Consumer Reports News

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Latest Detroit Sedans Fail to Win Consumer Reports' Recommendations

Some of the latest new car models from Detroit automakers received mixed reviews from Consumer Reports and have failed to win a recommendation from the popular U.S. shopping guide.

The Dodge Dart, the 1st all-new model from the Fiat-Chrysler partnership, earned kudos for a solid feel, handling and ride, and upscale options, the magazine said today. But the compact sedan was dragged down by underpowered powertrains and didn’t score high enough by the magazine to be recommended.

The Dart, a replacement for the Dodge Caliber hatchback and Chrysler’s 1st legitimate small car since the Neon, is based on the same platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

Consumer Reports testers found that the Dodge Dart has a relatively quiet cabin, fairly nimble handling, and taut yet compliant ride.

“Where the Dart stalls out is its powertrains,” the magazine said, adding the standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine feels underpowered, while the optional 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder “is raspy and has drivability issues when mated with the optional dual-clutch automated manual transmission.”

The magazine said it tested a 2.0-liter Dart SXT priced at $20,680 and 1.4-liter Rallye model priced at $24,490.

“The Dart is the 1st decent compact car from Dodge in decades,” Jake Fisher, director of the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, said in a statement. “It has some solid positives. But overall it can’t yet measure up to the best in class.”

Consumer Reports also failed to recommend the all-new Cadillac XTS and the Lincoln MKS sedans. The XTS scored much higher overall than the MKS in the matchup, but both cars underwhelmed the magazine’s testers in a segment dominated by German, Japanese, and Korean models.

The XTS is a replacement for the DTS and STS sedans in Cadillac’s lineup.

Consumer Reports said the Cadillac XTS was “wonderfully luxurious, with a very spacious and well-appointed cabin.”

Infotainment system 'frustrating'

But Cadillac’s new flagship is hampered by its CUE infotainment system, which testers found to be “convoluted and frustrating.”

The magazine applauded the Lincoln MKS’ plentiful features, quiet cabin and excellent fit and finish.

“But the car is hampered by its cramped driving position, ungainly handling, uncompromised ride, and limited visibility,” the magazine said. “With an overall road-test score of 60, the MKS is the lowest-rated luxury sedan in class, lagging far behind previously-tested standouts like the Audi A6 and Infiniti M37.”

The redesigned Lexus ES was also tested and received high marks for a comfortable, quiet interior, impressive hybrid and V6 drivetrains, and excellent fuel economy, particularly in hybrid form, the magazine said.

But the 2013 model took a step back in ride and interior refinement from the previous ES, Consumer Reports said.

“Although its handling didn’t impress and its controls were newly complicated, both tested trims -- the ES350, ($43,702) and the hybrid ES330h ($44,017) -- scored high enough overall to be recommended and rank among CR’s higher-Rated upscale sedans."

Spark scores low

The magazine also tested the Chevrolet Spark and said the 4-door subcompact produces excellent fuel economy of 34 mpg overall and 42 on the highway.

It has a surprisingly useable rear seat, a comprehensive assortment of features, and is affordably priced at $15,420, Consumer Reports said.

But sluggish acceleration, stiff and jittery ride and very noisy cabin dropped the Spark’s overall score to 34, the magazine said.

It is 1 of the lowest scoring cars tested by the magazine in recent years and is too low to recommend.

You can reach David Phillips at dphillips@crain.com.

[whatsanacura]

no surprise here, im really not impressed by the dart

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The Disappointing Dozen:
Cars that Fail Our Tests

The Consumer Reports Annual Autos Issue is a great resource for researching the best cars. Flip through the magazine or tour the website, and it is clear there are many great choices. However, just as there are many good cars available, there are also many that fail miserably. These vehicles fall way below our threshold to be recommended. Take a look at our dirty dozen—the cars Consumer Reports has recently tested with the lowest test scores.

In perusing these models, you'll find a wide range of car types, counting small cars, sedans, SUVs, and pickups. Likewise, there are several brands represented, with Jeep and Toyota each appearing 3 times. Our criticisms of these vehicles are often similar, with common shortcomings being poor ride, sloppy handling, tepid acceleration, too much engine noise, and an uncomfortable driving position. Sure, these models may be better than the old junker you're looking to trade in, but they do not hold up against the latest competition. Simply stated: There are many better vehicles available for comparable prices.

We understand that many people buy these vehicles, and others, even though they don't meet our criteria to be recommended. To reach that pinnacle, cars must do well in our tests, attain average-or-better predicted reliability, and must not have failed any government and/or insurance industry crash tests.

Below, we present this year's dirty dozen with accompanying highlights where they came up short.

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Make & model     Test score     Low points
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara     20     Ride, handling, braking, wind noise, access, driving position, seat comfort, fit and finish, visibility, fuel economy, reliability.
Smart ForTwo Passion     28     Transmission, acceleration, ride, agility, noise, seats only two, premium fuel.
Scion iQ     29     Ride, noise, acceleration, steering, driving position, fit and finish, radio controls, blind spots, tiny rear seat.
Mitsubishi i SE     34     Short range, long charging time, weak cabin heat, Spartan accommodations, acceleration, ride, agility, seats only four, complicated radio, headlights.
Chevrolet Spark 1LT     34     Acceleration, transmission, ride, noise, front-seat comfort, driving position, controls.
Toyota FJ Cruiser     36     Visibility, ride, handling, noise, fuel economy, fit and finish, access.
Toyota Yaris LE     41     Noise, ride, agility, driving position, front-seat comfort, fit and finish, radio controls, rear visibility.
Dodge Avenger SXT (4-cyl.)     43     Engine noise, acceleration, braking, handling, rear visibility, transmission, driving position, fuel economy.
Jeep Compass Latitude     49     Engine noise, acceleration, driving position, front-seat comfort, rear visibility, cornering limits, braking, reliability.
Ram 2500 Laramie (6.7L, inline 6)     49     Ride, noise, handling, transmission, high step-in, complicated optional radio, reliability.
Toyota Tacoma (V6)     50     Ride, handling, driving position, high step-in, low rear seat.
Jeep Patriot Latitude     52     Engine noise, acceleration, driving position, front-seat comfort, complicated optional radio. 


Our mission is to help our subscribers make informed purchase decisions, whatever they may be. Many of these models have versatile utility, an eye-catching design, or are novel in other ways-tough to argue with the popularity and iconic looks of the Wrangler. Personality often goes a long way, as well. If you are interested in a car that performs poorly in our tests, take special care with the test drive and make sure you can live with the cited flaws before you purchase. Otherwise, don't say we didn't warn you.

To find the best vehicle for your needs, see our car Ratings. Plus, check out the special auto issue section with our Top Picks, best and worst lists, car brand report cards and more.