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New report: 30 best and worst car brands for owner satisfaction

By Mike Timmermann
By Mike Timmermann

If you had to do it all over again, would you buy the same car that you’re already driving? That’s what Consumer Reports asked subscribers for its annual Owner Satisfaction Survey.

The new ranking provides valuable insight into the car brands and models that people really like — and don’t like!

RELATED: These are the 10 most reliable vehicles on the road

Car brands ranked by owner satisfaction

Consumer Reports collected data on more than half a million vehicles for the study. Each car brand received a score based on whether an owner says they would purchase the same vehicle again.

Those who responded to the survey also rated their cars in the following six categories:

  • Driving experience
  • Comfort
  • Value
  • Styling
  • Audio
  • Climate systems

In addition to its separate reliability ratings, Consumer Reports suggests that car buyers use this list that measures which brands satisfy drivers after living with their vehicles for three years.

Here are CR’s best and worst car brands, ranked by owner satisfaction:

  1. Tesla (90)
  2. Porsche (85)
  3. Genesis (81)
  4. Chrysler (78)
  5. Audi (76)
  6. Mazda (76)
  7. Subaru (76)
  8. Toyota (76)
  9. Honda (75)
  10. Lincoln (75)
  11. Mini (73)
  12. Ram (73)
  13. Kia (72)
  14. Chevrolet (72)
  15. BMW (72)
  16. GMC (72)
  17. Ford (70)
  18. Lexus (70)
  19. Volvo (69)
  20. Dodge (68)
  21. Jeep (68)
  22. Mercedes-Benz (67)
  23. Volkswagen (67)
  24. Hyundai (67)
  25. Buick (66)
  26. Cadillac (64)
  27. Infiniti (60)
  28. Mitsubishi (58)
  29. Nissan (58)
  30. Acura (58)

Most and least satisfying car models

Taking a look at specific car models, CR said owners of the Tesla Model S, Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Lincoln Continental and Ford F-350 are the happiest.

More than 90% of drivers for each of those vehicles said they would buy the same model in the future.

On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Nissan Sentra, Acura ILX, Chevrolet Trax and Nissan Versa Sedan are the five least satisfying car models, according to the study.

Click here to read Consumer Reports' full study about the cars that owners love and hate.

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