CR: 6 new cars that are worse than their predecessors

[PREMiERdrum]

 

There's nothing like being told you aren't as good as you used to be. "You've changed, man. You've really changed."

 

In its annual automotive issue, Consumer Reports awards scores to each new car available on the market, and though you'd think that a new model would score higher than the one it replaces, that isn't always the case. In fact, CR points out six 2011 model year vehicles that received substantially lower scores under its methodology than their predecessors.

 

At the top of CR's list is the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta – a car that has come in for a raft of criticism from the media since its redesign launched in mid-2010 (criticism that has been summarily ignored if the Jetta's rising sales figures are anything to go by). Rounding off the rest of the list are the Honda Odyssey, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Sienna, Mercedes-Benz E350 and BMW X5.

 

Consumer Reports does raise an important point, though: Earning a lower score doesn't automatically mean the car should be written off completely. In its story, CR states:

 

Some models, such as the Honda Odyssey, Mercedes-Benz E350, and Toyota Sienna, are still very good vehicles that we recommend. But they don't quite measure up to the standards set by their previous generation models. Others, such as the current BMW X5, Toyota 4Runner, and Volkswagen Jetta sedan, are clear disappointments.

 

Clear disappointments? Ouch. Head over to Consumer Reports for the full story.

 

LINK - Autoblog

[Smokey]

I can't think of anything in a Toyota lot i would ever want in my driveway. Sure they may be reliable and economical, but they are just plain boring.

[DEREKC]

I think the standout in this list is really the VW Jetta! It is important for a company to be competitive, but to ruin a important product and a companies reputation is another thing.

[DC Car Examiner]

I think the standout in this list is really the VW Jetta! It is important for a company to be competitive, but to ruin a important product and a companies reputation is another thing.

 

In that case, the reason it showed up on the list is VW drastically cut the price and CR doesn't factor price into its ratings.

[tjl]

In that case, the reason it showed up on the list is VW drastically cut the price and CR doesn't factor price into its ratings.

 

However, in CR's ratings, it scored higher than only the soon-to-depart Chevrolet Cobalt in the small car with automatic transmission class. The one that they tested had an MSRP of $20,300, higher than that of the $18,445 Hyundai Elantra that they tested which they rated at the top of the class. Even the Mitsubishi Lancer and Suzuki SX4 are rated higher than the new Volkswagen Jetta.

[DC Car Examiner]

However, in CR's ratings, it scored higher than only the soon-to-depart Chevrolet Cobalt in the small car with automatic transmission class. The one that they tested had an MSRP of $20,300, higher than that of the $18,445 Hyundai Elantra that they tested which they rated at the top of the class. Even the Mitsubishi Lancer and Suzuki SX4 are rated higher than the new Volkswagen Jetta.

 

Courtesy of the 2.5-liter, no doubt. By far the biggest problem with the new Jetta is that carryover engine.

[ANTAUS]

And I think they still have that 2.0L with 115HP hanging around? Its a boat anchor.

[Kev-Mo]

I am glad someone is calling out the 4Runner. It is just unattractive, and obsolete. Toyota reports selling about 3k a month, I would swear that 2k of the 3k are sold here in the Denver/Boulder metro area. They are all over the place! Talk about a vehicle that is living in the past -overpriced, overrated and living off a- long past its prime- reputation. I wonder how much longer Toyota can justify low volume, dinosaur vehicles like the 4Runner and FJ now that they actually have to compete.

[tjl]

And I think they still have that 2.0L with 115HP hanging around? Its a boat anchor.

 

Yes, the base model has that engine. Its EPA fuel economy is only 24/34 manual, 23/29 automatic.