~> Built to Last ? ? ?
#1
12-04-2011, 09:23 AM
~> Built to Last ? ? ?
Built to Last
10 vehicles that will stand the test of time. * Note, not according to KidSpace...I am just the messenger : )
Member's, what vehicles would you add to this list ? ? ? I would add the Monte Carlo
4-Sure....OK, it's your turn to post what you think ? ? ?
<CITE sizcache="48" sizset="129">By Sam Foley of MSN Autos</CITE>
Hyundai Sonata
Reliability is a tricky business with automobiles. They are increasingly complex mechanical and electronic objects with thousands of parts, any one of which can fail at any time. Plus, says Michael Pecht, a reliability expert with the Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering at the University of Maryland, many companies outsource complex electronic parts such as engine control modules, and just assume they will work with their vehicles. "However, often there are no statistically acceptable accelerated tests conducted on the vehicle as a whole," he says. In other words, many of the complex systems in a modern vehicle might be linked by a bond of pure faith.
Yet, amazingly, today's high-tech autos seem to work — and more reliably than ever before. Dave Sargent, vice president of vehicle research at J.D. Power and Associates, which performs the industry-standard Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, says that the company's research has shown steady improvement in vehicle quality across the board every year. "Basically, we've seen about a 5 percent reduction in the number of problems reported each year," Sargent says. "So if you buy a 2011 model-year vehicle, chances are that it will have fewer problems in its first five years than if you had bought a 2010 vehicle."
While buying a new vehicle is good advice if long-term reliability is your goal, it doesn't really address questions about individual models. Studies such as J.D. Power's vehicle dependability survey are inherently backward-looking, so they do not tell the whole story. So how, for example, can you assess the potential reliability of a new model or redesign? "We wrestle with that question," Sargent says. "The easiest way to determine long-term reliability is to wait a long time. It's hard to predict the reliability of a new car, by definition."
While predictions are not foolproof, they're also not impossible to make. We've cross-referenced analysis of J.D. Power's Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, and thrown in a few extra points for any vehicle or manufacturer that has shown significant momentum toward quality improvement over the past few years. The resulting list of cars should have just the right recipe for long-term reliability: Start with a good reputation, then stir in some well-earned faith.
Bing: Car Dependability Rankings
Honda Accord
Click to enlarge picture
Honda Accord
Let's start with something obvious. The Honda Accord has scored between 3.5 and 5 — the top rating — every year for the past 10 years on both J.D. Power's Initial Quality and Overall Dependability studies, which rank user satisfaction in the first year and the third year of ownership, respectively. Luckily for Honda, neither study quantifies excitement, which is pretty hard to muster when you're driving one of the plainest-looking and -driving sedans on the market — and harder still when you realize that for less than the Accord's $21,180 base price, you can find a more exhilarating vehicle in either the Nissan Altima or the Ford Fusion.
Read: 2011 Honda Accord — Flash Drive
Porsche 911
Click to enlarge picture
Porsche 911
Here's a vehicle that has scored a perfect 5 in J.D. Power's survey of Initial Quality for the past six years and between 3.5 and 5 in Overall Dependability for four out of the past five years. While most Porsche owners are reluctant to breathe a bad word about the brand for fear of being tossed out of the "club," there has to be something behind years of stellar satisfaction ratings. And if you're paying a base price of $77,800 — and nobody ever pays base price on a Porsche 911 — you have a right to demand perfection.
Read: Porsche Makes the Most Dependable Cars
Buick LaCrosse
Click to enlarge picture
Buick LaCrosse
The LaCrosse was overhauled in 2010 from its Geritol-friendly earlier design to a new shape and chassis that is about as sprightly and sexy as this brand is likely to get. A dose of re-engineering is likely to dip any model's satisfaction numbers a bit while the manufacturer works out some of the kinks — Sargent recommends that buyers steer clear of a new redesign for at least a year — which makes the 2011 Buick LaCrosse a pretty safe bet. Plus, starting at $26,995, the LaCrosse is a pretty good deal for a big car with a smooth ride and a quiet interior. It's like somebody slipped a little Viagra in with the Geritol.
