A couple of things. This isn't their usual survey type deal. This is worst of the worst cars that they've actually tested. Secondly believe it or not CR does like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi if you read their annual auto issues from the past few years. They have nothing but praise for most Mercedes-Benz models, but of course can't recommend them due to (according to them) sub-par reliability.

There some threads over on MBWorld that talk about this latest issue. There was so much talk I actually ran out to buy the issue so I could examine it myself. Each and every Mercedes they say has excellent fit and finish, great safety, comfort, refinement, performance, superior accident avoidance and what not, but are not reliable enough for them to recommend.

They do recommend the previously dumped on BMW 7-Series. They also recommend the Audi A6, BMW 3-Series, Porsche 911 and BMW X5 (yes the new one) so they aren't as brain-dead as many make them out to be when it comes actual road testing of cars.

The part where I draw the line with them is the W221 S-Class. Everywhere else this car has proven to be more reliable many times over compared to the W220, yet CR still says that reliability has been "sub-par", whatever the @#$% that means. JD Powers releases their data later this spring which will also be based on the first year of ownership so it will be most interesting to see what they say.

Consumer Reports whines constantly about German cars having controls that are too complicated, BMW especially. Ok, a legitimate gripe for some people, but that has nothing to do with reliability!!!!

You may notice that they don't like all things Toyota either. Shocking.

Ok the whining about controls is one thing, but the fact that they still recommend cars that they think are severly lacking just because they are reliable is just down stupid. The BMW 7-Series, a car that they say "misses the mark as a luxury car" is still recommended? Ditto for the Saab 9-3? No true automotive publication would say or feel that way about a car and then turn around and recommend it. I just use those 2 as an example, not saying that I agree with CR's analysis.

This list of 11 worst cars isn't too far off IMO, with some exceptions. I don't think they grasp the intent and purpose of every car on the market, but still.

Either way I'm done with giving a damn about what CR says anymore. I had already said that if the the W221 didn't get their nod I was done and I am. The dealer service bays at any dealer you ask say that the W221 is reliable, moreso than any Benz in the last 10-15 years and JDP says it has been reliable also, at least for the first 90 days. Now CR is saying that the S-Class' reliability goes off the deep end after 90 days? BULLSHIT.




M