Consumer Reports’ April 2011 edition ranks the Best and Worst of 2011 and the 2011 Corvette Z06 has earned a “best” rating with a score of 92. A car’s overall road-test score is the result of more than 50 individual tests and evaluations from Consumer Reports subscribers. For years we’ve derided Consumer Reports for its negative reviews on Corvette and what looks to be a bias against American-made cars in general. But it looks like the data is in and they can no longer dispute the fact that GM makes a very reliable car and that Corvette owners love them and would buy a Corvette again.
Although it was the 2011 Corvette Z06 that earned the “Best” rating, the other models in the 2011 Corvette lineup were mentioned in the Rating’s Snapshot which appears on MSN Autos. Here is what the mag has to say about the 2011 Corvettes:
The Corvette offers impressive performance from its V8, with a relatively comfortable ride and very capable handling. The automatic transmission has paddle shifters, and the manual versions have a launch-control feature for smooth takeoffs. The interior is roomy for a sports car, though some found seat support lacking. The Z06 is a bargain high-performance sports car, with a potent 505-hp V8 engine. It is available only as a coupe with a six-speed manual transmission. The supercharged, 638-hp ZR1 is available in limited numbers and delivers super car performance. Reliability has improved to average for the base Corvette, while the Z06 is above average.
Corvette’s Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter cited the Magazine’s new stance on the Corvette over the weekend at the 2011 12 Hours of Sebring. Juechter said
“Corvette is now a recommended buy and if you look under the individual ratings, they just can’t deny us any more in terms of the quality improvements that have been made on the car.” He added, “Based on the surveys they do get, we are now in the highest class, not just acceptable, but in the highest class, the highest possible score for predictive reliability. And when you combine that with performance of the car and then the surveys they do on owner satisfaction, which we know everyone loves the cars, so owner satisfaction we always get top scores, but now they have to rate the Corvette and the Corvette Z06 as a recommended buy”.
Here are the 9 vehicles which scored a “Best” rating:
99 – Lexus LS 460L
97 – BMW 135i (manual)
96 – Porsche 911 Carrera S (manual)
95 – Infiniti G37 Journey
95 – Mazda5 Grand Touring
93 – Infiniti M37
93 – Nissan Altima 3.5 SR (V6)
92 – Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (manual)
92 – Hyundai Genesis 3.8
These vehicles scored a “Worst” rating:
17 – Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
25 – Ford Ranger XLT (V6)
27 – Jeep Liberty Sport
28 – Smart ForTwo Passion
31 – Chevrolet Aveo5 1LT (hatchback)
33 – Dodge Nitro SLT (3.7)
36 – Chevrolet Aveo LT (sedan)
36 – Toyota FJ Cruiser
It’s good to see the magazine has finally come around, although we find their decision making still somewhat questionable as the ConsumerReports.org Recommended Alternative to the Corvette is the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. :tapping:
We can almost guarantee that most Corvette owners would disagree with that assumption. We would be corrcet in saying that wouldn't we?
