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Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
15 Best Car Brands, Ranked By Reliability
Reliability and a hassle-free ownership experience are some of the main reasons we buy new cars. According to CarEdge, a site dedicated to making car ownership easier, average new car prices are creeping closer to $50,000. If you're spending that much on a vehicle, you certainly don't want to spend your time hanging out at the repair shop. Luckily, we have independent organizations like Consumer Reports that fight for a fair marketplace. Every year, they list the best and worst vehicles on the market based on predicted reliability ratings, and using data from its annual reliability surveys. Traditionally, the two top spots have been held by Toyota and its luxury brand, Lexus, but this year, there's a new king of the hill. Let's look at the 15 best car brands you can buy in 2025, as per Consumer Reports' reliability rankings. Subaru is, without a doubt, the biggest surprise on this year's reliability list. According to RepairPal, an online automotive complaint resource, the Japanese brand has been known to suffer from certain issues, such as head gasket failure, excessive oil consumption, and CVT transmission problems. However, this year, the Subaru Impreza and Forester received well-above-average reliability scores, while the rest of the lineup, except the Solterra EV, is rated above average and average. One reason for this is that Subaru uses tried-and-tested technology, resulting in fewer problems. Lexus is usually found in the first or second spot on Consumer Reports' reliability rankings, so nothing has really changed for 2025. This Japanese brand builds cars that'll last you a lifetime, and they're right up there with the Europeans in terms of luxury. Four of Lexus' models received an above-average score, while three managed an average rating. In this year's rankings, Consumer Reports says Lexus and Toyota have traded the two top spots for many years, but Toyota has now been knocked down to third. The brand took a hit due to below-average reliability ratings for three of its vehicles — the bZ4X EV, the Tundra, and the redesigned Tacoma. Coincidentally, the bZ4X is the same vehicle as Subaru's Solterra, so that one should definitely be avoided. If not for those models, Toyota would still reign supreme, as four Toyota models scored well above average, seven scored above average, and five scored average. Honda is another Japanese carmaker known for making reliable, high-quality cars, and is usually found near the top of every Consumer Reports rating. This year, Honda earned fourth place overall in the reliability rankings. Three of Honda's models, including the CR-V and HR-V compact SUVs, received an above-average score, with another seven getting an average rating. With Honda in fourth, it's no surprise that its luxury brand follows right behind in fifth. Surprisingly, Acura no longer offers any hybrid models, despite Honda being one of the pioneers of that game. This year, Consumer Reports has only ranked two Acura models, the RDX and MDX SUVs. The RDX received an above-average score, and the MDX was rated as average. Mazda offers a wide variety of models, from the open-top 2-seater MX-5 Miata to the midsize three-row SUV CX-90. Its models tend to be affordable, good-looking, fun to drive, and reliable. Several of Mazda's vehicles have earned above-average reliability ratings by Consumer Reports, with the SUVs and crossovers consistently ranking among the best in the segment. Audi is the first non-Japanese brand on the list. European luxury vehicles are loaded with modern technology, which, according to Scientific American, tends to fail more often than older tech that's been tried and tested. Even the entry-level vehicles in Audi's lineup offer excellent build quality and are more luxurious than most of the Japanese models. That said, they also come with higher maintenance and repair costs, so Consumer Reports says it's hard to recommend used models. BMW is perhaps Audi's fiercest competitor, and the two have duked it out for decades. This time, Audi won the battle, but the Bavarians are following right behind. All the things we said about Audi also hold true for BMW. It's one of the top brands if you're in the market for a new luxury vehicle, but expect it to be costlier to own than a Lexus or Acura. A couple of decades ago, no one would've guessed that Korean carmakers Kia and Hyundai would feature in the top-ten most reliable car brands, but here we are. Kia now offers vehicles in most modern segments. They're usually not among the top in terms of reliability, but the low price and excellent warranties help offset that. Everything we said about Kia also goes for Hyundai, which secures the tenth spot on Consumer Reports' rankings. It's possible to find some serious