Tesla and Lincoln lead the field.
The terms of auto loan lenders are getting longer. This makes a vehicle’s reliability a key factor in deciding whether to purchase a car. Every make and model is unique, and Consumer Reports tries to assist shoppers. Its 2020 reliability survey will help to uncover some surprises in the data. Mazda topped the list as the most reliable brand of autos this year. It surpassed Lexus and Toyota in the survey rankings.
Mazda’s rise to prominence didn’t depend on a secret formula. Consumer Reports cites the company’s successful conservative refreshes, redesigns and avoiding new powertrain technologies. These can cause a company to lose its reliability score. This happened when Ford and other automakers tried to impress consumers with new features and amenities. The new Ford Explorer earned the designation as “one of the lowest-scoring models from any manufacturer–domestic or foreign–this year,” according to the study.Lexus and Toyota, both of which are frequently atop this list, dropped right behind Mazda, with a strong lineup reliable cars – a cornerstone for both brands. Buick surprised everyone this year by moving up 14 places to fourth. GM’s success was similar to Mazda’s, with older models. Honda completed the top five. The bottom two spots in the rankings are Tesla which continues to struggle in reliability and Lincoln which has the same issues as its Ford platform counterparts.
Rest of the field saw European and Asian automakers fall mid-pack, while American automakers occupied the bottom half. The 2020 report shows how automakers’ reliability can change from year to year, such as Buick and Honda. Expect more wild swings in reliability as automakers move into electric vehicles and more screens.