Watch Video: 2011 Buick LaCrosse
Hyundai Equus
Click to enlarge picture
Hyundai Equus
Why is a car we haven't even seen yet on this list? Well, first off, we're sticking to the "give 'em a year to get the kinks out" philosophy. Secondly, rumor has it that next year Hyundai may upgrade the Equus' competent 4.6-liter V8 engine with an even more competent 5.0-liter V8. It took cojones for Hyundai to produce the Equus, a $58,000-plus, limolike sedan that takes straight aim at the Mercedes S-Class and Lexus LS. But the Equus is an insanely comfortable, quiet and indulgent vehicle that, next to offerings from Mercedes, BMW and Lexus, is also an insanely good deal.
Read: Hyundai Goes Upscale
Ford Fusion
Click to enlarge picture
Ford Fusion
Since its introduction in 2006, the Ford Fusion has delivered impressive build quality and reliability. The 2010 redesign has made this midsizesedan even more appealing. Some of Ford's newer introductions, such as the relaunched Fiesta and upcoming Focus, have stolen some of the Fusion's econocar thunder, but there's no denying the record of satisfaction and value that this bargain 4-door — starting at $19,720 — has established. In the most recent J.D. Power rankings, it scored an impressive 5 in overall initial quality.
Bing Images: Ford Fusion
Toyota Highlander
Click to enlarge picture
Toyota Highlander
No SUV posts long-term reliability numbers like the Toyota Highlander. For years, it has owned its SUV segment in J.D. Power's dependability rankings. Even Toyota's widely reported recalls in 2009-2011 haven't put a dent in the Highlander's reputation. The model has undergone a slight design refresh for the 2011 model year — prices start at $27,540 — but no major engineering overhauls that might jeopardize its reliability. Of course, as SUVs go, the Highlander is more grocery-getter than mountain-climber, but we're talking reliability over the long haul here, not Sherpa-style surefootedness.
Bing: Toyota Highlander
Toyota Tundra
Click to enlarge picture
Toyota Tundra Work Truck
Much as in the SUV category, Toyota has dominated the dependability ratings in the big-pickup segment for several years now. The Ford F-150, though, has been posting some serious competition in both initial satisfaction and dependability rankings of late. Nevertheless, Toyota's big truck has built a solid-gold reputation for quality, and because work vehicles take a considerable beating, it's only logical to pick one with a history of holding itself together over the long haul. The 2011 Tundra comes in Regular Cab ($23,935), Double Cab ($26,275) and CrewMax ($29,245) trims.
Read: More Thrills, Fewer Bills
Lincoln MKZ
Click to enlarge picture
Lincoln MKZ
Like Buick, Lincoln is another nearly moribund American nameplate that used to set the standards for automotive quality and luxury. In the 1980s and 1990s, these brands were left to grow old, stylistically speaking, with their customers. The 2000s have seen a reinvigoration of design in both marques, and the rankings of both the LaCrosse and Lincoln's MKZ on J.D. Power satisfaction and dependability studies speak to a renewed focus on quality. The MKZ is outfitted with a dramatic "waterfall" grille and chrome accents on the outside, nice leather and fixtures on the inside, and a 3.5-liter 263-horsepower V6 engine under the hood.
Read: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid — First Drive
Lexus GX 460
Click to enlarge picture
Lexus GX 460
Although they both come from the same parent company, the Toyota Highlander and Lexus GX 460 come at the SUV segment from totally different angles. The Highlander is, essentially, a Camry goosed up for SUV duty, while the GX, which was redesigned for 2010 and starts at $52,445, is a true body-on-frame truck, engineered to climb mountains, even if it will probably never see much more than a suburban snow bank. The GX sports full-time 4-wheel drive, a hill-descent control feature and an innovative Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that adjusts the front and rear stabilizer bars to allow more wheel travel in off-road conditions. It also has a strong track record of reliability.
Bing: Lexus GX 460
Hyundai Sonata
Click to enlarge picture
Hyundai Sonata GLS
Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of Hyundai's steady march forward on quality has been the company's popular Sonata sedan, which has been completely redesigned for 2011. Its J.D. Power Initial Quality and Predicted Reliability rankings are impressively high, and the vehicle is a remarkable bargain. Starting at $19,195, the Sonata delivers all the fit and finish of competing sedans such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, while undercutting comparably equipped competitors by thousands of dollars. With the redesign, the Sonata also manages to be a far handsomer vehicle than the Accord, Camry and even the Nissan Altima. Add to that impressive road manners, quiet ride and lots of standard features and the Sonata seems a no-brainer buy.
