. If you can argue about all of the above myths, finding certain contradictions in the ratings, then all researchers almost unanimously note that in terms of reliability, some small cars not only are not inferior to expensive models, but even surpass them.
The ADAC ranking of exceptionally reliable cars includes Volkswagen Fox, Renault Twingo, Peugeot 206, Nissan Micra, Ford Ka and Citroen C1. They are placed on a par with the Audi A5, A6 and Q5; BMW 1st, 3rd, 5th series, X1 and X3; Mercedes A-class, B-class, C-class and GLK.
According to TUV statistics, the top ten used cars aged 4-5 years now look like this:
- Toyota Prius
- Mazda 2
- Toyota Auris
- Toyota Corolla Verso and Smart Fortwo
- Mercedes C-class
- Porsche Cayenne and Porsche Boxster
- Porsche 911
- Volkswagen Golf Plus
The absolute leaders in reliability (including the cost of repairs) according to Warranty Direct are the following models:
1. Mitsubishi Lancer (2005-2008 release)
2. Opel (Vauxhall) Agila (2000-2008)
3. Suzuki Alto (1997-2006)
4. Toyota Aygo (2005-2012)
5-6. Honda HR-V(1998-2006) and Volvo S40 (1996-04)
7. Mazda MX-5 (2005-2012)
8-9. Mercedes E-class(2006-2012) and Toyota Yaris (1999-2003)
10. Honda Jazz (2001-2008)
One big myth
Finally, it is worth mentioning those models whose reliability is not measured by any statistics at all. And the perceptions of buyers about how faithfully such a model will serve is based solely on myths, rumors and isolated cases that happened to friends and acquaintances. At best, you can add results to this long tests and resource tests that journalists arrange, but their results still should not be attributed to all released copies of a particular model. This, of course, is about products of Russian brands, foreign cars of local assembly and Chinese models.
Curious reliability tests are carried out by our colleagues from Autoreview. At the test site, they simulate the operation of the machine in a variety of modes, and the loads are increased. This allows you to quickly assess the endurance of machines and identify many "congenital diseases" of various designs. Many models do not withstand: serious breakdowns occur long before the end of the test. For example, on a Kaliningrad-assembled Chevrolet Aveo, the gearbox lasted only 18,000 km, the shock absorbers leaked much earlier, and the front stabilizer mounting nuts unscrewed already at the first thousand kilometers.
Let it be difficult to judge the reliability of all machines from one copy, but when in comparative test direct competitors are involved, the results become more indicative. Take, for example, parallel resource Renault tests Duster and Chevrolet Niva. Some buyers of domestic models are convinced that affordable foreign cars are little better than Russian cars, but in terms of reliability, the difference was huge.
100,000 km road simulation test different type, including some serious off-roading and cobblestones, found the Duster's suspension to be commendable. For the first time in the history of autoreview life tests, after a long test, the suspension did not require the replacement of a single element. But the diagnostics of the motor based on the results of a long-term test showed that it wears out much faster than expected. The model also showed many other disadvantages, but all of them are essentially nothing compared to the problems that Niva discovered. Experts noted that under her hood, everything that could rust was rusted, including the cylinder block. During the test on the cobbled road, Shniva needed to change 10 (!) shock absorbers. In the gearbox, the teeth of the fifth gear fell apart and it jammed.
Of course, tests of single copies do not give the picture that is made up of statistics that take into account the breakdowns of hundreds of thousands of cars. But after all, the manufacturers themselves record all calls to official services, and it is possible that sooner or later independent organizations will also have access to the statistics of Russian service stations. And then, perhaps, widespread myths about Russian models and foreign cars of local assembly. So far, unfortunately, we know quite a bit about their true reliability.
