Automaker Report Cards: The Top Ranked

Honda
Overall score: 78
Average test score: 78
Reliability: Very Good
Tested vehicles recommended: 95%
Most Hondas and Acuras are very reliable, well-rounded performers. Some new designs don't live up to previous models.
Highs: Crash-test results, handling, ride, powertrains, fuel economy, reliability.
Lows: Road noise.

Subaru
Overall score: 75
Average test score: 78
Reliability: Very Good
Tested vehicles recommended: 100%
Subarus have good ride, handling, and reliability, but standard AWD hurts fuel economy. Newer models are more refined.
Highs: Ride, handling, steering, acceleration, controls, crash-test results.
Lows: Fuel economy.

Toyota
Overall score: 74
Average test score: 74
Reliability: Very Good
Tested vehicles recommended: 89%
Toyota builds a lineup of cars with great reliability across all three of its brands, and most have good overall test scores.
Highs: Quietness, fuel economy, reliability, ride, powertrains, access, acceleration.
Lows: Lack of agility, steering feel.

Mazda
Overall score: 73
Average test score: 76
Reliability: Good
Tested vehicles recommended: 86%
Most Mazdas are fun to drive, with good handling. Reliability has been average or above in the 2008
survey.
Highs: Handling, steering, braking, acceleration, agility, fuel economy.
Lows: Road noise

Mercedes-Benz
Overall score: 72
Average test score: 81
Reliability: Fair
Tested vehicles recommended: 67%
Most models have excellent ride and handling and nice interiors but annoying controls. Reliability has improved.
Highs: Handling, ride, acceleration, fit and finish, quietness.
Lows: Controls, transmissions.
The above five automakers are top-ranked in overall score. The overall score is calculated from a carmaker's average test score and average predicted- reliability Rating. The average test score is based on individual scores for all vehicles we've recently tested from that automaker. The predicted reliability Rating is based on how models for which we have sufficient reliability data compare with the average score for all models over the most recent three model years. Scores are on a 100-point scale. We also show the percentage of tested vehicles we recommend from each automaker. Highs and lows are common traits found on several of the automaker's vehicles. Displayed overall scores are rounded; automakers are listed in order of precise overall score.