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Consumer Reports has things slightly different take

The most reliable 2004 brand overall is now Subaru, which averages 8 problems per 100. Honda, long a reliability leader, averaged 9 problems per 100.

Japanese and Korean automakers once again produced the most trouble-free vehicles, with an overall problem rate of 12 per 100 for the 2004 model year. That rate has not changed in the past three years.

The most reliable 2004 brand overall is now Subaru, which averages 8 problems per 100. Honda, long a reliability leader, averaged 9 problems per 100.

Subaru showed significant improvement. This year, with just 8 problems per 100 cars, it had the best reliability record of any 2004 make. It suffered last year, largely because of the poor showing of its new Baja truck.

Honda, Toyota, and Acura were close behind Subaru this year. Lexus finished fourth, tied with Infiniti and Hyundai. But their overall problem rate of 11 per 100 is still enviable.

Nissan’s 2004 showing was disappointing because its new or redesigned models have had high problem rates. The redesigned 2004 Quest minivan and the Armada SUV were among the worst this year; the Titan pickup was better.