Best Car Brands 2019 Consumer Reports: Your Definitive Guide to Smart Car Buying

Best Car Brands 2019 Consumer Reports: Your Definitive Guide to Smart Car Buying cars.truckstrend.com

Navigating the vast landscape of automotive choices can be daunting. With countless models, features, and price points, making an informed decision requires reliable, unbiased information. This is where Consumer Reports (CR) steps in as an indispensable resource. For decades, CR has been the gold standard for independent product testing and consumer advocacy, and their annual car brand rankings are eagerly anticipated by millions. The Best Car Brands 2019 Consumer Reports provides a meticulously researched snapshot of the automotive market, offering invaluable insights into which brands consistently deliver quality, reliability, and owner satisfaction.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the 2019 report, explaining CR’s rigorous methodology, highlighting the top-performing brands, and offering actionable advice on how to leverage this information for your next vehicle purchase. Whether you’re a seasoned car buyer or a first-timer, understanding these rankings is crucial for making a choice that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

Best Car Brands 2019 Consumer Reports: Your Definitive Guide to Smart Car Buying

Understanding Consumer Reports’ Rigorous Methodology

Before diving into the rankings, it’s essential to grasp how Consumer Reports arrives at its conclusions. Unlike many automotive reviews that rely solely on expert opinions or manufacturer data, CR’s brand rankings are based on an extensive, data-driven process that evaluates every model a brand produces, then averages those scores to create an overall brand score. This comprehensive approach incorporates four key pillars:

1. Road Test Score (CR’s Own Testing): This is perhaps the most unique and valuable aspect of CR’s evaluation. Every vehicle CR reviews is purchased anonymously from dealerships, just like a regular consumer would buy it. They then put these vehicles through over 50 rigorous tests at their 327-acre auto test center. These tests cover performance aspects like acceleration, braking, handling, ride comfort, noise, usability of controls, and fuel economy. The road test score accounts for a significant portion of the overall brand score.

2. Predicted Reliability (Member Surveys): CR gathers reliability data from its massive annual subscriber survey, which collects information on over half a million vehicles. Members report any problems they’ve had with their vehicles in the past 12 months across 17 major trouble spots (e.g., engine, transmission, brakes, electronics). This vast database allows CR to predict the reliability of new models based on historical data from previous model years and redesigns. A brand’s overall predicted reliability is an average of its models’ scores.

   

3. Owner Satisfaction (Member Surveys): While reliability measures problems, owner satisfaction gauges how happy owners are with their purchase. This metric asks owners if they would "definitely buy that same vehicle again" if given the chance. Factors contributing to satisfaction include driving experience, comfort, styling, value, and infotainment. A high owner satisfaction score indicates a brand that consistently meets or exceeds its customers’ expectations.

4. 

   Safety (Crash Test Data & Active Safety Features): CR incorporates safety data from independent organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They consider results from various crash tests and evaluate the availability and performance of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assist. Vehicles that don’t perform well in crash tests or lack crucial ADAS features can negatively impact a brand’s overall score.

By combining these four pillars, CR provides a holistic and remarkably accurate picture of a brand’s overall quality and value proposition, far beyond just initial impressions or marketing claims.

The Top Performers: Best Car Brands 2019 Consumer Reports

The 2019 Consumer Reports brand rankings saw some familiar names at the top, emphasizing consistency and a commitment to quality. These brands generally excelled across all four evaluation categories, demonstrating a strong balance of performance, reliability, safety, and owner appeal.

Here are some of the standout brands from the 2019 report:

• Subaru: Often a top contender, Subaru consistently earns high marks for reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction. Their all-wheel-drive systems and family-friendly models resonate strongly with consumers.
• Genesis: Hyundai’s luxury arm, Genesis, made an impressive debut, showcasing that luxury doesn’t have to come at the expense of reliability. Their models offered strong road-test scores and excellent predicted reliability.
• Porsche: While known for performance, Porsche also demonstrated strong reliability and high owner satisfaction, proving that premium sports cars can also be practical in CR’s eyes.
• Audi: Another luxury brand that consistently performs well, Audi typically scores high in road tests and offers a good balance of performance and comfort, though sometimes its reliability can be more variable.
• BMW: Similar to Audi, BMW generally performs well in road tests, offering engaging driving dynamics, but its reliability scores can fluctuate.
• Lexus: Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus, is a perennial leader in reliability. While sometimes not as sporty as European rivals, their consistent dependability and comfortable rides earn them high owner satisfaction.
• Mazda: Mazda has steadily climbed the rankings in recent years, lauded for its engaging driving dynamics, quality interiors, and improving reliability.
• Toyota: A consistent performer, Toyota remains a benchmark for reliability and resale value, appealing to a broad range of buyers looking for dependable transportation.
• Honda: Like Toyota, Honda is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and well-rounded vehicles, though some recent models have seen slight dips in satisfaction or reliability.
• Hyundai/Kia: Both brands have made remarkable strides in recent years, offering compelling designs, improved reliability, and excellent value, steadily moving up the rankings.

