Consumer Reports Hates Domestics

I think CR found it could sell more magazines deriding domestics.

The only thing bias here is the author of this blog (Rob).

1 person does not make the CR list of cars nor does CR take money from any car Manufacture, so your bias theory goes out the window.

The only one I agree on is the Mustang, but once again HP isn’t everything. The handling on Miata is great and it can eat up curvy roads. But still the Mustang is a classic and it should take the spot instead of the Miata.

Domestic Fan boys, there is no “conspiracy” against your beloved domestics. Take the loss like a man and quite bitching.

Reply to Steve’s comment. Steve, Why the MX-5? its sucks, it is ugly, it runs like it’s sick. GO MUSTANGS!

Hey man… Go easy on the Highlander… My Moms got one, Its very nice to. My Dads got a ‘07 Toyota Tundra, My Moms got a ‘06 Highlander Hybrid…

Viva Chevrolet! Many Chevys, or at least the bulk of their parts, are made in Mexico. My Toyota was made in Texas. Support the troops and buy a Toyota, right?!?

These silly xenophobic notions of foreign and domestic are so 80s. Where was your TV made? Your clothes?

I agree! Why would you waste your hard earned money to pay more for an import of similar quality as a domestic? If anything, I’ve seen domestics of better quality than some imports. Don’t get me wrong, some expensive imports are nice, but expensive domestics are just as nice. As for fuel, any money saved, which is not that much will be invested in repairs costing more than on domestics (because of parts) and in the initial purchase of the vehicle. Domestics are equal or better cars even if imports claim to be superior. You just pay for their name. Who cares if an import can get 3-7 miles per gallon more, it’s not worth it. The car is just made cheaper and lighter with a slightly more refined engine (often a weaker engine). The less HP you have, the less gas you take. When imports claim to last longer, it means nothing. With regular maintenance, most vehicles will keep going for many kilometers/miles. Take care of your car and it will take care of you. You should buy the car that tends to you. You can look at styling, performance, reliability, etc. If you cannot give clear, thoughtful reasons for purchasing a certain vehicle, why did you buy it? All in all, look at all your options before you buy a car and think about your bank account.

So, consumer reports posts reliability ratings. If you want a reliable vehicle you need to maintain it and drive it responsibly. I bet you I could kill a new Accord or Camry in one day if I tried. And I bet you I could keep a new Aveo for 20 years with no problems. All cars require you spend money for routine repairs. It is not as much WHAT car you have, but HOW you take care of it.

Biased,NOT!!.The one thing “Consumer Reports” isn’t is biased. They purchase all of the cars, take no advertising money, and are the only honest publication that compares all makes and models.

People that purchase cars that are evaluated and found to be subpar are the only malcontents here. Asian cars especially Japanese are superior in reliability as well as craftmanship,thats more than obvious. Even most German makes fall below the reliability of the Big two Japanese. Get over your stupidity for purchasing subpar autos. Acura,Honda, Infiniti and Toyota RULE!

I, too believe that CR has a bias against Domestics, but you have to remember that a lot of their reliablity ratings come from actual owners. That being said, I’ve owned German, Japanese and Domestic vehicles, and two of the Japanese (one Honda, yeah, HONDA, and one Mitsubishi) were the biggest pains in the *ss I ever had to deal with. There will NEVER be a Mitsubishi with me paying for it, ever. Two of the most reliable; one Domestic (Plymouth), one Japanese (a Datsun, so that tells you how old my *ss is). The Plymouth literally had to be totaled to stop it from being driven. Never had a lick of major trouble. The only reason the Datsun had to go was because the starter went out, and before it could be taken to a repair shop, the corrupt Chicago Police had it towed (it was NOT in a tow zone). BUT, it isn’t just CR that is biased: Car and Driver are scarcely better. They drool over the uglies from Japan, like the Camry and the Infiniti series, and call the Ford 500 ‘dull’. Yeah, but if it had been a German marque, they’d call the styling ‘clean and uncluttered’. People either forget, or don’t know, that Domestic manufacturers didn’t really have a need to make long-lasting cars; the marketplace in the States is that people don’t keep cars as long as they do in Japan and Europe. Once you get past that fourth year, UNLESS that car is a ‘creampuff’, you are getting almost nothing in trade from a dealer, because he knows that the next used car buyer who comes on his lot is not going to want to pay anywhere near Blue Book for a five year old car. And finally, why is it that I hear radio commentator Paul Harvey tell about recalls for Japanese or German makes, but I don’t hear that later on the regular news? Hmmm …

A 4,000 pound pony car is not much fun. A 4200 lb. sedan is not much fun either.

