Most Loved and Least Loved Car Brands in 2025
Not all car brands inspire hearts to race. Every year, Consumer Reports surveys thousands of drivers to find out which brands people really adore, and which leave them cold like a stalled engine in February. This list reveals the most and least loved car brands based on real-world satisfaction. Some might surprise you!
1. Rivian
Rivian, the electric upstart, wins near-universal praise from early adopters. Owners love the design, off-road capability, and fresh take on adventure-ready EVs. Though it’s new and not without growing pains, the satisfaction scores are sky-high! It’s like falling for a charming newcomer who actually lives up to the hype.
2. BMW
The “Ultimate Driving Machine” earns its nickname; at least in the hearts of its fans. BMW delivers sharp performance and refined style. Owners love the way it handles the road, even if repair costs can sting. It’s the kind of love that comes with a little drama, but plenty of thrills.
3. Tesla
Tesla’s unique blend of innovation, performance, and tech draws fierce loyalty (even when reliability issues crop up). It has acceleration, clean, minimal design, and ever-evolving software - like driving a spaceship with a sense of humor. Satisfaction? Through the roof. Complaints? They’re also there, but the love’s still strong.
4. Porsche
Performance lovers rejoice - Porsche delivers thrills without compromise. Whether it's a 911 or a Cayenne, drivers report staggering satisfaction thanks to top-tier handling and luxury. Maintenance costs are high, but few regret the ride. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement of passion on four wheels.
5. Lexus
Lexus earns high marks for reliability, comfort, and premium quality, all at a price that feels fair for luxury. Owners often say it delivers the perfect blend of sensible and upscale, like buying a tailored suit that still has deep pockets. Quietly luxurious, effortlessly satisfying.
6. Chevrolet
Chevy covers a wide spectrum of vehicles, from city sedans to rugged trucks. Owners of models like the Silverado and Traverse report strong satisfaction, though some economy models drag the brand slightly down. Still, it delivers value, choice, and solid performance across the board. For many, it’s the everyperson’s brand that gets the job done.
7. Lincoln
Lincoln is reclaiming elegance, and owners are noticing. With its plush interiors, serene ride, and standout design, this luxury brand is on the upswing. Customer satisfaction has grown as the lineup improves. It’s the comeback story of a classic; more velvet robes than muscle car, but it works.
8. Subaru
Subaru inspires the kind of devotion other brands dream of. Owners appreciate its all-wheel-drive confidence, safety features, and practical charm (the Outback and Forester especially have fan clubs all their own). It’s a brand that makes you feel prepared for anything, be it a mountain trail or a morning commute.
9. Genesis
Genesis - Hyundai’s luxury sibling - is one of the industry’s rising stars. Owners gush over the refined interiors, powerful engines, and surprising affordability for a premium brand. It feels like finding a hidden gem: luxurious, without the snob price tag. Genesis is a quiet newcomer that’s making big waves.
10. Ford
Ford gets mixed love; it’s adored for its F-Series trucks and newer EVs like the Mustang Mach-E, but sometimes tech glitches or recalls drag it down. Still, the Blue Oval inspires loyalty, especially in rural and suburban areas. It’s a brand that rides high on passion, even when the road gets bumpy.
11. GMC
GMC gets love from truck and SUV buyers who like their rides big, bold, and capable. It’s not quite as adored as sibling brand Chevrolet, but it still satisfies with rugged style and comfort. Some reliability concerns keep it from ranking higher, but for many, GMC delivers exactly what they both expect and want.
12. Hyundai
Hyundai has leveled up, and owners have noticed. Modern styling, high-tech interiors, and a strong warranty win praise across the board. Satisfaction is high, especially with newer models like the Ioniq and Palisade. Once seen as a budget pick, Hyundai has earned a seat at the grown-up table.
13. Toyota
Steady, reliable, and efficient - Toyota is the dependable partner that rarely disappoints. Owners rave about its durability and low cost of ownership, even if it’s not always the most thrilling ride. Still, there’s a reason people stay loyal: Toyota is the kind of relationship that stands the test of time.