Watch Video: 2011 Hyundai Sonata — Advanced Look
10 vehicles that will stand the test of time. * Note, not according to KidSpace...I am just the messenger : )
Member's, what vehicles would you add to this list ? ? ? I would add the Monte Carlo
4-Sure....OK, it's your turn to post what you think ? ? ?
<CITE sizcache="48" sizset="129">By Sam Foley of MSN Autos</CITE>
Hyundai Sonata
Reliability is a tricky business with automobiles. They are increasingly complex mechanical and electronic objects with thousands of parts, any one of which can fail at any time. Plus, says Michael Pecht, a reliability expert with the Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering at the University of Maryland, many companies outsource complex electronic parts such as engine control modules, and just assume they will work with their vehicles. "However, often there are no statistically acceptable accelerated tests conducted on the vehicle as a whole," he says. In other words, many of the complex systems in a modern vehicle might be linked by a bond of pure faith.
Yet, amazingly, today's high-tech autos seem to work — and more reliably than ever before. Dave Sargent, vice president of vehicle research at J.D. Power and Associates, which performs the industry-standard Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, says that the company's research has shown steady improvement in vehicle quality across the board every year. "Basically, we've seen about a 5 percent reduction in the number of problems reported each year," Sargent says. "So if you buy a 2011 model-year vehicle, chances are that it will have fewer problems in its first five years than if you had bought a 2010 vehicle."
While buying a new vehicle is good advice if long-term reliability is your goal, it doesn't really address questions about individual models. Studies such as J.D. Power's vehicle dependability survey are inherently backward-looking, so they do not tell the whole story. So how, for example, can you assess the potential reliability of a new model or redesign? "We wrestle with that question," Sargent says. "The easiest way to determine long-term reliability is to wait a long time. It's hard to predict the reliability of a new car, by definition."
While predictions are not foolproof, they're also not impossible to make. We've cross-referenced analysis of J.D. Power's Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, and thrown in a few extra points for any vehicle or manufacturer that has shown significant momentum toward quality improvement over the past few years. The resulting list of cars should have just the right recipe for long-term reliability: Start with a good reputation, then stir in some well-earned faith.
Bing: Car Dependability Rankings
Honda Accord
Click to enlarge picture
Honda Accord
Let's start with something obvious. The Honda Accord has scored between 3.5 and 5 — the top rating — every year for the past 10 years on both J.D. Power's Initial Quality and Overall Dependability studies, which rank user satisfaction in the first year and the third year of ownership, respectively. Luckily for Honda, neither study quantifies excitement, which is pretty hard to muster when you're driving one of the plainest-looking and -driving sedans on the market — and harder still when you realize that for less than the Accord's $21,180 base price, you can find a more exhilarating vehicle in either the Nissan Altima or the Ford Fusion.
Read: 2011 Honda Accord — Flash Drive
Porsche 911
Click to enlarge picture
Porsche 911
Here's a vehicle that has scored a perfect 5 in J.D. Power's survey of Initial Quality for the past six years and between 3.5 and 5 in Overall Dependability for four out of the past five years. While most Porsche owners are reluctant to breathe a bad word about the brand for fear of being tossed out of the "club," there has to be something behind years of stellar satisfaction ratings. And if you're paying a base price of $77,800 — and nobody ever pays base price on a Porsche 911 — you have a right to demand perfection.
Read: Porsche Makes the Most Dependable Cars
Buick LaCrosse
Click to enlarge picture
Buick LaCrosse
The LaCrosse was overhauled in 2010 from its Geritol-friendly earlier design to a new shape and chassis that is about as sprightly and sexy as this brand is likely to get. A dose of re-engineering is likely to dip any model's satisfaction numbers a bit while the manufacturer works out some of the kinks — Sargent recommends that buyers steer clear of a new redesign for at least a year — which makes the 2011 Buick LaCrosse a pretty safe bet. Plus, starting at $26,995, the LaCrosse is a pretty good deal for a big car with a smooth ride and a quiet interior. It's like somebody slipped a little Viagra in with the Geritol.
