Consumer Reports: Best & Worst Used Cars

XeroK00L submitted on 04/03/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 3:24 PM
from: editorial.autos.msn.com

Tags: consumer reports report used preowned

consumer reports report used preowned

Consumer Reports: Best & Worst Used Cars

Reliable models to look for—and troublesome ones to avoid.

Is it time to replace your car? Owners of 27 percent of the vehicles in our latest Annual Car Reliability Survey acquired them used last year, and they're definitely on to something. Data from our exclusive survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, show that hundreds of used-car models provide good reliability. And they can be safe, fuel efficient, and affordable.

Used vehicles are often some of the best values you'll find because you sidestep the biggest expense associated with buying a new car: depreciation.

For example, a seven-year-old Lexus RX SUV, a safe and reliable vehicle that typically costs $40,000 when new, can be found for $12,000 to $14,000. And young drivers don't have to settle for a new small car like the Toyota Yaris when they can find a fairly new, roomier, and better equipped used vehicle in the same price range, such as a Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, or Toyota Camry.

To minimize the risks, look for vehicles that have proved to be reliable. The following lists of models from 1998 through 2007 will steer you to the gems (and away from the duds) among the thousands of used vehicles on the market.

The Best of the best and Worst of the worst are based on our larger lists of Reliable used cars and Used cars to avoid (both available to subscribers).

These comprehensive lists give you a rundown of all the models that were found, from our data, to be above or below average in reliability. Owners reported on any serious problems they had had with their cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks in the previous year.

BEST OF THE BEST
These are models that have performed well in CR road tests over the years, and have proved to have several or more years of better-than-average reliability. Listed alphabetically.

Acura Integra
Acura MDX
Acura RL
Acura RSX
Acura TL
Acura TSX
BMW M3
Buick LaCrosse
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Honda Odyssey
Honda Pilot
Honda S2000
Infiniti FX
Infiniti G20
Infiniti G35
Infiniti I30, I35
Infiniti QX4
Lexus ES
Lexus ES
Lexus GS (RWD)
Lexus GX
Lexus IS
Lexus LS
Lexus RX
Lexus SC
Lincoln Continental
Lincoln Town Car
Mazda Millenia
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda Protegé
Mazda3
Mitsubishi Endeavor
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan Altima
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Murano
Pontiac Vibe
Porsche 911 (except '03)
Scion tC
Scion xB
Subaru Baja
Subaru Forester
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Avalon
Toyota Camry (except '07 V6)
Toyota Camry Solara
Toyota Celica
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Echo
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Matrix
Toyota Prius
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Sequoia
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Tundra (except '07 V8 4WD)
Volvo S60

WORST OF THE WORST
These vehicles showed multiple Used Car Verdicts that were much worse than average, according to our survey respondents. They consistently had more problems than other models overall.

Buick Rendezvous (AWD)
Buick Terraza
Chevrolet Astro
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Colorado (4WD)
Chevrolet S-10 Pickup (4WD)
Chevrolet Uplander
Chevrolet Venture
Chrysler Town & Country (AWD)
Dodge Grand Caravan (AWD)
GMC Canyon (4WD)
GMC Jimmy
GMC S-15 Sonoma (4WD)
GMC Safari
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sedona
Land Rover Discovery, LR3
Lincoln Aviator
Mercedes-Benz SL
Nissan Armada (4WD)
Nissan Titan (4WD)
Oldsmobile Bravada
Oldsmobile Silhouette
Pontiac Aztek
Pontiac G6
Pontiac Montana, Trans Sport, Montana SV6
Saturn Relay
Volkswagen Cabriolet
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan (turbo)
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan (V6)
Volkswagen Touareg Read Article

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kpaxx - 4/3/2008 3:39:32 PM

+4 Boost

Who cares!

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bigmotov - 4/3/2008 4:29:12 PM

+8 Boost

Who cares?!?!

The way new car sales are heading and with the economy, used car sales are already skyrocketing.

0to60 - 4/3/2008 6:29:25 PM

0 Boost

you would if this list were dominated by BMW

golfer38 - 4/3/2008 7:49:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+9 Boost

Thanks so much for your kind words.

stash84 - 4/4/2008 2:29:36 AM

+4 Boost

carguy sounds like a jealous, lonely waste of life

bestofallcad - 4/4/2008 3:01:02 AM

-5 Boost

i AGREE C.O. REPORTS IS FULL OF SH-T

NISSANINFINITI - 4/4/2008 9:57:52 AM

+5 Boost

Your brand must not be on the list I take it????