220 hp 3.5 liter V-6’s are not as much fun as 275 hp ones.

Grossly unreliable small SUV’s are not much fun either.

Instead of whining, our domestic manufacturers need to get back to the basics and stop trying to compete with cars stuck in the design and engineering Middle Ages.

They are making progress but they still have a ways to go.

Other than the Ford Focus and The Fusion and maybe the Corvette, there is not a single Domestic vehicle I would pick over it’s foreign competition.

Sometimes we have all the right parts available and make ludicrous configuration decisions.

The first Ford 500 with that crappy little 210 horspower 3.0 liter V6 lugging 4,000 lbs?? What were they thinking.

I am an American and would like to see us do a lot better, too. But I applaud Consumer Reports unbroken objectivity in a world of hype, spin and payola.

Damned Commies! CR dislikes domestic auto makers for the same reason everyone is buying foreign, because they purposefully pre-engineer there products for failure. Where is the evidence? Well I have had three Fords and they have all had some of the same problems. 1)Electronic troubles 2) THE crappiest paint available 3) Where did my tranny go? 4) The connections between companies like ACDelco and Detroit. (PRESALING FAULTY PARTS) I want detroit to warranty the vehicles they build to the max or I will personally NEVER buy another and you should do the same. CHANGE COMES WITH FORCE

CR has been biased for some time. To me its all about trade and the principle of it. You don’t see the Japaneese allowing us to sell American cars or pretty much anything else in their country. Try buying parts for a Japaneese car especially those where is no third party manifacturer. I’ve been driving Ford products sense the 80’s and I don’t think you can buy a better truck or better riding car (Lincoln Towncar). Everyone talks about supporting Our Troops yet they send their jobs overseas by purchasing Asia cars. Reservist and those lucky enought to leave the military in one piece need these jobs. Wake up America before you won’t be able to buy anything made in America.

I must say, CR is very biased towards Japanese cars. For first year models/redesigns, the Japanese reliability is always high, yet domestic and European brands are unknown their first year. How do they know that an ‘07 Tundra will have above average reliability without any data from its readers? I thought that was the whole point of their surveys. What if the Tundra actually has terrible reliability, instead of the high reliability CR thinks it has??

Like every other rag dealing with cars in the US they are biased. Anything from another country is the best thing since sliced bread and anything from Detroit is junk…. WHATEVER! This is why I cancelled all of my subscriptions and now ignore them all. I’ve owned nothing but domestics and the only problems I’ve had are the ones I created. I’ve know people with imports and they have had problems with them. The bottom line is a car is only as good as you take care of it!

CR is corrupt. Remember the saddle fuel tank escapades? The recent crash testing where their speeds were well over the federal standards? And they (CR) were saying they were following federal tests? Weren’t they also caught upping the speeds for crash avoidance tests a few years ago as well? (Violent manuevers at over 35mph instead of at 30-35mph)

They may have started as an organization to help the consumer, but now they are in it for money and need to make waves once in awhile to get attention.

Bottom-line? We’re dealing with VERY broad sweeping generalizations here, but…

If “biased” means, “I’m biased against eating an $10 shit sandwich on rye versus a $6 roast beef hoagie”, then yes, Consumer Reports is “biased”.

The only (bad) argument for domestics since 1970-ish is (a false sense of) “patriotism”. Much like the mistaken sentiment that shopping at Wal-Mart is somehow more American despite the fact the most of their cheap-ass junk is from overseas.

But, just like stupid SUVs, most keep buying ‘em for no valid reason whatsoever, keeping Detroit motivated to pump out subpar vehicles that drink gas like there’s no tomorrow.

It’s so foolishly shortsighted to buy, say, a new V6 Malibu when a used 4cyl. Accord will last longer, run better, is more economical and probably faster to boot!

I own an Olds Bravada, very small USA content and no longer built and three repairs in one year, mostly under an extended warranty I purchased. Own one 2000 Honda CR-V purchased used, good mileage around town, somewhat noisy as noted by CR, and no problems but would buy another one. All in all most of CR’s comments are OK, but the frequency-of-repair chart is based on data from real owners.

With all the recalls Toyota has had lately I wonder why CR still rates them so highly?

