7 Safety Checks Before a Family Road Trip

Family enjoying a scenic road trip through mountains, with luggage secured atop their vehicle

A family road trip should begin with preparation, not last-minute repairs or roadside surprises. Even a vehicle that performs reliably during daily commuting can develop problems when loaded with passengers, luggage, and supplies for several…

11 Automakers Ranked by How Satisfied Their Customers Are

Five Ford vehicles lined up across an open desert landscape, showcasing trucks and SUVs

A vehicle can have impressive performance figures and modern technology yet still leave its owner disappointed. Consumer Reports measures this differently by asking people who already own the vehicles whether they would purchase the same…

12 Models Ranked Most and Least Reliable by Type

Kia EV6 GT parked outside a modern building, showcasing its sporty electric design

Reliability can vary dramatically between vehicle categories. A dependable compact car may face very different challenges from a three-row SUV, electric pickup, or plug-in hybrid. Consumer Reports evaluates these differences using owner feedback covering 20…

8 Vehicles With the Highest Road Test Scores

Subaru Forester Hybrid showcased on rocky terrain, highlighting its rugged styling and SUV stance

Consumer Reports puts new vehicles through an extensive testing program before assigning a road-test score. Its evaluations cover acceleration, braking, handling, ride comfort, emergency maneuvers, fuel economy, seat comfort, and everyday usability. These assessments help…

10 Brands Ranked by Road Test Score

Audi RS lineup displayed outside a modern glass-fronted showroom, featuring multiple models and colors

A strong road-test score reflects more than quick acceleration or sharp handling. Consumer Reports evaluates how well vehicles perform in everyday driving, examining braking, ride comfort, handling, emergency maneuvers, fuel economy, cabin space, and controls.…

10 Cars That Struggle Most With Reliability in 2026

White Genesis GV60 electric SUV parked beside the coast at sunset

A new vehicle can look impressive in a showroom but become an expensive ownership experience when mechanical and electrical problems start appearing. Consumer Reports’ 2026 reliability assessment highlights ten vehicles that American buyers should research…

10 Brands Ranked by Predicted Reliability

Several BMW models showcased together on a test track, highlighting their varied designs and colors

Buying a dependable vehicle is about more than choosing a familiar badge. Repair costs, unexpected breakdowns, and long-term ownership expenses can make a significant difference to a buyer’s experience. Consumer Reports’ 2026 automotive reliability rankings…

The Bottom Five Brands Have Barely Changed in Years

Jeep lineup showcasing SUVs and off-road vehicles, including Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, and Wrangler models

Consumer Reports’ 2026 Automotive Brand Report Card offers little encouragement for several automakers that have struggled to impress buyers in recent years. The organization says its bottom five brands remain largely unchanged from the previous…

Japanese Brands Took Six of the Top Seven Reliability Spots

Toyota cars displayed in a brightly lit showroom, featuring colorful models in a lineup

Japanese automakers delivered a commanding performance in Consumer Reports’ 2026 vehicle reliability rankings, claiming six of the top seven positions. The results reinforce the strength of brands such as Toyota, Subaru, Lexus, and Honda in…

Tesla Cracked the Top 10 for the First Time

Tesla vehicle lineup parked at Supercharger stations, featuring multiple models beneath a starry night sky

Tesla has achieved a major improvement in Consumer Reports’ 2026 automotive reliability rankings, climbing eight positions to reach ninth place among 26 automakers. It is the first time the electric vehicle manufacturer has entered the…

Toyota Reclaimed the Reliability Crown After Four Years

Toyota SUV lineup displayed together, featuring several models in an outdoor vehicle showcase

Toyota has returned to the top of Consumer Reports’ automotive reliability rankings, ending Subaru’s recent run as the highest-rated brand. The achievement comes after several Toyota models improved their reliability scores, including the Camry, Tacoma,…