Every car buyer will weigh factors like price, features, size, performance, efficiency, and styling when deciding what model car, truck, or SUV to put in their driveway, but no one wants to be stuck on the road late at night waiting on a tow truck wishing they had sprung for something more reliable. Enthusiasts may prioritize performance, penny pinchers may put a premium on price, and some feel the badge a car wears is a testament to their success, but none of these factors seem to important when your new car is in the shop…again.
As such, each year Consumer Reports ranks automakers based on their reliability based on the experiences of actual buyers. For its latest list, the consumer information outlet gathered data on over 300,000 vehicles from model years 2000-2023 and has ranked each automaker’s ratings based on areas of reliability, from the engine to electronics. And in its latest rankings, Lincoln is the new king atop Consumer Report’s reliability rankings for domestic automakers. Ford’s luxury division has made a significant jump in the rankings to beat out GM, and is now considered to be the most reliable automaker from the U.S.
Lincoln Jumps Significantly In Consumer Reports Brand Reliability Rankings
Lincoln has become Consumer Report’s most reliable domestic automaker after jumping up 14 spots from the publication’s previous rankings. Lincoln is the only domestic automaker represented in the top-10, cracking the No. 10 spot one spot ahead of Buick. Lincoln was the publication's most-improved brand in its latest reliability survey “thanks to its small lineup of long-running models,” according to Consumer Reports.
Other domestic brands fell well behind Lincoln and foreign automakers with Ram in 16th, Cadillac in 17th, Ford in 18th, Tesla in 19th, and Chevrolet rounding out the top 20. Jeep is ranked as the least reliable domestic brand at 23rd out of 24 automakers. It should be noted that some domestic brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, and Rivian are not included in Consumer Report’s reliability rankings due to either low data or the brand having too few models on sale.
Like Ford, Lincoln’s lineup now completely consists of SUVs, but Consumer Reports’ ranking considers models sold over the last 20-plus years. Therefore, the reliability of discontinued SUVs, like the MKC or MKT, and the MKZ, Continental and MKS sedans are also factored into the equation, along with Lincoln’s more upscale F-150, the Mark LT, sold for the 2006-08 model years.
Lincoln’s Current Lineup Is Mostly Reliable With One ‘Problematic’ Model
Those in the market for a model from Consumer Report’s most reliable domestic automaker have a choice of four SUVs — the compact Corsair, midsized Nautilus, three-row Aviator, or the full-sized Navigator. Individual reliability rankings for the models are generally positive. The Corsair earned a score of 5/5 for predicted reliability from Consumer Reports. The Corsair is a “Recommended” model by the organization due to its powerful standard engine, a 2.0-liter turbo four with an optional hybrid powertrain, its “responsive handling,” comfortable ride, upscale cabin, upmarket fit and finish, and quiet cabin.
The Nautilus earned a score of 4/5 for predicted reliability, giving it an above average score in its segment, and is also a CR “recommended” model. The midsized SUV earned a road test score of 78/100 points when considering factors like handling, economy, ride quality, controls, and overall comfort. The 2023 Navigator is one of the top choices among large luxury SUVs for overall competency, and Consumer Reports rates it 3/5 for predicted reliability.
Though Lincoln scored high overall for reliability, Consumer Reports states the Aviator as being “problematic.” The model scores just 1/5 for predicted reliability, due in part to the SUV being recalled three times by the NHTSA. The recalls include a loose bolt in the transmission potentially causing a rollaway, the loss of rearview camera imaging, and a seatbelt warning system malfunction. The Aviator is a thorn in the side of Lincoln’s predicted reliability ratings given it is the only model in the brand’s lineup that has a below-average score. However, the publication’s surveys still show Lincoln to be the most reliable domestic automotive brand when more and past models are considered.
Lincoln Still Trails Japanese, Korean, And German Brands
Though Lincoln leads U.S. brands, it still trails foreign automakers for overall brand reliability in Consumer Reports’ latest survey. Toyota and its luxury division, Lexus, are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the survey, with fellow Japanese brands Mazda (fourth), Honda (fifth), Subaru (seventh), and Acura (eighth). Two German brands, BMW and Audi, both broke into the top-10 this year with BMW rising 10 spots to claim the No. 3 spot ahead of Audi in sixth. Korean brand Kia is ranked ninth, rising six spots from the previous survey.
Among domestic brands, Chevrolet saw the largest drop of brands falling from 10th in the previous survey to 20th. Cadillac fell five positions, Ford dropped four spots, while Tesla and Ram saw minor improvements to their rankings. Among new cars, the survey states hybrid cars and plug-in hybrids have the highest predicted reliability among all model types an average predicted reliability of 78 points out of 100. Hybrid SUVs and plug-in hybrids are slightly behind, while full-size pickups, the bread and butter of the American automotive landscape, are worst for predicted reliability ahead of fully electric cars and SUVs.