Consumer Reports Just SHOCKED The Auto Industry | Episode 977
About this episode
Consumer Reports has released its annual vehicle rankings, revealing surprising insights into reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. Subaru tops the list as the best overall brand, while Jeep ranks at the bottom, followed closely by Land Rover and GMC. The hosts discuss the implications of these rankings, particularly for luxury brands like Audi and Mercedes, which struggle despite high prices. The episode also highlights the importance of understanding these rankings in the context of car buying, making it essential for potential buyers to consider reliability and satisfaction ratings.
Toyota Camry
"...on. Make your holiday wishes come true with a new Camry, RAV4, Tacoma, and more."
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that many people buy because it's dependable and easy to drive. It's a four-door sedan, which means it has plenty of room for passengers and luggage.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States for decades, making it a popular choice for families and commuters alike.
Toyota Rav4
"...e your holiday wishes come true with a new Camry, RAV4, Tacoma, and more. All right, let's sing it toget..."
Toyota Tacoma
"... holiday wishes come true with a new Camry, RAV4, Tacoma, and more. All right, let's sing it together this..."
The Toyota Tacoma is a small truck that people use for work or outdoor activities. It's known for being tough and can handle rough roads and heavy loads.
The Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck that is well-regarded for its off-road capabilities and durability. It has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and is often praised for its reliability and versatility.
Stellantis
"The bottom are gonna be a couple of Stellantis products. Fiat and Dodge, I believe will be at the bottom."
Stellantis is the name of a big car company that owns several brands like Fiat, Dodge, and Jeep. They make a variety of vehicles under these names.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses a variety of well-known brands, including Fiat, Dodge, and Jeep.
Dodge
"Fiat and Dodge, I believe will be at the bottom. Maybe even Jeep."
Dodge is a car brand from the United States that makes powerful cars and SUVs. It's also owned by Stellantis.
Dodge is an American brand known for its performance vehicles, including muscle cars and SUVs. It is also part of the Stellantis group.
Chevrolet
"And then GMC, Chevrolet, excuse me, so General Motors getting in on the fun here with the score of 55..."
Chevrolet, or Chevy, is a car brand that makes many types of vehicles, from small cars to big trucks. It's very popular in the U.S.
Chevrolet, often referred to as Chevy, is a division of General Motors known for a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. It is one of the best-selling automotive brands in the United States.
GMC
"And then GMC, Chevrolet, excuse me, so General Motors getting in on the fun here with the score of 55..."
GMC is a brand that makes trucks and SUVs. They are known for being strong and often have some luxury features.
GMC is a division of General Motors that primarily focuses on trucks and SUVs. It is known for its professional-grade vehicles that combine utility with luxury features.
Alfa Romeo
"...just because it adds to the trend, Alfa Romeo. So your bottom five brands,..."
Alfa Romeo is a car brand from Italy that makes luxury vehicles. They are known for their beautiful designs and sporty feel.
Alfa Romeo is an Italian luxury car manufacturer known for its stylish designs and sporty performance. The brand has a rich motorsport heritage and is often associated with passionate driving experiences.
Land Rover
"to buy a Land Rover when they know historically they have been extremely overpriced pieces of poo. I mean, I don't know any other way to say it because, you know, they are extremely expensive. The Range Rover are $100,000 plus vehicles and they sell like hotcakes..."
Land Rover is a brand that makes luxury SUVs, and the Range Rover is one of their most famous models. It's known for being very expensive and is popular among wealthy people.
Land Rover is a British manufacturer known for its luxury SUVs, with the Range Rover being one of its most iconic models. The Range Rover is often associated with high prices and luxury features, making it a status symbol among affluent buyers.
Rivian
"The next five on the list, Dad, Rivian coming in at 58, score 58,"
Rivian is a company that makes electric vehicles, like trucks and SUVs, designed for outdoor adventures.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for producing electric trucks and SUVs, focusing on adventure-oriented features.
Mercedes
"...Mercedes spends a neutral year over year with a score of 64..."
