What Brands Make the Best Cars in Escondido, CA?

Consumer Reports’ exclusive testing and member survey data reveal MINI as a top 10 car brand, beating out other car makers such as Tesla, Toyota, and Mercedes Benz. MINI has long been known as the fun kid on the block, but has grown to become the reliable kid in the family, moving up five spots in this year’s annual ranking. 

Where are the rankings at? 

MINI is solidly moving up the charts to stand almost side by side of BMW (currently holding tight in the eight spot). With a road test score that places it in the top eight of thirty-three car makers and an improving customer satisfaction score, MINI continues to show a commitment to not only growing the brand, but making it better. While car makers like Tesla continue to struggle with consistency issues with the Model 3 and a “Does Not Recommend” for the Model X, MINI is now considered the “most dependable compact car” and ranked fourth overall for dependability by JD Power and Associates. 

Consumer Reports Presents a Compelling Case for MINI Vehicles

Brand report cards are built on an average of the Overall Score for each model tested. A brand must have at least two models tested to be included. 

• Porsche is now ranked as the #1 car brand with a road test score of 89, and increasing reliability and owner satisfaction. 
• BMW is ranked #8, after submitting eleven models for testing and receiving 7 models recommended with increasing owner satisfaction. 
• Mercedes Benz is ranked #20 out of 33, with low predicted reliability and poor owner satisfaction and only three out of nine models tested viewed favorably. 
• Brands like GMC (#26), Jaguar (#28), Cadillac (#29), Land Rover (#30), and Jeep (#31) are ranked at the bottom of the barrel, with low owner satisfaction, predicted reliability, and models recommended. 

How the Report was Determined

The Overall Score is based on four key factors: road test, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. The road-test scores are for vehicles purchased by CR and run through more than 50 tests. Reliability predictions are based on problems reported by CR members in 17 trouble areas. Owner satisfaction from surveyed CR members reflects whether drivers would purchase the same car if they had to do it again. Safety includes crash-test results and extra points awarded for proven advanced safety features that come standard for the model.

The base two-door Cooper is a ground-hugging and agile front-wheel-drive hatchback. Cooper S versions are quicker, with sportier suspension settings and an invigorating exhaust note. An all-electric model is also available. A larger four-door Cooper and a four-door Clubman with barn-style rear doors are also offered. Buyers can choose a small SUV called the Countryman, which is also offered as a plug-in hybrid. – Consumer Reports