Watch Video: 2011 Buick LaCrosse
Hyundai Equus
Click to enlarge picture
Hyundai Equus
Why is a car we haven't even seen yet on this list? Well, first off, we're sticking to the "give 'em a year to get the kinks out" philosophy. Secondly, rumor has it that next year Hyundai may upgrade the Equus' competent 4.6-liter V8 engine with an even more competent 5.0-liter V8. It took cojones for Hyundai to produce the Equus, a $58,000-plus, limolike sedan that takes straight aim at the Mercedes S-Class and Lexus LS. But the Equus is an insanely comfortable, quiet and indulgent vehicle that, next to offerings from Mercedes, BMW and Lexus, is also an insanely good deal.
Read: Hyundai Goes Upscale
Ford Fusion
Click to enlarge picture
Ford Fusion
Since its introduction in 2006, the Ford Fusion has delivered impressive build quality and reliability. The 2010 redesign has made this midsizesedan even more appealing. Some of Ford's newer introductions, such as the relaunched Fiesta and upcoming Focus, have stolen some of the Fusion's econocar thunder, but there's no denying the record of satisfaction and value that this bargain 4-door — starting at $19,720 — has established. In the most recent J.D. Power rankings, it scored an impressive 5 in overall initial quality.
Bing Images: Ford Fusion
Toyota Highlander
Click to enlarge picture
Toyota Highlander
No SUV posts long-term reliability numbers like the Toyota Highlander. For years, it has owned its SUV segment in J.D. Power's dependability rankings. Even Toyota's widely reported recalls in 2009-2011 haven't put a dent in the Highlander's reputation. The model has undergone a slight design refresh for the 2011 model year — prices start at $27,540 — but no major engineering overhauls that might jeopardize its reliability. Of course, as SUVs go, the Highlander is more grocery-getter than mountain-climber, but we're talking reliability over the long haul here, not Sherpa-style surefootedness.
Bing: Toyota Highlander
Toyota Tundra
Click to enlarge picture
Toyota Tundra Work Truck
Much as in the SUV category, Toyota has dominated the dependability ratings in the big-pickup segment for several years now. The Ford F-150, though, has been posting some serious competition in both initial satisfaction and dependability rankings of late. Nevertheless, Toyota's big truck has built a solid-gold reputation for quality, and because work vehicles take a considerable beating, it's only logical to pick one with a history of holding itself together over the long haul. The 2011 Tundra comes in Regular Cab ($23,935), Double Cab ($26,275) and CrewMax ($29,245) trims.
Read: More Thrills, Fewer Bills
Lincoln MKZ
Click to enlarge picture
Lincoln MKZ
Like Buick, Lincoln is another nearly moribund American nameplate that used to set the standards for automotive quality and luxury. In the 1980s and 1990s, these brands were left to grow old, stylistically speaking, with their customers. The 2000s have seen a reinvigoration of design in both marques, and the rankings of both the LaCrosse and Lincoln's MKZ on J.D. Power satisfaction and dependability studies speak to a renewed focus on quality. The MKZ is outfitted with a dramatic "waterfall" grille and chrome accents on the outside, nice leather and fixtures on the inside, and a 3.5-liter 263-horsepower V6 engine under the hood.
Read: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid — First Drive
Lexus GX 460
Click to enlarge picture
Lexus GX 460
Although they both come from the same parent company, the Toyota Highlander and Lexus GX 460 come at the SUV segment from totally different angles. The Highlander is, essentially, a Camry goosed up for SUV duty, while the GX, which was redesigned for 2010 and starts at $52,445, is a true body-on-frame truck, engineered to climb mountains, even if it will probably never see much more than a suburban snow bank. The GX sports full-time 4-wheel drive, a hill-descent control feature and an innovative Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that adjusts the front and rear stabilizer bars to allow more wheel travel in off-road conditions. It also has a strong track record of reliability.
Bing: Lexus GX 460
Hyundai Sonata
Click to enlarge picture
Hyundai Sonata GLS
Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of Hyundai's steady march forward on quality has been the company's popular Sonata sedan, which has been completely redesigned for 2011. Its J.D. Power Initial Quality and Predicted Reliability rankings are impressively high, and the vehicle is a remarkable bargain. Starting at $19,195, the Sonata delivers all the fit and finish of competing sedans such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, while undercutting comparably equipped competitors by thousands of dollars. With the redesign, the Sonata also manages to be a far handsomer vehicle than the Accord, Camry and even the Nissan Altima. Add to that impressive road manners, quiet ride and lots of standard features and the Sonata seems a no-brainer buy.