bargains in Hyundai's lineup, and while they may not last as long as a Lexus, they'll certainly run for a few hundred thousand miles. The electric Ioniq 5 N is even one of the most fun EVs on the market today. Just missing out on the top ten, we find Buick, the first American brand on the list. If you want to buy American and reliability is important, then Buick is clearly the brand to go for — at least according to Consumer Reports. Buick offers two- and three-row SUVs with better interiors than you'll find in a Chevy or Ford, but for less money than traditional luxury brands such as Lexus, Lincoln, and Cadillac. It's no secret that Nissan's vehicles have struggled with various reliability issues over the years. Nissan Problems, a website dedicated to tracking issues related to various Nissan vehicles, mentions problems with the CVT transmission, engine failures, and a smorgasbord of other issues. Consumer Reports also says the brand's overall scores suffer because of up-and-down reliability and average to below-average owner satisfaction. Still, they managed to squeeze into 12th place of the 22 car manufacturers in this year's ranking. Ford sells its pickup trucks under the "Built Ford Tough" slogan, but the Blue Oval is only the 13th most reliable brand. The F-150 remains one of the best-selling trucks on the North American market, but Consumer Reports gave it a below-average reliability rating. In fact, with the exception of the Ford Mustang, the electric Mustang Mach-E, and the small Maverick truck, most Ford vehicles have been given an average to below-average reliability rating. Genesis, Hyundai Motor Group's luxury brand, goes head-to-head with all the established luxury carmakers but often costs less than the competition. Consumer Reports says Genesis models tend to be impressive during road tests, but the reliability varies, with some models having dropped to below-average reliability ratings. Gone are the days when Volvo was known for making brick-shaped cars that were surprisingly fun to drive and so well-built that they could probably emerge unscathed from a demolition derby. While the Swedish carmaker still builds safety-focused cars, it suffers in other areas—reliability, in particular. Consumer Reports says most of Volvo's new cars scored average or below average in their reliability rankings. Although Volvo ranks 15th for new car reliability, it's 17th in owner satisfaction, and 24th in maintenance and repair costs, giving it a 22nd place overall.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
15 Best Car Brands, Ranked By Reliability
Reliability and a hassle-free ownership experience are some of the main reasons we buy new cars. According to CarEdge, a site dedicated to making car ownership easier, average new car prices are creeping closer to $50,000. If you're spending that much on a vehicle, you certainly don't want to spend your time hanging out at the repair shop. Luckily, we have independent organizations like Consumer Reports that fight for a fair marketplace. Every year, they list the best and worst vehicles on the market based on predicted reliability ratings, and using data from its annual reliability surveys. Traditionally, the two top spots have been held by Toyota and its luxury brand, Lexus, but this year, there's a new king of the hill. Let's look at the 15 best car brands you can buy in 2025, as per Consumer Reports' reliability rankings. Subaru is, without a doubt, the biggest surprise on this year's reliability list. According to RepairPal, an online automotive complaint resource, the Japanese brand has been known to suffer from certain issues, such as head gasket failure, excessive oil consumption, and CVT transmission problems. However, this year, the Subaru Impreza and Forester received well-above-average reliability scores, while the rest of the lineup, except the Solterra EV, is rated above average and average. One reason for this is that Subaru uses tried-and-tested technology, resulting in fewer problems. Lexus is usually found in the first or second spot on Consumer Reports' reliability rankings, so nothing has really changed for 2025. This Japanese brand builds cars that'll last you a lifetime, and they're right up there with the Europeans in terms of luxury. Four of Lexus' models received an above-average score, while three managed an average rating. In this year's rankings, Consumer Reports says Lexus and Toyota have traded the two top spots for many years, but Toyota has now been knocked down to third. The brand took a hit due to below-average reliability ratings for three of its vehicles — the bZ4X EV, the Tundra, and the redesigned Tacoma. Coincidentally, the bZ4X is the same vehicle as Subaru's Solterra, so that one should definitely be avoided. If not for those models, Toyota would still reign supreme, as four Toyota models scored well above average, seven scored above