ChicaneShooter - 4/5/2008 6:05:01 AM

+1 Boost

cadillac IS NOT on the best list, altho' buick makes it.

as does the PONTIAC vibe, a re-badged TOYOTA.

caddy can slather leather and gizmos on gussied up chevys and resuscitated oldmobiles, but underneath it is STILL just another mediocre car.

at least BUICKS ARE put together better. enuff so that it is NOT insulting to either to call the Avalon "Toyota's Buick." ;)

one of the richest guys i know, always chooses buicks over cadillacs.

Htay7500 - 4/6/2008 2:32:56 PM

0 Boost

"caddy can slather leather and gizmos on gussied up chevys and resuscitated oldmobiles, but underneath it is STILL just another mediocre car."

lexus does that as well with their "gussied up" toyotas.

ChicaneShooter - 4/9/2008 2:50:30 AM

+1 Boost

lol! yeah, but even ordinary toyotas are SUPERIOR vehicles too. UNMATCHED in the industry with regard to DURABLE, reliable components.

lexus just puts extra icing on the cake.

Czelinski - 4/3/2008 3:40:11 PM

0 Boost

exactly

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bestofallcad - 4/4/2008 2:52:09 AM

-2 Boost

car guy when was the last time you owned a american car? I have owned many since i drive so much for my business never never did i ever have one problem and i do not take care of my car infact when i traded my esclade in i had 65000 miles and i only changed the oil 3 times what a great car when my ex-wife got rid of her 325I bmw that was in the shop every other month for problems after problems the 325 when traded only had about 35,000 then she wanted the 525 bmw the 1st 2500 mile she had it the computer running the suspension failed it had to be towed and the part took 3 weeks to come in so she did not have her new car for 3 weeks waiting for the part which the service advisor told me that the reason they could not get part it was on back order reason is it is because they do not recall cars like the americans do they do not want a recall so what they do is make you the consumer waite instead of knowing the problem is there and could fix it by recalling it. what a great car and they really stand behind there product they will fix it however they do not think of the client they will make you waite. so i know americans make the # 1 car and the rest are 6-7

bulldogz - 4/4/2008 10:17:53 AM

+3 Boost

ummmm, would it be too hard to use a period to separate all that crap?

or do you really talk like that?

JRobUSC - 4/4/2008 2:58:30 PM

+2 Boost

Hey, buddy, it's called "punctuation". Look. It. Up. And. Use. It.

And you only changed the oil three times in 65k miles with your Cadillac? While you're looking up "punctuation" look up "maintenance" and "mistreatment" as well. If you never had problems with that car you got lucky, when you treated the next cars piss poorly you didn't. You can't treat your cars like shit every time and expect to never have problems, you should be thankful you got lucky on the one.

ChicaneShooter - 4/5/2008 6:41:19 AM

+2 Boost

actually, he may well HAVE HAD problems since he traded his escalade AFTER A MERE 65,000 miles.

most japanese cars are barely even broken in at that point! "crappy japanese cars" are only those that DO NOT make it to 200,000 without major problems.

(and these are invariably the ones NOT MAINTAINED. overall reliability is such that, some people actually DO NOT maintain them at all.
(caller on the Car Talk radio program: "What's this oil change business all about anyway?" he had a honda accord, with 135k miles. fortunately for him, the 1st owner DID do oil changes. allowing for the engine to live with his 90,000-miles-old oil.)

07G35J - 4/7/2008 1:24:45 AM

+1 Boost

Can someone please translate what bestofallcad is trying to say?

bestofallcad, the period key is right below the "L" key on your keyboard. The comma is right next to it. Feel free to use them. They won't break. I promise.

M35MT - 4/3/2008 4:25:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Infiniti G20 is a great car for a first time driver, compact, efficient and attractive, and bullet-proof reliability - I know from experience, awesome 1st car, even has a bit of luxury to it.

reply to this comment

r15mohd - 4/4/2008 10:19:13 AM

+1 Boost

yes they are...i own one as my daily. great gas mileage, comfortable interior, and looks sporty.

mine is a 5spd manual touring edition

1stgenaristoTT - 4/3/2008 4:54:25 PM

-5 Boost

absolutely no benzes on the best list and no toyota/lexus on the worst list....hmmmm speaks for itself

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BMW4me4ever - 4/3/2008 5:44:10 PMView My AgentSpace

