In an effort to appeal to an increasingly wired customer base, automakers are adding more infotainment and connectivity technology to their vehicles, blurring the line between car and computer. But more consumers are finding it difficult to use those systems.
It is a growing challenge for all automakers, both foreign and domestic. And it is one that is likely to take its toll on rankings of several brands in this year’s quality survey by Consumer Reports, which is due out Monday.
The annual study, which relies on feedback from the magazine’s readers, was originally designed to highlight actual defects with cars and trucks. But in recent years, it has highlighted the growing frustration many motorists feel as automakers replace old-fashioned knobs and levers with touchscreens and voice-activated computer systems.
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