average, and five scored average. Honda is another Japanese carmaker known for making reliable, high-quality cars, and is usually found near the top of every Consumer Reports rating. This year, Honda earned fourth place overall in the reliability rankings. Three of Honda's models, including the CR-V and HR-V compact SUVs, received an above-average score, with another seven getting an average rating. With Honda in fourth, it's no surprise that its luxury brand follows right behind in fifth. Surprisingly, Acura no longer offers any hybrid models, despite Honda being one of the pioneers of that game. This year, Consumer Reports has only ranked two Acura models, the RDX and MDX SUVs. The RDX received an above-average score, and the MDX was rated as average. Mazda offers a wide variety of models, from the open-top 2-seater MX-5 Miata to the midsize three-row SUV CX-90. Its models tend to be affordable, good-looking, fun to drive, and reliable. Several of Mazda's vehicles have earned above-average reliability ratings by Consumer Reports, with the SUVs and crossovers consistently ranking among the best in the segment. Audi is the first non-Japanese brand on the list. European luxury vehicles are loaded with modern technology, which, according to Scientific American, tends to fail more often than older tech that's been tried and tested. Even the entry-level vehicles in Audi's lineup offer excellent build quality and are more luxurious than most of the Japanese models. That said, they also come with higher maintenance and repair costs, so Consumer Reports says it's hard to recommend used models. BMW is perhaps Audi's fiercest competitor, and the two have duked it out for decades. This time, Audi won the battle, but the Bavarians are following right behind. All the things we said about Audi also hold true for BMW. It's one of the top brands if you're in the market for a new luxury vehicle, but expect it to be costlier to own than a Lexus or Acura. A couple of decades ago, no one would've guessed that Korean carmakers Kia and Hyundai would feature in the top-ten most reliable car brands, but here we are. Kia now offers vehicles in most modern segments. They're usually not among the top in terms of reliability, but the low price and excellent warranties help offset that. Everything we said about Kia also goes for Hyundai, which secures the tenth spot on Consumer Reports' rankings. It's possible to find some serious bargains in Hyundai's lineup, and while they may not last as long as a Lexus, they'll certainly run for a few hundred thousand miles. The electric Ioniq 5 N is even one of the most fun EVs on the market today. Just missing out on the top ten, we find Buick, the first American brand on the list. If you want to buy American and reliability is important, then Buick is clearly the brand to go for — at least according to Consumer Reports. Buick offers two- and three-row SUVs with better interiors than you'll find in a Chevy or Ford, but for less money than traditional luxury brands such as Lexus, Lincoln, and Cadillac. It's no secret that Nissan's vehicles have struggled with various reliability issues over the years. Nissan Problems, a website dedicated to tracking issues related to various Nissan vehicles, mentions problems with the CVT transmission, engine failures, and a smorgasbord of other issues. Consumer Reports also says the brand's overall scores suffer because of up-and-down reliability and average to below-average owner satisfaction. Still, they managed to squeeze into 12th place of the 22 car manufacturers in this year's ranking. Ford sells its pickup trucks under the "Built Ford Tough" slogan, but the Blue Oval is only the 13th most reliable brand. The F-150 remains one of the best-selling trucks on the North American market, but Consumer Reports gave it a below-average reliability rating. In fact, with the exception of the Ford Mustang, the electric Mustang Mach-E, and the small Maverick truck, most Ford vehicles have been given an average to below-average reliability rating. Genesis, Hyundai Motor Group's luxury brand, goes head-to-head with all the established luxury carmakers but often costs less than the competition. Consumer Reports says Genesis models tend to be impressive during road tests, but the reliability varies, with some models having dropped to below-average reliability ratings. Gone are the days when Volvo was known for making brick-shaped cars that were surprisingly fun to drive and so well-built that they could probably emerge unscathed from a demolition derby. While the Swedish carmaker still builds safety-focused cars, it suffers in other areas—reliability, in particular. Consumer Reports says most of Volvo's new cars scored average or below average in their reliability rankings. Although Volvo ranks 15th for new car reliability, it's 17th in owner satisfaction, and 24th in maintenance and repair costs, giving it a 22nd place overall.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
