Consumer Reports New Cars

WHEN YOU’RE BUYING a new car, it can feel like everyone you encounter just wants to sell you something and there’s nobody out there you can trust. CR is here to help! You can rely on our recommendations because we have detailed data that nobody else does. This issue of Consumer Reports New Cars has the latest data from our exclusive annual reliability surveys of our members. We ask them about the problems they had with their vehicles that cost them time and money. We also ask if they’re satisfied with their vehicle. Because the only thing better than a reliable car is a car that owners love, too. This year we gathered data on over 300,000 cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans, and wagons. But that’s not all. We buy our own vehicles to…

Q. It is necessary to change my car’s transmission fluid at specific intervals? Most automatic transmissions should have their fluid changed between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, but owners of manual transmission vehicles may want to change it around 30,000 miles. The biggest factor to consider is how the vehicle is driven, such as in mountains at low speeds, for towing, or in stop-and-go traffic, which could raise the transmission fluid’s temperature. According to Michael Crossen, CR’s Auto & Tire Technician, "Honda, for example, suggests changing it every 25,000 miles under these conditions." He also says it’s a good idea to replace the clutch hydraulic fluid sooner than recommended. "But, if you use the car in a normal duty fashion, I would stick with the Maintenance Minder’s schedule," he says. Q. I am planning…

The models may have changed, but many longstanding trends stayed the same in CR’s 2022 owner satisfaction survey. Reliable workaday vehicles still aren’t as prized as automotive peacocks that promise luxury, fuel and energy efficiency (gas or electric), or pulsequickening performance—and actually deliver. Case in point: Our latest survey once again finds that entry-level luxury cars and SUVs are among the least satisfying vehicles to own because they fail to deliver on their luxury promise. How do we define owner satisfaction? It’s measured by the answer to this key question: Given the opportunity, would you buy or lease this vehicle again? (Our detailed methodology is described on page 8.) This year we received responses from owners of more than 300,000 cars, minivans, SUVs, and trucks. Our findings on the brands and models…

These charts represent the brands that most satisfy owners in specific areas: overall comfort, driving enjoyment, cabin storage, ease of use of the infotainment system, and ownership cost. Use them to find out which brands score highly in the qualities you care about the most. Then focus your search on brands that did well—and skip those that did poorly. We also rank brands by their average “would buy again” score (see “Owner Satisfaction by Brand,” on the next page). The list reflects which automakers have a lineup that pleases owners across the board, those whose models are a mix of satisfaction hits and misses, and the ones with vehicles that consistently disappoint owners. Remember that owner satisfaction reflects whether a car meets a customer’s expectations. The most satisfying cars aren’t necessarily…

While a model might not be among the top 10 (or even top 20) most satisfying in our survey, it still may excel in certain ways. We asked owners to rate how well their vehicles satisfy them when considering seat and cabin comfort, driving enjoyment, cabin storage, ease of use of the infotainment system, and ownership cost. Use their feedback and the corresponding scores to identify models that are likely to satisfy in the ways that matter most to you. Visit the model pages at CR.org/cars for detailed ratings for all vehicles. COMFORT Jeep Grand Cherokee owners praised the SUV’s great ride, and numerous Genesis GV70 owners noted its comfortable seats. Many Tacoma, GLB, Bolt, and Forte owners criticized their vehicles’ seat comfort. Wrangler owners took issue with the noise and harshness…

1. ALL-SEASON A general-purpose tire and the most common type for cars and SUVs. PROS Good all-around performance, low cost, long tread life. CONS They may lack the traction of more specialized tire types. 2. ULTRA-HIGH-PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON Convenient for year-round use on sporty cars and SUVs PROS Excellent braking and handling. CONS Pricey, limited treadwear, compromised winter grip. 3. ALL-TERRAIN Built for on- and off-pavement adventures. PROS Designed to look and be tough; good at clawing through dirt, rocks, and snow. CONS Can be noisy. 4. WINTER/SNOW These provide optimum grip in winter weather. PROS Great braking and traction on ice and snow. CONS Need to change seasonally, rapid wear, relatively long wet and dry braking distances. IT’S HARD TO overstate how important tires are to safe driving. After all, the contact patch, which is what the part of the tire that touches the road…