Yeah, I can tell ya about the survey, but if I did, I'd have to shoot ya!! Just kidding! Basically, Consumer Reports sends out an annual survey every year to its subscribers. The survey asks about your experiences with all sorts of products, not only cars, but TV's, refrigerators, cameras, etc.
For cars, they list several categories, such as cooling systems, electrical, transmissions, engines, paint, body integrity, brakes, exhaust, etc, and ask if you've had any SERIOUS problems in each of those areas. Basically "yes" or "no". They define "serious problems" as something that either costs a lot to fix or is a serious safety or drivability concern. Like I mentioned in my original post, one guy's definition of "serious problem" may not be the same as another guy's idea of "serious problem". In my experience, in the five years I've owned my Mystique, I've never had anything happen that would cause me to indicate a "serious" problem on their survey.
The information is sorted as to car make and model, and usually engine type (4 cyl or 6 cyl). They ask the same questions, regardless of make, or if its a car, truck, or SEV. The survey isn't biased towards imports, but I wonder how many Toyota owners will admit that their pride and joy has given them trouble?
