Asian brands top annual Consumer Reports rankings on reliability

Honda, Acura, Porsche and Scion topped the annual Consumer Reports reliability survey released on Tuesday. At the other end of the spectrum, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were deemed among the worst.

Findings are based on responses about 1.3 million vehicles owned or leased by subscribers to Consumer Reports or its Web site.

Here are summaries of the magazine's findings:

Audi: Nearly 75 percent of the Audi models scored below average in reliability. The A6 3.0T tied with the Jaguar XF for worst new-car prediction score.

BMW: While the BMW M3 topped the sports-car category, five of BMW's 11 models scored below average.

Chrysler: None of Chrysler's models scored above average, and 12 of the 20 models rated below average.

Ford: The Blue Oval earned top scores in two categories: family cars (Fusion hybrid) and large SUVs (Ford Flex EcoBoost). Ninety percent of Fords have at least average reliability.

General Motors: With 69 percent of models having a reliability of average or better, GM has made the most progress of the three domestic brands. For instance, Chevrolet jumped from 50 percent reliability in last year's survey to 83 percent this year.

Honda and Acura: These two brands earned top scores in five vehicle categories: upscale cars (Acura TL, FWD), luxury cars (Acura RL), small SUVs (Honda CR-V), upscale compact SUVs (Acura RDX), and compact pickups (Honda Ridgeline).

Hyundai and Kia: Only the Kia Sedona minivan rated below average. All six new models for 2010 had average or better reliability.

Mercedes-Benz: While the redesigned E350 scored above average, six of Mercedes' 13 models scored below average. The new E-class coupe did especially poorly.

Nissan: All Infiniti models were average or better. Both the 2WD and 4WD versions of the Titan scored below average.

Porsche: All models rated average or better. The Porsche Boxster has the best predicted reliability score.

Subaru: Overall, the Japanese brand carried a good record. The WRX was the only model that rated below average.

Toyota: Only the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS and the new Lexus IS 250 convertible are below average. Five models earned top scores: small cars (Yaris), midsize SUVs (FJ Cruiser), luxury SUVs (Lexus LX), minivans (Sienna V6 FWD), and full-size pickups (Tundra V6).

Volkswagen: The Golf scored very well. Various Jetta models also scored average or better.

Volvo: All models were average or better.

By Izzi Bendall