Gm Suv And Pickup Reliability - How Doe They Compare?

[mkaresh]

In late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research. I'm reporting absolute stats like "times in the shop" that will make the differences between cars much clearer. Relative ratings obscure too much--how large is the difference between "better than average" and "worse than average"? I’ll also be updating results four times a year, so there will be information on new models sooner.

 

I'm not yet collecting data on any small or midsize GM truck, because too few are signed up to participate. Both model years of the Equinox/Torrent are about 3/4 of the way to the minimum, as are some model years of the TrailBlazer and Envoy.

 

To encourage participation, panel members will receive full access to the results free of charge.

 

Details: Vehicle reliability research

 

Comments, questions, and suggestions welcome.

[mkaresh]

Getting closer to collecting data on these trucks. As soon as enough people sign up, I'll start.

[mkaresh]

Getting closer, but not there yet.

 

Latest results posted for other models last month:

 

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

[mkaresh]

The 2002 is now a single vehicle short of the minimum needed to get started, and the next round of survey emails goes out tomorrow. Other years also getting close.

[mkaresh]

Data collection has started with the 2002, but more participants will probably be necessary to post results.

 

Latest results for over 50 other models here:

 

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

[mkaresh]

Most model years still need more participants to get started. Once a sufficient number of owners are participating, results will be updated promptly every three months.

[bryanhunt]

MKaresh,

 

Your polling system is inherently flawed due to human psychology. A person is much more likely to spend time to search for reliability data and fill out surveys as a way to vent their frustration with their own personal problems. A contented individual is much less likely to proactively go out and fill out surveys. Those that do are more likely to exagerate their numbers because they have a subconcious need to defend their vehicle choice.

 

Overall there is no method to truely flush out the lies people, intentionally or unintentionally, tell.

[mkaresh]

True, you probably can't get all people to tell the entire truth. But my methods come closer, maybe even much closer, than those used by others.

 

The key difference is that you can't just sign up and then report a long list of past problems. The survey is monthly, and always only covers the previous month. (If there is no repair, no need to respond monthly, just quarterly with an approximate odometer reading.)

 

Each month about 10 percent of participants report a repair. The other 90 percent don't. It's not just a bunch of complainers.

 

The only owners I don't welcome are those with agendas. And people with agendas don't tend to care about data--they already have a conclusion--so they're probably unlikely to sign up and participate anyway.

[mkaresh]

Data collection has begun on the 2002 TrailBlazer and Envoy. And other model years are getting closer to the minimum needed to get started. The 2006, got example, is only six owners short of the minimum.

 

For the details, and to sign up to help:

 

Auto reliability research -- need more GM trucks and SUVs!

[mkaresh]

Closer, but not there yet. Next results update in February.

[mkaresh]

Based on the number of responses so far, it's looking like these GM trucks and SUVs will not be among the 80+ models in the February results. More participants very much needed.

 

Vehicle reliability research

[mkaresh]

The February results will actually include 92 model / model year combinations, but no midsize GM SUVs. Maybe in May, if enough owners sign up to participate.

 

Vehicle reliability research

[mkaresh]

Those May results are fast approaching. Might have the 2002 in them.

 

Other model years still aren't included in the survey, though a few are close to the minimum sample size.

 

For the details, and to help get your model year included:

 

Vehicle reliability research

[mkaresh]

Not looking good for May, but August is likely.

 

A few other model years are within a few owners of the minimum sample size.

 

Help get your year included:

 

Vehicle reliability research

[MustGoFaster]

this could be sweet. knda like comsumer reports, but with test data not paid for by import car makers