Consumer Reports Finds Improved Reliability in Hyundai, GM & Volvo Models- Toyota Drops

CR survey shows drop in reliability for redesigned Toyota Camry

YONKERS, NY - Consumer Reports' latest annual reliability survey shows
improvements in models from Hyundai, General Motors and Volvo to average or
better. The survey also shows that several redesigned-for-2002
Japanese-brand sedans, including the top-selling Toyota Camry, dropped to
average after years in the highest ranks.

Hyundai's improved reliability results mean that Consumer Reports (CR) now
recommends the Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe. Also now on the recommended list
are a number of General Motors models including the Chevrolet Avalanche,
Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe, and the GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL. The
Volvo S60, V70, and Cross Country also improved to average and are now
recommended.

Consumer Reports recommends only models that have performed well in its
testing and have shown average or better reliability.

Some Japanese models, including the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Subaru
Impreza all dropped to average reliability; all three vehicles had undergone
a major redesign for 2002. Previous versions of the Camry, Altima, and
Impreza have much better reliability records. The major complaints for all
three: squeaks, rattles, and loose trim, which are part of the survey's
"body integrity" and "body hardware" categories. Despite this weaker
showing, each is still recommended.

The results from Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey for 2002 are
summarized in a story included in CR's New Car Preview 2003, which is on
newsstands now. The publication, which costs $5.99 in the U.S., is part of
the respected Consumer Reports' Cars series of special automotive
publications.

New Car Preview 2003 is the first Consumer Reports publication to include
results of the 2002 reliability survey. More detailed results and analysis,
including a more in-depth look at how domestic, European, and Japanese
manufacturers fared, will be featured in the 50th anniversary Consumer
Reports auto issue next April. Reliability survey results are based on
almost 480,000 responses to the 2002 Consumer Reports' Annual Questionnaire.
The questionnaire asks CR subscribers to note serious problems they've
experienced with their vehicles in a variety of potential trouble areas
during the proceeding 12 months. The results spanned eight model years, 1995
through 2002.
European manufacturers are struggling
The Saab 9-5, with above-average reliability, is one of the few bright spots
for the European brands, although it didn't rank among the most reliable
upscale sedans-which are the Lexus IS300 and the Acura TL. The only BMW to
show at least average reliability in the survey was the 5-series. No
Mercedes-Benz model was reliable enough to be recommended, although CR does
not know how the redesigned 2003 E-class will fare.

The Volkswagen Golf and Jetta dropped below average, leaving the Passat as
the only VW to maintain average reliability and remain a recommended model.
As for Volkswagen's Audi luxury nameplate, the redesigned 2002 A4 was well
below average. The larger A6 has improved, but not enough to be recommended.
Jaguar's S-Type and X-Type are among the least reliable.

The New Car Preview 2003 ($5.99 U.S./$6.99 Canada) is available everywhere
magazines are sold. It includes reviews and specifications for 208 models,
an exclusive list of CR-recommended vehicles that cost less than $25,000, a
look at what's new for 2003, and the Consumer Reports' Safety Assessment,
which compares crash protection, accident-avoidance capabilities, and
overall safety for about 80 vehicles. Another story offers 10 key strategies
for getting the best price on your next new-car purchase.

The New Car Preview 2003 can also be purchased online at
www.ConsumerReports.org/newcars. 

Car buyers can also visit www.consumerreports.org. The web site's free area
contains extensive information on buying a car, checking a used car, and
interactive tools to help you buy or sell a car. Site subscribers pay just
$3.95 per month or $24 per year ($19 for Consumer Reports subscribers) to
access in depth features, including ratings, recommendations and advice on
hundreds of cars and trucks.

Consumer Reports New and Used Car Price Service provides all the pricing
information and advice a consumer needs to get the best deal on virtually
any vehicle. Call the service toll free at 1-800-395-4400 or order online at
www.consumerreports.org . Complete pricing reports with detailed reliability
information and advice on negotiating the best deal are available online, or
by fax or mail. New-car reports cost just $12.

Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and
advice on consumer products and services. The auto engineers have decades of
experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars.