3 of the most reliable German car brands, according to consumer reports – Jalopnik

Consumer Reports annually publishes a list of car brands, in which they are rated on various fronts. However, among the scores we should keep an eye on, reliability is one of the most important evaluation categories. CR’s reliability ratings for new and used vehicles are even cited by automakers trying to convince customers of their reliability. In addition, there is also a ‘Predicted Reliability’ rating, which is indicated by one of five symbols representing ‘Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good and Excellent’.

The data behind these scores comes from extensive owner surveys, which provide Consumer Reports with hundreds of thousands of responses. Essentially, members are asked to detail what problems they have had with their vehicles over the past year, how serious they consider them to be and whether the problems were covered by warranty. While they may not be perfect, these annual reports do provide some useful insights that can help potential buyers make a more informed decision.

Germany has a rich heritage of automotive history and offers some of today’s most talked-about premium and luxury models. Your favorite German cars probably represent a wide range of different eras. However, with data from Kelly Blue Book revealing a record average of $50,000 for new vehicles, it is critical to identify which brands offer the most longevity and the fewest problems. In this case it will be BMW, Porsche and Audi, with the carmakers taking the best overall brand rankings – all in the top six.

Within the ‘Predicted Reliability’ category, Consumer Reports uses the most current data and averages of scores from the past three years – as long as there has not been a major model revision for the latest version. BMW received a “good” score, indicating that while newer vehicles are not expected to improve their reliability much over previous years, the automaker remains consistent and owners are unlikely to face many problems.

However, one area where BMW did not fare well was in maintenance and repair costs, finishing in 23rd place. This isn’t surprising, as luxury vehicles tend to be more expensive to keep running. Those shopping for used BMWs should research warranty options or set aside some extra money for a mechanic, just in case.

Unfortunately, Consumer Reports does not provide reliability rankings for new or used cars in the Porsche lineup. It did reach number 4 in the overall category, with a “good” rating overall due to its estimated reliability in the future. The 2025 Macan, Cayenne, 718 Boxster and Taycan EV were all tested by the customer organization. The results showed the highest predicted reliability for the Macan (petrol engine version), while the other models scored an average score among their peers.

As with BMW, the financial requirements for maintenance leave Porsche ranked 27th in maintenance and repair costs, even worse than BMW. Of the handful of models Consumer Reports tested, Porsche doesn’t cause many problems for owners. But if it does, those problems can become expensive.

Audi finished 6th overall and scored best in new car reliability with a score of 7, outperforming BMW. However, Audi didn’t fare as well with its used reliability, which Consumer Reports ranks 14th.

In terms of maintenance costs, this car manufacturer is right between BMW and Porsche, in 25th place. Again, this probably won’t come as a shock to those familiar with the brand. The luxury features are present on all models and trims, increasing repair costs. Although the new models are recommended, Consumer Reports does not recommend selecting used Audis due to the potential for wallet-crushing repair bills.