| Place | Model | Share of faulty machines | Average mileage (km) | Place | Model | Share of faulty machines | Average mileage (km) |
| 1 | Toyota Prius | 4,0% | 63 000 | 62 | Volkswagen Touareg | 9,9% | 92 000 |
| 2 | Mazda 2 | 4,8% | 48 000 | 62 | Audi Q7 | 9,9% | 101 000 |
| 3 | Toyota Auris | 5,0% | 57 000 | 64 | Citroen C4 Picasso | 10,0% | 76 000 |
| 4 | Toyota Corolla Verso | 5,1% | 71 000 | 64 | Suzuki Swift | 10,0% | 54 000 |
| 4 | smart fortwo | 5,1% | 42 000 | 64 | BMW Z4 | 10,0% | 52 000 |
| 6 | Mercedes C-class | 5,3% | 68 000 | 67 | Mitsubishi Colt | 10,1% | 56 000 |
| 7 | Porsche Cayenne | 5,6% | 76 000 | 67 | Ford Mondeo | 10,1% | 95 000 |
| 7 | Porsche Boxster | 5,6% | 46 000 | 67 | Nissan Qashqai | 10,1% | 64 000 |
| 9 | Porsche 911 | 5,8% | 47 000 | 67 | Volkswagen Passat | 10,1% | 111 000 |
| 10 | Volkswagen Golf Plus | 5,9% | 61 000 | 71 | Hyundai Getz | 10,2% | 54 000 |
| 10 | Ford Fusion | 5,9% | 51 000 | 71 | Opel Zafira | 10,2% | 79 000 |
| 12 | Suzuki SX4 | 6,2% | 61 000 | 71 | nissan note | 10,2% | 60 000 |
| 12 | Mazda 3 | 6,2% | 61 000 | 74 | Volkswagen Beetle | 10,5% | 52 000 |
| 12 | Audi TT | 6,2% | 58 000 | 75 | Opel Astra | 10,6% | 70 000 |
| 15 | Toyota Avensis | 6,3% | 78 000 | 76 | Volkswagen Caddy | 10,9% | 87 000 |
| 15 | BMW X5 | 6,3% | 83 000 | 76 | Opel Agila | 10,9% | 49 000 |
| 17 | Mercedes SLK | 6,5% | 48 000 | 78 | Nissan Micra | 11,1% | 52 000 |
| 18 | Toyota RAV4 | 6,7% | 69 000 | 79 | Ford Galaxy | 11,3% | 101 000 |
| 19 | Audi A3 | 6,9% | 74 000 | 80 | BMW X3 | 11,6% | 80 000 |
| 20 | Mazda MX-5 | 7,1% | 44 000 | 80 | Honda Accord | 11,6% | 76 000 |
| 21 | volkswagen eos | 7,2% | 58 000 | 82 | BMW 5 Series | 11,9% | 99 000 |
| 22 | Audi A4 | 7,3% | 92 000 | 83 | Daihatsu Sirion | 12,0% | 52 000 |
| 23 | Ford Fiesta | 7,4% | 53 000 | 84 | Chevrolet Aveo | 12,3% | 52 000 |
| 24 | Audi A6 | 7,5% | 111 000 | 85 | Skoda Superb | 12,4% | 94 000 |
| 25 | Volkswagen Golf | 7,6% | 71 000 | 86 | Mercedes E-class | 12,5% | 110 000 |
| 25 | Mini | 7,6% | 53 000 | 87 | Renault Modus | 12,8% | 50 000 |
| 27 | Ford C-Max | 7,7% | 67 000 | 88 | Hyundai Tucson | 13,0% | 65 000 |
| 28 | Honda Civic | 7,9% | 64 000 | 88 | Volkswagen Polo | 13,0% | 56 000 |
| 29 | BMW 3 Series | 8,0% | 79 000 | 88 | Kia Picanto | 13,0% | 53 000 |
| 29 | Renault Twingo | 8,0% | 41 000 | 91 | Volkswagen Sharan | 13,2% | 98 000 |
