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The Best and Worst Cars by Brand from Consumer Reports

We’re often asked, “Who makes the best car?” The reality is, every brand offers models that perform across a spectrum, with some being demonstrably better than others. To further aid water-cooler discussions, we have analyzed our test results to compile a list that chronicles the best and worst models.

The overall test score variation differs from brand to brand, with some brands’ worst model being still doing rather well, while others span a wide range, making any generalities quite misleading.

For instance, the Buick and Cadillac line-ups are quite consistent, with just a 14- and 15-point spread, respectively. However, Chevrolet (admittedly with a broader product portfolio) has a 50-point difference separating the lowly Spark from the coveted Corvette.

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Some other brands with a significant point spread include Hyundai (25 points), Honda (31 points), Lexus (31 points), Mercedes-Benz (32 points), Toyota (40 points), and Mitsubishi (43 points).

The list below includes all brands for which Consumer Reports has tested at least three different models recently, thereby excluding Maserati, Ram, Smart, and Tesla.

Make

Best

Worst

Acura

MDX

RLX Tech

Audi

A8 L*

A5 Premium Plus (2.0T)*

BMW

M235i

Z4 sDrive28i

Buick

Regal Premium I

Encore Leather

Cadillac

XTS Premium

SRX Luxury

Chevrolet

Corvette Stingray 3LT

Spark 1LT

Chrysler

300 Limited (V6)

200 Limited (4-cyl.)

Dodge

Durango Limited (V6)

Challenger R/T (V8)

Fiat

500 Abarth

500L Easy

Ford

Fusion SE

Expedition EL Limited

GMC

Sierra 1500 SLT (5.3L V8)

Yukon SLT

Honda

Accord LX (4-cyl.)

CR-Z EX (MT)

Hyundai

Genesis 3.8 (AWD)

Genesis Coupe Grand Touring (V6)

Infiniti

Q70 (M37, V6)

Q60 (base)

Jeep

Grand Cherokee Limited (V6)

Wrangler Unlimited Sahara

Kia

Cadenza

Rio EX hatchback

Land Rover

Range Rover HSE (3.0L)

Range Rover Evoque Pure*

Lexus

LS 460L

IS250 (AWD)

Lincoln

MKZ 2.0 EcoBoost

MKS (base, 3.7)

Mazda

MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

Mazda3 i Touring (2.0L)

Mercedes-Benz

S550 (AWD)

CLA250

Mini

Cooper S

Cooper (base)

Mitsubishi

Lancer Evolution GSR

Mirage ES

Nissan

370Z Touring coupe

Versa SV sedan

Porsche

911 Carrera S

Cayenne (V6)

Scion

FR-S

tC

Subaru

Legacy 2.5 Premium

XV Crosstrek Hybrid

Toyota

Camry Hybrid XLE

Yaris LE

Volkswagen

Passat SE Premium (1.8T) / Golf (1.8T)

Jetta SE (1.8T)

Volvo

S60 T5 (2.0T)

XC60 T6

*Powertrain has changed since last test.

Even if you have models in mind when you’re shopping, it is wise to look at their Ratings. You just might be steered to a better car than you would have otherwise considered, and as we often find, the smart choices often are not necessarily the most expensive.

Jeff Bartlett



More from Consumer Reports:
Hits and misses from Consumer Reports’ testing
Best & worst car values
Best new cars for under $25,000

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