For now, it’s being replaced free under Toyota’s basic warranty, which expires after three years or 36,000 miles. More than one in four owners of the 2009 four-cylinder Toyota Tacoma pickup reported a problem with the radio in the 12 months covered by the survey. Some models have an alarming problem rate even when they’re still fairly new. Director, Consumer Reports Auto Test Center. So it’s important to check out the specific model’s reliability ratings and learn about other factors like performance and safety,” David Champion, Sr. You’re buying just one model from that brand. “Knowing a brand’s reputation for reliability can aid the used-car shopper, but it’s not foolproof. Overall, Japanese cars are the most trouble-free, with Honda and Toyota far ahead compared with older vehicles made by other major manufacturers-especially 2006 (five-year old) and earlier models. While the FJ Cruiser and Yaris did not score well in Consumer Reports road tests, some of the other most reliable 2008 models, such as the Honda CR-V and Fit did, making them better overall choices. The average 2010 car had 13 problems per 100. Among the most trouble-free 2008 models were the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Yaris with 11 and 12 problems per 100 vehicles, respectively. YONKERS, NY - With the average new car losing 47 percent of its value in the first three years of ownership, buying a used car can be the best way for consumers to get the most vehicle for their money, according to Consumer Reports' Annual Auto issue.Ĭonsumer Reports found eleven 2008 models with about the same or even fewer problems than similar 2010 models in the same class.

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