The most reliable 4-door sedan in 2013 is Camry?

[CountryBoy]

Is the Toyota Camry the most reliable 4-door sedan in 2013?

Based on sales data for the first 10 months of 2012 from Edmunds.com, 24/7 Wall St. has forecast the 16 cars and light trucks that will sell best in 2013. Using that data, we projected full-year sales and calculated the year-over-year percentage change in sales.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2012/12/04/best-selling-cars-2012/1745385/
1. Toyota Camry
• 2013 sales: 483,977
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 344,713
• Base price: $22,055
• Vehicle type: 4-door sedan, 4 cylinder

2. Ford F-150
• 2013 sales: 455,305
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 351,177
• Base price: $23,670
• Vehicle type: 2-door pickup, 6 cylinder

• 2013 sales: 387,779
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 276,196
• Base price: $21,680
• Vehicle type: 4-door sedan, 4 cylinder

3. Honda Accord
• 2013 sales: 387,779
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 276,196
• Base price: $21,680
• Vehicle type: 4-door sedan, 4 cylinder

4. Nissan Altima
• 2013 sales: 358,187
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 258,663
• Base price: $21,700
• Vehicle type: 4-door, 4 cylinder

5. Honda Civic
• 2013 sales: 357,621
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 254,716
• Base price: $15,755
• Vehicle type: 2-door coupe, 4 cylinder

6. Toyota Corolla
• 2013 sales: 333,933
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 237,844
• Base price: $16,230
• Vehicle type: 4-door sedan, 4 cylinder

7. Honda CR-V
• 2013 sales: 327,955
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 233,586
• Base price: $22,695
• Vehicle type: 4-door crossover, 4 cylinder

8. Ford Fusion
• 2013 sales: 290,424
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 206,855
• Base price: $21,700
• Vehicle type: 4-door sedan, 4 cylinder

9. Chevy Silverado 1500
• 2013 sales: 282,627
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 248,533
• Base price: $22,595
• Vehicle type: 2-door pickup, 6 cylinder

10. Ford Escape
• 2013 sales: 273,846
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 219,907
• Base price: $22,470
• Vehicle type: 4-door SUV, 4 cylinder

11. Chevy Malibu
• 2013 sales: 251,403
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 189,094
• Base price: $22,390
• Vehicle type: 4-door sedan, 4 cylinder

12. Chevy Cruze
• 2013 sales: 247,870
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 199,721
• Base price: $17,130
• Vehicle type: 4-door sedan, 4 cylinder

13. Chevy Equinox
• 2013 sales: 247,468
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 182,249
• Base price: $23,755
• Vehicle type: 4-door SUV, 4 cylinder

14. Ford Focus
• 2013 sales: 243,965
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 205,006
• Base price: $16,200
• Vehicle type: 4-door sedan, 4 cylinder

15. Hyundai Sonata
• 2013 sales: 235,218
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 192,119
• Base price: $20,995
• Vehicle type: 4-door sedan, 4 cylinder

16. Hyundai Elantra
• 2013 sales: 215,721
• Year-to-date 2012 sales: 167,087
• Base price: $16,815
• Vehicle type: 4-door sedan, 4 cylinder

Would people agree that most reliable 4 door sedan in the USA in 2013 is a Toyota Camry? No serious challengers?

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/201 ... 2/1745385/

[Ricola]

Sorry I don't get your connection between subject title and data provided. Most Sales does not mean Most Reliable, however it way very well be the most reliable.

[chaz]

We like our 2007 Camry.

[Taylor Larimore]

Country Boy:

Would people agree that most reliable 4 door sedan in the USA in 2013 is a Toyota Camry? No serious challengers?

Not according to this link in your article:

America's most reliable cars

Best wishes.
Taylor

[rec7]

It has been the best selling for many years. Both Honda and Toyota are very reliable in most of these surveys.

[EDN]

Just out of curiosity, what do Camry owners prefer about their Toyota over the Honda Accord. Is it more the new Camry (about 2 years old?) vs. the old Accord (just updated months ago?). The new Accord seems much better. To be honest, I'd expect to see the sales figures flip/flopped. Thanks.

Eric

[rec7]

I think the Camry is more plain jane than the Accord. But both are great cars. I am more of a plain jane guy so I like the Camry.

