Five expensive clunker cars to avoid

Don’t judge a brand on just one or two models. Despite the GL-Class finding a place on our list, Mercedes-Benz registered large improvements this year, with most of its models rated at least average for their reliability. The GL even received a respectable score of 77 for its overall performance–a testament to its other strengths. And the GLK earned exceptionally strong marks from Consumer Reports. All of Volvo’s sedans earned average or better marks from Consumer Reports, too; none came near our clunker list, but its $37,700 XC90 SUV came in with below-average scores. And while Porsche routinely scores extremely high for brand satisfaction and quality among all of its vehicles, this year the $47,600 Boxster dropped from the Consumer Reports recommended list. It just goes to show that general rules in the automotive world still apply (Chrysler struggles with reliability issues; Asian automakers continue to excel). Overarching generalizations, however, are best avoided.

– from Yahoo