1. Buick Verano
The compact near-luxury Buick Verano compact sedan gets top marks both for powertrain performance and overall dependability from J.D. Power, and it also earns top marks in the latter regard from Consumer Reports. Unfortunately for new-car buyers, the Verano was discontinued at the end of the 2016 model year.
2. Chevrolet Camaro
While JD Power gives the Chevrolet Camaro sports coupe/convertible perfect ratings for both overall and powertrain reliability, it scores only three out of five points for feature/accessibility dependability. Consumer Reports likewise knocks the Camaro for its in-car electronics, though it achieves top scores in most mechanical performance areas. The Camaro was redesigned for the 2016 model year, and CR acknowledges the current version as “recommended.”
3. Chevrolet Sonic
In addition to powertrain performance, the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic gets top marks from JD Power for overall reliability and feature/accessory performance, though it gets a four out of five score for body and interior dependability. Consumer Reports gives the 2014 vintage top marks for electronics and average or above average scores for most mechanical issues.
4. Honda Civic
JD Power’s survey respondents gave the compact Honda Civic sedan/coupe top marks nearly across the board for dependability, scoring it four out of five for feature/accessory performance. And while Consumer Reports gives the 2017 model low marks for projected reliability, due largely to its sorry in-car electronics (the Civic was redesigned for 2016) the 2014 version upon which the JDP report is based gets top or above average scores for mechanical issues.
5. Lexus ES
Though it affords more of a quiet luxury driving experience than a sporty one, the Camry-based midsize Lexus ES sedan gets top scores from JD Power in powertrain, body/interior, and overall dependability, though it gets just a rating of four for feature/accessory dependability. The car’s balky infotainment system could be to blame for the latter, but Consumer Reports gives it top marks for electronics, along with overall reliability.
6. Lexus GS
In addition to getting perfect marks across the board from JD Power for powertrain, body/interior, feature/accessory and overall dependability, the midsize Lexus GS sedan gets a top reliability rating from Consumer Reports. It’s a quicker and more agile alternative to the above Lexus ES sedan. It was last updated for 2016, with both the 2014 and current versions recommended by CR.
7. Mazda3
While the sporty Mazda3 compact sedan/hatchback combo gets top marks for powertrain dependability from JD Power, it gets somewhat lower scores for body/interior and feature/accessory performance. Consumer Reports likewise calls out the 2014 version for its balky electronics, and to a lesser degree, its paint and trim, though it otherwise gives it a top score for mechanical reliability.
8. Nissan Versa
One of the cheapest cars sold in the U.S., the subcompact Nissan Versa represents basic transportation at best, but at least it gets a top score from JD Power in terms of powertrain dependability; marks are a bit lower, however, for body/interior, feature/accessory, and overall dependability, and the 2014 vintage has not yet been rated for reliability from Consumer Reports, so consider this a somewhat cautious recommendation.
9. Toyota Avalon
Another Camry-based sedan, the large and in charge Toyota Avalon is roomy and comfortable, with easygoing road manners. It gets perfect scores for powertrain and overall dependability from JD Power, but misses the mark slightly in body/interior and feature/accessory dependability. Again, we fault Toyota’s confounding dashboard electronics for a three-circle score in the latter category. Consumer Reports rates the 2014 model highly for reliability, though it does get points off for electronics and body integrity (squeaks, rattles, etc.).
10. Toyota Camry
Of course, if its various corporate cousins get a JD Power recommendation for dependability, one would expect the same from the midsize Toyota Camry sedan itself. In fact, it gets perfect marks in all categories, along with a top reliability rating from Consumer Reports (though CR does take it down a tick for its adversarial electronics). It’s set for a full redesign for the 2018 model year.
11. Toyota Corolla
We’d be shocked not to find the popular Toyota Corolla compact sedan on this list. It gets a perfect score for powertrain dependability, but slightly lower marks for body/interior, feature/accessory (Toyota’s clumsy dashboard electronics strike again), and overall dependability. The 2014 model receives a top score for reliability from Consumer Reports, though it does get marked off for electronics performance and body integrity (squeaks and rattles, primarily).
12. Toyota Prius V
The midsize Toyota Prius V wagon is the most practical model in the Prius line of gas/electric hybrid-powered vehicles, and it would get top scores across the board for dependability from JD Power if it weren’t for those polarizing Toyota electronics. Consumer Reports likewise gives the Prius V top honors for reliability, though it does knock off points for electronics and paint/trim issues.
13. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The midsize Mercedes-Benz E-Class luxury line gets top scores from JD Power for powertrain dependability as well as for its body/interior, though it gets a tick lower for feature/accessory and overall dependability. Consumer Reports is a bit less generous here, giving the 2014 E-Class a four out of five score for reliability, with power equipment and electronics getting only middling scores. Of note, the E-Class was redesigned for 2016 and both the current and 2014 versions are CR-recommended.
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