Consumer Reports just dropped its 2024 Most and Least Loved Car Brands list, and there’s plenty for GM fans to celebrate. Based on feedback from over 300,000 car owners, this annual report ranks automakers by how satisfied customers are with their vehicles. It’s a solid snapshot of which brands are making owners happy enough to say, “Yeah, I’d buy this again.”

And guess what? GM brands like Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac are right up there with the best. Buick? Well.. we’ll get to that.

Lineup of red Chevrolet trucks at a desert event with a Lasertown sign in the background.
Chevrolet lineup of trucks, including ZR2 off-road-ready models

Rivian Still on Top—But GM Makes Moves

At the very top of the list, it’s no surprise to see Rivian holding onto its No. 1 spot with an 86% satisfaction score. Those R1T and R1S owners are clearly loving life with their EVs. Following closely are BMW, Tesla, and Porsche, which have a reputation for delivering luxury and performance that people seem to connect with year after year.

But the real excitement this time? Chevrolet and GMC broke into the top 15, with Chevy landing in a solid tie for sixth place. That’s right—Chevrolet is rubbing shoulders with brands like Lexus and Genesis, pulling in a 70% satisfaction score. GMC isn’t far behind at No. 11, scoring 67%. Cadillac is at 15th with 65%, proving that GM’s luxury arm still knows how to keep customers happy.

What’s Driving Chevy and GMC’s Success?

Chevy’s spot in the top 10 is huge. Owners are particularly happy with the usability and cabin storage—two things that can make or break everyday life with a car. Whether it’s a Silverado, Tahoe, or even the family-friendly Traverse, these vehicles are ticking a lot of boxes for a lot of people.

GMC, on the other hand, holds strong in similar areas. Customers praised the thought that went into interior design and ease of use. It’s clear that both GMC and Chevy are nailing the practical features, which isn’t a huge shock if you’ve spent any time behind the wheel of one of their trucks or SUVs.

Then there’s Cadillac. Sure, 15th place isn’t jaw-dropping, but this brand consistently scores high for comfort and driving enjoyment. Caddies have that classic mix of luxury and performance, and it’s cool to see them standing out for things like seat comfort and ride quality.

2024 GMC Acadia Denali in blue driving on a tree-lined road in autumn, showcasing its premium design.
The 2024 GMC Acadia Denali drives through a peaceful autumn landscape, exemplifying its refined design and premium features—key reasons GMC ranked highly in Consumer Reports’ owner satisfaction survey.

Lincoln Surprises, Buick Lags

Lincoln, Ford’s luxury brand, made one of the biggest jumps this year, climbing 12 spots to No. 7. While that’s great for Lincoln fans, it also shows that American automakers as a whole are stepping up their game in owner satisfaction.

On the flip side, Buick came in at 21st, with a score of 59%. It’s not terrible, but it’s definitely behind the rest of the GM lineup. For a brand that we often think of for comfort and reliability, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher.

Breaking Down the Satisfaction Metrics

Consumer Reports didn’t just rank brands overall—they also dug into specific areas like comfort, driving, and ownership costs. This is where GM’s strengths really show:

  • Comfort: Cadillac nailed it, earning top marks alongside brands like Rivian, Porsche, and BMW. Those plush interiors and smooth rides are hard to beat.
  • Driving Enjoyment: Cadillac scored high here too, joining the likes of Porsche and Tesla. Clearly, people love driving these things.
  • Cabin Storage: Chevy and GMC shined in this category, thanks to practical touches like well-thought-out cup holders and center consoles.
  • Usability: Once again, Chevy and GMC stood out. From intuitive infotainment systems to easy-to-use controls, these brands make life behind the wheel simple.
  • Ownership Costs: Cadillac also got some love here, standing alongside brands like Tesla and Hyundai for managing fuel, maintenance, and repair expenses.
Interior of the GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate showcasing a premium dashboard, leather seats, and advanced infotainment system.
The interior of the GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate highlights premium materials, advanced technology, and a driver-focused layout—features that resonate with customers and contribute to GMC’s high owner satisfaction scores in Consumer Reports’ rankings.

What’s the Takeaway?

It’s clear that GM is holding its own—and then some—against some of the biggest names in the industry. Chevrolet’s high ranking is a big win, GMC keeps delivering, and Cadillac continues to show why it’s a favorite among luxury buyers.

Sure, Rivian, BMW, and Tesla may grab the headlines, but for GM fans, it’s nice to see the brands we know and love getting the recognition they deserve. Whether it’s for practical daily drivers or luxury cruisers, GM is proving it knows how to make cars that people genuinely enjoy owning.

You can the entire rundown from Consumer Reports right here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-liked-car-brands-a1291429338/