The 10 cars with the most satisfied owners, according to Consumer Reports

Every automaker promises performance, reliability, comfort, style, and a myriad of other sought-after attributes when marketing their vehicles. Once drivers get their hands on the wheels of these vehicles though, it becomes clear that not every model lives up to its selling points.

Some cars, however, do deliver an experience that leaves their drivers satisfied. One way this sense of satisfaction is measured is by asking auto owners whether or not they would buy their car again, given the chance to opt for a different model or stick with their current vehicle, knowing what they do now about its performance, reliability, and comfort.

One data-collection outfit that’s excellent at obtaining this sort of info is Consumer Reports.

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What is Consumer Reports?

Consumer Reports is a nearly century-old nonprofit organization focused on consumer advocacy. It operates by testing common consumer products, including vehicles, at its labs, facilities, and closed driving courses in New York.

It also administers surveys to its members, which number around 6 million as of 2024. These surveys ask consumers about the products they own and use, including cars, and since the surveys are administered over time, CR is able to gather valuable data about how vehicles and other products tend to perform over the course of years.

Through these surveys, CR members report on their cars’ performance, any issues their cars have had, any repairs that have been necessary, and how much these repairs cost.

How does CR measure car owner satisfaction?

Members are also asked to choose, if given the opportunity to go back in time, whether they would purchase their car again. Answers to this question — across CR’s millions of members and over time — provide valuable insights into which car models are the most satisfying to own.

What are the 10 most satisfying cars and SUVs?

The 10 of the cars with the highest satisfaction ratings all scored over 80%, meaning at least 8 out of 10 owners who responded to Consumer Reports’ survey would purchase their current vehicle again if given the chance.

2. Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda Miata, a fan-favorite Japanese sports car among American auto enthusiasts, tied for second in owner satisfaction, with 88% of owners reporting they would buy one again.

The Miata (called the Roadster in Japan) has been around since 1989 and is the best-selling two-seater convertible sports car of all time.

2. Rivian R1T

Also tied for second in owner satisfaction, according to CR’s survey results, is a model that has only existed since late 2021. The Rivian R1T (the first all-electric pickup to be made available to consumers) also got an 88% owner satisfaction rating, which is somewhat surprising, as it was also ranked as the 5th-least-dependable car overall by Consumer Reports.

This and the other Rivian model on this list are the only two in the top 10 that don’t also have the nonprofit’s “CR Recommended” check mark.

1. Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevy Corvette is no doubt one of the most iconic American sports cars of all time, and according to Consumer Reports, it's also the number-one most satisfying car, with 93% of surveyed owners stating they would buy it again if given the chance.

This streamlined two-seater has changed considerably since it debuted in 1953, but the modern version is known for its powerful V8 engine, bright color options, and timeless style.

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This story was originally published September 28, 2024, 7:37 AM.