text: The problem with Consumer Reports is that their statistical methods are grievously flawed:  CR reporting is based on polling only CR subscribers, and their auto surveys tend to have a lot of qualitative rather than objective/quantifiable results.
  
  For their approach to be valid, it must be demonstrated that their sample (CR subscribers) is exactly representative of the vehicle market and ownership in question.  It's not, and CR makes no claims to that effect -- they're happy to have the public believe otherwise.
  
  Further, the demographics of the CR subscriber base are, in general, the type that would buy a Toyota (risk averse) and demonstrate confirmation bias for their choices.  Thus the traditional Japanese brands skew favourably and most other brands go the opposite direction.
  
  Is CR a useful tool as part of overall vehicle shopping?  Yes, but it should be considered as only 1 piece of data (opinion) as it lacks objectivity and scientific rigour.  
  
  (and FWIW I'm a CR subscriber)