Detroit Automakers Still Lag Foreign Rivals in Consumer Reports' Annual Rankings
WASHINGTON -Detroit's automakers continue to trail their foreign rivals in Consumer Reports' annual new car report, The Detroit News reported. Despite recent recalls by Toyota Motor Corp., it was Chrysler Group LLC that was singled out by the magazine as the worst automaker. But the Auburn Hills automaker said it is working to improve its standing in what it acknowledges is one of the most influential annual rankings. As they did last year, Japan's Honda Motor Co. and Subaru topped the magazine's list, while General Motors Co. and Chrysler brought up the bottom. Chrysler products were rated the worst values in six of eight vehicle categories analyzed by the influential magazine -- including minivans, which have been the company's bread and butter for years. Only one of its vehicles, the Ram 1500 pickup, made Consumer Reports' list of recommended vehicles. Toyota remained the third-highest rated automobile manufacturer, despite its recent recalls. The Toyota Prius tied with the Honda Fit for first place among the 280 cars and trucks tested by Consumer Reports. The magazine has suspended its recommendations of eight Toyota models being recalled and now endorses only 47 percent of the company's nameplates. Ford Motor Co. moved up one place in this year's ranking and Consumer Reports now recommends more Fords than Toyotas. But the magazine said the Dearborn-based automaker still has a ways to go. None of Ford's cars or trucks was named a "Top Pick." Two GM models -- the Chevrolet Traverse and Silverado -- received "Top Pick" ratings, but Consumer Reports said the company's overall reliability "still lags behind most of the competition."
More Industry

Auto Affordability Inches Up
The latest Cox Automotive and Moody’s Analytics index shows a slight increase in new-vehicle affordability despite high prices.
Read More →
Ohio Auto Group Under New Ownership
After 79 years with the Schluter family, Mansfield Auto Group has been acquired by Missouri-based Clement Auto Group.
Read More →
RV Group Expands Carolina Footprint
Blue Compass RV Columbia Northeast is the 13th RV dealership owned by Blue Compass in the Carolinas.
Read More →
Agent Acumen
An Agent Summit panel of people who’ve been supporting auto dealers for years gave both timely and timeless advice for those starting out or mulling the prospect.
Read More →
Missed Maintenance Creates Opportunity
As families get back on the road and into daily school routines, service drives have an opportunity to capture customers who are behind on recommended vehicle maintenance.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Selling to Grow
The question of whether you should sell your agency and if so, when, is up to you. But it’s a question worth asking to ensure you keep the business on the right path for yourself, employees and clients.
Read More →
Recalled Vehicles Hit 5-Year High
Though the number of events has fallen so far this year, impacted units are up significantly. Meanwhile, regulators consider consumer notification changes.
Read More →
Auto Group Acquires Top-Performing Rooftop
Car Pros sold its Kia Huntington Beach location to Sutherlin Automotive Group, marking the buyer’s third location in Southern California.
Read More →
China as Pacesetter
Automotive leaders huddled on where North America stands in the global picture and how it can strengthen its position against the Asian juggernaut’s surging industry.
Read More →