Watch Video: 2011 Hyundai Sonata — Advanced Look
Last edited by Space; 12-04-2011 at 09:27 AM.
#3
12-04-2011, 02:44 PM
I do'nt think this list should exist yet, it's on ly initial quality. We don't know how these cars are going to hold up to rust and how well the electronics will age. We can't call cars reliable until they've been around 3-5 years I dont think.
But most anything nowadays is reputable if it's taken care of at all.
But most anything nowadays is reputable if it's taken care of at all.
#5
12-04-2011, 03:08 PM
I hear them Deloreons are very relibale. Hehehe
I hear them new Nissans are having issues thougjh.
Seriously though... how many cars aren't reliable when they're brand new? 1950 Ford's were very reliable... in 1950. So were their Chevrolet and Dodge counterparts....
I hear them new Nissans are having issues thougjh.
Seriously though... how many cars aren't reliable when they're brand new? 1950 Ford's were very reliable... in 1950. So were their Chevrolet and Dodge counterparts....
#6
12-04-2011, 03:17 PM
i have a Hyundai Sonata at my detail shop right now. i am really surprised at the quality. also toyota trucks are really nice
#7
12-04-2011, 04:21 PM
Sargent says. "The easiest way to determine long-term reliability is to wait a long time 
. It's hard to predict the reliability of a new car, by definition."
. It's hard to predict the reliability of a new car, by definition."
While predictions are not foolproof 
, they're also not impossible to make. We've cross-referenced analysis of J.D. Power's Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, and thrown in a few extra points for any vehicle or manufacturer that has shown significant momentum toward quality improvement over the past few years. The resulting list of cars should have just the right recipe for long-term reliability: Start with a good reputation, then stir in some well-earned faith.
, they're also not impossible to make. We've cross-referenced analysis of J.D. Power's Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, and thrown in a few extra points for any vehicle or manufacturer that has shown significant momentum toward quality improvement over the past few years. The resulting list of cars should have just the right recipe for long-term reliability: Start with a good reputation, then stir in some well-earned faith.
Above is the intro article on this Thread Topic
So, just throw the dice & you should have a reliabile vehicle...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I laughed when I read the intro by this author...Maybe some would
say that he was just trying to justifly his `job & needed to fill in
some space on MSN Auto's Kinda like that
kid from `space that posts articles like his
It does create activity on the MCF 4-Sure.
They do rely on sources like J.D. Powers & there research, and
many use Consumer Research sites for infor on vehicle
reliability..
I agree many of the vehicle listed in the Top Ten Cars in this
article are some great vehicles, but I think I would have
named some others.
Thanks everyOne for your posts/opinions and thoughts
on this thread topic
Below is another site that ranks auto's
--------------------------------------------------
So, just throw the dice & you should have a reliabile vehicle...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I laughed when I read the intro by this author...Maybe some would
say that he was just trying to justifly his `job & needed to fill in
some space on MSN Auto's
Kinda like thatkid from `space that posts articles like his
It does create activity on the MCF 4-Sure.
They do rely on sources like J.D. Powers & there research, and
many use Consumer Research sites for infor on vehicle
reliability..
I agree many of the vehicle listed in the Top Ten Cars in this
article are some great vehicles, but I think I would have
named some others.
Thanks everyOne for your posts/opinions and thoughts
on this thread topic
Below is another site that ranks auto's
--------------------------------------------------
New-car reliability
Ford’s problems show the risks of buying a first-year model
<!--ginsu_info cars/new-cars/cr-recommended/best-worst-in-car-reliability/reliability-findings/reliability-findings.htm | 176904,rev42 | srcfile_mod_time: Sat Nov 12 10:06:02 2011 | ginsu_time: Fri Dec 2 14:31:14 2011 ginsu_info-->Last reviewed: October 2011
<!--ginsu_info cars/new-cars/cr-recommended/best-worst-in-car-reliability/reliability-findings/reliability-findings.htm | 176904,rev42 | srcfile_mod_time: Sat Nov 12 10:06:02 2011 | ginsu_time: Fri Dec 2 14:31:14 2011 ginsu_info-->
Research Reliability Ratings for 2011 models by category (available to subscribers). Learn more about reliability and owner satisfaction.In recent years, Ford has been a model of American reliability. The brand ranked 10th in our predicted reliability ranking last year and competed well with Japanese makes. This year, however, the Ford brand has slipped 10 spots, to 20th out of 28 makes. That was the biggest drop for any major nameplate, according to our 2011 Annual Auto Survey, which is based on subscribers' experiences with 1.3 million vehicles.
