Consumer Reports: Tesla Model S Is Still The Best

Consumer Reports has released their list of the best vehicles for 2015, and their top pick isn’t from a major automaker. The Tesla Model S won the award as the best model overall for the second straight year. A description on the Consumer Reports website indicated that for all of the vehicles that were introduced in 2014, “none was able to eclipse the innovation, magnificence, and sheer technological arrogance of the Tesla.” Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted about the victory of the Model S for 2 years running. He also pointed out that Tesla was ranked by Consumer Reports as having the best overall service, followed by Buick, Lincoln and Cadillac. The Model S only received an “average” reliability score, which was 3 out of 5.

The best compact car went to the Subaru Impreza, who is no stranger to this award. The AWD sedan has won this award since 2011, when the compact car category was called “best small car.” Consumer Reports called it a great starter car. The top midsize sedan award also went to Subaru for the Legacy. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry shared this award between 2012 and 2014.

The best large car award went to the Chevy Impala. Its overall score of 91 was second only to Tesla’s 99 among award winning vehicles. This vehicle also had an “average” reliability score, however, Consumer Reports seems to feel this vehicle has turned the corner. It’s a model that CR said has too often been remembered as a “bad rental car.” The report indicates that this model is built to be marketed towards an older, luxury-conscious population.

The Audi A6 won the award for best luxury vehicle for the third year in a row. The vehicle received applause based on its light and nimble ride. The A6’s Quattro AWD system received a positive review from Consumer Reports to go with an “Average” reliability rating.

The best “green car” was the Toyota Prius, which isn’t a surprise. The vehicle has won this award 12 years in a row. The Prius received a 5 out of 5 reliability rating. The question is, could an up-and-comer like the Chevy Bolt come and upstage the well-established hybrid from Toyota in 2017?

The Best Sports Sedan award went to a Buick. The Regal won this category for 2015 with its 259 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo charged power plant. The CR reviews indicate that this American-made machine drives more like a German Audi than…a Buick.

For the 3rd year in a row, the Honda Odyssey won the best minivan award. CR had strong praise for the family-oriented ride. Part of the CR review reads, “… it’s actually enjoyable to drive. This is the best vehicle Honda makes.” However, CR does mention that this lineup could use an AWD version.

Subaru took home a third vehicle award with the Forester winning the award for the best small SUV. The offering from the Japan-based automaker received a 5 out of 5 for reliability and is apparently well built. A CR report on this vehicle indicated, “The Forester doesn’t just look like a tank, it’s built like one—with better crash-test results than most of the field.” However, according to Consumer Reports, the Forester fell short on a less than stellar infotainment center.

Finally, wrapping up the best of 2015 awards is the Toyota Highlander. The offering from Toyota won the best mid-sized SUV award. CR felt that the redesigned Highlander benefited a lot from handling upgrades. According to CR, “Highlander has a new all-wheel-drive setup and an elegant double-wishbone rear suspension that make it handle more like a car and less like a whale.”

Have you had any customers’ mention Consumer Reports ratings or awards when they purchase a new vehicle? Have any of these vehicles seen an uptick in sales at your stores during the past year?