Subaru has topped the Consumer Reports annual brand rankings for two years in a row, surpassing BMW to claim the top spot. The Japanese brand also earned the highest reliability score, beating out Toyota and Lexus for the first time ever.
Asian manufacturers dominated the top 10 list, with Subaru leading the pack followed by Lexus, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, Infiniti, Porsche, and Audi. However, American brands struggled to make an impact, with none breaking into the top 10. Detroit’s Big Three – Chrysler, Ford, and Chevrolet – were held back due to reliability issues.
Jeep and Rivian filled the last two spots but continue to struggle with unresolved reliability problems. Despite their poor rankings, these brands still shine in certain areas, such as rugged appeal for Jeep. Subaru’s success can be attributed to its consistent performance and incremental changes, rather than radical overhauls.
Consumer Reports’ senior director of auto testing, Jake Fisher, notes that “when you change too much, errors can crop up.” This lesson is echoed by the top-performing brands like Toyota and Subaru, which prioritize consistency and reliability. The report advises buyers to carefully consider purchasing from manufacturers with a history of reliability issues.
Source: https://www.carscoops.com/2024/12/subaru-tops-consumer-reports-rankings-for-2025-jeep-finishes-last