Japanese cars top UK reliability survey - Duh

LONDON, Sept 6 Reuters reported that British drivers say Japanese cars are the most reliable, while rugged off-roaders break down the most, a survey found on Friday.

Models made by Honda, Mazda, Toyota and Lexus came top in a poll of more than 33,500 drivers for the Consumers' Association, an independent watchdog.

Among the least reliable were Land Rover, Jeep and Alfa Romeo, according to the "Which?" magazine Car Survey 2002, billed as Britain's biggest annual reliability poll.

"Controlling the manufacturing process is something Japanese companies do very well," David Evans, car expert for the magazine told Reuters. "They seem to be able to set up factories anywhere in the world and repeat the success."

Evans said higher prices gave no guarantee of trouble-free motoring.

The survey named the Ford Focus, Honda Accord and Toyota Yaris as its best buys, while no luxury cars were singled out for praise.

Only one percent of Mazdas bought since 2000 broke down in the last year, compared to 20 percent of Jeeps, 16 percent of Alfa Romeos and 13 percent of Land Rovers.

More than a third (34 percent) of cars less than two years old needed a part replacing, with the figure rising to 38 percent for Citroen and Volkswagen.

Nearly all Lexus drivers said they would recommend their car to a friend, compared to fewer than half for Vauxhall, Rover and Fiat.

"Which?" said buyers could avoid big garage bills by finding out more about the car they want to buy before going to the showroom.