-8 Boost

1 BMW on the list. Although for Certified Pre-Owned Luxury cars BMW sells more per month than Lexus, audi & infiniti combined. Article doesnt mean that much ...

guambombboy - 4/3/2008 10:38:41 PM

+2 Boost

BMW4me4ever, what does that have to do with reliability?

bestofallcad - 4/4/2008 2:59:44 AM

-2 Boost

i do not know about you however i have never been asked for a survey done by consumer reports have you? hmmmmmm! i think consumer reports is bought by the jap car companys. now jd power and associates is a much better judgment to look at and the buick has been rated the highest in quality and consumer satisfaction much higher then the lexas so called the best what a joke. the CADILLAC CTS WAS THE MOTOR TREND CAR OF THE YEAR AND THERE WAS NOT ONE LEXUS even in the running. SO CONSUMER REPORTS IS FU__ OF SH--T. I GUESS YOU CANNOT BELIEVE ALL YOU READ.

ChicaneShooter - 4/5/2008 6:24:31 AM

+2 Boost

EVERY SINGLE suscriber to CR, print or on-line, can participate in the survey.

it is recognized by the business press as the Gold Standard in ratings of automobiles and most other consumer products.

unlike some of its competitors, it does not accept advertising, and is not influenced by possible loss of ad revenues when it does not hold its punches.

Whelan - 4/3/2008 5:22:08 PM

+1 Boost

My Matrix is on there, woohoo!

reply to this comment

Willis - 4/3/2008 5:31:36 PM

+4 Boost

Xero posted this because...

It makes Toyota and Lexus look good.

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bigmotov - 4/3/2008 5:46:55 PM

+7 Boost

Willis, not only Totota and Lexus, but you can add Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru also.

bigmotov - 4/3/2008 5:47:45 PM

0 Boost

...sorry, Toyota

tundrahq - 4/3/2008 6:19:27 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Dumb comment. Ford was noticeably absent on the "worst" list (except for the Aviator). Yet Mazda, Lincoln, and Volvo (all Ford products) are on the "best" list. Maybe that's why Xero posted it? The truth is some people can accept news and criticism of their favorite brands, and some can not.

1970toyotamarc - 4/3/2008 6:36:09 PM

+2 Boost

Why shouldnt Xero post pro-Toy/Lex stories? That's ridiculous. Somebody has to counteract all the Toy/Lex bashing.
My thanks as always.

TopGear - 4/3/2008 6:03:29 PM

-1 Boost

Japanese cars dominated the best list as usual. American cars ruin its own reputation again. Though CR is not a completely reliable source, it can't be denied that European cars have either average or below average reliability.

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BMW4me4ever - 4/3/2008 7:22:24 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Then why doesnt lexus sell more certified pre-owned cars than BMW? I mean if they wrote the book in reliability and " quality " as you say, then how come BMW outsells Lexus 2 to 1 in the Certified Pre-owned market.

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BMW4me4ever - 4/3/2008 7:31:04 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

Xero ... If a BMW , certified or not, was not up to par with a Pre-owned certified Lexus, then Lexus should sell more cars. Lexus doesnt and it is by a wide margin. why is that for your " almighty " & boring Lexus's?

reply to this comment

07G35J - 4/3/2008 8:05:30 PM

+11 Boost

GoObama,

You must be stopped. You are giving Toyota/Lexus fans a bad name. I have nothing against Toyota/Lexus. They make excellent cars, but you make them look like they are desperate for attention, when in fact YOU are the one suffering ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).

reply to this comment

07G35J - 4/3/2008 8:07:26 PM

+8 Boost

BTW, GoObama, don't ask people to boost you up because you'll get the exact opposite. I think someone mentioned it was rule #4, or something...

reply to this comment

TehShibbs - 4/3/2008 8:44:50 PM

+6 Boost

I wouldn't buy a Toyota or Lexus from the last 4 years.

