Japanese manufacturers monopolize the first places in the reliability ranking established by a consumer organization. Find out which brands you can count on for peace of mind, and which ones to avoid if you don't want to spend your time in the garage.
The ranking of the most reliable automobile brands
In a context where the prices of new cars continue to increase, it is more important than ever to choose a reliable vehicle that will not let you down after a few years. A recent study carried out by a consumer organization has established a ranking of the most reliable automobile brands on the French market. Unsurprisingly, Japanese manufacturers largely dominate this list.
Here are the top 10 most reliable brands, with their rating out of 100 points:
We see that the first 9 places are occupied by Asian brands, with an overwhelming domination of Japanese manufacturers. Lexus, Toyota's premium brand, tops the rankings with an excellent score of 95/100. This result demonstrates that luxury and reliability can go hand in hand.
European brands lagging behind
You have to go down to 10th place to find the first European brand in the ranking, in this case Seat. The Spanish manufacturer saves the honor of the Old Continent with an honorable score of 85/100, tied with Dacia.
The other general European brands are in the middle of the ranking:
Volkswagen, Peugeot, Citroën and Renault obtain scores between 80 and 82/100. These results, without being catastrophic, show that there remains room for improvement in terms of reliability for French and German manufacturers.
More surprisingly, some premium brands find themselves at the bottom of the ranking. This is particularly the case for Porsche (76/100), Jaguar (68/100) and Land Rover (64/100). These results prove that the prestige and high price of a car do not necessarily guarantee reliability.
The most reliable models by engine type
Beyond the classification by brand, the study also looked at the most reliable specific models according to the type of engine:
For diesel engines, it is the Volkswagen T-Roc (2017-) equipped with the 1.6 TDI unit which stands out as the most reliable vehicle in the survey.
On the gasoline side, three models share first place: the Audi Q3 (2018-) with its 1.5 TFSI engine, the Kia Rio (2017-) in 1.4 and the Hyundai i20 (2014-2020) with its small engine 1.0.
In the gasoline hybrid category, Lexus and Toyota confirm their domination with the Lexus IS 2.5 (2013-), the Toyota Corolla 2.0 (2018-) and the Toyota RAV-4 2.5 (2013-2018).
For plug-in hybrids and electrics, the Kia Niro PHEV (2016-) and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2013-) stand out for their high reliability.
The most frequent breakdowns
The study also analyzed the most common types of breakdowns encountered by motorists. Here are the main problems identified:
Some brands seem more prone to these problems than others. Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Fiat and Citroën are frequently cited as being particularly affected by these different types of breakdowns.
The importance of reliability when choosing a car
These results highlight the importance of considering reliability when purchasing a new or used vehicle. An unreliable car can quickly become a financial drain due to frequent repairs and downtime.
It is interesting to note that Japanese brands, renowned for their manufacturing quality and attention to detail, largely dominate this ranking. Their methodical approach to automobile design and production appears to be paying off in terms of long-term reliability.
The reasons for Japanese domination
Several factors explain the superiority of Japanese manufacturers in terms of reliability:
A corporate culture focused on quality: Japanese production methods, such as the famous “Kaizen” (continuous improvement), emphasize the constant search for perfection.
Proven technologies: rather than rushing into the latest innovations, Japanese brands often prefer to use well-developed and reliable technologies.
Robust design: Japanese engineers attach great importance to the durability of components, sometimes even if it means sacrificing a little performance or lightness.
Rigorous quality control: manufacturing and control processes are extremely strict, which limits production defects.
How to improve the reliability of your car?
Even if you do not own a vehicle from a brand at the top of this ranking, there are ways to improve its reliability and limit the risk of breakdown:
Strictly follow the maintenance logbook: regular servicing is essential to prevent mechanical problems.
Opt for original parts: in the event of replacement, choose manufacturer parts which generally offer better quality and longevity.
Adopt a flexible driving style: avoid sudden accelerations and emergency braking which put excessive strain on the mechanics.
Monitor Levels: Check oil, coolant and brake fluid levels regularly.
Don't overlook small problems: an unusual noise or a light on should be taken seriously and checked quickly.
This list of the most reliable automobile brands offers a valuable guide for motorists looking for a vehicle they can rely on. Japanese manufacturers confirm their reputation for excellence in terms of quality and reliability, while certain European brands still have progress to make in this area. Whatever the brand of your vehicle, regular maintenance and responsible driving remain the best ways to preserve its reliability in the long term.
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