Detroit Automakers Still Lag Foreign Rivals in Consumer Reports' Annual Rankings

WASHINGTON -Detroit's automakers continue to trail their foreign rivals in Consumer Reports' annual new car report, The Detroit News reported.

Despite recent recalls by Toyota Motor Corp., it was Chrysler Group LLC that was singled out by the magazine as the worst automaker. But the Auburn Hills automaker said it is working to improve its standing in what it acknowledges is one of the most influential annual rankings.

As they did last year, Japan's Honda Motor Co. and Subaru topped the magazine's list, while General Motors Co. and Chrysler brought up the bottom.

Chrysler products were rated the worst values in six of eight vehicle categories analyzed by the influential magazine -- including minivans, which have been the company's bread and butter for years. Only one of its vehicles, the Ram 1500 pickup, made Consumer Reports' list of recommended vehicles.

Toyota remained the third-highest rated automobile manufacturer, despite its recent recalls. The Toyota Prius tied with the Honda Fit for first place among the 280 cars and trucks tested by Consumer Reports.

The magazine has suspended its recommendations of eight Toyota models being recalled and now endorses only 47 percent of the company's nameplates.

Ford Motor Co. moved up one place in this year's ranking and Consumer Reports now recommends more Fords than Toyotas. But the magazine said the Dearborn-based automaker still has a ways to go.

None of Ford's cars or trucks was named a "Top Pick."

Two GM models -- the Chevrolet Traverse and Silverado -- received "Top Pick" ratings, but Consumer Reports said the company's overall reliability "still lags behind most of the competition."