Also, BMW4me4ever:
BMW sells used cars because so many people are TRADING THEM IN for something else. Can't sell used cars if there aren't cars being traded in.

reply to this comment

bestofallcad - 4/4/2008 3:12:39 AM

-2 Boost

TOYOTO DID NOT INVENT THE ANYTHING THEY ONLY COPY WHAT THE AMERICANS INVENT MY BROTHER OWNS A 67 CADILLAC ELDO WORTH ABOUT 35,000 AND A DODGE CHALLANGER THAT IS ONLY WORTH ABOUT 100 G'S NOT SURE IF YOU CAN SAY THAT ABOUT ANY LEXAS OR EVEN TOYOTO

reply to this comment

BMW4me4ever - 4/4/2008 11:29:38 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

the shibbs : read my statement before you answer, otherwise you look ridiculous. I said Certified Pre-owned cars. There is a difference. Certified by either a Lexus or BMW dealer. The program is set by the manufacturer. There are certain requirements that the Certified program by the manufacturer has set up. Once a car qualifies, then Lexus or BMW will extend the warranty for an additional 2 or 3 years & up to 50k to 75k additional in miles. They will also offer a type of financing incentive. THIS IS ONLY GOOD ON CAR TRADED IN AT A LEXUS, BMW dealership........

Why, if lexus makes such a better pre-owned car, do the sell on average 3,000 less Certitified Pre-Owned vehicles?

On a side note. If you sell more New cars than another make, means that you will also or at least should have as many or more pre-owned cars on the market. They go hand in hand....

reply to this comment

bestofallcad - 4/4/2008 12:14:16 PM

0 Boost

How about this article about LEXUS

I am quite surprised to see Lexus suffering so badly, after all if you look at the monthly percentages it doesn’t seem to add up. However the way Lexus reports figures with the DSR method, can lead to deceiving percentages that only are uncovered by raw data comparison. The most disturbing trend is the methodical loss of more and more sales each month. Could it be Lexus buyers are hanging on by their bootstraps weathering the storm? Or are there underlying issues with the brand?

reply to this comment

ChicaneShooter - 4/5/2008 6:16:55 AM

+1 Boost

if anyone has NOT yet realized it, GoObama is an anti-toyota shill, impersonating GoObama08

reply to this comment

ChicaneShooter - 4/5/2008 7:34:25 AM

+1 Boost

BMW4me4--

your stats on relative DEALER sales of used lexi and bmws mean nothing.

lexus and toyota have such a reputation for reliability, EVEN AMONG USED CARS, that many buyers can be confident buying from private owners.

the same CANNOT BE SAID for bmw. that alone can explain the relative DEALER transactions on used cars.

further, i once scanned the classifieds for used lexi on sale. there were ONLY a FEW listings. bmw had half a column, mb about a column and a half. this, despite lexus selling far more new cars here in the u.s.

it may well be that lexus owners just KEEP THEIR CARS LONGER, being happy with long trouble free service. when they do sell, either 1) it has too many miles to be a certified used car, and/or 2) a friend or relative snaps it up and it never sees a dealer's lot.

reply to this comment

ChicaneShooter - 4/5/2008 7:51:13 AM

+1 Boost

i've only looked at the classifieds in 3 cities. anyone reading this might check the used car listings in their local papers.

(and share their findings here, maybe?)

reply to this comment

AgentOrange - 4/3/2008 6:47:23 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

Total BS..

reply to this comment

lexusrox123 - 4/3/2008 7:11:25 PM

+2 Boost

LOL agent orange, CR didnt make this up. it was a survey of ppl who owned the cars listed. hear that? a survey, not just a list they made up. CR surveys over 1 million people. agent, you simply cannot prove that its "total BS"
what's more, CR is UNBIASED, why dont u go on their site?

ChicaneShooter - 4/9/2008 2:31:19 AM

+1 Boost

AND, this is an ANNUAL survey.

CR has been testing cars for more than 1/2 century, longer than just about ALL other magazines. (maybe Popular Mechanix has a FEW years on 'em.)

while i don't know exactly how long they've been doing their surveys, over the years i'd guess TENS OF MILLIONS of owners have responded.

for as long as i've seen these CR summaries, toyota has ALWAYS ranked near, if not AT the TOP, in reliability.

bestofallcad - 4/4/2008 3:31:21 AM

-6 Boost

I BET YOU IF YOU BOUGHT A AMERICAN CAR TODAY YOU WOULD BE VERY SURPRISED AT HOW THE QAULITY IS THERE I ALSO THINK EVERYONE SHOULD ATLEAST GIVE THE AMERICAN AUTO'S A CHANCE. SINCE WE LIVE IN THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. AND EVERYTIME SOMEONE KNOCKS THE AMERICAN AUTO MAKERS YOU ARE KNOCKING YOUR SELFS UNLESS YOU ARE NOT A AMERICAN.

reply to this comment

bestofallcad - 4/4/2008 12:16:32 PM

0 Boost

How about this.

