Consumer Reports reliability ratings

For those interested in more on this, here is a recent 73 (so far) post thread.

https://www.insideevsforum.com/community/index.php?threads/consumer-reports-clarity-much-worse-than-average-reliability-really.3631/

 

I write CR last month and ask their auto test directors to clarify the algorithms used to publish 1) reliability predictions for new cars with no data and 2) reliability predictions for new cars with initial data. I used the Clarity PHEV as an example, since the car went from recommended and with average predicted reliability to not recommended and with a much worse than average reliability in just 4 months. I’ll post back what they say.

 

Steven Loveday, the author of this InsideEVs review of the Clarity asks in the title
Honda Clarity PHEV: The Ultimate Plug-In Hybrid?
Mr. Loveday writes "We’ve yet to find many reviews about the Clarity PHEV that tear it to shreds. In fact, just about every article we read about this Honda says it’s first-rate in most ways." He never addresses Consumer Reports' abysmal review, so he must not have seen it. At least Mr. Loveday likes the Clarity's looks--not a common opinion in reviews of this car. @Pushmi-Pullyu adds some good comments at the end.

 

His review is very positive but have several inaccuracies. For example mentions 12 volt charging ( for 120 volts) and also implies that dc fast charging is available in the us model.

 

Scotty is not a fan: {skip to 0:58}



It sounded like he had a bunch of customers with a long list of problems with them, but when I listened a second time I realized he was referring to Honda hybrids generally vs Toyota Prius's (Prii?) and then the list of problems he gives for the Clarity are straight from the Consumer Reports article. So really he has no idea. lol

He's known to be a big Toyota proponent, so it is not a surprise. I wouldn't take much advice from the guy, but at least he can be entertaining when he delivers it.