Mercedes is a well-known luxury car brand that makes high-end vehicles, known for their comfort and performance.
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles and advanced technology.
Volkswagen
"...and then VW Volkswagen up four spots 65..."
Volkswagen is a car brand from Germany that makes many popular cars, including the Golf and the Jetta.
Volkswagen, often abbreviated as VW, is a German automotive manufacturer famous for models like the Golf and the Beetle.
Buick
"Buick dropping three, Scott spots the 65 year over year, Mitsubishi up a spot and Ford up a spot"
Buick is a car brand from America that makes comfortable and stylish cars, often aimed at older drivers.
Buick is an American automobile brand that is part of General Motors. It is known for producing comfortable and stylish vehicles, often targeting a more mature audience.
Mitsubishi
"Mitsubishi up a spot and Ford up a spot"
Mitsubishi is a car brand from Japan that makes various types of vehicles, including small cars and SUVs. They are known for their innovative technology.
Mitsubishi is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles. The brand has a history of innovation, particularly in all-wheel drive technology.
Consumer Reports
"...in their Consumer Reports again. What we're looking at is,..."
Consumer Reports is a group that tests and reviews products, including cars, to help people know which ones are the best and most reliable.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit organization that provides unbiased product testing and reviews, including automotive ratings. Their annual rankings help consumers understand the reliability and performance of various car brands.
Subaru Crosstrek
"...price reduction off of $32,300 for my 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Premium and easy and stress-free process."
The Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV that can drive on rough roads and in bad weather. It's great for people who like to go on adventures and need a reliable car.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact SUV known for its all-wheel drive capability and rugged design. It appeals to those who enjoy outdoor activities and need a vehicle that can handle various terrains.
Mazda
"Next on the list are Mazda and Honda and Acura 58, 57, 53 respectively."
Mazda is a car brand from Japan that makes fun-to-drive cars, like the small sports car called the MX-5 Miata.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for its innovative designs and sporty vehicles, particularly the MX-5 Miata.
Acura
"...and Acura 58, 57, 53 respectively. So when we start to look at five to 10-year-old used cars..."
Acura is Honda's luxury car brand, known for making high-end vehicles with better features and performance.
Acura is the luxury vehicle division of Honda, offering premium features and performance in its cars.
BMW
"...to cover the cost of maintenance for your BMW once you are out of the maintenance included portion of your warranty..."
BMW is a well-known car brand that makes luxury vehicles. They often provide special services and warranties to help owners with maintenance costs.
BMW is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its performance-oriented cars. They offer a range of models that often come with various maintenance packages, including warranties that cover routine services.
BMW 230I
"Thank you, Matthew. This baby BMW 230i is the best BMW I've driven in over a decade,"
The BMW 2 Series is a small luxury car that is fun to drive and looks really nice. It's a good choice for people who want a sporty feel in a stylish package.
The BMW 2 Series is a compact luxury car that offers sporty performance and upscale features. It is often praised for its driving dynamics and stylish design, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Priority One Automotive Group
"I remember years ago when I was still with Priority One Automotive Group, when I was still Priority One Automotive Group."
Priority One Automotive Group is a company that sells cars and offers services for them. They have different car brands under their management.
Priority One Automotive Group is a dealership group that operates various automotive dealerships, providing sales and service for different car brands.
Sonic Automotive
"did you know that Audi dealership you worked at is now part of Sonic Automotive?"
Sonic Automotive is a big company that sells cars through many different dealerships. They have many brands of cars available.
Sonic Automotive is a large automotive retailer that owns and operates numerous dealerships across the United States, offering a wide range of vehicle brands and services.
Mini Clubman
"okay, maybe I'll get out of the Mini, out of the Clubman. And I don't know if you remember."
The Mini Clubman is a small, stylish car that is fun to drive. It has a quirky design and is great for city driving.
The Mini Clubman is a compact car that stands out for its unique design and fun driving experience. It offers a blend of practicality and style, making it appealing to those looking for something different.
BMW Series Bmw
"...on't know if you remember. I was looking at a two series BMW convertible with the M package."