What changed? Three new or redesigned models-the Explorer, Fiesta, and Focus-had below-average reliability in their first year. We have often found that new or revamped models have more problems in their first year than in subsequent model years. Ford's problems underscore our advice to hold off buying a new car in its first year.
Other highlights from our survey:
- As Ford's star has fallen, Chrysler's has risen. Jeep has moved up seven spots to become the most reliable domestic brand, and all its models for which we have sufficient data scored average in predicted reliability. Chrysler and Dodge moved up 12 and three spots in ranking, respectively.
- Japanese brands dominate our survey's upper echelons and took the top nine spots. They were led by Scion, Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Honda, and Toyota.
- Jaguar, Porsche, and Audi are at the bottom among brands for which we have sufficient data.
- Many hybrids are proving extremely reliable. The top two models in our survey are the Lexus CT 200h and Honda CR-Z. The Toyota Prius was among the top models, rebounding from brake problems that plagued the current design.
- Family sedans hold up well overall and are led by the Ford Fusion Hybrid. All of the models for which we have data have at least average reliability. In contrast, only one minivan makes that cut: The front wheel-drive Toyota Sienna is average.
- Heavy-duty, three-quarter-ton pickups are among the most problematic vehicles. With the exception of the turbodiesel Ford F-250, they all scored below average.
Newly recommended: Ford F-150 EcoBoost
Even with Chrysler's improvement, Detroit models still have reliability problems. Of the 97 domestic models and versions for which we have sufficient data, 62 (64 percent) rated average or better in our new-car reliability ratings.
General Motors has stumbled after edging up last year. The Buick and Cadillac brands, in particular, appear to have taken a step backward; Chevrolet held steady and GMC dropped one spot. The new Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cruze did well in our road tests but were below par in reliability. The Buick La-Crosse, an all-wheel-drive version of the Buick Enclave, and the Cadillac SRX were all deemed reliable last year but dropped to below average and are no longer recommended. General Motors' bright spots include the above-average Chevrolet Avalanche and the Cadillac CTS, which has improved to average.
The gas/electric Chevrolet Volt, with much better than average predicted reliability, ranks as GM's most reliable car but with a caveat: The sample size was just a little more than our minimum threshold of 100 cars, and most respondents had owned theirs for only a few months.
Ford's drop can also be attributed to problems with new technologies: the new MyFord Touch infotainment system and the new automated-manual transmission used in the Fiesta and Focus. Lincoln finished above Ford, although the freshened MKX, a cousin of the Edge, suffered from the MyLincoln Touch system. On the bright side, the Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan remained outstanding, and other Fusion versions were above average.
Chrysler had better results with its new models, including the freshened Chrysler 200 (formerly Sebring) sedan and the redesigned Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. The Chrysler brand moved up in the survey, but its rank is based on just two models: the 200, which was well above average, and the freshened Town & Country minivan, which tanked. The remaining model, the 300, is too new for us to have sufficient data.
Detailed Reliability data pinpoints problems
ConsumerReports.org Cars Best Deals Plus subscribers have access to more details about specific trouble areas on thousands of cars one to 10 years old. Both owners and prospective purchasers can delve deeper.
Each of the 17 problem areas we survey covers a host of possible faults. For instance, "Power Equipment" includes keyless entry, dashboard warning lights, tire-pressure monitor, and other things. "Body integrity" includes squeaks and rattles, seals and weather stripping, and air or water leaks, among other things. "Major Engine" problems include cylinder head and timing belt besides replacing the engine itself, while "Minor Engine" includes oil leaks, accessory belts and engine mounts.
To access the finer level of detail, choose any car, new or used, and go to its model-overview page. Click on the tab labeled "Reliability" and that will call up the reliability history, a grid of our familiar red and black scoring icons covering 17 trouble areas and however many model years we have data for.