[bigspender]

I wonder if this will change after the crash tests. The camry did horrible. The accord exceled.

[CountryBoy]

For additional information on this topic, check both websites below for details and full graph for 14 yr. comparisons.

Worst Reported Problems with the Corolla
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Corolla/
• #1: engine uses excessive oil 2002 Corolla
Average Cost to Fix:
$2,595
Average Mileage:
92,052 mi
• #2: transmission failure 2003 Corolla
Average Cost to Fix:
$1,200
Average Mileage:
65,865 mi
• #3: engine surges while stopped 2006 Corolla
Average Cost to Fix:
$3,500
Average Mileage:
43,392 mi
////////////////////////////////

Worst Reported Problems with the Camry
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Camry/
• #1: excessive oil consumption 2007 Camry
Average Cost to Fix:
$2,500
Average Mileage:
66,113 mi
• #2: defective exterior paint 2009 Camry
Average Cost to Fix:
$3,000
Average Mileage:
18,548 mi
• #3: transmission failure 2002 Camry
Average Cost to Fix:
$3,556
Average Mileage:
105,593 mi

Note: I am not suggesting the 2013 Camry is the best 4-door sedan; rather I am asking is it? Bogleheads are excellent at cutting through the hype and identifying quality. I do not know the answer here but you may wish to use the following website to substantiate your choice:
http://www.carcomplaints.com

[jsl11]

Just out of curiosity, what do Camry owners prefer about their Toyota over the Honda Accord. Is it more the new Camry (about 2 years old?) vs. the old Accord (just updated months ago?). The new Accord seems much better. To be honest, I'd expect to see the sales figures flip/flopped. Thanks.

Eric

Most Honda and Toyota owners are very happy with their cars and many have bought more than one from that manufacturer. This develops customer loyalty. When those people shop for a new car, their starting point is the brand they have grown to like. Many look no further. For example, I have owned 7 Toyotas; no Hondas.
Jeff

[CountryBoy]

See website for graphic of 14 years of data : http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord/

Worst Reported Problems with the Accord.
• #1: transmission failure 2003 Accord
Average Cost to Fix:
$2,641
Average Mileage:
95,371 mi
• #2: transmission failure 2004 Accord
Average Cost to Fix:
$2,980
Average Mileage:
103,336 mi
• #3: transmission failure 2005 Accord
Average Cost to Fix:
$4,074
Average Mileage:
72,215 mi

[pennstater2005]

My wife has a Camry and I have an Accord. We both like our cars.

[CountryBoy]

Taylor re your quote:

The 2010 Toyota Corolla is the most reliable car sold in the United States, according to a report released today.

Read more: America’s Most Reliable Cars - 24/7 Wall St. http://247wallst.com/2012/11/13/america ... z2LP84cqg9

I am trying to identify from among the 2013 models.

[CountryBoy]

And people may find this of interest:

http://corp.carmd.com/2012-manufacturer ... ?subId=218

[Dave76]

Taylor re your quote:

The 2010 Toyota Corolla is the most reliable car sold in the United States, according to a report released today.

Read more: America’s Most Reliable Cars - 24/7 Wall St. http://247wallst.com/2012/11/13/america ... z2LP84cqg9

I am trying to identify from among the 2013 models.

It's not possible to determine reliability/longevity of a 2013 vehicle, unless said vehicle has been in production for a few years (eg. Jeep Patriot).

My family had two Toyotas. The quality of the steel was unacceptable and the carburetors were pretty bad. We got 170k miles out of one, but it didn't run well for much of its life. My 26 year old Chrysler has no corrosion anywhere and runs like new.

[rkhusky]

Ford Taurus is also very highly ranked according to: http://corp.carmd.com/2012-manufacturer ... ?subId=218

[jda]

Taylor re your quote:

The 2010 Toyota Corolla is the most reliable car sold in the United States, according to a report released today.

Read more: America’s Most Reliable Cars - 24/7 Wall St. http://247wallst.com/2012/11/13/america ... z2LP84cqg9

I am trying to identify from among the 2013 models.

It's not possible to determine reliability/longevity of a 2013 vehicle, unless said vehicle has been in production for a few years (eg. Jeep Patriot).