5 Used Luxury German Cars That Are Good Investment for Retirees
German luxury cars often come with a reputation for high maintenance costs, but that doesn't mean they're all bad investments. In fact, several models from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche offer strong resale value, lasting performance and modern comfort. For retirees, those factors matter more than ever. The key is to choose vehicles that strike a balance between prestige and long-term practicality. For You: Check Out: 'German cars have a stellar reputation for a reason and that is they hold their value well over time,' said Lauren Fix, automotive expert at Car Coach Reports — emphasizing their engineering, build quality and resale strength. Used models are especially attractive, as the biggest chunk of depreciation is already factored into the price. The five cars below were handpicked based on Fix's insights and supported by data from trusted automotive analysts. In contrast, here are used luxury German cars retirees should avoid. The BMW 2 Series blends sportiness with compact design, making it a great fit for retirees who want both agility and comfort. Lauren Fix included the BMW 2 Series among her top picks for retirees, citing its strong resale value at an estimated 61%. While BMWs are known for higher maintenance costs, this model remains manageable with average upkeep of $922 per year, according to RepairPal. Trending Now: It offers supportive seating, responsive handling and a refined cabin without the overwhelming tech found in larger luxury sedans. For retirees looking for reliability, retained value and the iconic BMW driving feel, the 2 Series delivers all three without financial regret. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class or 'G-Wagon,' is one of the few large luxury SUVs that holds its value exceptionally well over time. Lauren Fix cited the G-Class among her top five used German cars for retirees, estimating a 63% value retention. While maintenance and insurance can be expensive, these costs are balanced by strong resale performance and brand prestige. According to RepairPal, the annual maintenance cost for a Mercedes-Benz G500 is around $1,461. Despite the costs, the G-Class provides unmatched presence, top-tier build quality and timeless design. Retirees looking for durability, status and value protection will find the G-Wagon delivers all three. Audi's Q3 subcompact SUV provides a smooth ride, intuitive controls and easy maneuverability — three qualities ideal for older drivers. CarEdge reported only 38% depreciation over five years, making it one of the best performers in its class. Lauren Fix backed the Q3 as a smart investment, estimating a 61% value retention and noting that Audi, like BMW, 'generally holds value well over time.' The Q3 also boasts low ownership costs for a German SUV. RepairPal put the Q3's average yearly maintenance at $956. With a premium interior, comfortable ride and useful cargo space, the Q3 is ideal for daily errands, weekend getaways and everything in between. For retirees who want a luxury crossover that drives small but feels upscale, the Audi Q3 fits perfectly. The Porsche 911 is more than just a race car; it's a worldwide icon that sells for a lot of money. Lauren Fix said the 911 was a great choice for retirement because it will hold 83% of its value, which is more than any other car she talked about. RepairPal said the yearly upkeep costs around $1,072, but that cost is balanced by the fact that it doesn't lose much value. The 911 is perfect for retirees with the money who want something that works well and will be popular for a long time. It's elegant, well-known and good for the wallet, which isn't often found in expensive sports cars. The Audi TT sticks out because it is small, stylish and fun to drive, all in a luxurious package. It's also one of the most valuable luxury cars in its class over time. Lauren Fix said that the Audi TT was one of the best used German purchases for retirement because it has a selling value of 70%, which was much higher than the average for the class. According to RepairPal, the yearly cost of repair is about $752, which is about right for a German sports car. Audi stopped making the model in 2023, which makes it more likely that it will be popular as a modern classic in the future. The TT is a great choice for retirees who still want to drive quickly without giving up comfort or value. More From GOBankingRates 5 Types of Vehicles Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying 5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025 4 Things You Should Do if You Want To Retire Early 10 Cars That Outlast the Average Vehicle This article originally appeared on 5 Used Luxury German Cars That Are Good Investment for Retirees
