CR’s Report - What Are The Best Brands Today
Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 246
Likes: 74
SUV
The fact that BMW was rated #1 compared to Toyota and Honda (YouTuber Scotty Kilmer must be hysterically laughing at CR's stats ) tells me CR is on someone's kick-back list. Based on my current and previous experience having owned Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, German brands are probably in the teens. While fun to drive, BMW is known to be very unreliable and the reason why my last one was an e46 3 series.
Are you seriously? I don't know about CR's credit but your statement for sure is something. Compare to something that is more recent and comparable to the GLE. Like the G05. Modern BMWs, believe or not, are way more reliable than most. I've had a bunch of Lexus and my G05 is even more reliable than some. And I only keep them for 3-4 years most.
Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 246
Likes: 74
SUV
I had not driven my wife's GLE for a while. This past weekend she asked me to take hers instead because her fuel was running low and she wanted me to fill for her. I don't know why but I used to really like how comfortable it was. But this weekend this thing felt so floaty and bouncy for the local drives. The steering wheel felt so light and loose. Maybe because I only drove it on long trips in the past?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,432
Likes: 5,342
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
So your statement is based off E46 which was made from 1997 to 2006? Are you seriously? I don't know about CR's credit but your statement for sure is something. Compare to something that is more recent and comparable to the GLE. Like the G05. Modern BMWs, believe or not, are way more reliable than most. I've had a bunch of Lexus and my G05 is even more reliable than some. And I only keep them for 3-4 years most.
Are you seriously? I don't know about CR's credit but your statement for sure is something. Compare to something that is more recent and comparable to the GLE. Like the G05. Modern BMWs, believe or not, are way more reliable than most. I've had a bunch of Lexus and my G05 is even more reliable than some. And I only keep them for 3-4 years most. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 1,513
From: Orbiting the planet
This place is a joke.
Hey, you could subscribe, read the paywall article and contribute your findings!
But nobody thinks it's worth the $10 or the time. CR gets away with their forked-tongue tabloid tactics. It's a strong commentary on the state of journalism these days. And our gullibility. 🙁
But nobody thinks it's worth the $10 or the time. CR gets away with their forked-tongue tabloid tactics. It's a strong commentary on the state of journalism these days. And our gullibility. 🙁
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 505
Likes: 201
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
2021 AMG GLE53 | 2013 SLK350 Sport
So your statement is based off E46 which was made from 1997 to 2006? Are you seriously? I don't know about CR's credit but your statement for sure is something. Compare to something that is more recent and comparable to the GLE. Like the G05. Modern BMWs, believe or not, are way more reliable than most. I've had a bunch of Lexus and my G05 is even more reliable than some. And I only keep them for 3-4 years most.
Are you seriously? I don't know about CR's credit but your statement for sure is something. Compare to something that is more recent and comparable to the GLE. Like the G05. Modern BMWs, believe or not, are way more reliable than most. I've had a bunch of Lexus and my G05 is even more reliable than some. And I only keep them for 3-4 years most. I am "seriously" (SIC), which by the way, was the epoch when BMW was still making good cars.
The comparison being argued is amongst brands in general and NOT specific models as you are citing the GLE and the X5 (G05). By the way, the G05 is plagued with issues and I say this with property. Last year when it came time to replace my 2015 MB ML350, I considered BMW again (they are fun to drive after all). I lurked the BMW X5 forum, test drove multiple trims of the G05 for many weeks and researched it to death. Guess what happened... I did the right thing and stuck with MB. And boy did I give BMW and the X5 a chance.
BMWs are a lot of fun to drive, everyone will agree and attest to that, however, they are unreliable vehicles and only have gotten worse.
I don't want to beat a dead horse by continuing on, but.... you admit to only keeping cars 3 - 4 years. All is fun and games when you are backed by a bumper to bumper warranty. I invite you to keep a BMW for 7 years as I do my Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Only then, when the manufacturer warranty is out, can you truly say if they are in fact as reliable as you say they are. By the way, that is BMW's business model. Make the car good for up to 4 years and that's it. Customers will either sell or trade in for a new one anyway by then.
Regarding Lexus, you and I are in agreement.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,113
Likes: 4,598
From: Maryland
2024 S580
At the end of the day, I dont know why some people get so hot and bothered about this. Nobody would accuse Mercedes of making the most reliable cars in the world, I would not expect them to be rated at the top. That doesn't mean I don't prefer many of their models, I do, reliability isn't everything. Why get angry at the rankings?
