Disappointed By Four Detroit Cars, Consumer Reports Recommends A Japanese
Consumer Reports tested the latest offerings of Detroit automakers, did not like the Dodge Dart, was frustrated by the Cadillac XTS, was underwhelmed by the Lincoln MKS, and put off by the Chevrolet Spark. CR ended up recommending a Japanese Lexus ES instead.
The Dodge Dart, the first all-new model to emerge from the Fiat-Chrysler alliance, “feels underpowered” with its standard 2.0-liter four, says Consumer Report. The optional 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder did not impress either. The magazine grouches that the engine “is raspy and has drivability issues when mated with the optional dual-clutch automated manual transmission.”
Disappointed by the Dart, CR tried to find solace in big American iron, the Cadillac XTS and the Lincoln MKS, but found them lacking. According to CR, “both cars underwhelmed in a class dominated by German, Japanese, and Korean models.” Consumer Reports found the Cadillac to be “wonderfully luxurious,” but was put off by the CUE infotainment system, which CR calls “convoluted and frustrating.”
The Lincoln MKS left a negative impression on CR with its “cramped driving position, ungainly handling, uncomposed ride, and limited visibility.”
Nor could Detroit redeem itself in the discount segment. The Chevrolet Spark scored points with its “excellent fuel economy”, with “a surprisingly useable rear seat,” and “a comprehensive assortment of features.” However, “sluggish acceleration, stiff and jittery ride and very noisy cabin” caused CR’s enthusiasm to evaporate.
None of the Detroit cars were deemed as recommendable by Consumer Reports. Only when CR tested the Lexus ES, smiles returned to the testers’ faces. Consumer Reports likes the “comfy, quiet interior, impressive hybrid and V6 drivetrains, and excellent fuel economy.” CR tut-tutted that the “redesign took a step back in ride and interior refinement” and that the “handling didn’t impress,” but ended up recommending the Lexus and putting it on the list of CR’s higher-rated upscale sedans.
Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.
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Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one who draws a distinction between the CR staff reviews (which are about the same quickie fluff as everyone else's reviews, but with a definite bias toward boring comfort) and the big list of used-car ratings with all the red and black circles (do I want a daily driver with a ton of black circles so I can spend my weekends fixing isht? How about no?).
Who cares what these people think? Consumer Reports is just for my grandfather to decide on an ES or an Avalon. It is not for anyone who really LIKES cars. It's for people who are clueless as to what's going on in the car world so they assume "TOYOTA=GOOD CHEVY=BAD because CR says so." In this day and age, with all of the information we have out there in the ever changing automotive world, the fact that people rely so much on the information that comes out of this one rag is unbelievable. CR should stick to testing toasters and televisions and stop trying to push for whichever brand pays them more money to write good reviews.