My family had two Toyotas. The quality of the steel was unacceptable and the carburetors were pretty bad. We got 170k miles out of one, but it didn't run well for much of its life. My 26 year old Chrysler has no corrosion anywhere and runs like new.

+1

Things don't typically fail until car pass 70,000 miles/7 year so all the initial quality stuffs is almost meaningless because if a part fails initially you can always get it replaced under warranty. Whether initial quality translate to long term reliability, I have no idea.

Relatives have various Toyotas and Hondas and none of them seem to have better reliability than other Japanese rivals but resale value is definitely better.

[CountryBoy]

And then there is always this:

Toyota Recall 2013: Automaker Recalls 752,000 Corolla and Corolla Matrix Vehicles For Airbag Defect

http://www.ibtimes.com/toyota-recall-20 ... ct-1048516

[Jerilynn]

I just ordered a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium (a red one, of course). Seems to fit my needs, plus i can buy Fords on the A/Z plan.

http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/trim/titaniumhybrid/

[johnep]

Just out of curiosity, what do Camry owners prefer about their Toyota over the Honda Accord. Is it more the new Camry (about 2 years old?) vs. the old Accord (just updated months ago?). The new Accord seems much better. To be honest, I'd expect to see the sales figures flip/flopped. Thanks.

Eric

Most Honda and Toyota owners are very happy with their cars and many have bought more than one from that manufacturer. This develops customer loyalty. When those people shop for a new car, their starting point is the brand they have grown to like. Many look no further. For example, I have owned 7 Toyotas; no Hondas.
Jeff

I agree. I had a 1992 Camry and now own a 2004 Camry. Both have been very reliable, well appointed and good riding cars. I have had no problems other than items that wear out. I have owned other Toyotas, including currently a 2007 Avalon, over the past 35 years and have used the same dealer's service dept which is excellent. I have never owned an Accord but have always considered them an excellent car. They always seem to be a little more expensive whenever I have price compared Camry and Accord. I do not think you can go wrong either way.

[CountryBoy]

Well I own a 99 Camry and have been visiting the blog Toyota Nation:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/103-3 ... 1997-2001/

Consensus is that they are not what they were and I am curious if there is anything out there to replace them quality wise.

[Sunny Sarkar]

Led by the 2007 ES350 (first in the Luxury category), Lexus' rating improved yearover- year, and helped Toyota earn the top ranking for the second year in a row.

That's good news for us. We bought a used 2007 ES350 two years ago.

[daytona084]

"Reliability" is no longer a concern. The least "reliable" 2013 cars are light years ahead of the most reliable cars of 20 years ago.

[glenn_1]

I have a 2000 V6 Camry with 198K miles on it. Original engine and transmission and it runs great. Burns about a half quart of oil between oil changes, not enough to worry about. Had the valve guide seals replaced under warranty around 59K. I change the oil, filter and trans fluid on schedule. No major components replaced, just brakes, struts, belts, etc. I expect it to go to at least 300K. My biggest complaint about the car is the arm rests on the front doors warped in the sun and no longer hold the power window switch panels securely. Longevity is mostly about how you take care of it. I suspect those people who replace transmissions at 105K miles were abusing it, towing with it, or simply not changing the fluid on schedule.

[CountryBoy]

postby wjwhitney » Thu Feb 21, 2013 11:54 pm
"Reliability" is no longer a concern. The least "reliable" 2013 cars are light years ahead of the most reliable cars of 20 years ago.

I never heard that said before, but would love to know your basis for saying so.

[daytona084]

postby wjwhitney » Thu Feb 21, 2013 11:54 pm
"Reliability" is no longer a concern. The least "reliable" 2013 cars are light years ahead of the most reliable cars of 20 years ago.

I never heard that said before, but would love to know your basis for saying so.

I don't have a lot of time to research but generally, quality improves every year. Just one example: 2012 is the best year yet per http://autos.jdpower.com/ratings/qualit ... elease.htm.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 20 June 2012 -- As the U.S. automotive industry continues to recover, vehicle manufacturers post the strongest improvement in initial quality since 2009 and are producing higher-quality vehicles than ever before, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) released today.