Some of those individual colored "blobs" are flagged with a gold corner triangle with a "+" sign that indicate when more specific details are available. Click on that triangular corner tab to see more information on the problems owners have experienced.
As an example, looking at the Ford F-150 pickup, we can see multiple years of brake problems. However, in some years the problems were mainly attributed to pulsation or vibration, while in other years it was premature wear. Further, we note that the 2008 model had climate system problems. Now subscribers can see that the major gripe was the automatic climate system control rather than, say, a problem with the air conditioner itself.
Not all trouble spots are flagged. That's because either no or very few specific problems were reported, or because nothing stood out enough in the sub-categories to warrant special mention.
#8
12-04-2011, 05:37 PM
Standing the test of time or of reliability denotes aged. Some of the cars listed have been around for decades and others are new with no history. I'm 49 years old and have been a car geek in one form or another since I was about five. I have seen cars models and brands come and go. In my lifetime it started with the demise of DeSoto and then Rambler. I've seen the start of Deloreon, Saturn, Hummer and saw their demise as well as Oldsmobile, Mercury, and Plymouth. I've seen the emergence of German imports gain in popularity followed by the Japenese, and then the Koreans. The British and French have always had a small presence hear with limited success. I have lived in Vermont and Massachusetts which are both rust belt states where the cars rust from the bottom up and in Florida which is not a rust belt state but cars do rust here from the top down from lack of care.
The the above all said I would have to say that anything front wheel drive has failed the test of time. The Japanese and mainly Honda made that platform more feasible. Many manufacturers had front wheel drive prior to the importing of Honda but it seems that everyone wanted to copy Honda. Now the Honda Accord made the list of standing the test of time. The Honda Accord was first sold here in 1975 as a 1976 model. It was a front wheel drive with a small four cylinder engine and a choice of automatic or manual transmission. It was available as a two door hatchback or four door sedan. Up north they rusted unmercifully and suffered also from smoking engines and overheating. One could say that you don't see early Accords up north because of the rust issues which isn't entirely the fault of the manufacturer, but they don't exist here in Florida either. The Hyundai started here in the states with the Hyundai Excel in 1984 and the Sonata in about 1992. I can't recall the last time I saw an Excel or a first or second generation Sonata. Even the first and second generation Elantras had disappeared too.
What cars would I say have stood the test of time? I would start with the Dodge Dart/Plymouth Valiant. Many still serve as reliable daily transportation and have a loyal following. I would also say the same about the non musclecar Chevy Nova and the midsize GM cars from the sixties, seventies and mid eighties. I am not sure how the front wheel drive Monte Carlos will stand but so far it isn't looking good. Here in Florida the few fifth gen Montes that you see look very ratty with one wheel already in the salvage yard. I see many sixrh and seventh gens that look good but they are also still fairly new. I don't intend to dump on anybody's pride and joy. These are my observations.
The the above all said I would have to say that anything front wheel drive has failed the test of time. The Japanese and mainly Honda made that platform more feasible. Many manufacturers had front wheel drive prior to the importing of Honda but it seems that everyone wanted to copy Honda. Now the Honda Accord made the list of standing the test of time. The Honda Accord was first sold here in 1975 as a 1976 model. It was a front wheel drive with a small four cylinder engine and a choice of automatic or manual transmission. It was available as a two door hatchback or four door sedan. Up north they rusted unmercifully and suffered also from smoking engines and overheating. One could say that you don't see early Accords up north because of the rust issues which isn't entirely the fault of the manufacturer, but they don't exist here in Florida either. The Hyundai started here in the states with the Hyundai Excel in 1984 and the Sonata in about 1992. I can't recall the last time I saw an Excel or a first or second generation Sonata. Even the first and second generation Elantras had disappeared too.
What cars would I say have stood the test of time? I would start with the Dodge Dart/Plymouth Valiant. Many still serve as reliable daily transportation and have a loyal following. I would also say the same about the non musclecar Chevy Nova and the midsize GM cars from the sixties, seventies and mid eighties. I am not sure how the front wheel drive Monte Carlos will stand but so far it isn't looking good. Here in Florida the few fifth gen Montes that you see look very ratty with one wheel already in the salvage yard. I see many sixrh and seventh gens that look good but they are also still fairly new. I don't intend to dump on anybody's pride and joy. These are my observations.
Last edited by mousehousemoparman; 12-07-2011 at 02:54 AM.
