Report: Lexus is America’s Top Auto Brand

Consumer Reports has bestowed its highest rating on Toyota Motor Co.'s Lexus unit. The magazine's 2013 Car Brand Report Cards describe Lexus vehicles as quiet, plush, fuel efficient and reliable.

CR ranks marques based on vehicle reliability and performance in its road test and awards the highest scores to the best.

Lexus, rated (79), was joined in the top 10 by seven more Japanese makes (rated 76 to 70) and two German brands: Audi (70) and Mercedes-Benz (69). Other European marques ranked were BMW (64), Volkswagen (62), Volvo (58) and Mini (56).

The magazine didn't rate seven smaller makes, including Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche and Smart, for lack of adequate reliability data.

Among U.S. carmakers, General Motors' makes (63-54) fared best, followed by Ford marques (51-50). Chrysler Group's namesake brand scored 52, but Dodge (46) and Jeep (47) were lowest in the rankings.