Lexus Makes Consumer Reports’ 10 Most Reliable Car List - Twice!
Forbes crunched the numbers from Consumer Reports and came up with the top ten list of least trouble prone, most reliable, most satisfying to own cars from the last 12 years. Not surprisingly, two Lexus models make the list of cars expected to go 250,000 miles or more without major issue.
10. Toyota Sienna
According to Consumer Reports, the Toyota Sienna has a reliability rating of 55% above average. Beyond being useful for long road trips, it seats as many as eight passengers, with second row riders able to go “first class” with available reclining captain’s chairs with their own airline-style footrests. Plenty of entertainment and safety features are offered, along with optional all-wheel-drive for added traction over wet or snowy roads.
9. Lexus RX 350 / 450h
Consumer Reports placed Lexus’ RX 350 reliability rating at 57% above average. The perennial favorite Lexus people mover, the RX 350/450h, will not only haul your family in class and comfort, but will do it for miles while being practically maintenance free. Sure, this luxury family crossover is not as exciting as the IS or RC, but sometimes all you want is to get the kids to school, then commute to work, while cradled in comfort, and listening to a top quality sound system. Club Lexus members don't need Forbes to tell them how good the RX is.
8. Mazda Mazda6
Tied with the RX, Mazda’s Mazda6 has a 57% above average reliability rating. Poor Mazda gets little respect in the market place, but at least enthusiasts know what a good product they make, no matter what the market segment. Considered an affordable “driver’s car,” the midsize Mazda6 sedan delivers excellent handling with a roomy and well-designed interior that makes it feel like a more expensive luxury car.
7. Volkswagen Passat
With a Consumer Reports reliability rating of 59% above average, the Passat delivers admirable performance and spacious interior that affords more back seat legroom than many larger full-size cars. Surprisingly, despite being known for their engineering prowess, only two German cars make this list.
6. Audi Allroad
Audi’s Allroad has Consumer Reports reliability rating of 61% above average, which is extremely surprising given the issues the last A6 based Allroad had. For those familiar with Audi makes and models, the Allroad is an Audi A4 station wagon that’s given an SUV treatment with standard all-wheel-drive, sort of a German Subaru Forester. The Allroad is roomier and more practical than a sedan, but more maneuverable and less bulky than a similar-sized crossover.
5. Subaru Forester
Speaking of the Subaru Forester, the pumped up wagon checks in at #5 on the list with a Consumer Reports reliability rating of 62% above average. While it’s not particularly expressive, the car drives well and comes standard with what many consider to be the best all-wheel-drive systems in the industry. It doesn't hurt that you get car-like mileage with SUV-like space inside.
4. Toyota Prius Hybrid
Toyota’s Prius earned a Consumer Reports reliability rating of 63% above average, despite the naysayers and their pessimistic predictions of the complicated hybrid system. Owners love them due to the incredible charge efficiency, both in the basic 50-mpg gas/electric model and it’s even more efficient plug-in hybrid version. While a battery pack may eventually need to be replaced, Toyota’s warranty extends to eight years or 100,000 miles on the Prius’ battery, after which sources predict it will only cost around $2,500 to replace.
3. Lexus ES 350 / 450h
The other Lexus on the list is the Lexus ES 350, which earned the #3 ranking from Forbes with a Consumer Reports reliability rating of 63% above average. While not a particularly sporty midsize sedan, ES owners are quick to point out its reliable performance for daily commuting. If you want an exciting Lexus, they have other choices, but if your idea of luxury is quiet competence, the ES has offered it from day one.
2. Toyota Camry / Camry Hybrid
With a Consumer Reports reliability rating of 66% above average, it’s easy to see why the Toyota Camry is consistently among the best-selling models. It features plenty of standard features and loads of space in the passenger cabin. In many ways, the Camry is just a Lexus ES without all the bells and whistles, which makes it a bargain and one of the best selling cars in America.
1. Scion xB
Perhaps most surprising on the list is the Scion xB, which earned a #1 ranking with a Consumer Reports reliability rating of 81% above average. The boxy, compact wagon is a reliable performer and roomy enough to carry adult riders of all sizes in comfort, with a spacious cargo that can store numerous travel bags – with room to spare. Perhaps with the loss of Scion, Toyota should have reintroduced this squared off mini wagon as a Lexus, to replace the CT 200h?
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