#9
12-04-2011, 05:43 PM
The Ford F-100 is ont that has stood the test of time for sure and the Toyota Corolla.
Last edited by mousehousemoparman; 12-04-2011 at 08:20 PM.
#10
12-04-2011, 06:01 PM
Standing the test of time or of reliability denotes aged. Some of the cars listed have been around. For decades and others are new with no history. I'm 49 years old and have been a car geek in one form or another since I was about five. I have seen cars models and brands come and go. In my lifetime it started with the demise of DeSoto and then Rambler. I've seen the start of Deloreon, Sturn, Hummer and saw their demise as well as Oldsmobile and Plymouth. I've seen the emergence of German imports gain in popularity followed by the Japenese, and then the Koreans. The British and French have always had a small presence hear with limited success. I have lived in Vermont and Massachusetts which are both rust belt states where the cars rust from the bottom up and in Florida which is not a rust belt state but cars do rust here from the top down from lack of care.
The the above all said I would have to say that anything front wheel drive has failed the test of time. The Japanese and mainly Honda made that platform more feasible. Many manufacturers had front wheel drive prior to the importing of Honda but it seems that everyone wanted to copy Honda. Now the Honda Accord made the list of standing the test of time. The Honda Accord was first sold here in 1975 as a 1976 model. It was a front wheel drive with a small four cylinder engine and a choice of automatic or manual transmission. It was available as a two door hatchback or four door sedan. Up north they rusted unmercifully and suffered also from smoking engines and overheating. One could say that you don't see early Accords up north because of the rust issues which isn't entirely the fault of the manufacturer, but they don't exist here in Florida either. The Hyundai started here in the states with the Hyundai Excel in 1984 and the Sonata in about 1992. I can't recall the last time I saw an Excel or a first or second generation Sonata. Even the first and second generation Elantras had disappeared too.
What cars would I say have stood the test of time? I would start with the Dodge Dart/Plymouth Valiant. Many still serve as reliable daily transportation and have a loyal following. I would also say the same about the non musclecar Chevy Nova and the midsize GM cars from the sixties, seventies and mid eighties. I am not sure how the front wheel drive Monte Carlos will stand but so far it isn't looking good. Here in Florida the few fifth gen Montes that you see look very ratty with one wheel already in the salvage yard. I see many sixrh and seventh gens that look good but they are also still fairly new. I don't intend to dump on anybody's pride and joy. These are my observations.
The the above all said I would have to say that anything front wheel drive has failed the test of time. The Japanese and mainly Honda made that platform more feasible. Many manufacturers had front wheel drive prior to the importing of Honda but it seems that everyone wanted to copy Honda. Now the Honda Accord made the list of standing the test of time. The Honda Accord was first sold here in 1975 as a 1976 model. It was a front wheel drive with a small four cylinder engine and a choice of automatic or manual transmission. It was available as a two door hatchback or four door sedan. Up north they rusted unmercifully and suffered also from smoking engines and overheating. One could say that you don't see early Accords up north because of the rust issues which isn't entirely the fault of the manufacturer, but they don't exist here in Florida either. The Hyundai started here in the states with the Hyundai Excel in 1984 and the Sonata in about 1992. I can't recall the last time I saw an Excel or a first or second generation Sonata. Even the first and second generation Elantras had disappeared too.
What cars would I say have stood the test of time? I would start with the Dodge Dart/Plymouth Valiant. Many still serve as reliable daily transportation and have a loyal following. I would also say the same about the non musclecar Chevy Nova and the midsize GM cars from the sixties, seventies and mid eighties. I am not sure how the front wheel drive Monte Carlos will stand but so far it isn't looking good. Here in Florida the few fifth gen Montes that you see look very ratty with one wheel already in the salvage yard. I see many sixrh and seventh gens that look good but they are also still fairly new. I don't intend to dump on anybody's pride and joy. These are my observations.
Not to bash imports but most cars in the last two decades really haven't been made to last much more than 5-10 years.This is for all makes From what I seen.Mind you I live in New York an this state seens to be the hardest on cars.
To give you an idea of how hard NY winters are.I work at a Toyota dealer as the frame replacement guy.These trucks have rotted out so bad I can put my hand through one frame rail an not touch any thing made of metal.These trucks are only 9-11 years old.