There are other statistics that show vehicles of all brands, domestic and foreign, last longer, are driven more miles, with fewer repairs, than ever before. The interesting thing is that Consumer Reports shows data every year only in comparison to the average of that year. So a 2012 car with "below average" repair record (ugly black dots) would have been way above average (nice red dots) if it were graded in comparison to data collected in previous years.

It's not uncommon today to get into a car with say 100,000 to 150,000 miles or even more, set out on a 1000 mile trip, with no concern whatsoever that the car will make it without a breakdown. I myself recently took my Chevy with 96,000 miles on a 3,000 mile round trip. It was not very long ago that cars were considered "shot" with 100K miles.

[StormShadow]

Just out of curiosity, what do Camry owners prefer about their Toyota over the Honda Accord. Is it more the new Camry (about 2 years old?) vs. the old Accord (just updated months ago?). The new Accord seems much better. To be honest, I'd expect to see the sales figures flip/flopped.

Bought a 2011 V6 Camry XLE. At the time, I went with Camry over the Honda Accord mostly because of the smooth ride. Car was very quiet, which was important for me. I like to relax following a long day at work. I also wasn't thrilled with the Accord interior.

My family has owned a '96 Accord and '02 Camry in the past. Both were terrific cars. Sometimes I miss the sporty feel of the Honda, but I'm pretty happy with my Camry.

[pennstater2005]

Just out of curiosity, what do Camry owners prefer about their Toyota over the Honda Accord. Is it more the new Camry (about 2 years old?) vs. the old Accord (just updated months ago?). The new Accord seems much better. To be honest, I'd expect to see the sales figures flip/flopped. Thanks.

Eric

My wife's Camry drives smoother and is quieter on the highway than my Accord. But my Accord has more get up and go and has a little tighter steering. They are both 4 cylinders.

[jwblue]

Nissans are more fun to drive than a Toyota or Honda.

Better handling too.

I'll take an Altima.

[hicabob]

Nissans are more fun to drive than a Toyota or Honda.

Better handling too.

I'll take an Altima.

I've rented the Altima recently - and yes - very nice car - definitely worth a test drive! The 2.5liter 4cylinder feels like a 6 and gets great mileage too.

[EternalOptimist]

Still love my Honda Accords which I've owned since 1983 Always felt the Camry never had nice lines.

[midareff]

You can't say that until at least a half dozen years have passed since the model year and a history is known. The most relaible car is the one still under warranty at a brand store that gives free loaners.

[btenny]

Please change the title of this post. The Camry is not even in the top ten in reliability. Yes it is the best selling car but it is not anywhere near the most realiable.

Bill

[Dave76]

postby wjwhitney » Thu Feb 21, 2013 11:54 pm
"Reliability" is no longer a concern. The least "reliable" 2013 cars are light years ahead of the most reliable cars of 20 years ago.

I never heard that said before, but would love to know your basis for saying so.

I don't have a lot of time to research but generally, quality improves every year. Just one example: 2012 is the best year yet per http://autos.jdpower.com/ratings/qualit ... elease.htm.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 20 June 2012 -- As the U.S. automotive industry continues to recover, vehicle manufacturers post the strongest improvement in initial quality since 2009 and are producing higher-quality vehicles than ever before, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) released today.

There are other statistics that show vehicles of all brands, domestic and foreign, last longer, are driven more miles, with fewer repairs, than ever before. The interesting thing is that Consumer Reports shows data every year only in comparison to the average of that year. So a 2012 car with "below average" repair record (ugly black dots) would have been way above average (nice red dots) if it were graded in comparison to data collected in previous years.

It's not uncommon today to get into a car with say 100,000 to 150,000 miles or even more, set out on a 1000 mile trip, with no concern whatsoever that the car will make it without a breakdown. I myself recently took my Chevy with 96,000 miles on a 3,000 mile round trip. It was not very long ago that cars were considered "shot" with 100K miles.

Well, I guess my 2012 Hyundai Elantra is the black sheep. Heck, my '87 Chrysler New Yorker is more dependable. My Hyundai won't last half as long as my Chrysler has.

[likegarden]

We are looking to buy a new sedan, thought about the new Honda Accord.
How is rusting out of Hondas and Toyotas on Northeast's salted roads? My neighbor and others in my NY area had Toyota pickup truck bodies rusted out, got some money from Toyota and went together to get all trucks fixed up. Years ago my friend's son's Civic had a big rust hole in an upper part of a fender.
We might go with a Buick or Chevy.

