2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

Seen a revised methodology in the preparation of its annual report cards Consumer Reports Car Brand Lexus award its top overall ranking in 2013. For the first time in history, broke the institute individual brands their larger enterprises umbrellas, meaning that automakers like Lexus and Scion were independently reviewed by the parent company Toyota. This strategy worked well for Lexus as the luxury brand achieved the highest rating of 79 reports for the model year 2013. The Institute has tested every one of the Lexus models to date, and said that the company's products won thanks to "a foundation of plush and very reliable car."

Meanwhile, Mazda and Subaru tied for the second highest score report cars, with scores of 76. Subaru deserves praise for sporty models like the GT, apparently CR testers had fun riding (of course), while the Mazda products were praised for their blend of functionality, sportiness and efficiency. Both of the Japanese brands offer good handling, fuel economy and versatility, says Consumer Reports.

Acura and Toyota rounded out the top five with two scores of 74 points. A full eight of the top ten brands were Japanese companies with Audi (eighth place) and Mercedes-Benz (tenth place), the only European company. With top scores CR noted that the Euro-brands were inconsistent this year, losing ground with Volkswagen and Mini with the worst of everything from European brands, with 20 of the 26 total.

Domestic automakers do not particularly good, either. Cadillac was on the peaks of the General Motors portfolio, but was still only hampered average reliability, and not loves at CUE complex CR "controls", a complaint that we have heard. Ford and Lincoln have been dinged for its infotainment systems and reliability, but also for EcoBoost engines that do not deliver the promised fuel economy ratings. Chrysler brands were the worst off, but only with the Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 and Chrysler 300 V6 are recommended by the publication. Scroll down for the full list of Brand Report Card scores, as well as the Consumer Reports press release, or visit the website to read the CR on the functionality and explore the detailed information behind each of the brands.