As someone who looks at driving as an experience to be enjoyed rather than a necessity, I do not look to CR before buying a car. The matters that they consider are more relevant to mundane purchases such as washing machines. If I felt the same way about cars and washing machines I would probably drive a Hyundai (higher initial quality than Toyota). But since I actually like to drive, I drive a BMW or two. I also have the good fortune to travel a lot and to rent a variety of cars. Recently I have driven a Jaguar X-type, Lincoln Mark S, VW CC and an Alfa 159. None compares to a BMW.

> As someone who looks at driving as an experience to be enjoyed rather than a necessity, I do not look to CR before buying a car.


From the CR series one summary:

""It is spectacular to drive."


This is what CR says in it's current summary about the BMW 3-series:

"The 3 series has agile handling, a supple ride, and smooth six cylinder engines"


They also rated the Porsche 911 as tops in its class. So I guess they thought the 911 was a very good "washing machine."



Seriously, do you critics of CR auto reviews actually read them?

While I don't make CR my first stop for car reviews, I do read them and find that they cater to the intended audience well. The reliability data is just that, data that is compiled from thousands of responses. I as accurately as possible fill out the survey every year.