[CountryBoy]

Some information that may be relevant to this thread if you consider Consumer Reports a valid source for info.

1-

Feb/12 Best Value
Family Sedans-Test Score
Note: Priority Listing Based on Total Overall Average, including Cost Per Mile, Test Score, Predicted Reliability

Nissan Altima-4 cyl-91 Test Score
Kia Optima LX-81 Test Score
Suburu Legacy 2.5i Premium-83 Test Score
Ford Fusion Hybrid-84 Test Score
Honda Accord LX-P (4-cyl)-80 Test Score
Note: of the 4 the Ford Fusion is noted as having the highest reliability.

If you want more details on this go to your library for the magazine; p.52

2
-Jan/13 Would Definitely Buy Again
Based on response from owners of 2010 to 2013 models. Models with fewer than 3 yrs. of data are marked with *.

Family Cars
Toyota Camry Hybrid*-87%
Toyota Prius-85%
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid-84%
VW Passat TDI*-83%
KIA Optima (turbo)*
If you want more details on this go to your library for the magazine; p. 48.

Obviously the two different lists contradict each other, or so I think. Possibly they have no relevance to the topic.

Point is, show me a list from anywhere that is from a reliable source that will list the top 5 most reliable cars and that you believe is credible.

I do not claim to know the most reliable, low maintenance sedan on the market today, but going on one's own anecdotal experience does not seem sufficient.

[jsl11]

We are looking to buy a new sedan, thought about the new Honda Accord.
How is rusting out of Hondas and Toyotas on Northeast's salted roads? My neighbor and others in my NY area had Toyota pickup truck bodies rusted out, got some money from Toyota and went together to get all trucks fixed up. Years ago my friend's son's Civic had a big rust hole in an upper part of a fender.
We might go with a Buick or Chevy.

Toyota did have a rusting problem back in the 1980's. However, that is a thing of the past. I have a 1999 Toyota I have been driving in the Cleveland area since it was new. A lot of salt is used in our area, as we are on the edge of the "snow belt". My 99 has no rust anywhere.
Jeff

[CountryBoy]

jsl11 » Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:24 pm

+1

[StormShadow]

Nissans are more fun to drive than a Toyota or Honda.

Better handling too.

I'll take an Altima.

I've rented the Altima recently - and yes - very nice car - definitely worth a test drive! The 2.5liter 4cylinder feels like a 6 and gets great mileage too.

Have also rented the Altima... as well as the Infiniti G37 (which is essentially the luxury version of it).

Altima was ok. Drove well and I thought the cabin noise was too noticeable. Plastic-interior felt a little on the cheap-side. I also got annoyed that the horn honks each time you remote-lock the doors.

The Infiniti was "Infinitely" more refined, however. Gas mileage was lousy, but it was a really fun car to drive. If I were to buy an entry-level Luxury, the Infiniti would be at the top of the list. (And I'm usually a huge BMW fan!)

[CountryBoy]

jwblue wrote:Nissans are more fun to drive than a Toyota or Honda.

Better handling too.

I'll take an Altima.

+1

In the interest of full disclosure we own a 99 Camry and 2013 Nissan Altima. I love my 99 Camry but it is like riding in a horse drawn buckboard wagon compared with the Altima.

[mike143]

Nissans are more fun to drive than a Toyota or Honda.

Better handling too.

I'll take an Altima.

Autoweek disagrees: "Overall, the 2013 Nissan Altima sedan feels more luxurious than much of its competition, and it has some of the best fuel economy in the sedan category. The ride and handling is a bit softer than that of the Honda Accord, but it's a good balance for most typical drivers."
http://www.autoweek.com/car-shopping/ar ... rison.html

[Mudpuppy]

Nissans are more fun to drive than a Toyota or Honda.

Better handling too.

I'll take an Altima.

Autoweek disagrees: "Overall, the 2013 Nissan Altima sedan feels more luxurious than much of its competition, and it has some of the best fuel economy in the sedan category. The ride and handling is a bit softer than that of the Honda Accord, but it's a good balance for most typical drivers."
http://www.autoweek.com/car-shopping/ar ... rison.html

Depends on your definition of a "better ride and handling". Some people prefer the softer ride and handling. Not everyone wants to drive a sports car, or a car with "sporty" tuning and suspension, yet the car magazines always review the handling and suspension in the "sporty" context.