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
9 Things To Ask Our Mechanic Before Approving Your Auto Repair—And It's Free!
I was shocked to learn when I took my car to a local mechanic to find that the diagnostic charge was $320 (thank you fancy German engineering). That was a bit of injury added to the pain of an expensive auto repair all because I wasn't sure what to do when something wasn't right with my car. I wish I'd known then what I know now. You can get free advice over the phone. All you have to do is call and ask. This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from links in this story. Many people delay service or repair because they don't know where to turn for an honest assessment of what's wrong with their car, or if there's even a real problem. Putting off issues, such as what a noise or dashboard light may indicate, can delay important repairs. But the opposite is frustrating too: paying, or overpaying, for a service that your cay may or may not need. That's why RepairPal's Car Genius is such a great service. And, it's free. Apparently RepairPal felt the pain, too. So they created a complimentary service called Car Genius that allows anyone to call and speak to their mechanics, Devin and Bo (9AM- 6PM ET), for advice: What's that noise, is this repair really needed, what should a service cost — you name it, they can help you navigate it. And once they help you figure out what you need to do next, they'll recommend a RepairPal shop near you. If you go to that shop and have work done, they get a commission. If you don't, they're happy to help anyway. Here's the number to call Devin or Bo with your question: (877) 323-1708. And here are our top things they can help with. Read: 10 Things To Always Buy at an Auto Parts Store and Installation Is Free! Dashboard lights can be scary, especially when they are flashing and red. Sometimes they mean very little, other times they mean pull over right away and call a tow truck. The Car Genius crew can help you understand, and then follow up correctly. Read: 11 Common Car Maintenance and Repair Questions, and How to Know: Mechanic, Parts Store or DIY? Dealers and other service providers love to sell you lots and lots of things—things you may not need yet, or that maybe you needed 10,000 miles ago. It can be hard to tell. This is where a second opinion really helps. Read: Ever Wonder How Car Dealers Make Money? This one is so very important if you're buying a used car: A pre-sale inspection can be the difference between buying a great car and a lemon that will cost you money and heartbreak. Definitely call Devin or Bo and get their take on what you should expect, what the mechanic will look for, what you should pay and even where you can find the closest service. This is a tricky one: Many cars that have been crashed or flooded *somehow* manage to evade the title restrictions and come back in to the market. And you may not be able to tell, until you start to have serious problems, that is. But there are telltale signs to look for, and that pre-sale inspection will be helpful in knowing, too. Isn't it magical to describe a problem and have someone instantly know what's going on? We do this with teledoctors and Thanksgiving help lines. So why not with your car? The Car Geniuses can help to narrow down the problem and then find the right service provider; may be it's a transmission shop but maybe it's a brake shop or the dealership who is best suited to solve the issue. Yes, there are telltale signs that are easy to see, but not always. Sometimes the answer is as simple as answering a quick quiz: When were your tires last replaced? Have you had them rotated? Do they look worn? And you can ask how much you should pay so you're not surprised when you take your car to a shop for new tires. This is a tricky one too: A complete loss of oil will cause permanent engine damage. But how do you know if your oil is low? That is a great Car Genius question! They can also show you how to measure the oil level and how to add a quart if your car needs it. The first answer may be price, but the deeper answer may make a huge difference in performance. And it's a great thing to know before going to a shop for a repair: Can you get a replacement part that costs less? Or is the part from the car maker better in the long run? Repair estimates can vary quite a bit, and not all the things that are specified are necessary, so it's great to have someone to help navigate your questions. Car Genius can tell you what an average price is for parts and labor so you have an idea what you should pay for the prescribed work. Do I need premium gas or can I use regular? Can I replace just one tire or do I need to replace two at a time? How many miles can I drive between oil changes? What does it mean when they say 'fill all the fluids?' I can go on and on; if you get different answers from different people, it really helps to have a second opinion. More must-reads: The Truth About Electric Vehicles and Cold Weather 9 Secrets You Need to Know About Buying New Tires