I am quite surprised to see Lexus suffering so badly, after all if you look at the monthly percentages it doesn’t seem to add up. However the way Lexus reports figures with the DSR method, can lead to deceiving percentages that only are uncovered by raw data comparison. The most disturbing trend is the methodical loss of more and more sales each month. Could it be Lexus buyers are hanging on by their bootstraps weathering the storm? Or are there underlying issues with the brand?

reply to this comment

TehShibbs - 4/3/2008 8:42:21 PM

+5 Boost

Pretty much every Subaru is on the best of list. Nice.

reply to this comment

lexusrox123 - 4/3/2008 8:58:26 PM

-2 Boost

then again, subaru doesnt have that big of a line up. however, that makes it even easier for them to be on that list, since they are able to focus more attention to each car, and not have to manage a huge line up, like toyota, honda, bmw, etc.

btw, i wish the suby WRX werent so UGLY.

Shredmo - 4/4/2008 11:46:35 AM

+2 Boost

Subaru's are so under-rated. Safety of a Volvo, Performance of an Audi, Reliability of a Honda. The looks may be compromising to some, but they are an all around winner, IMO.

Htay7500 - 4/4/2008 5:12:25 PM

+3 Boost

subaru doesn't need a line-up like toyota and honda. they got boxer engines and amazing AWD and no other brand is like this, and its another reason why I follow them. they're unique cars in many markets. their designs are subjective, but their cars suit me the most. and their boxer diesel has won many (and lost some I'll admit) reviews.

ChicaneShooter - 4/5/2008 7:17:19 AM

+1 Boost

a coupla summers back, i got to drive two subarus that both had over 215,000 and over 230000 miles on 'em.

i was surprised that they seemed no worse than other cars i've seen with as few as 90 - 150,000 miles racked up.

hicastle - 4/5/2008 4:31:59 PM

+1 Boost

I own Subaru's since 1998. Now i drive Outback LL Bean.Very happy with it.

StickShiftCamry - 4/4/2008 1:11:02 AM

-1 Boost

The "Good list" shows Mitsubishi Endeavor, wierd. Nd y is the Lex ES there 2wice (maybe diff. motors?)?

reply to this comment

bestofallcad - 4/4/2008 3:24:34 AM

-2 Boost

AGIAN WHO CARES CONSUMER REPORTS IS NOT ACCURATE INFORMATION JD POWERS IS MUCH BETTER SOURCE TO GO BY AND MOTOR TEND CAR OF THE YEAR CADILLAC CTS NOT ONE LEXUS EVEN WAS IN THE RUNNING. INFACT I THINK THE NEW CHEVEY MALIBU HAS NOW BEEN RATED HIGHER THEN THE SO CALLED BEST CAR CAMRY THAT HAD VALVE PROBLEMS AND STARTS LEAKING OIL AT 70 TO 90 THOUSAND MILES WHAT PROPAGANDA THE JAPINESE AUTO MAKERS HAVE REALLY SNOWED YOU!

HomberSimslin - 4/4/2008 5:44:56 AM

0 Boost

Nice Job for Lexayota, Hondcura, Infinissan, Subi and Mazda for Outstanding Job as usual.

For Losers as in Volkswagon, Mercedes Benz:

These vehicles showed multiple Used Car Verdicts that were much worse than average, according to our survey respondents. They consistently had more problems than other models overall.

Key word: Much worsethan Average...Got it?

reply to this comment

ChicaneShooter - 4/4/2008 6:29:57 AM

-1 Boost

one of the most graphic displays of reliability, is the CR chart that tracks problems per 100 vehicles by age.

most mfgrs' get to the 100 problems/100 cars at 5 to 7 years. hondas take more than 10 years to get there. toyotas, ~17 years!

it is no wonder acura, honda, lexus and toyota are so dominant on the best of the best list.

reply to this comment

adamsaf723 - 4/4/2008 6:37:25 AM

0 Boost

I wish it was in order from Best-to-Worst...
It basically told me stuff I already know... stick with Japanese

reply to this comment

evilm - 4/4/2008 7:05:16 AM

-3 Boost

Then move to Japan you POS.

reply to this comment

800over - 4/4/2008 11:33:31 AM

+4 Boost

I'm sure if GM built PC's you'd be typing on it now right? You're a hypocrite.

hicastle - 4/5/2008 4:16:44 PM

+3 Boost

Take it easy,guys! my car is on a "best" list" and i knew,that it would be before i even bought it. It's called SUBARY-OUTBACK and it's built in Indiana by american guys. I got it in oct.2002 and the only thing i did to it(beside changing oil every 2,5K miles) was changing brakes. It's still running and I love it. Who said, that we cannot build good cars?