BMW has been doing very well over the last 5 years or so, rated quite highly in dependability and reliability and initial quality, I have noticed that, so good for them for this ranking. They make great cars...I prefer some Mercedes, and some BMWs. I prefer the GLE to the X5, I think...same as the GLS t to the X7...but I expect the X5 /X7 would likely be a little more reliable...would that make me buy one? No...in the end I will buy what I like the most...as will everybody else.
BMW has been doing very well over the last 5 years or so, rated quite highly in dependability and reliability and initial quality, I have noticed that, so good for them for this ranking. They make great cars...I prefer some Mercedes, and some BMWs. I prefer the GLE to the X5, I think...same as the GLS t to the X7...but I expect the X5 /X7 would likely be a little more reliable...would that make me buy one? No...in the end I will buy what I like the most...as will everybody else.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 508
From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
At the end of the day, I dont know why some people get so hot and bothered about this. Nobody would accuse Mercedes of making the most reliable cars in the world, I would not expect them to be rated at the top. That doesn't mean I don't prefer many of their models, I do, reliability isn't everything. Why get angry at the rankings?
BMW has been doing very well over the last 5 years or so, rated quite highly in dependability and reliability and initial quality, I have noticed that, so good for them for this ranking. They make great cars...I prefer some Mercedes, and some BMWs. I prefer the GLE to the X5, I think...same as the GLS t to the X7...but I expect the X5 /X7 would likely be a little more reliable...would that make me buy one? No...in the end I will buy what I like the most...as will everybody else.
BMW has been doing very well over the last 5 years or so, rated quite highly in dependability and reliability and initial quality, I have noticed that, so good for them for this ranking. They make great cars...I prefer some Mercedes, and some BMWs. I prefer the GLE to the X5, I think...same as the GLS t to the X7...but I expect the X5 /X7 would likely be a little more reliable...would that make me buy one? No...in the end I will buy what I like the most...as will everybody else.
I also still find it frustrating that a subjectively bad cup holder or infotainment system that the reviewers didn't spend addequate time learning is worth as much as an exploding engine, so there's that too...
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 505
Likes: 201
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
2021 AMG GLE53 | 2013 SLK350 Sport
At the end of the day, I dont know why some people get so hot and bothered about this. Nobody would accuse Mercedes of making the most reliable cars in the world, I would not expect them to be rated at the top. That doesn't mean I don't prefer many of their models, I do, reliability isn't everything. Why get angry at the rankings?
BMW has been doing very well over the last 5 years or so, rated quite highly in dependability and reliability and initial quality, I have noticed that, so good for them for this ranking. They make great cars...I prefer some Mercedes, and some BMWs. I prefer the GLE to the X5, I think...same as the GLS t to the X7...but I expect the X5 /X7 would likely be a little more reliable...would that make me buy one? No...in the end I will buy what I like the most...as will everybody else.
BMW has been doing very well over the last 5 years or so, rated quite highly in dependability and reliability and initial quality, I have noticed that, so good for them for this ranking. They make great cars...I prefer some Mercedes, and some BMWs. I prefer the GLE to the X5, I think...same as the GLS t to the X7...but I expect the X5 /X7 would likely be a little more reliable...would that make me buy one? No...in the end I will buy what I like the most...as will everybody else.
I don't think it's a matter of people getting or being upset at the CR ranking, but rather, surprised. BMW #1 overall over Toyota and Honda is preposterous and not believable at all further cementing CR's credibility as null.
In the end people will buy what they like and will take the good with the bad.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,009
Likes: 2,198
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Toyota is a new contender for "most recalls" AND "highest percentage" of total sales being recalled. Much higher than the German brands. #3 I think behind Ford and Hyundai.
What's the percentage of Prius's with a headlight or taillight out? Pretty high.
Now you'll start noticing.
What's the percentage of Prius's with a headlight or taillight out? Pretty high.
Now you'll start noticing.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,432
Likes: 5,342
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,113
Likes: 4,598
From: Maryland
2024 S580
You don’t have access to the data they use to compile the list, it’s subjective like anything else. Why is BMW higher than Toyota? Because it’s not just a reliability list, it’s an overall brand list that includes subjective roar test scores alongside reliability data.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,009
Likes: 2,198
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I seem to see all kinds of cars with head or taillights out. People don't have money to fix their cars. But the Asian brands seem to have the highest percentage of drivers who drive around at night with only the DLR lights turned on, not realizing that their main lights are off. That's the level of car owners we are dealing with.
