Car Reliability 2011 - Consumer Reports' Best Cars

Each year Consumer Reports predicts the reliability of vehicle models based on the reported performance over the preceding 3 years, or fewer years if data are limited, as they are for newer models such as the Ford Fusion. The best small cars, family cars, upscale/luxury cars, minivan, small SUVs, midsize SUVs, Luxury SUVs, and pickup trucks by CR's predicted infrequency of serious problems is given below.

In the small car category, Honda and Toyota vehicles dominate. The five best small cars of 2011 are:

Toyota Yaris, a sedan or 2-door or 4-door hatchback
Honda Fit, a 4-door hatchback
Toyota Motor Corporation's Scion xD, a 4-door hatchback
Honda Civic Coupe
Honda Civic Sedan.

For comparison, last year's 2010 Auto Reliability Grade Point Averages (GPAs) of these models for model years 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 are:

Toyota Yaris Hatchback: a perfect 4.00
Honda Fit: 4.00
Scion xD: 4.00
Honda Civic Coupe: N/A
Honda Civic Sedan: 3.50.

In the category of family cars, Ford Motor Company captures first and second place for 2011 predicted reliability. The two are:

Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford Fusion with a V6 engine and front-wheel drive.

The 2010 Auto Reliability GPAs of these models are:

Ford Fusion Hybrid: 4.00 (based on only a one-year data history)
Ford Fusion with a V6 and fwd: 3.75.