CR ranks Mazda 4th again for all nameplates tested for best car company overall. Same position as last year, but the big surprise was MB in 5th. They have had some crappy reliability, but they have seemed to turn the corner with their renewed reliability efforts.

Recently JD Powers ranked Mazda 5th from last in their reliability survey, but CR ranks Mazda 4th overall using a combo of factors. Go figure--take everything with a grain of salt.

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/auto...the-best-cars/

2009
1. Honda
2. Subaru
3. Toyota
4. Mazda
5. Mercedes Benz


2008
1. Honda
2. Toyota
3. BMW
4. Mazda
5. Tie- Nissan, Volkswagen



Automaker Report Cards: The Top Ranked

Honda

Overall score: 78

Average test score: 78

Reliability: Very Good

Tested vehicles recommended: 95%

Most Hondas and Acuras are very reliable, well-rounded performers. Some new designs don't live up to previous models.

Highs: Crash-test results, handling, ride, powertrains, fuel economy, reliability.

Lows: Road noise.


Subaru

Overall score: 75

Average test score: 78

Reliability: Very Good

Tested vehicles recommended: 100%

Subarus have good ride, handling, and reliability, but standard AWD hurts fuel economy. Newer models are more refined.

Highs: Ride, handling, steering, acceleration, controls, crash-test results.

Lows: Fuel economy.


Toyota

Overall score: 74

Average test score: 74

Reliability: Very Good

Tested vehicles recommended: 89%

Toyota builds a lineup of cars with great reliability across all three of its brands, and most have good overall test scores.

Highs: Quietness, fuel economy, reliability, ride, powertrains, access, acceleration.

Lows: Lack of agility, steering feel.


Mazda

Overall score: 73

Average test score: 76

Reliability: Good

Tested vehicles recommended: 86%

Most Mazdas are fun to drive, with good handling. Reliability has been average or above in the 2008

survey.

Highs: Handling, steering, braking, acceleration, agility, fuel economy.

Lows: Road noise


Mercedes-Benz

Overall score: 72

Average test score: 81

Reliability: Fair

Tested vehicles recommended: 67%

Most models have excellent ride and handling and nice interiors but annoying controls. Reliability has improved.

Highs: Handling, ride, acceleration, fit and finish, quietness.

Lows: Controls, transmissions.

 

But JD Power would disagree.

 

I guess it's all about whom you ask and what you ask them.

 

i shall now ignore jd powers survey.