I’ve owned high end domestic and import vehicles (1 Cadillac STS, 2 Lincoln Town Cars, 1 Lexus LS430 and for a very short time a Mercedes E Class) My Caddy was written off in an accident so can’t say much there however, my 2 Lincolns I still have, I ought them after the transmission failed in Lexus after a mere 108,000miles on the clock. The car had been maintained to the tee at a Lexus dealer it’s whole life and NEVER abused. The Benz I bought privately which wasa big mistake. Even thoguh it had only 81,000miles on her it was abused and never maintained and died very quickly. Found out later that the guy had used it for a delivery vehicle too. However, my Lincolns are driveway maintained and still running smooth and strong at 251,000 (1996) and 258,000 miles (1995) (one is mine (96) the other is my wife’s (95)). However to answer your question, yes I believe CR is biased and just maybe they favour the imports as a way to encourage the domestics to step-up so to speak. Yet they never take into consideration the great cars they’ve built. Look after your car, drive it with respect and you a car for a long time. Last note, neither of my Lincolns have had engine or transmission chages or rebuilds, all original including the paint and body.

CR has always favored Japanese cars over American and European simply because they offer more value ahd are better built – and have offered better quality long before Detroit was in trouble. Unfortunatly, Domestic cars have not established a long enough quality track record to be recommended in todays very competitive car market. However, I do think they exhibit some bias, especially when you consider a car like the Corvette that amoung the best engineered in the world, but still no love from CR.

A car is supposed to be your second biggest purchase next to your house…unless you buy a domestic, and it becomes your first from all the money spent fixing the junk.

Last year, I was shopping used car lots for a 4runner, and rolled into this chevy used car lot. They literally sent every salesperson at me(trying to sell me some American POS), and finally the last guy which was the only cool guy told me that they don’t have 4runners because they save those for their own family members! LOL!!

Just to note, I work in the auto field and am not just the average joe. I’ve seen all the cars naked and I can tell you that American cars are made extremely cheap, and poorly designed. (before I “knew” cars, I thought the mustang was a pretty cool car. I just loved the crooked-for-no-reason shifter on last gen mustangs.)

Even the writer of the article doesn’t like American cars. Most of the cars he says are good, are Chrysler cars, and Chrysler only got good in recent years. (after Mercedes deal, but mostly from 50 cent:)

GM is soon going to start making their cars in China. (I guess this is their way or trying to give imports a bad name.) Oh yeah, the only thing Ford did right was circle the problem. Sorry Henry.

My family’s owned a 1989 Chevy Z24 since 1996 and I’ve owned it for the past 2 years. Having a domestic that’s over 18 years old is a testament that some domestics are built to last. I say some because I guess there’s a few domestics out there that can’t say they’ve seen they’re 18th birthday without completely falling apart. But if you take care of your car and get the oil changed every 3000 (like you should), don’t beat the hell out of it every chance you get when the light turns green, and get the little problems fixed when they occur before they turn into big problems than there’s no reason a domestic shouldn’t last 15 years. The car is in great condition and it holds a lot of sentimental value so I’m going to replace the transmission before I plan to sell in the fall. I could go and sell it for about a grand, and tell the buyer oh yea, your going to eventually need to change the transmission it’s original; but I’d rather spend the 1,500 and sell the car for 2,500 knowing it’s then set for the next 3 years of its life. If you get your car regularly maintained, keep good records of this (it will help at resale) and don’t beat the hell out of it every chance you get, there’s no reason your domestic shouldn’t last at least 15 years.

I agree with Louis. I would rather have my German Audi over my girlfriend’s Domestic Mustang. It’s not a GT, but still it has a bigger engine than my car and still makes less power. Not to mention the inside is all plastic (except the seats) and is falling apart. Then take my friends ‘05 GT; it’s an improvement, but still the trim above the door is loose.

Domestics may have power but that’s about it. It’s not all about who can get to the next stop sign the fastest .

