Honda tops used car reliability survey

Japanese manufacturer Honda has topped the international used car reliability league table for the third consecutive year.

Carried out by What Car? magazine and Warranty Direct the survey looked at the number of faults reported by vehicle owners, compiling data to reveal the most reliable models.

Honda produced six of the top ten models in terms of reliability during 2007.

The Honda CR-V, produced by in the UK in 1997 - 2002 came second in the table, while the Honda HR-V, produced in 1999 - 2005, came in joint third.

The Toyota Corolla, produced for a short period in 2000 - 2002, came top of the model list.

A second Toyota, the Celica, came in joint third.

Overall, six of the top ten models were Japanese, and produced in the UK, suggesting this segment of the market is among the most reliable.

For example the Corolla was build in Derbyshire and Swindon produced the CR-V.

"The annual reliability study is a thorough and helpful guide that provides important data for buyers of new and used cars. British workers should be proud that their products have done so well," said Steve Fowler, editor, What Car? magazine.

In terms of manufacturers, Honda was followed by Toyota, Subaru and Lexus.

British producer Mini came in fifth.

However, in contrast, Land Rover was ranked last in the survey, coming in at 26th.

Seat, Alfa Romeo, Renault were also ranked among the worst.

"The data proves that expensive doesn't necessarily mean reliable. The more mechanically and electronically complicated a vehicle, especially if it's of European origin, the more likely you are to suffer problems," said Duncan McClure Fisher, managing director, Warranty Direct.