Consumer Reports Cars 2014 Most Reliable, PHOTOS of Vehicles Best in Safety and Efficiency [VIDEO]
Consumer Reports released its annual study predicting the most reliable cars for 2014 based on ratings of this year's models.
For the first time, Toyota vehicles did not take the top spot and three models that have consistently made the list before were all absent.
Toyota was plagued by 10 Voluntary recalls in 2013. Four recalls since September included 133,000 Highlander Hybrid vehicles, 615,000 Sienna minivans and 803,000 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid and Venza models for safety checks that addressed problems with the shift lever assembly and air conditioning units. Another recall included 10,000 Camry, Avalon and Corolla models to replace the wiper switch, according to the company's website.
Enstars compiled a list of the 10 vehicles that earned the magazine's highest rankings:
1. Lexus: The specific model that has been ranked the best for the company was the es350, featuring a V-6 engine and 21MPG City/ 31MPG Hwy. The vehicle retails at a start of $36,470.
2. Toyota: The best ranked model was the Prius, which receives 51 MPG Hwy/ 48 MPG City, and retails for $24,200.
3. Acura: The TL model with a V-6 engine and 20 MPG city/29 MPG Hwy retails for $36,030
4. Audi: The a6 cracked the Top 10 for the first time with its 4-cylinder engine and 25 MPG city/33 MPG Hwy. It retails for a heftier price because it is considered a luxury vehicle, at $43,100.
5. Mazda: The Mazda 5, which retails for $19,940, features a 4-cylinder engine and gets 21 MPG city/28 MPG hwy.
6. Infiniti: The G37 was ranked the best model though it was recently replaced by the company with the $36,700 q50 model. The new model features a V-6 engine and rearview monitor, and gets 20 MPG city/30 MPG hwy.
7. Volvo: The XC70, which was also given the Vincentric 2012 Award for Best Value, features a 6-cylinder engine, and gets 18 MPG city/ 25 MPG hwy. It retails for $34,500.
8. Honda: The CR-Z retails for $19,995. The vehicle has a 4-cylinder engine and vehicle stability assist. It also gets an impressive 36 MPG city and 39 MPG hwy. it was also a 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick.
9. GMC: The Yukon Denali SUV features a V-8 engine, rear-vision camera, and side blind zone alert. It gets 14 MPG city/18 MPG hwy, and retails at $56,685.
10. Subaru: Rounding out the 10 best vehicles is the Subaru Forester, which retails for $21,995, gets 32 MPG hwy/24 MPG city, and features a 4-cylinder engine, symmetrical all-wheel drive and vehicle dynamics control. It also recently received the Motor Trend SUV of the Year award.
Companies that failed to crack the Top 10 include several high-end brands including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW and Cadillac, as well as more budget-friendly ones like Kia, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Dodge and Ford.