Targa - 4/4/2008 10:33:36 AM

+1 Boost

What I find interesting is the cars that are not on either list.

Audi
BMWs (except the M3)

I would like to see the stats on those. They are not the best, but not the worst either.....

Also, where is Porsche...

reply to this comment

huu76 - 4/4/2008 10:30:20 PM

+2 Boost

Carguy,
It's a good thing VW's are Mexican.

Targa,
Porsche 911 is on the best list.

Adam,
Yes, Honda/Toyota dominate the list, but Buick and Lincoln made it as did Mazda (which are Fords).

I'm kind of surprised Nissan/Infiniti made the best list, I would've put them in the mediocre list with BMW.

reply to this comment

huu76 - 4/4/2008 10:33:35 PM

+1 Boost

bestofall,
I never follow that DSR rule. A year is a year is a year, and if Toyota says they only had x # of selling days, I say this January has just as many days as last January. If you choose to only open x amount of days, that's your own damn fault.

reply to this comment

ChicaneShooter - 4/5/2008 7:58:29 AM

+1 Boost

new car sales only tell PART of the story; and everyone is down anyway, what with the recession.

used car sales tell another story. see my 4/5 posts under GoObama's 4/3 post.

classified listings are a good reflection on which cars people seem to want to UNLOAD, and which are KEEPERS. (i haven't looked at cadillac yet.)

Htay7500 - 4/5/2008 10:00:47 AM

+1 Boost

"Toyota Tundra (except '07 V8 4WD)"

yeah right my ass.

reply to this comment

ChicaneShooter - 4/6/2008 6:07:16 AM

+1 Boost

tundras other than the v8 4wd may have had a FEW problems. but still FAR LESS PROBLEMS than ALL competing trucks, which tend to have more problems than cars. (along with vans; across the board with ALL brands, with toyota and honda vans being MOST trouble free.)

4wd and AWD vehicles ALSO tend to have more drivetrain issues than fwd and rwd vehicles. again, across ALL brands; with toyotas having the LEAST 4wd drivetrain issues.
this has been true since the 1st tundra trucks, 1st tacoma trucks, the 1st Hilux toyota trucks, and the great granddaddy of 'em all, the TOYOTA LANDCRUISER.

i'd venture a guess that the only reason the tundra v8 4wd has fallen off the pedestal, is because it is THE MOST POWERFUL v8 engine ever for light trucks, and even toyota's ultra reliable 4wd system can't handle all the power. YET. (it goes without saying toyota WILL correct this.)

look at CR Frequency of Repair charts. the v8 tundra aside, ALL toyota 4wd vehicles are FAR ABOVE average or at least ABOVE AVERAGE. models upwards of 8 years old remain more reliable than most competitors' as new as just 3 or 4 years old.

NO ONE makes more models of MORE RELIABLE 4wd/awd vehicles than toyota.

(LEAST of all jeep and Land Rover.)

reply to this comment

Htay7500 - 4/6/2008 2:33:42 PM

+1 Boost

I'll still get a f150 or silverado regardless of what CR says.

ChicaneShooter - 4/9/2008 2:23:52 AM

+1 Boost

if you're not hard on your vehicles, maybe it won't make a BIG difference.

in the HARSH ENVIRONMENT of alaska, i see more and more tundras all the time, and ever fewer new domestic trucks.

in the compact class, just about NO ONE that's knowledgable buys anything other than tacomas. (even nissans are a distant 2nd. most older s10/15s are lawn ornaments, if not already junked. a FEW older rangers still crawl around.)

alaskans are TOUGH on their vehicles; the climate even more so. so toyota trucks RULE out here.

ChicaneShooter - 4/9/2008 2:46:10 AM

+1 Boost

look at the lists above again. aside from SUVs and vans, which are considered "trucks" by some, there are NO TRUCKS in the first list, other than TOYOTA trucks.

and the second list of "the worst of the worst," IS FULL OF domestic and euro TRUCKS (including suvs, and vans) as well as cars.

'nuff said.

henbmw - 4/6/2008 5:00:57 PM

+1 Boost

Surprising but great to see the M3 on there.

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