[ultralite]

Got a 1993 Camry 4 cyl with 135000. Only recommended maintenance, a radiator leak at 125000 and tires were the only extra costs
Got a 2012 Camry 4 cyl last Feb. because of its seat height and access ; it has 4500 on it and seems to be a very good auto. The only issue that I have is the buzzy/whiney engine/tranny
sound as you accelerate thru the gears. I'm told that a lot has changed in 20 years and that a lot of the mechanical parts have been
replaced by electrical parts; thus the unaccustomed sound. Nice ride and excellent MPG; hope it holds up like the '93.

[CountryBoy]

Mudpuppy » Sun Feb 24, 2013 6:36 pm

Depends on your definition of a "better ride and handling". Some people prefer the softer ride and handling. Not everyone wants to drive a sports car, or a car with "sporty" tuning and suspension, yet the car magazines always review the handling and suspension in the "sporty" context.

+1

[imperialman67]

All cars are nice when new .
If I'm looking for a car that is going to cause me the least amount of problems ,and go the most miles ,its going to be a Toyota or Honda.

[jwblue]

Nissans are more fun to drive than a Toyota or Honda.

Better handling too.

I'll take an Altima.

Autoweek disagrees: "Overall, the 2013 Nissan Altima sedan feels more luxurious than much of its competition, and it has some of the best fuel economy in the sedan category. The ride and handling is a bit softer than that of the Honda Accord, but it's a good balance for most typical drivers."
http://www.autoweek.com/car-shopping/ar ... rison.html

This is interesting. I have driven late model year Altimas and Accords and always found the handling of the Nissan to be much better.

Not sure why I would perceive things differently.

In another review of the 2013 Altima they say the handling is one of the best in its class

Handling and Braking

Handling was one of the 2012 Altima’s strongest attributes, and test drivers say the redesigned 2013 Altima carries that same athletic handling, as well as a composed ride, strong brakes and responsive steering. Many reviewers say the Altima has sportier handling than most affordable midsize cars, which makes for a more engaging experience behind the wheel.

It might be somewhat subjective.

People rave about the CVT in the Nissan.
The overall ride experience is going to be better with the Altima.

I am sure the Accord is at least $1K more expensive.

[Rajsx]

I have been very lucky with Toyota in general,
Our household has had -

Camry - 1985
Tercel - 1988
Camry - 1992
Sienna - 2000 - Still going good at 200k m
Corolla - 2001
Solara - 2000 - Accidents, Blind Spots
Camry - 2002
Avalon - 2003 - Going strong at 100k m
Camry - 2009 - strong at 66k m

They keep going & going & going, with regular maintenance, if I remember right no major work over $500
They say Toyotas do not have driving pleasure ,........ something like the beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, ............ we are not driving/racing enthusiasts.......... For us they are very smooth to drive, not noisy engines (I have to sometimes check if my Avalon's engine is running), we do not feel minor imperfections of the road, soft suspensions. We use them for regular driving to work, school, traveling out of town trips and so forth...

I would buy a CAMRY, my 2 cents, YMMV..........., good luck with whichever car you end up buying.

[Reubin]

I had a 2003 Avalon with 320K miles on it. The car was great until it got washed away by Superstorm Sandy.
The automatic transmission failed at about 220K and I believe that you might be able to avoid this same fate if you throw in an occasional drain and fill of the tranny fluid every 2nd or 3rd oil change. I redid the suspension at about 270K using KYB struts, replacing the bushings which began to knock, and the car then ran like a BMW! The worst part about the car was that the check engine light started to light up and the problems were all about the numerous O2 sensors and the numerous catalytic converters. But this didn't happen until 300K and the car ran great the whole time!

[wander]

Not sure how they define reliability. My 97 Nissan truck (never make the list) has 320k miles on it and is still rolling strong. I never had any problem with transmission, suspension, or engine. Everything except timing belt, spark plugs, belts and water pump are originals.

[jwblue]

I would take these reliability ranking with a grain of salt.

The surveys put seat belt issues in the same category as engine problems.