The BMW 7 Series is a big luxury car that is very comfortable and has a lot of cool technology. It's designed for people who want the best in style and performance.
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan that represents the brand's flagship model. Known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance, it is often discussed for its status and high-end features.
Hyundai Sonata
"... to your videos. I was able to buy a 2026 Hyundai Sonata for my wife for $7,300 off MSRP on Black Friday."
The Hyundai Sonata is a comfortable car that looks nice and has a lot of tech features. It's good for everyday driving and has plenty of room inside.
The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that combines style, technology, and efficiency. It has received positive reviews for its spacious interior and advanced safety features.
Hyundai Santa
"Let's run through it. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. We still have 0% financing here in the..."
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a medium-sized SUV that has lots of room for people and their stuff. It's known for being a good deal and comes with a long warranty.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that offers a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and a range of modern features. It is often praised for its value and warranty coverage.
deferred payments
"...and deferred payments for 90 days."
Deferred payments mean you don't have to start paying for your car right away. You can wait a few months before you have to make your first payment, which can help if you're busy or low on money.
Deferred payments allow buyers to postpone their car payments for a certain period after purchasing the vehicle. This can help buyers manage their finances better, especially during busy times like the holidays.
Kia Sportage
"...6 in hybrid. Now we're just talking the 25 key of Sportage Hybrid, Dad, 0.9% financing for up to 60 months"
The Kia Sportage is a small SUV that has a lot of room inside and comes with modern features. It's a good choice for families or anyone needing extra space.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, technology, and practicality. It has become popular for its spacious interior and competitive warranty.
0.9% financing
"Dad, 0.9% financing for up to 60 months and you've got a $1,000 cash offer..."
0.9% financing means you can borrow money to buy a car at a very low interest rate, which helps keep your monthly payments lower.
0.9% financing refers to a low interest rate offered on a car loan, making monthly payments more affordable over the loan term.
lease deal
"...or you could get a lease deal here. You know, these lease deals always end up being a little bit more..."
A lease deal is like renting a car for a few years. You pay a monthly fee, but you don't own the car when the lease ends.
A lease deal allows you to use a car for a set period, usually a few years, by making monthly payments without owning the vehicle at the end of the term.
Honda Crv
"...the four grand down for 36 months. You've got the Honda CRV Hybrid Pops. You've got a lease deal."
The Honda CR-V is a popular SUV that offers a lot of space for passengers and cargo. It's known for being reliable and good on gas, making it a great choice for families.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV known for its spacious interior, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It has been a top choice for families and individuals seeking a versatile vehicle for daily use.
Ford Escape
"with their lease deals. Ford Escape Pops 2025, they're offering $4,500 as a cash bonu..."
The Ford Escape is a small SUV that is fun to drive and has a lot of features. It's a good option for people who want a mix of space and comfort.
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a balance of performance, comfort, and technology. It is often discussed for its versatility and range of available features.
Toyota Corolla
"... perhaps, yeah. And then we've got here, Dad, the Corolla Hybrid, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it's cheap to run and very reliable. It's a good choice for anyone looking for a simple and efficient vehicle.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that has gained a reputation for its reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency. It is one of the best-selling cars worldwide, appealing to a wide range of drivers.
leasing
"Toyota is advertising a $219 a month lease for 39 months with $4,000 down."
Leasing is like renting a car for a few years. You make monthly payments to use the car, but you don't own it when the lease ends.
Leasing is a method of financing a vehicle where you pay to use it for a set period, typically with lower monthly payments compared to buying, but you don't own the vehicle at the end of the lease.
Lexus Ux 300
"... with $4,000 down. And finally here we've got the Lexus UX 300 Hybrid, 2.49% financing for up to 48 months."
The Lexus UX 300e is a fancy small SUV that runs on electricity instead of gas. It's designed for people who want a nice car that is also good for the environment.
The Lexus UX 300e is an electric compact SUV that represents Lexus's entry into the electric vehicle market. It combines luxury features with eco-friendly technology, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
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