LMychajluk

I'm not going to copy the entire article or comparison, as I think if you want the CR info you should support them and buy the magazine or subscribe to the site, but I'll give you the overview:

CR Tested the F150 in XLT trim w/ the 2.7L and 3.5L Eco engines. They scored 64 and 65 respectively against the Tundra SR5's 67 - not a major difference. FWIW, the 2 GM 1500 twins are slotted between the F150s in the rankings. The F150 also scored higher in ower satisfaction than the Tundra (both 'Excellent' vs 'Very Good'), and better in IIHS and NHTSA safety tests, about the same performance-wise (except braking, where the Tundra was 'poor'), and generally better in the performance categories.

As for relaibility, the F150 falls a bit short of the Tundra in a few categories, mostly paint and body/hardware related. Both received Excellent ratings in the engine, transmission, and electrical categories.

So, basically, the Tundra 'beat' the F150, but I think it's a very slim margin, and could've gone either way based on the results of the surveys they send out. GM might be right there, too, based on thier scores. From the CR website, they only recommend 1 full size and one mid-size pickup (Ridgeline), so while it is true that CR doesn't 'recommend' the F150, I don't quite see why not, unless there can be only one 'recommended', given the slim margins between the highest ranked trucks. (Note that they don't flag it with thier 'don't buy' flag, though.)

Edit - I should note that the Tundra SR5's 'as tested' price was $10k less than the XLT's, which, if you're buying on spec, could be a big differentiator when it comes to being 'recommended'.

Nyron

I know and I don't get it. Fiat's reliability is probably the worst of all. My parents have had 3 Grand Cherokees I believe and 1 Cherokee. The engine in 1 went out around 80k miles. They have had their Cherokee in the shop numerous times--it only has 20k miles on it. The main reason they stick with Jeep is because a drunk driver in a Camaro hit my mom. I wish I still had the pictures but it literally tore his Camaro in half and he had to be flown to a trauma center. My mom's Grand Cherokee was totaled but she just had a few bumps and bruises.

Martian

You can copy if you cite and include the URL. The URL link-to will bump their standings in the Google results, so you'll still be supporting them since you've used their content.

BoscoFM

iTrader: (1)

I would not go to CR before buying any automobile. A vacuum cleaner, maybe......

Lockelamora

iTrader: (1)

NOPE, don't use them for anything. If you look at their ratings for a product then go read reviews about 80% of the time CR is way off. I canceled my subscription also after too many discrepancies and not much good info in the magazine anymore.

LMychajluk

Here's the link to the comparison, but I think you'll need a login - http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...car=386%2F6324

I would copy the page if it was open, but not something that requires a login. No offense, but IMO, I support them by paying the $3/mo for the website subscription, not by spreading thier copyrighted material for free.

When I'm making a significant purchase (and even some insignificant ones), I'd prefer to have as much information available as possible. Would I go strictly by CR ratings for a new vehicle? No. But, I would take into account their ratings and recommnedations, other magazine/website reviews, forum discussions, personal discussions and recommendations, test drives, etc...

Edit - Just found this open (no login required) link in anther article - http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...to-z-index.htm
(Not exactly what I linked to above)

HCFX2013

*yawn*


CR hates Ford anyway. Funny how they rave about anything Toyota or GM...

Axxion89

My family has been reading CR for what seems like forever and IMO its usually been spot on most of the time. Also just because a car doesn't receive a "Recommended" check doesn't mean its a bad car. Hell the 4Runner is one of the most reliable & capable SUV's on the market & it didn't get the "Recommended" check either. Based on what the OP posted from the article, I don't think anyone can really say it wasn't a fair assessment. If you read the boards, how many people on here complained of misaligned doors, wind noise, dust under the paint, etc. CR's knock was against fit & finish / cosmetic items, the rated the powertrain & electrical high which is what most of us would care about.

I'd agree that the Tundra / Tacoma / Ridgeline would be more reliable than my Lariat but I don't think the difference is the same as it was 5 or 10 years ago. Time will tell but I think people are overreacting to our trucks not getting a recommended check

B-ManFX4

I lost all interest in CR when they continued to rate the Tundra so highly, yet they ignore the thousands of people who continue to report the bed bouncing issue. I guess because Toyota never admitted there was an issue and therefore never issued a recall or fix, the problem doesn't exist ??

LoneWolfTrucker

CR has been all about Japanese OEMs for decades. I would ignore anything they say. Seriously.