They only seem biased because domestics still need a lot of catching up when it comes to quality, reliability, practicality and more. For instance- ford uses 3 different bolt sizes to hold in their rear taillight in the taurus while any honda or toyota uses just 1-12mm bolt. Seems the biased one is the author- makes no attempt to defend any german or other great rides out there- just american cars. I wonder why the “big three” is having financial issues.
~An Engineer who knows his stuff, not just a biased reader~

this is so true i dont even know how to say it. They are very bias towards japanese cars. I am an autobroker and all my customers say “well consumer reports thrashes this car. They seem so biased towards japanese made cars.” I can vouch that they are biased. A very good friend of mine worked for them and said JD power and associates is a better indicator of quality. Its funny when we have failed lexus transmissions at 80k miles, honda trannys at 60k, window issues, moonroof failures consistantly. Show me where the value is on them. Our import customers usually turn to domestics after there import ownership these days. They arent what they were.
Thank You. Ryan Z

Hey JK,

I teach a class at a local college and I just couldn’t help correcting your comment’s punctuation and spelling. The way your comment is currently worded does a surprisingly good job of reversing your position on this debate.

So, here is what I think you want to say.

Rob, I agree with you all the way. The media hates the US even though it is their country too. CR is for pencil geeks, the same people who have never opened their car’s hood or owned a stick shift.

Your car gets more girls than a mustang?!? My ass! Women love my Mustang and I see women driving them (Mustangs, not my ass) all the time. What girl doesn’t like them (again Mustangs, not my ass) and, by the way, how come you didn’t say what you own? Oh yeah, because it’s an ‘89 Civic! Hahaha! – jk

i agree with you ROB all the way the media hates the US and it is there country too. CR is for pencil geeks, for the people who have never opened there hood and never owned a stick.

and your car gets more girls than a mustang my ass woman love it i see woman driving them all the time what girl doesn’t like them and how come you did say what you have, oh yea cuz its a 89 civic hahaha jk

make sure you buy infiniti and land rover, or bmw. you think mustangs are cool. your way wrong my cars get girls not your cars.

Honestly, mustangs are more over rated than a damn escalade. i would rather buy the escalade. but the reason that everyone hates domestics is cause all you have yo do is look at one and you would see why. all of them are over priced pieces of crap. american car companies buy out other companies like land rover or mercedes, and instead of using the technology in those cars, they take the good parts about those cars and replace them with crap. why cant chrysler make it. they suck ass lol. pardon my french.

Sure, I’d choose a Miata over a Mustang *II* any day! LOL! But how much fun is a car that handles if it’s SLOW? Handling AND horsepower – That’s where it’s at man!

The MX5 may be “more fun to drive” but its gayer than gay. I’ll take a GT mustang over that any day of the week for the coolness factor alone.

First, i would like to thank Rob for using the MRT Interceptor as a picture. It is awesome!!! The Consumer Reports may be trusted, but I thoroughly believe the media has had one of the biggfest impacts on the negetive rap domestics carry. When is the last time you heard about a Toyota mechanical problem compared to say a Ford or GM. The media always puts the domestic problems first and it looms in everyones mind. Maybe we need to start seeing both sides eqaully, and maybe things will change. Don’t get me wrong, domestics could be better, in both design and reliability, but imports are certainly not perfect.

I owned an original Mustang in the sixties. I owned a Mustang II in the early nineties but traded it in on a (then new) 1995 Miata. I still have the Miata after twelve years. Anyone who has driven all three will agree: the Miata is much more fun to drive.

Anyone who focuses on horsepower alone doesn’t really get it. The Miata handles much better and is more of a “driver’s car.”

If you are concerned about a back seat and trunk space, buy an Impala.

There is a direct correlation between horsepower and fun. If you have to floor it just to hit 65 by the time you get on the freeway, you’re not having fun anymore. The Mustang is the right choice here. But Consumer Reports is for soccer moms, not car enthusiasts, so what do you expect?

Like any “awards,” it is key to understand the selection process. For MT, the Car of the Year has to be all new or significantly redesigned, meaning the Accord wasn’t eligible. For CR, the Top Picks have to score high in their tests, be reliable, and safe. The reason there aren’t more domestics on the list is simply they didn’t satisfy the criteria. There are many, great, entertaining cars… but the list shortens when safety and reliability are factored. That said, I’d still rather have a Mustang GT over a Miata.

I’m a total car nut with subscriptions to all the car mags but lets put things in perspective here. Consumer Reports is not an enthusiast magazine. Their readers – something like 7 million!!! — are regular people just looking for good deals. I did notice they ranked the Porsche 911 best in a comparison test so they cant be all that fuddy duddy. I hear they also have their own awesome test track.

Easy answer overall – you are not taking into account reliability – CR is. Fun to drive – although the MX-5 does have a trunk that can hold quite abit – not the point. You don’t need a back seat and trunk for that catagory. Drive an MX-5 and a Mustang and most will pick the MX-5 as fun to drive.