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For those venturing into the car market in 2026, the question of which brands stand out as the best or worst is as pertinent as ever. With the array of options available, making an informed choice is crucial.
Consumer Reports, a trusted independent research organization, has released its latest rankings of 31 car manufacturers. These rankings provide a comprehensive evaluation based on several criteria, including road test performance, safety evaluations, reliability, and the satisfaction levels of current owners.
This year’s list offers a clear snapshot of the automotive landscape, highlighting both the top-performing brands and those that fall short. Out of the 31 manufacturers assessed, here are the top 10 brands that stood out for their excellence according to Consumer Reports.
Best car brands in 2026
Conversely, the list also sheds light on the 10 brands that have been deemed the least impressive, providing valuable insights for prospective buyers aiming to avoid potential pitfalls in their purchasing decisions.
- Subaru
- BMW
- Porsche
- Honda
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Lincoln
- Hyundai
- Acura
- Tesla
Worst car brands in 2026
In descending order, these are the worst car brands, per Consumer Reports.
- Jeep
- Land Rover
- GMC
- Dodge
- Alfa Romeo
- Rivian
- Chrysler
- Chevrolet
- Mercedes-Benz
- Volkswagen
The ratings consider a road test score, predicted reliability, safety and owner satisfaction. Not all car brands were included.
“We include an automaker in our brand rankings only if we’ve tested at least two of its current models,” Consumer Reports said. “For this reason, you won’t see ratings here for Fiat, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lucid, Maserati, Polestar or Ram.”
