Automakers spend over $12 billion annually on advertising. With the average price of a new car around $49,740 according to KBB, it’s no wonder automakers are willing to shell out on high-end video production and advertising while vying with one another for consumers’ attention.
And if we are to listen to the claims put forward in vehicle adverts, we might be inclined to believe that every automaker produces the longest-lasting, most reliable cars and trucks.
But of course, this can’t be true. That’s why it’s so important to consider third-party data when car shopping.
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Vehicles aren’t just big-ticket items — they are among the most significant sources of expense in most working people’s lives. So, when it comes to car shopping, cutting out the noise of well-produced Super Bowl ads and flashy dealer incentives is a must.
That’s where Consumer Reports comes in.
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What is Consumer Reports?
Consumer Reports, which has been around since the 1930s, is a nonprofit product testing and consumer survey agency whose data on long-term car and truck performance is unmatched.
Not only does CR purchase (anonymously and for full price) and test virtually every available vehicle on its six-mile driving course in Connecticut; it also surveys its millions of members annually about their vehicles, any issues they’ve had, and how much those issues have cost to fix.
Because the organization has been doing this for decades, it has a wealth of collated information about every vehicle model and model year across countless drivers and owners, providing invaluable insights about how certain models tend to perform in both the short and long term.
Related: How does Consumer Reports make money? The product-testing nonprofit explained
Based on the data CR has collected, it curated a list of well-known vehicles across different categories that, despite their popularity with consumers, aren’t as dependable as their category peers.
Consumer Reports’ list of popular vehicles to avoid (and what to buy instead)
Here are eight popular vehicles (across eight different vehicle types) that are less reliable and satisfying to own than their peers — and what models consumers can consider instead — according to Consumer Reports.
Ford Escape Hybrid
Kevauto, CC-BY-SA-4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid is a popular choice within the small SUV category, but CR data shows that it’s less reliable than other vehicles in this category and has lower owner satisfaction ratings. The touch screen through which drivers operate the vehicle’s AC, heat, and music is known to lag, and its front seats aren’t the most comfortable.
Car shoppers can instead opt for a Honda CR-V Hybrid, which boasts higher reliability and satisfaction scores, along with slightly better fuel economy. That being said, the CR-V Hybrid, whose 2025 model starts at $34,650, is more expensive than the Escape Hybrid, whose 2025 model starts at $28,400.
MercurySable99, CC-BY-SA-4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a popular vehicle in the larger SUV space, but it’s not as reliable as some other choices. Its fuel economy is relatively low due to its V6 engine and it doesn’t accelerate and decelerate as quickly as other, similar car models.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, comes recommended by Consumer Reports with a similar starting price (both cars’ 2025 models start at between $39k and $40k), better reliability, and better gas mileage (35 overall MPG compared to the Grand Cherokee L’s 19) due to its 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain.
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Mercedes-Benz GLC
Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images
Mercedes-Benz GLC
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a popular luxury SUV, but its reliability and owner satisfaction scores prevent Consumer Reports from recommending it. It’s also fairly expensive, with a starting price of around $49,250 for the 2025 model.
In the same category, Consumer Reports recommends the Toyota-made Lexus NX Hybrid, whose 2025 model is cheaper and more reliable. The Lexus NX Hybrid starts at about $41,955, offers 38 MPG overall, and is known for its responsive steering and luxury interior.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
When it comes to family-friendly minivans, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a popular choice, but its low reliability and owner satisfaction scores detract from its competitive fuel economy of 26 MPG overall.
Instead, Consumer Reports recommends the Kia Carnival, which, despite its lower 21 overall MPG, is considered more reliable and is commended for its smooth transmission. It also has a significantly lower 2025 starting price: $36,800 compared to the Pacifica Hybrid’s $42,450.
Chevrolet Blazer EV
Chevrolet Blazer EV
In terms of electric SUVs, Chevy’s electric blazer, which delivers an overall 96 MPG equivalent, has a very low reliability rating and is plagued by stiff handling that can result in a less-than-smooth ride.
CR advises that shoppers instead opt for the Tesla Model Y. For a similar starting price (both models start at between $44k and $45k), owners get a more reliable vehicle with better handling and a smoother ride.
Volkswagen Jetta
Elise240SX, CC-BY-SA-4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagon Jetta is a longtime favorite among sedan enthusiasts, but Consumer Reports’ annual surveys show that the model is less than reliable, and many owners wouldn’t purchase it again given the chance.
Within the small car category, CR recommends the Mazda 3, which, despite its higher starting price ($23,950 for a 2025 model compared to $21,99 for the Jetta) and lower gas mileage, boasts better reliability and higher owner satisfaction.
Related: The 10 best electric SUVs, according to Consumer Reports data
MercurySable99, CC-BY-SA-4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Genesis G70
When it comes to luxury sedans, the Genesis G70 is popular for its fun driving experience and agile handling, but its low reliability and owner satisfaction scores and less-than-roomy cabin detract from its appeal.
CR recommends sport sedan shoppers instead consider the Audi A4, whose 2025 model starts at around the same price ($42,000 for a 2025 model), which comes with higher gas mileage along with better reliability and satisfaction scores.
Toyota Tacoma
Alexander-93, CC-BY-SA-4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a supremely popular mid-size pickup and has been a top choice among truck enthusiasts for years, but its stiff handling and low reliability and satisfaction scores prevent Consumer Reports from recommending it.
Instead, the org advises that pickup shoppers opt for the Honda Ridgeline. The Ridgeline is more expensive ($40,150 compared to the Tacoma’s $31,590 2025 starting price), but its higher reliability and satisfaction scores, along with its better handling, make it “all the truck many weekend warriors need,” according to the nonprofit.
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