Reminds me of the late 70's when the "Legendary" Honda was one that had an abysmal reliability record. They could not figure out how to meet emission requirements, and had installe yards of vacuum hoses, wires and relays which regularly failed. Complexity was their downfall, and sales were plummeting.
Honda's solution? A brilliant ad campaign "Honda - We Make It Simple." People still believe it.
Just like Toyota's "Legendary" reliability. (Yes, I put 700,000 miles on my Toyota, but it was a '63 Land Cruiser. They had Pre-Emission cars down pat.)
And now that they are including things like NAV and auto-high beams, they're in the same boat as more modern cars.
Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 126
Likes: 47
From: Idaho
2023 GLE 450
I love Toyotas and I now drive a MB. Just sold my Tundra after driving it for 4 years and got 3k less for it then I paid new! Lol. It was a great truck, a tank very reliable and lots of mini recalls. Good vehicle. But I’m super happy to be in a MB again, I don’t expect the same reliability or resale. Different vehicle for different purposes both are fantastic.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,366
Likes: 6,322
Not another one of these threads. Always in the GLE forum, too. Up to you how much faith you put in CR etc. like Yelp you have to take everything with a grain of salt and look at the makeup of the data. MB has admittedly been dragged down by the cheap A, B, CLA and GLB platforms. These are very different from the C Class and above. The latter are longitudinal RWD platforms, where as the former are transverse FWD platforms. There is no FWD S Class or even C Class. The A and B classes compete with the VW Golf, but are not worth the money over a Golf. BMW has stepped up the game with their entry platforms. The M2 is arguably the best M car today, whereas the A45 is the worst AMG. What has further eroded MB's reputation are the US built cars coming out of Alabama such as the C Class sedan until the current platform was discontinued and the SUVs such as the GLE and GLS. The quality of the US plant continues to lag behind the other MB plants. However, the SUVs, A and B class is what the majority buys. US customers continue to buy SUVs, even though they are the worst vehicles and the A and B class is what the masses who want an MB star on the hood can afford.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,366
Likes: 6,322
FWIW, I came across the video a few days ago while watching a honda video (apparently it was posted 4 years ago):
youtube.com/watch?v=XultWlJySNw
Then I browsed his youtube channel and came across this video that apparently was uploaded a few weeks ago?
youtube.com/watch?v=klQv7OXGCWk
In the second video, tl;dr and to summarize, tech was what killed honda's reliability and tech is also what other forum members here that mentioned that would affect a vehicle's reliability.
Last but not least: youtube.com/watch?v=xDENBNlahyY
He also talked about the B58 right here: youtube.com/watch?v=pKqx6ZhasJw
youtube.com/watch?v=XultWlJySNw
Then I browsed his youtube channel and came across this video that apparently was uploaded a few weeks ago?
youtube.com/watch?v=klQv7OXGCWk
In the second video, tl;dr and to summarize, tech was what killed honda's reliability and tech is also what other forum members here that mentioned that would affect a vehicle's reliability.
Last but not least: youtube.com/watch?v=xDENBNlahyY
He also talked about the B58 right here: youtube.com/watch?v=pKqx6ZhasJw
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,113
Likes: 4,598
From: Maryland
2024 S580
I would buy a CR top pick, but only using the fact that it is one as one reason for buying it and would do additional research. Point is, no research into reliability will lead you to this car. You have to buy one of these because you love it and damn the reputation.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 703
Likes: 68
From: Boston Area
2021 Mojave Silver E450, 2024 Black on Black Jaguar F-pace P400, 2011 335d (RIP), 2010 E350 (sold)
The way I think about reliability is:
1) will the vehicle leave me stranded on the side of the road
2) will I be unable to get where I need to go
Based on what I know about E and GLE classes I am willing to accept the risk of 1 and 2 above.
Will any CR data provide information about 1 and 2 above -> abso****enlutely no. From this I see almost zero value in CR for my car buying decisions. Anecdotally interesting, maybe a bit but not much.
The possibility that I might need to take my car in to the dealer a couple times has no bearing on whether or not I want to purchase a particular vehicle.
