Odd differences in CR ratings for LXs

[mkaresh]

It just crossed my mind that I never showed you guys my article on the very odd ratings the LXs get in Consumer Reports.

The Dodge Magnum with the Hemi V8 scored about 55 points better than the Chrysler 300 with the same engine (with 100 being average). This is a huge difference, since only 40 points separate “worse than average” from ”better than average.” At the same time, the V6 Magnum scored about 25 points WORSE than the V6 300.

Comparing engines rather than models, the V8 scored over 60 points worse than the V6 in the 300, but scored about 20 points better than the V6 in the 300.

So someone interested in reliability should buy the V6 in the 300, but the V8 in the Magnum.

You'd think they'd feel the need to explain such odd results. But they don't.

The entire article can be read here: www.truedelta.com/pieces/anomalies.php

[formerice]

I think CR is a joke, a bunch of tree hugging bark and nut eaters! OK , we have over 5,000 members. Has anyone had an engine failure? Running lean with supercharger or nitrous doesn't count. These are very reliable motors. Like the best pickup truck in the world is the Honda Ridgeline and my Hemi Ram is a piece of crap. BS! I would be afraid cats would want to bury the Ridgeline! Stick to reviewing toasters.

[the hurse]

thats odd, but a good post.

[Northern Rider]

If ya wanna buy a toaster - glance at CR.

If ya wanna buy a car, use your copy of CR as firestarting material - or- in a pinch, toilet paper. CR and Cars is an oxymoron.

Better to go to the car forums and talk to real owners. The 5.7 HEMI engine is one of the toughest, most reliable engines on the planet. It was designed for the Dodge Ram trucks where commercial owners demand 250,000 miles of trouble free running.

[MagnumFierce]

I did get a laugh out of one of their old 'station wagon comparisons'.
Position of cupholders was inferior to Subaru's.
The midget reviewer could not see over the back seat headrest. UNSAFE!
Ergo the car is a piece of junk.
Like everything not mady by Toyota.

Gotta wonder if the key ever went into the ignition...

[fogey]

I always look for cupholders , when I spend $35 to $40,000 on a vehicle. LMAO!!!

[shiltz]

Lol, yeah, CR is good for a laugh but that's about it, Position of cupholders is inferior? it's right next to me in the center console, same as every single other car out there, and can't see over the back seat headrests, I mean seriously but was the tester only 4' tall or something? i'm only 5' 8" and I have absolutly no problems seeing over the rear headrests, reading CR for anything not foreign is like asking Ford to give a Review on a Dodge or Chevy, doesn't matter if it's ten times better they will rate it worse.

[mkaresh]

Looking more closely at the system scores, the transmission and not the engine seems the source of the differences. But this doesn't change the fact that the 300 and Magnum use the same transmissions.

One thing I wondered is whether early 300s had transmission issues that were fixed before production started on the Magnum. If the ratings represent something real, this is a possible explanation. And, if this is the reason, then it would have no bearing on the reliability of 2006 and newer cars. But this is the sort of thing they don't look into.

[Northern Rider]

I have a Magnum R/T and a 300C. the motor; transmission; suspension; brakes, etc. etc. are identical and perform exactly the same. In fact, both cars share the same door stampings.

BTW: Because of my background, i have had well over 100 different daily drivers. Guess which ones have the best positioned cupholders?

The LX cars, of course!

[mikoazca]

Here's the first problem - thinking that an organization that also tests soap and washing machines should be trusted to rate cars and thinking that their ratings are completely credible. Personally, if you are interested in credible ratings of cars, in my opinion you should see what the enthusiast magazines like Car & Driver, Motor Trend and Road & Track. They test, rate and torment cars & only cars and all of them have rated the LX cars high since they were introduced. Not just one engine or one model, all of them! Check out their ratings on their websites or in the magazines.
Come to think of it, I don't even look to CR to help me buy the best washing machine.....
Mik

[Phil Hunter]

I would no more buy ar car based upon CR's review that I would based upon Forbes, etc. None of these mags are qualified to make such judgements. Stick to the car enthusiasts mags if you want accurate info.

Not sure I would even trust CR on anything they test. Testing one of something does not constitute a valid test.

Phil

[cadzilla74]

Yep, CR should just stop rating cars. Completely out of touch with "real" drivers. This 5.7 HEMI just gets better every day in mine. Got 14,500 miles on it. Checked the oil when I filled it today, it's due for a change next week, full to the "fill" mark and looks like it just came out of the can. This thing loves to run, loves to rev and won't stop pulling. Gets the "big" 15,000 mile going-over next week. Gues I'll have to spring for an intake filter, oil and HEPA cabin filter. OUCH! What a beating! Yeah, gimme a Japanese car with a better cup-holder, NOT!

[boggart]

I always look for cupholders , when I spend $35 to $40,000 on a vehicle. LMAO!!!

You laugh, but that's one of the first things we look at when buying a car. If there are no cupholders, or if my wifes Pepsi is going to end up on the floor at every turn, it's no car for us.