On Dec 12, 11:27*am, edward ohare
<edward_oh...@nospam.yahoo.com.invalid> wrote:
> On Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:04:48 -0800 (PST), Lloyd <lpar...@emory.edu>
> wrote:
>
> >So you're claiming a CR reader who drives a Chevy is simply going to
> >report more problems than one who drives a Toyota? *Why? *And do you
> >have a shred of evidence to back up this wild accusation?
>
> Not wild at all. *The Toyota Corolla and its Chevy clone often were
> rated differently. *

"4.7. Why are there sometimes considerable differences in reliability
between "related" or "twin" models?
Some variants of similar vehicles have different reliability results
in our survey. Although you might expect that related vehicles, or
"twin" models, would have very similar reliability histories, there
are a number of factors that can lead owners to have different
reliability experiences with these models.

Some differences can be attributed to different equipment, such as
different transmissions, suspension tuning, or power equipment.

Some related models may be manufactured in different plants. While
their designs might be quite similar, by being built in separate
facilities they may be subject to different manufacturing processes,
such as differences in quality control.

Some model variants that share the same design but have different
equipment level or body style can lead to differences in reliability.
For example, the V6 version of the Chrysler Sebring has below average
predicted reliability, but the 4-cylinder version had average
reliability. The V6 offered more standard equipmentthan the 4-cylinder
and had more power equipment and audio problems. The redesigned for
2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible has much worse than average
predicted reliability. The convertible body style contributed to more
body hardware and squeaks and rattles in addition to electrical, power
equipment, and audio problems.

These are some examples of factors that may cause seemingly similar
models to have different reliability profiles. We carefully examine
the data for all related models, and if the data show that their
reliability profiles are similar, we will combine their data to yield
more robust results. We believe, though, in the accuracy of our data,
and we have a commitment to report the experiences our subscribers
share with us. In some cases, they report different reliability
experiences with closely related models."