14. Honda
Honda continues to win loyal fans through reliability, fuel economy, and value. Owners trust it like an old friend who never flakes. While some newer infotainment quirks get side-eye, overall satisfaction remains high. It’s not the flashiest ride on the block, but when it comes to everyday love, Honda holds strong.
15. Cadillac
Cadillac walks a fine line between nostalgia and modern appeal. Some love its bold looks and comfy rides, while others feel it’s still chasing its former glory. Reliability can be hit or miss, but recent innovations show promise. Cadillac is like a classic song remixed: familiar, but not always in tune with today’s beat.
16. Kia
Once considered budget basic, Kia has reinvented itself. With sharp designs, great warranties, and packed features, it’s now turning heads. Owners report solid satisfaction (especially with newer models) and while it may not carry luxury clout, Kia’s leap in quality has earned it genuine fanfare. It’s no longer the underdog - it’s a contender.
17. Volvo
Volvo wins hearts through safety, sophistication, and Scandinavian cool. Owners appreciate the sleek interiors and advanced driver assistance tech. However, some find infotainment finicky and costs on the higher end. Still, for those who value peace of mind wrapped in modern design, Volvo remains a trusted and well-liked companion.
18. Mazda
Zoom-zoom indeed! Mazda’s driving dynamics, stylish designs, and value pricing make it a hit with enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. It balances fun and function in a way that few others do. While not the flashiest, Mazda’s charm is in its consistency, and owners appreciate that reliability with a side of thrill.
19. Acura
Acura sits in the “quietly content” category. Owners generally enjoy solid reliability, a smooth ride, and a more affordable luxury experience. But Acura lacks the wow-factor that rivals offer. It’s the dependable date that never stands you up (but also rarely surprises you with flowers).
20. Audi
Audi offers performance and polish, and fans adore its sharp designs and tech; however, wallet-weary ownership costs can wear thin. Some drivers say it’s worth the price, others feel the honeymoon fades fast. If you’re willing to flirt with high maintenance, Audi can feel like a prestige romance with a catch.
21. Buick
Buick aims for quiet comfort, and it mostly delivers… but not in a way that sets hearts on fire. It ranks mid-pack because its vehicles tend to be solid and understated, which doesn’t exactly ignite passion. Reliable? Sure. But memorable? Not really. Buick’s biggest red flag might be how easy it is to forget.
22. Ram
Ram trucks get points for comfort and style, but reliability remains a frequent complaint. Many owners praise their trucks - until something breaks! It’s a brand caught between admiration and aggravation: loved for the ride, cursed for the repairs. Still, for truck enthusiasts, Ram remains a complicated but enduring fling.
23. Chrysler
Chrysler’s dwindling lineup doesn’t do it any favors. While some appreciate the Pacifica for its family-friendliness, overall satisfaction is dragged down by outdated offerings, spotty reliability, and a lack of innovation. It’s hard to fall in love with a brand that feels like it’s stuck in neutral, or slowly rolling downhill.
24. Nissan
Nissan offers affordability and practicality, but it struggles to inspire affection. CVT transmission complaints, interior quality concerns, and underwhelming driving dynamics weigh down the love. Many drivers see Nissan as “fine,” but not “fantastic.” In a field where emotion matters, being average isn’t enough to earn a fan club.
25. Volkswagen
Volkswagen may carry nostalgic charm and stylish flair, but owner satisfaction has slipped. Reports of subpar reliability, complicated repairs, and lukewarm dealer service have hurt its standing. While some models perform well, others are plagued with gremlins. For a brand built on the people’s car, it’s losing a bit of its popular appeal.
26. Mercedes-Benz
Luxury doesn’t always mean love. Mercedes-Benz owners admire the brand’s prestige and sleek design, but issues with tech complexity, maintenance costs, and reliability have left a sour taste. What should feel like five-star comfort can sometimes feel like decoding an aircraft cockpit - and one that breaks down more often than expected.
27. Jeep
Despite its rugged off-road reputation, Jeep sits at the bottom of the love list. Owners often report poor reliability, rough rides, and tech that feels more cursed than cutting-edge. While it looks adventurous, many drivers find owning one is more hassle than heroics. For a brand built on freedom, Jeep often feels like a trap.
