A Luxury Car Brand and a No-Frills Alternative Were Named the Best Automakers for 2024

Choosing the right car can determine just how often you'll be at the mechanic or calling for roadside assistance in the next several years. Some brands are notably more reliable than others, and it's crucial to pick something that fits your needs and, more important, will last you many years.

Consumer Reports has compiled its annual list of the car brands that make the best vehicles, using metrics like road tests, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction to create the rankings. This year, BMW claimed the top spot for the second year in a row, with the publication having tested 12 BMW models and recommending all 12 to customers. It might come as a surprise to many people who've complained about the high maintenance costs whenever a problem does arise.

Subaru, known for its reliable vehicles ideal for the great outdoors, once again came in second place. Third place might come as a shock to drivers, with luxury German manufacturer Porsche jumping 11 spots from last year to join BMW and Subaru at the top.

Unsurprisingly, Japanese car makers filled out more than half of the top 10 spots. Subaru, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Toyota, and Hyundai all sit in the top 10, along with South Korean relative Kia. Many Honda and Toyota cars having the reputation for being borderline immortal, so their presence high on the list shouldn't come as a surprise.

Meanwhile, some heavy-duty automakers that create vehicles for tougher environments didn't fare so well. Jeep sits in last place at number 34, just below Land Rover at 33. And for its first year as a part of the list, electric truck maker Rivian received a mediocre ranking of 30. Mercedes-Benz, considered to be a peer of BMW, is at the opposite end of the lineup at 29.

If you're in the market for a new car, check out the top 10 automakers and start shopping.

1. BMW

2. Subaru

3. Porsche

4. Honda

5. Lexus

6. Mini

7. Kia

8. Mazda

9. Toyota

10. Hyundai