The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz
Episode: CONSUMER REPORTS MOST RELIABLE BRANDS FOR 2025
Guest: Jennifer Stockburger, Consumer Reports
Release Date: January 9, 2025

Introduction and Overview

In the January 9, 2025 episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz, hosts Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John delve into the latest findings from Consumer Reports regarding the most reliable car brands for 2025. Joined by Jennifer Stockburger from Consumer Reports, the sisters explore the methodology behind the rankings, analyze the shifts in brand performances, and discuss the implications for both new and used car buyers. The episode offers valuable insights for families and individuals prioritizing reliability in their vehicle choices.

Methodology of Consumer Reports' Reliability Rankings

Jennifer Stockburger begins by elucidating the robust methodology Consumer Reports employs to assess vehicle reliability. She explains that the rankings are derived from comprehensive surveys of over five million Consumer Reports members, encompassing feedback on more than 300,000 vehicles spanning both new and used models.

Jennifer Stockburger [08:29]: "We reach out to our members with detailed surveys asking about the problems they've encountered with their cars over the past 12 months. This data has been collected consistently since 2000, providing a robust foundation for our reliability scores."

The process involves comparing each vehicle to others of the same model year, focusing on problem rates and how they stack up against peers. This approach ensures that natural wear and tear associated with aging are accounted for, highlighting genuine reliability issues beyond expected maintenance concerns.

Jennifer Stockburger [09:55]: "We take a vehicle and compare it to others of the same model year to determine its problem rate and how it stands relative to its peers. This isolates out-of-the-ordinary issues that may affect reliability."

Top 10 Most Reliable Car Brands for 2025

The discussion transitions to the unveiling of the top 10 most reliable car brands for 2025. The list surprises many by positioning Subaru at the pinnacle, displacing traditional leaders like Toyota and Lexus.

Kelly [11:34]: "Number one was Subaru."

The complete ranking is as follows:

1. Subaru
2. BMW
3. Lexus
4. Porsche
5. Honda
6. Audi
7. Kia
8. Hyundai
9. Toyota
10. Infiniti

Analysis of Brand Performances

Lizz and Jennifer engage in a nuanced analysis of the rankings, particularly focusing on Subaru's ascent to the top spot.

Jennifer Stockburger [12:39]: "Subaru is new to that top position in terms of reliability. They displaced the venerable Toyota Lexus, which you always expect to be the most reliable."

Lizz elaborates on the evolving perceptions of brands like Kia and Hyundai, noting their improved reliability despite lingering reputations from earlier years plagued by recalls and other issues.

Lizz [13:17]: "I always get asked about Kia and Hyundai reliability. I think they had some bad PR, but their reliability record has far improved."

The conversation highlights how Consumer Reports' data reflects not just current performances but also longstanding brand reliability, comparing it to academic GPA metrics where early setbacks can have prolonged reputational impacts.

Jennifer Stockburger [14:20]: "It's like a GPA. Early issues with Kia and Hyundai have had lasting effects on their reputation, even though their reliability has significantly improved."

Reliability of Used Cars vs. New Cars

A significant portion of the episode addresses the reliability of used versus new cars. The hosts and Jennifer discuss the benefits of purchasing used vehicles, especially from brands with robust reliability histories.

Lizz [30:21]: "Any vehicle is a better financial decision used because you've wiped away all that depreciation. It's less to insure, it's everything."

Jennifer concurs, emphasizing that buying used cars from reliable brands can be a more prudent financial decision, offering proven reliability backed by extensive Consumer Reports data.

Jennifer Stockburger [26:46]: "We're advocates of buying used. It often makes financial sense and provides access to reliable vehicles that have a proven track record."

Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) Reliability Data

The episode also explores the reliability trends of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), highlighting improvements and ongoing challenges.

Jennifer Stockburger [22:57]: "EVs now have 42% more problems than internal combustion cars, down from 79% last year. PHEVs have 70% more problems, down from 146%."

Despite progress, EVs and PHEVs still face higher problem rates compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, though the gap is narrowing. Notably, traditional hybrid vehicles without plug-in capabilities have achieved parity with internal combustion vehicles in terms of reliability.

Jennifer Stockburger [23:58]: "Hybrid vehicles are now on par with internal combustion engine vehicles in reliability. There's no hesitancy about buying a regular hybrid."

Advice for Used Car Shopping

Jennifer provides practical advice for listeners navigating the used car market, emphasizing the importance of brand reliability, budget considerations, and prioritizing safety features.

Jennifer Stockburger [27:49]: "Set your price point. If you can't find a vehicle from the most reliable brands within your budget, consider slightly lower tiers like Mazda, Buick, or Nissan that still offer reliability."

She also advises focusing on safety, especially given the challenges faced during the pandemic, which affected the availability of safety features in models produced between 2020 and 2021.

Jennifer Stockburger [28:28]: "When shopping used, prioritize safety features. Manufacturers struggled during the pandemic to include the latest safety tech, so you might need to look harder for those features in older models."

Consumer Reports Platform and Membership Benefits

The conversation shifts to the value of Consumer Reports membership, detailing the extensive resources available to members beyond vehicle reliability, including ratings for home appliances, electronics, child car seats, and more.

Jennifer Stockburger [31:07]: "Members receive full access to ratings across almost all areas, including home safety, electronics, and appliances. We test everything rigorously to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews."

Lizz shares her own positive experiences using Consumer Reports to make informed decisions, particularly highlighting the platform's superiority over typical online reviews due to its focus on long-term reliability and unbiased testing.

Lizz [33:20]: "Consumer Reports puts an emphasis on reliability that typical online reviews lack. It's invaluable for making informed purchasing decisions."

Additionally, listeners are offered a discount on Consumer Reports memberships through a special URL provided by Lizz.

Lizz [33:20]: "You can use cr.org/thecarmom to get a discount on your Consumer Reports membership."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Kelly and Lizz reiterate the importance of leveraging trusted resources like Consumer Reports for making informed vehicle and product decisions. They express gratitude to Jennifer Stockburger for her insights and encourage listeners to prioritize reliability and safety in their purchases.

Kelly [34:07]: "Thank you for listening to the Carpool Podcast with Kelly and Liz. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jennifer Stockburger [08:29]: "We reach out to our members with detailed surveys asking about the problems they've encountered with their cars over the past 12 months."

• Liz [09:55]: "Consumer Reports does such a good job. Every year they come out with this new reliability data."

• Jennifer Stockburger [12:39]: "Subaru is new to that top position in terms of reliability. They displaced the venerable Toyota Lexus."

• Lizz [13:17]: "I think Kia and Hyundai had some bad PR, but their reliability record has far improved."

• Jennifer Stockburger [22:57]: "EVs now have 42% more problems than internal combustion cars, down from 79% last year."

• Jennifer Stockburger [26:46]: "We're advocates of buying used. It often makes financial sense."

• Jennifer Stockburger [31:07]: "Members receive full access to ratings across almost all areas, including home safety, electronics, and appliances."

This episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz serves as an essential guide for consumers navigating the complex landscape of vehicle reliability, offering expert insights and actionable advice backed by Consumer Reports' extensive research. Whether you're in the market for a new or used car, understanding these rankings and methodologies can significantly impact your purchasing decisions, ensuring you invest in a vehicle that meets your reliability and safety standards.