I am confident that I will be able to get a Mercedes loaner for issues that come up and I have no intention of keeping this car far beyond the Mercedes CPO extended warranty that I have. Some may want to keep theirs longer which is fine, but do you really think that anything published by CR is going to be of value 7 - 10 years from your purchase date? The keep vs sell decision I will make will be based on how much I still like my car and whether or not I have a good and honest independent mechanic, not CR.
1) will the vehicle leave me stranded on the side of the road
2) will I be unable to get where I need to go
Based on what I know about E and GLE classes I am willing to accept the risk of 1 and 2 above.
Will any CR data provide information about 1 and 2 above -> abso****enlutely no. From this I see almost zero value in CR for my car buying decisions. Anecdotally interesting, maybe a bit but not much.
The possibility that I might need to take my car in to the dealer a couple times has no bearing on whether or not I want to purchase a particular vehicle.
I am confident that I will be able to get a Mercedes loaner for issues that come up and I have no intention of keeping this car far beyond the Mercedes CPO extended warranty that I have. Some may want to keep theirs longer which is fine, but do you really think that anything published by CR is going to be of value 7 - 10 years from your purchase date? The keep vs sell decision I will make will be based on how much I still like my car and whether or not I have a good and honest independent mechanic, not CR.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,432
Likes: 5,342
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
The way I think about reliability is:
1) will the vehicle leave me stranded on the side of the road
2) will I be unable to get where I need to go
Based on what I know about E and GLE classes I am willing to accept the risk of 1 and 2 above.
Will any CR data provide information about 1 and 2 above -> abso****enlutely no. From this I see almost zero value in CR for my car buying decisions. Anecdotally interesting, maybe a bit but not much.
The possibility that I might need to take my car in to the dealer a couple times has no bearing on whether or not I want to purchase a particular vehicle.
I am confident that I will be able to get a Mercedes loaner for issues that come up and I have no intention of keeping this car far beyond the Mercedes CPO extended warranty that I have. Some may want to keep theirs longer which is fine, but do you really think that anything published by CR is going to be of value 7 - 10 years from your purchase date? The keep vs sell decision I will make will be based on how much I still like my car and whether or not I have a good and honest independent mechanic, not CR.
1) will the vehicle leave me stranded on the side of the road
2) will I be unable to get where I need to go
Based on what I know about E and GLE classes I am willing to accept the risk of 1 and 2 above.
Will any CR data provide information about 1 and 2 above -> abso****enlutely no. From this I see almost zero value in CR for my car buying decisions. Anecdotally interesting, maybe a bit but not much.
The possibility that I might need to take my car in to the dealer a couple times has no bearing on whether or not I want to purchase a particular vehicle.
I am confident that I will be able to get a Mercedes loaner for issues that come up and I have no intention of keeping this car far beyond the Mercedes CPO extended warranty that I have. Some may want to keep theirs longer which is fine, but do you really think that anything published by CR is going to be of value 7 - 10 years from your purchase date? The keep vs sell decision I will make will be based on how much I still like my car and whether or not I have a good and honest independent mechanic, not CR.
My keep vs sell decision at the end of the warranty is based on how many issues and what kinds of issues I had during the warranty period, especially the last couple of years and obviously if I'm still enjoying the car as such. The fact that it needs maintenance and may have an occasional niggle that needs to be repaired is just part of owning a car or anything really for that matter. Machines break occasionally and need repair. Everything degrades over time.
As some have said, the ever more complex tech found in cars goes over the head of many and people struggle to understand and operate everything. We used to make fun of people who couldn't figure out how to program their VCRs. It's at a completely different level now with modern tech.
Last edited by superswiss; Apr 21, 2023 at 04:41 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,113
Likes: 4,598
From: Maryland
2024 S580
I would have, except at the time the Sienna was ancient and ugly and terribly cheap and nasty inside. Its now a hybrid only leaf blower thing to drive...
Other than that incident this Pacifica has been fine, the 2017 Pacifica we had before it though was a total disaster. But, we liked it enough as a vehicle to give it another try.
Issue with the tow was a simple bad second battery, BTW.
Other than that incident this Pacifica has been fine, the 2017 Pacifica we had before it though was a total disaster. But, we liked it enough as a vehicle to give it another try.
Issue with the tow was a simple bad second battery, BTW.
