CR Report on how manufactures fair with age:Using data from the 2006 survey, we compared how the model lines from the major manufacturers fared as their vehicles age over 10 years using the average problems per 100 vehicles. The average combines all subsidiary brands. For example, Hyundai incorporates the Kia nameplate and Volkswagen includes Audi, Toyota includes Lexus and Scion, Honda includes Acura, Nissan includes Infiniti, and so on. American manufacturers include only their domestic brands.
The Japanese manufacturers are more reliable, on average, and continue to age more gracefully. Older Koreans are problematic while newer models have improved.
American manufacturers still have not closed the gap between them and the Asians. Ford has been, and continues to be the most reliable among the domestic manufacturers for older vehicles.
The European manufacturers continue to lag behind. Mercedes-Benz has fallen off in recent years while older Volkswagens are the most problematic.