Who makes the best cars?

[spinner]

Overall, the best cars sold in the U.S. are made by Honda. That's the conclusion of a recent analysis conducted by Consumer Reports that looks at the reliability, performance, fuel economy, comfort, interior fit and finish, and ergonomics of 262 vehicles we've recently tested.

LinkLots of items of interest in that article, and they may surprise you.

[Treehugger]

Yeah, but who makes the best LOOKING cars? I know Hondas are good cars, but the "Blah Factor" is quite high. .........of course I drive a Subaru, and they've never exactly been known to be pretty.......

[Duck]

I would have guessed Honda, Toyota, or Volvo.-Iain

[Francesco]

MB used to be way up there; Toyota has slipped recently.Honda has remained consistently good with very few exceptions, but apart from the current Civic coupe, all their recent models are rather homely-looking. An exception is the new Accord sedan: it fell out of the Fuggly Tree, and hit every branch on the way down!

[Francesco]

[biggreenbooga]

In Australia they get two Accords. The Euro version and the fat arsed ugly US version.

It seems car makers are really insulting towards the American market when it comes to making cars. ie The Smart stupid american gear shifter. LOL

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/4995/17052007385iq2.jpg

That is the Euro version.

[deezle]

I might look to Consumer Reports for a toaster-oven comparison---but certainly not for anything to do with cars.

[Diesel Dave]

I agree. Consumer reports knows nothing about cars. Best car? Wouldn't that be Rolls Royce?

[spinner]

In Australia they get two Accords. The Euro version and the fat arsed ugly US version.

The Euro Accord is known as the Acura TSX in North America.Dave: Consumer Reports knows nothing about cars? They buy (in stealth) the vehicles they evaluate, they built their own test labs and procedures, and they survey over a million subscribers for their input. This nets an informed evaluation which is advanced over an auto journalist being handed the keys for a weekend test drive. There are lots of people in lots of places who will ignore scientific approach and fact for the electric thrill of their own hyperbole. Say what you want, but truth doesn't bend for opinion.

[Treehugger]

If you changed the badge on the front it would look just like the Hyundai Sonata. I'd buy the Sonata over the Accord though. I had an Elantra before my Forester and the thing was bulletproof.

[Duck]

I heard that the Honda Civic Hybrid (current generation) is actually the best car in the entire world.-Iain

[deezle]

Say what you want, but truth doesn't bend for opinion.

"The truth can be adjusted." (from Michael Clayton)

[MikeT]

All right then, let us all sell our silly unreliable little cars and flock to the Consumer Reports recommendations. Caffeine and toothpicks will be handed out at the door.

[spinner]

spinner - why??

This forum is for all discussions about non-smart automobiles - technical characteristics, marketing, opinions, new technology, your other cars and more!

What part of the Auto Talk forum description did I not understand? If there is a hierarchy to who gets to say what, such that smart car owners can say whatever they like without challenge while others should piss-off, then this forum should at least be made non-visible to guests. I have been on multiple car-related forums and CsC is the most insular and conceited of them all.Consumer Reports is not the problem. People being told what they don't want to hear is the problem. I do not have to explain myself every time my constructive criticism is interpreted as a slight to others. Some have already made up their minds to shoot the messenger in spite of the message. It's like having an open mind ceased at the point of purchase. Edited May 7, 2008 by spinner

[mrcanoe]

Ok, I'll bite. I shelled out $$ for paid subscription to CR (could only buy subscription as annual fee), went to their web site to compare Smart to [other cars], and CR said they had no data on the Smart car. What gives? I bought the 200 Smart regardless, but you'd think CR would have something to say about Smarts. Good, bad, indifferent, I don't care, just something.Then again, CR led me to buy 2003 Vue, and that was a really bad experience. Replaced the CVT transmission three times in 18 months, spanning 110,000km. (What was the 2007 fiasco? Just curious)

[deezle]

I do not have to explain myself every time my constructive criticism is interpreted as a slight to others.

spinner, you're right---you don't have to---a simple 'Why not?' would have sufficed--- or an even simpler no reply to it whatsoever. Instead you launched into a rant about this club site and it's members that I think is an unfair and gross exaggeration. smartzuuk's opinion and vague question is easily ignored if it's not to your liking---it doesn't need to be taken as a personal assault or worse yet, an assault on all non-smarties.Your topic is totally valid in this forum and absolutely welcome, but likewise are the postings of others who may hold a different view of Consumer Reports' articles. Please don't let anyone push your buttons---I know from the past that you are able to hold your own in an intelligent discussion.