Scion Tops Consumer Reports 2009 Reliability List, Chrysler Falters

In its yearly report on automobile reliability, Consumer Reports has released its 2009 model calculations. Asian automakers dominated the top results, Chrysler suffered a sharp decline and Ford overshadowed its Detroit rivals. Toyota’s Scion xD was named as the most reliable car, followed closely by Honda Motor Co.’s Acura and Honda Toyota and its luxury brand, Lexus, were next.Asian manufacturers were represented in the magazine’s top-10 positions, with Ford’s Lincoln the top American brand overall in 11th position. The Chrysler Sebring was Consumer Reports’ worst-rated 2009 car.

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.

Here are top two best and worst cars (if available) from each category in the Consumer Reports’ reliability issue, available on newsstands Nov. 11.

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)