Russian owners of the Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris rank these models highly for maintenance costs, reliability, and fuel efficiency. This finding comes from a survey in the Avto.ru classification, which gathered feedback from Russians on the most popular used cars in the fourth quarter of 2022 (via socialbites.ca).
Yet,
owners point to certain downsides of the Rio and Solaris, including weak sound insulation, limited off-road capability, and modest acceleration. Lada Granta stands out for low fuel consumption and affordable upkeep, with drivers praising its reliability. The primary concerns here are soundproofing, safety, and acceleration performance.
Among the standout features of the Volkswagen Polo, Russians emphasize fuel economy, reliability, and ease of handling. The drawbacks cited include sound insulation, acceleration dynamics, and limited off-road ability.
Motorists also commend Toyota Camry for strong reliability, low maintenance costs, and attractive styling. Significant disadvantages mentioned are inadequate sound insulation, low ground clearance, and relatively high fuel consumption.
Skoda Octavia attracts buyers with its solid handling, low fuel consumption, and favorable acceleration dynamics,
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The model receives some negative feedback regarding soundproofing, interior volume, and maintenance costs. In reviews, this car is described as a family vehicle with a large trunk. The Volkswagen Tiguan crossover earns praise for handling, performance, and safety, but its maintenance expenses, fuel use, and cargo capacity leave room for improvement.
Among the popular cars, Russians also named several premium models. The BMW 3 Series and 5 Series share similar strengths and weaknesses, particularly around handling, styling, and dynamics versus concerns about off-road capability and maintenance costs. The Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse is also widely chosen, with emphasis on handling, appearance, and safety. In both Bavarian cars, maintenance cost, ground clearance, and price are frequently noted as drawbacks.
And the Chinese brands as well
Car dealers report early signs of positive momentum for models from Chinese automakers. Andrey Kamensky, Marketing Director of Avilon AG, noted that Chery fans appreciate the Tiggo 7 Pro for its broad feature set and value for money. Buyers also highlight the Tiggo 8 Pro Max for its all‑wheel drive and large dimensions.
Regarding the Chinese brand Changan, Kamensky pointed out that Uni-K is valued for its design and manufacturability, while CS35 is noted for reliability and unpretentiousness.
Models such as Hyundai Creta, Tucson, and Santa Fe are favored for ergonomics, comfort, handling, and equipment levels, with customers seeking options. Those who pick the Kia Sportage often aim for ergonomics, a tall body, a roomy trunk, and solid ground clearance.
BMW X5 is described as a choice for fast, powerful car enthusiasts who value status, while Porsche Cayenne is noted for similar prestige, according to the Avtodom group of companies.
Myths about reliability
However, Dmitry Rogov, founder of RogovMobil, cautions that such reviews can become stereotypes that should not be trusted as gospel.
He notes that roughly a decade ago, Volkswagen models were feared for oil consumption and transmission failures. The company has since addressed these issues, but the reputation lingers in memory.
There is some truth behind myths, yet people often oversimplify or misinterpret facts. Rogov elaborates in an interview with socialbites.ca.
He argues that the belief CVTs and robotic transmissions are inherently unreliable while automatic transmissions are always dependable is false—there are good and bad examples in both camps. Conversely, there are CVTs and automated systems that can surpass traditional automatics in reliability.
As another case, Toyota is renowned for reliability, yet the Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series faced a global recall over a serious issue with a 3-liter diesel engine and piston group. An auto expert recalls instances where even official dealers reveal isolated problems, underscoring that manufacturing hiccups can happen across brands.
In official settings, one might even see a Lexus LX 450d serviced with nearby engine work—an example Rogov cites of factory-related issues that were resolved, yet became part of the narrative.
Jan Haytseer, vice president of the National Automobile Association (NAS), explains that some models remain reliable primarily because their designs and components have changed little for decades. He argues that many reliability legends persist because the early designs set expectations that endure even as technology advances.
Some designers now prioritize marketing and finances over longevity, Heitzeer adds, and the myths endure because they’re tied to historical experiences. Yet he emphasizes that even now, reliability can vary within a brand, and Nissan is cited as a counterexample where European-market dynamics have affected perceived reliability differently than in the past.
Haytseer concludes that cars from 25 years ago often boasted sturdier designs and higher margins of safety than some modern models, and the myths about reliability were laid down long ago. The modern auto industry continues to evolve, sometimes outpacing the old reputations, yet those old beliefs persist in public conversation.