To say that a particular brand or company makes the worst cars is a bold statement. After all, labeling a vehicle the best or worst can be very subjective. For example, some buyers may be willing to compromise less-than-stellar long-term reliability in exchange for the performance or image you get with a European luxury brand. Others may happily trade excitement for business performance and the peace of mind that comes with greater credibility.
However, when it comes to objectively ranking current car brands from best to worst using the same criteria, Consumer Reports is hard to beat. CR uses a variety of its test metrics and survey results to compile a regularly updated list of the industry’s best and worst brands. The latest edition, which includes 31 different brands, ranks Jeep as the worst of the bunch.
With so many loyal fans and owners, Jeep is one of America’s most storied vehicle brands, which is a bit disconcerting. But it’s also not a surprising result, as Jeep has had a slew of recalls and safety issues recently. The results also clearly show that just because a vehicle is capable or exciting on the showroom floor, doesn’t mean it’s going to be a smart purchase when it comes to long-term ownership satisfaction.
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From huge maintenance costs to fire risks
2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE parked in front of cabin – Jeep
Consumer Reports comes up with its best and worst brand rankings by looking at several different factors, including reliability and owner satisfaction surveys, early road test reviews, and safety ratings. And in Jeep’s defense, some of the negatives that CR considers (poor fuel economy, for example) are already known and internalized by buyers, and likely accepted as a trade-off for Jeep’s famed off-road prowess. However, Jeep’s position at the very bottom of CR’s owner satisfaction rankings is hard to defend, with only half of current Jeep owners saying they would buy one again.
Beyond the Consumer Reports rankings, the relatively poor quality and questionable reliability of Jeep products is no big secret. The brand has recently been plagued with high-profile recalls, particularly on its 4xe hybrid models. In the past year alone, Jeep 4xes have had some major recalls involving complete engine failure and even worse 4xe battery cells risking a fire. And that’s a big deal because it’s not just a mechanical failure, but a safety hazard for both the vehicle and the home or garage where it’s parked. Additionally, informal surveys of mechanics, for example, show Jeep to be one of the most problematic brands, with other Stellartis-owned names (such as Dodge and Chrysler) also joining the list of ‘rent-paying’ brands.
It’s about zip
Rear 3/4 View of 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe – Jeep
Even from a high-level perspective, it’s sad to see the reliability and quality issues surrounding the Jeep. Because Jeep isn’t just another car brand trying to get its piece of the pie. Jeep is one of the most storied names in the American auto industry, and one that is associated with America’s spirit of adventure. Increasingly, though, that adventurous spirit has as much to do with reminiscence and repair as tackling rugged trails and exploring remote wilderness.
All of this isn’t to say you should avoid buying or leasing a new Jeep altogether, but a sketchy track record of reliability, and the likelihood that your vehicle will spend a lot of time at the dealership is something to consider. Where Consumer Reports ratings are a red flag warning when it comes to buying a used Jeep. Because it’s one thing to have a problematic vehicle that’s under factory warranty, and another to have an out-of-warranty vehicle where you take a significant financial risk if repairs are needed.
It must be said, though, that Jeep’s less-than-great reputation for reliability is nothing new, and it hasn’t stopped many die-hard Jeep fans and otherwise happy owners from enjoying their vehicles. On the other hand, if you’re not in the mood to take risks and are thinking of Consumer Reports’ selection for the best reliability, you won’t surprisingly find long-time favorite Japanese brands at the top of the most recent rankings.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.