| 31 | Toyota Yaris | 8,1% | 53 000 | 92 | Fiat Bravo | 13,4% | 65 000 |
| 32 | Honda Jazz | 8,3% | 53 000 | 93 | Citroen C3 | 13,9% | 57 000 |
| 32 | Mazda 6 | 8,3% | 77 000 | 94 | Renault Scenic | 14,0% | 70 000 |
| 34 | Toyota Aygo | 8,5% | 53 000 | 95 | Suzuki Jimny | 14,3% | 49 000 |
| 34 | Mercedes B-class | 8,5% | 60 000 | 95 | Kia Rio | 14,3% | 64 000 |
| 36 | Opel Meriva | 8,7% | 52 000 | 97 | Hyundai Atos | 14,4% | 46 000 |
| 37 | Volkswagen Touran | 8,8% | 89 000 | 98 | Renault Clio | 14,5% | 55 000 |
| 37 | Opel Tiger | 8,8% | 47 000 | 98 | Ford Ka | 14,5% | 50 000 |
| 37 | Volvo C30 | 8,8% | 69 000 | 98 | Chevrolet Matiz | 14,5% | 46 000 |
| 40 | Seat Altea | 8,9% | 70 000 | 101 | Kia Sorento | 14,6% | 82 000 |
| 40 | Ford Focus | 8,9% | 74 000 | 102 | volkswagen fox | 14,7% | 55 000 |
| 40 | Ford S-Max | 8,9% | 95 000 | 103 | Skoda Roomster | 14,8% | 67 000 |
| 43 | Volvo S40 | 9,1% | 89 000 | 103 | Peugeot 207 | 14,8% | 56 000 |
| 43 | Suzuki Grand Vitara | 9,1% | 66 000 | 105 | Citroen C2 | 14,9% | 57 000 |
| 45 | Opel Vectra | 9,2% | 87 000 | 106 | Citroen Berlingo | 15,2% | 76 000 |
| 45 | Skoda Octavia | 9,2% | 92 000 | 107 | Fiat Punto | 15,3% | 61 000 |
| 47 | BMW 1 Series | 9,3% | 66 000 | 108 | Alfa Romeo 147 | 15,5% | 65 000 |
| 47 | Citroën C1 | 9,3% | 56 000 | 108 | Volvo V70 | 15,5% | 114 000 |
| 49 | Subaru Forester | 9,4% | 72 000 | 110 | Alfa Romeo 159 | 15,8% | 83 000 |
| 49 | Kia Cee´d | 9,4% | 65 000 | 111 | Citroen C5 | 15,9% | 89 000 |
| 49 | Peugeot 107 | 9,4% | 54 000 | 111 | Seat Ibiza | 15,9% | 62 000 |
| 52 | Hyundai Matrix | 9,6% | 55 000 | 113 | Citroen C4 | 16,7% | 70 000 |
| 52 | Mercedes A-class | 9,6% | 55 000 | 114 | Fiat Panda | 16,9% | 51 000 |
| 52 | Honda CR-V | 9,6% | 71 000 | 115 | Peugeot 307 | 17,8% | 72 000 |
| 55 | Mercedes CLK | 9,7% | 62 000 | 116 | Peugeot 407 | 18,0% | 85 000 |
| 55 | Nissan X-Trail | 9,7% | 81 000 | 116 | Renault Megane | 18,0% | 76 000 |
| 55 | Mercedes ML | 9,7% | 94 000 | 118 | Fiat Doblo | 21,4% | 80 000 |
| 58 | Mazda 5 | 9,8% | 74 000 | 119 | Renault Laguna | 23,0% | 90 000 |
| 58 | Opel Corsa | 9,8% | 53 000 | 120 | Renault Kangoo | 23,2% | 72 000 |
| 58 | Seat Leon | 9,8% | 73 000 | 121 | Dacia Logan | 25,8% | 73 000 |
| 58 | Skoda Fabia | 9,8% | 53 000 | 120 | Renault Kangoo | 23,2% | 72 000 |
| 121 | Dacia Logan | 25,8% | 73 000 |
