Still On Top

On average, Honda continues to make better all-around vehicles than any other automaker. The reliability of all Honda and Acura models is still the best of any automaker, although Toyota follows closely behind. Last year, Honda was the only automaker that had excellent reliability overall; this year it has dropped slightly.

Although we recommended every Honda and Acura model last year, we've tightened scoring standards, and the Honda Element didn't make the grade this year. (Small SUVs must now score 60 or more in our tests to earn a recommendation; the Element had a test score of 58.)
We still recommend all Subaru models, although Subaru has only four basic models that share similar platforms. Subaru's overall score improved to 75.

A typical Toyota model is a solid performer across all categories and has very good reliability. Several models have the best fuel economy in their class. The Lexus LS and the Toyota Highlander and Sienna are the top-ranked vehicles in their categories. Some Toyota models, such as the FJ Cruiser and Yaris, are subpar performers in our tests and are not recommended despite their stellar reliability.

Hyundai and Suzuki were the only automakers that showed improvement in all three measures: overall score, average test score, and reliability.