Consumer Reports Ranks GM, Hyundai, Volvo High in Survey

DETROIT November 7, 2002; John Porretto writing for the AP reported that -- Vehicles from General Motors Corp., Hyundai Motor Co. and Volvo showed improved reliability in a new survey by Consumer Reports magazine, while models from some Japanese automakers dropped.

A sample of the survey results, released late Thursday, elevated several GM vehicles to Consumer Reports' list of recommended vehicles -- the Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe and the GM Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL.

The publication, well known for its scrutiny of products, recommends only models that have performed well in testing and have shown average or better reliability.

To establish reliability, Consumer Reports sends annual surveys to its 4 million subscribers, seeking insight on vehicles they own. About 480,000 readers responded to the 2002 survey, spokesman Douglas Love said.

The results covered the 1995 to 2002 model years.

Hyundai's improved reliability helped the Sonata and Sante Fe make the recommended list. The Volvo S60, V70 and Cross Country also improved to average and are now recommended.

GM's higher ratings boosted the total number of the company's vehicles recommended by Consumer Reports from four to 13.

"Our belief has always been that our efforts to improve initial quality would lead to improvements in long-term reliability," said Gary Cowger, president of GM North America. "These welcomed recommendations from Consumer Reports are the first demonstration of those efforts."

Some foreign models didn't fare as well.

The Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Subaru Impreza all dropped to average reliability. The major complaint for all three: squeaks, rattles and loose trim, which are part of the survey's "body integrity" and "body hardware" categories.

Despite the weaker showings, each is still recommended by the publication.

The survey results are summarized in Consumer Reports' New Car Preview 2003, which is on newsstands. More detailed results and analysis, including results for Ford Motor Co., Honda Motor Co. and the Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler AG, will be published in the 2003 Annual Auto Issue in April.

The Saab 9-5, with above-average reliability, was one of the few bright spots for European brands. Ranking among the most reliable upscale sedans were the Lexus IS300 and the Acura TL.

The only BMW to show at least average reliability in the survey was the 5-series. The Volkswagen Golf and Jetta dropped below average, leaving the Passat as the only VW to maintain average reliability and remain a recommended model.

Consumer Reports, http://www.consumerreports.org