The Consumer Reports study is compilation of more than 1.4 million readers’ responses this spring to vehicles from previous years. The results are used to predict reliability for 2009 model.
Small Car Best: Scion xD, Mini Cooper Clubman Worst: Nissan Versa (sedan), (no second pick)
Family Car Best: Toyota Prius, Kia Optima Worst: Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring (V-6)
Sporty Car, Coupes & Convertibles Best: Lexus SC, Volvo C30 Worst: Chrysler Sebring (convertible), Saturn Sky
Upscale/Luxury Car Best: Infinity M35 (rear-wheel drive), Lexus IS250 Worst: Cadillac STS (V-8), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (V-8)
Wagons & Minivan Best: Toyota Matrix, Scion xB Worst: Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan
Small SUV Best: Honda Element, Toyota FJ Cruiser Worst: Land Rover LR2, Saturn Vue (V-6, all-wheel drive)
Midsized SUV Best: Honda Pilot (2008), Lexus RX400h (hybrid) Worst: Land Rover Range Rover, Volkswagen Touareg
Large SUV Best: Toyota Sequoia, (no second pick) Worst: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (V-8), Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (turbodiesel)
Pickup Trucks Best: Toyota Tundra (V-6), Honda Ridgeline Worst: Ford F-250 (turbodiesel), Dodge Dakota (four-wheel drive)
Article Last Updated: March 27, 2026.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.