FORT MYERS, Fla. (CONSUMER REPORTS) — Driving a brand new car off the lot is always exciting.
Unfortunately, that new-car honeymoon can be short-lived, according to more than 300,000 people in Consumer Reports’ Annual Owner Satisfaction Survey.
Initially, everything was great with Felix Garza’s brand new Ford Fiesta.
But after only a year and a half, it needed a new transmission.
“I was really upset,” he said. “I thought someone sold me a lemon.”
Consumer Reports’ annual satisfaction survey proved Garza isn’t alone in his buyer’s remorse.
“Seventy percent of the respondents in our survey said they were happy and they would buy their vehicle again, but of course that leaves 30 percent that were not happy,” said Consumer Reports Auto Editor Mike Monticello.
Owners of the Dodge Dart were far from thrilled, reporting annoyances ranging from sluggish acceleration to weak air conditioning, along with multiple mechanical problems, causing the Dart to be rated as the most disliked compact car.
“People who bought minivans seemed to be pretty happy with their purchase, except maybe for Dodge Grand Caravan buyers,” he said.
Dissatisfied owners said the transmission shifts roughly and it has uncomfortable rear seats with an interior that felt cheaply made.
They didn’t even like the radio.
However, Monticello said the most disliked car in the entire survey was the Acura ILX.
Only 41 percent of respondents said they would buy the ILX again. Owners panned its lack of quality, pokey acceleration, excessive road noise and rough ride.
So if you’re looking to buy a new car sometime soon, there’s an important take-away from this survey.
“If these people were unsatisfied with the car, chances are you’re probably going to be unsatisfied too,” Monticello said.
But there is some good news.
Consumer Reports said owners loved their hybrids, as 90 percent of Chevy Volt owners would buy their cars again, as well as 89 percent of Toyota Prius and 78 percent of RAV4 Hybrid owners.
To see the full results of the survey, click here.
