I've stated before...I deal with large amounts of data generated by the auto repair industry. I can't be specific as to the source. That's my background, so take my comments accordingly.
Reading this garbage from Consumer Reports, several things stand out. The "trouble spots" as reported are steering/suspension, fuel/emissions system, engine cooling, noises and leaks. Let's ask some questions: First, define reliability. CR defines it as, "...how well vehicles have held up and the odds that an owner could be inconvenienced by problems and repairs." That's not how **I** define reliability, but I'll go with what they have. Basically, if it runs and gets me where I am going, it's reliable IMO. But, let's look at what they found....
What kind of leak? If it's the third brake light, how does that contribute to reliability? "Noises"....what kind of noises? I have a buddy who took his back because he was hearing the fan clutch cycle and didn't know what it was. People hear a squeak from the interior and they are back in to the dealer...Reliability? I guess by CR's standards, it is.
Lastly, but most importantly, they are not compiling data from warranty repairs, extended service contract repairs, etc.....they are compiling consumer survey data. As a whole, consumers are largely misinformed when it comes to their cars. They don't understand them, have a love affair with them, and are blinded to many truths about them. So, CR surveys these people then decides a car/truck isn't reliable based on what they say? This can be skewed by dealer treatment of the consumer, the weather, the spicy chicken wings that are burning a hole in the guy's ass this morning....any one of a number of things.
In short, this CR "report" isn't worth the paper it's written on from a data perspective, but the blind sheep will suck it up...and subscribe to do so.
Reminds me of all those Suzuki Samuri's that were rolling over.....