Consumer Reports drops 7 vehicles

[Diamondpilot]

7 Cars That Lose Their Consumer Reports Recommendation Due To Reliability - Consumer Reports News

 

[Wolfy]

I don't need to say it, but I notice one name not on that list...

 

[murphy1244]

Must not of picked up the Tab for lunch..?

 

[Bota4me]

I have found them to be pretty much right with reliability on vehicles. Ex- i had a ford ranger which they said had engine mechanical probs. guess what? They were right, head gaskets went it was junk. They have rated both my wifes highlander and my toyota tacoma well above average and i havent had any issues at all fwiw.

 

[ThomasH]

7 Cars That Lose Their Consumer Reports Recommendation Due To Reliability - Consumer Reports News

I really dislike articles like that, a sort of drive by shooting. No facts or basis for the statements, nothing to judge whether it's an issue for you, etc. For example, the Ram 1500 V8 4WD is listed. Does that mean that there are issues around the 4WD pieces (transfer case, axle) or what?

I have read plenty of ratings in the past, and there is typically some common complaints like transmission, steering system, braking system problems, etc. With at least some general statement about the reason for placing a model on the list, I have something to go on. Otherwise, I have no idea what the problem is, and without facts I don't give it much credibility.

 

[sd455dan]

so I guess that means that these join the Ford Eco boost F-150 as No Longer Recommended That is- unless they have reinstated it...

 

[tcartwri]

RAMS problems are almost entirely to do with the entertainment / information system and paint flaws.

They seem to have overlooked the class action suit over the ecoboost failures. Who knows why...

 

[davrow]

I really dislike articles like that, a sort of drive by shooting. No facts or basis for the statements...

Well, kinda - but this is just an infomercial to get you to pay for full access to their complete reviews if you are considering any of these vehicles. It isn't a piece intended to inform, but rather to entice.

And I believe they still recommend the RAM in 2WD, just not 4WD, so I would have to assume it is the 4WD pushing it over the edge (along with other issues as noted by tcartwri).

 

[timswi]

Personally, I've never really trusted CR. I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences.

 

[Code54]

While I believe they have some good info I have found the vehicles I owned or had for work that were rated "unreliable" were flawless for me, my Tundra was rated good and I had some issues... Go figure. Not sure but I guess I just chalk it up to bad luck...

 

[timswi]

I saw one instance where they gave a lousy rating to a Chevy 4x4 5.3 Silverado and a good rating to the exact same GMC. Go figure.

 

[PILOON]

" I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences. "

And I visit independent local repair shops, even some 'shade tree' types, not a dealer as his product is never bad.
Don't laugh but a recycle yard is also very much in the know as they know what components always fail as that is what is most in demand.

 

[timswi]

" I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences. "

And I visit independent local repair shops, even some 'shade tree' types, not a dealer as his product is never bad.
Don't laugh but a recycle yard is also very much in the know as they know what components always fail as that is what is most in demand.

All of that is certainly true. A friend of mine owns an independent repair shop (mostly German stuff) but he works on lots of other stuff too...I learned to stay far away from certain cars after seeing the repair costs and the frequency of repair of some of them. Guess if you can afford to buy it, you can afford to fix it..BMW's were his favorite due to the absurd expense of parts and the chronic need of them. There was at least one late model in there every time I was there...Benz's came in a close second.

 

[Haoleguy]

Disheartening to see several Chrysler-RAM-Fiat products on the list. Surprised the VW Jetta 1.8T is on that list. That being said I'm not versed with CR methodologies in the overall evaluation process and how close in values a recommended from a non-recommended can be.

 

[Bota4me]

Personally, I've never really trusted CR. I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences.

trust cr or not arent all the vehicle problems reported by independent people?

 

[MESSMAKER]

trust cr or not arent all the vehicle problems reported by independent people?

I filled out the form for 20 years. I assumed they reported correctly. You can get lemons from the best list and fine cars from the wost of them but that is not the way to bet. I would take their word over just about any other info out there.

 

[Bird]

Personally, I've never really trusted CR. I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences.

Yep, I used to be a subscriber until I realized the CR is the least reliable source of information you can find. I pay absolutely no attention anymore to their "opinions" which is all they have.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Personally, I've never really trusted CR. I talk to people I know if I want owners experiences.

I 2nd that. There is a well documented incident from a few years ago where CR gave Bose a less than stellar review, ever since CR has given positive reviews to essentially the same products. In the Audiophile community Bose is regarded as pretty mediocre stuff... but you would not know that reading CR.

 

[phiferpharm]

Well, my personal experience with my RAM does not find fault with them dropping it off the list. I have had to replace the idler arm three times in just over two years on the darn thing. I've gone to two different dealers to have it done, so it isn't who is doing it. I miss my old Avalanche...

 

[3930dave]

Well, my personal experience with my RAM does not find fault with them dropping it off the list. I have had to replace the idler arm three times in just over two years on the darn thing. I've gone to two different dealers to have it done, so it isn't who is doing it. I miss my old Avalanche...

If you haven't already, try a Moog part.

Rgds, D.