Conversely, brands that often found themselves at the lower end of the rankings typically struggled with predicted reliability, lower owner satisfaction, or inconsistent road-test performance across their lineup. This highlights the importance of consistency across a brand’s entire portfolio.

Beyond the Rankings: What to Consider for Your Purchase

While the overall brand rankings provide an excellent starting point, they are just that – a starting point. It’s crucial to delve deeper and consider specific factors relevant to your individual needs:

• Individual Model Scores: A brand’s high overall score doesn’t guarantee every single model within its lineup is a top performer. Always check the specific model you’re interested in for its individual road test score, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction. A brand might have a few exceptional models that pull up its average, while others might be mediocre.
• Your Personal Priorities: Are you prioritizing fuel economy, cargo space, exhilarating performance, or advanced safety features? Use CR’s detailed model reviews to see how specific vehicles align with your priorities. For instance, a sports car brand might rank high overall, but if you need a family SUV, its individual SUV models are what truly matter.
• Budget and Value: CR’s rankings don’t directly factor in price, but they do consider "value" in terms of what you get for your money (especially in owner satisfaction). A top-ranked luxury brand might be out of your budget, while a lower-ranked but still "recommended" mainstream brand might offer better value for your dollar.
• Features and Trim Levels: Be mindful that predicted reliability scores often apply to a specific powertrain or general model, but certain high-tech features or less common engine options can introduce their own set of potential issues. Research specific trim levels if you’re looking at a particular configuration.
• New vs. Used: While the 2019 report focuses on new vehicles, CR’s reliability data is invaluable for used car buyers. Older models from top-ranked brands often retain their reliability and value better.

Leveraging the 2019 Report for Your Car Search: Practical Advice

Using the Best Car Brands 2019 Consumer Reports effectively can significantly streamline your car buying process and lead to a more satisfying purchase.

1. Start Broad, Then Narrow Down: Begin by looking at the top-ranked brands to identify manufacturers that consistently produce quality vehicles. This gives you a strong pool to draw from.
2. Identify "Recommended" Models: Within those top brands (or even lower-ranked ones), look for individual models that Consumer Reports specifically "recommends." These are vehicles that have excelled in all aspects of CR’s testing and data collection.
3. Cross-Reference with Your Needs: Once you have a list of recommended models, filter them based on your specific requirements: body style (sedan, SUV, truck), passenger capacity, fuel type, desired features, and, crucially, your budget.
4. Prioritize Reliability and Safety: These two factors are paramount for long-term satisfaction and peace of mind. Models with strong predicted reliability and excellent safety ratings should be high on your list.
5. Test Drive Extensively: CR’s road test scores are invaluable, but your personal driving experience is king. Test drive your top choices on various road conditions, paying attention to comfort, handling, visibility, and the usability of controls.
6. Don’t Overlook Owner Satisfaction: A high owner satisfaction score suggests that people who actually own the car love it. This is a strong indicator of a positive long-term relationship with the vehicle.
7. Consult Current Data (If Applicable): While this article focuses on 2019, if you’re buying today, remember that automotive technology and reliability can evolve. Always check the most current Consumer Reports data available for the specific model year you’re considering, especially for predicted reliability. However, 2019 data remains highly relevant for understanding a brand’s historical performance and for evaluating used cars from that era.

Challenges and Nuances

While incredibly powerful, CR’s brand rankings aren’t without their nuances.

• Small Sample Sizes for Niche Brands: Brands with very few models or extremely low sales volumes might have less comprehensive data, potentially affecting their ability to get a full score or recommendation.
• Rapid Model Changes: The automotive industry moves fast. A brand’s ranking reflects its current lineup at the time of the report. A brand might introduce a completely new model that performs exceptionally well or poorly, potentially shifting its future standing.
• Individual Vehicle Variability: While CR buys vehicles anonymously, there can always be minor variations in individual production vehicles. This is why their large survey data is so important.
• Focus on Practicality: CR’s methodology tends to favor practicality, reliability, and broad appeal. Ultra-niche performance vehicles or highly specialized trucks might not always shine in a ranking that averages across an entire brand’s diverse lineup.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Car Buying Journey

The Best Car Brands 2019 Consumer Reports serves as a robust and trustworthy compass in the complex world of car buying. By meticulously evaluating brands across critical dimensions like road performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, CR empowers consumers with the data-driven insights needed to make confident decisions.

While specific models and personal preferences will always play a role, understanding which brands consistently deliver excellence provides an invaluable foundation. Leveraging this 2019 report, whether for a new purchase or evaluating a used vehicle from that era, means buying with confidence, knowing you’ve considered the most comprehensive and unbiased information available. A smart car purchase isn’t just about the initial price tag; it’s about long-term satisfaction, reliability, and peace of mind – qualities that Consumer Reports helps you find.

Top-Ranked Car Brands 2019 Consumer Reports: A Summary Table

This table summarizes key information for some of the top-performing brands in the 2019 Consumer Reports rankings. Please note that "Overall Score" is based on CR’s internal aggregation of Road Test, Predicted Reliability, Owner Satisfaction, and Safety. "Typical Price Range (Models)" is a general indication and actual prices vary greatly by model, trim, and options.

Brand	2019 CR Overall Score (out of 100)	Key Strengths Highlighted by CR	Typical Market Segment	Typical Price Range (Models)
Subaru	89	Consistent Reliability, High Owner Satisfaction, AWD Capability	Mainstream, Family-Oriented	$22,000 – $45,000
Genesis	87	Excellent Reliability, Strong Road Test Scores, Value in Luxury	Luxury, Premium	$40,000 – $75,000
Porsche	86	Performance, High Owner Satisfaction, Surprising Reliability	Luxury, Performance	$55,000 – $180,000+
Audi	85	Refined Interiors, Strong Road Test Scores, Advanced Tech	Luxury, Premium	$35,000 – $90,000+
BMW	84	Engaging Driving Dynamics, Quality Interiors	Luxury, Performance	$35,000 – $100,000+
Lexus	82	Benchmark Reliability, Comfort, High Owner Satisfaction	Luxury, Premium	$35,000 – $80,000
Mazda	81	Agile Handling, Premium Feel, Improving Reliability	Mainstream, Sporty	$20,000 – $40,000
Toyota	80	Unmatched Reliability, High Resale Value, Practicality	Mainstream, Broad Appeal	$20,000 – $55,000
Honda	78	Reliability, Fuel Efficiency, Well-Rounded Models	Mainstream, Family-Oriented	$20,000 – $45,000
Hyundai	76	Strong Value, Improved Reliability, Feature-Rich	Mainstream, Value-Oriented	$18,000 – $50,000
Kia	75	Design, Value, Long Warranties, Improving Reliability	Mainstream, Value-Oriented	$17,000 – $45,000

Note: This table represents a selection of high-ranking brands and is not exhaustive of all brands evaluated by Consumer Reports in 2019. Scores and rankings are based on CR’s specific methodology and may not align with other review sources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Best Car Brands 2019 Consumer Reports

Q1: What exactly does "Best Car Brands 2019 Consumer Reports" mean?
A1: It refers to Consumer Reports’ annual ranking of automotive brands based on an average of their models’ performance in four key areas: CR’s rigorous road tests, predicted reliability (from subscriber surveys), owner satisfaction (from subscriber surveys), and safety (crash test results and ADAS features). The 2019 report specifically evaluates models available for that model year.

Q2: Why should I trust Consumer Reports over other car review sites?
A2: Consumer Reports is unique because it is an independent, non-profit organization that accepts no advertising and purchases all vehicles it tests anonymously from dealerships, just like a regular consumer. This ensures their reviews and rankings are unbiased and based purely on extensive, objective testing and vast member data, unlike many sites that rely on manufacturer loans or advertising revenue.

Q3: Is the 2019 report still relevant for car buying today?
A3: Yes, especially if you’re considering a used car from the 2019 model year or slightly newer/older. It provides excellent historical data on brand consistency and reliability trends. While current year reports will have the most up-to-date info for brand-new models, the 2019 data remains highly valuable for understanding a brand’s fundamental quality.

Q4: If a brand ranks high, does that mean every single one of its models is good?
A4: Not necessarily. A brand’s overall score is an average of all its tested models. While a high-ranking brand usually indicates a consistently good lineup, it’s crucial to check the individual scores and recommendations for the specific model you are interested in. Some brands might have a few standout models that pull up their overall average, while others might be just "average."

Q5: What if the car I want isn’t on the "Recommended" list?
A5: A car not being "Recommended" by CR doesn’t automatically mean it’s a bad car. It simply means it didn’t meet all of CR’s stringent criteria across road tests, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. It might still be a good choice for your specific needs, but you should proceed with more caution, perhaps prioritizing a thorough pre-purchase inspection and researching specific known issues.

Q6: Does Consumer Reports consider the price or value of a car in its rankings?
A6: While price isn’t a direct component of the overall brand score, "value" is indirectly considered in the owner satisfaction metric. Owners are asked if they would buy the car again, which often factors in whether they feel they got good value for their money. CR’s individual model reviews also discuss value propositions.

Q7: How often does Consumer Reports update its car brand rankings?
A7: Consumer Reports typically releases its comprehensive brand rankings and detailed model reviews annually, usually in late winter or early spring, reflecting the most recent model years and accumulated data. They also provide ongoing updates throughout the year as new models are tested or significant reliability trends emerge.