This year, a range of Japanese brands are cleaning up and taking the top spots on the Consumer Reports and Auto Reliability Survey. Toyota’s three brands - Scion, Toyota, and Lexus - swept the top spots. When it comes to car reliability, no manufacturer can compare to Toyota. The Toyota Prius C earned Consumer Reports’ top overall score.

The Toyota brands were followed by Mazda, Subaru, Honda, and Acura - all Japanese brands. Of the 90 Japanese models reflected in the Consumer Reports Survey, 86 scored average or better, with 35 earning the highest rating.

Of European cars, Audi is by far taking the lead, moving up 18 spots from last year into eighth place. This makes Audi the most reliable European make and the top non-Japanese brand.

Wondering about domestic brands? While they aren’t topping the list this year, there are some U.S. brands that are standing out. Cadillac is currently the top U.S. brand, moving up 14 spots from last year. The CTS Coupe was rated the most reliable domestic car. Several other GM brands moved up in ranking as well, including Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC.

Next time you are in the market for a new vehicle, make sure you check out the latest Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Survey for a complete vehicle ranking.

Football is finally in full swing! I’m sure you already have your tickets to the big game, but do you know the best cars for tailgating? We already know that the Dodge Ram 1500 is a great pick, but if trucks aren’t your thing, don’t worry we’ve got you covered.

Space
The 2013 Ford Explorer is an awesome SUV with some serious seating. With a fold up 3rd row you can fit up to 7 people and still have some room in the back for your foam fingers. If you aren’t transporting the entire neighborhood, fold the 3rd row down and there is TONS of space for all your coolers, chairs, and tailgating munchies. It even has a power lift gate, so with the press of a button you’ll have full access to everything without having to yank the back door open over and over.

Safety
Safety first! On those long road trips you always want to make sure you and your friends are as safe as possible. The Explorer has SYNC with MyFord Touch available. This is an easy to use in-car connectivity system. You can make calls, music choices, control the climate and much more with voice commands. Another feature available is the voice-activated Navigation System with integrated SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link. The nav system allows you to get travel updates, fuel prices, and weather forecasts so you can plan your route with ease. It’s also far easier to keep your eyes on the road when you aren’t fiddling around with radio stations or the GPS.  

Entertainment
So how do you keep everyone entertained on the way to the game and once you get there?  One way is the awesome dual-headrest DVD players. Flip down the 3rd row and watch it right out of the back! Or blast your favorite tunes with the Sony Audio System, featuring 12 high-quality premium speakers AND a dual-channel subwoofer. Either way you and your crew will have a great time all the way to the game and back!

Climate
We aren’t done yet. What about those chilly December games? No big deal for the 2013 Explorer! The remote start features an Automatic Climate Control System so your car will automatically heat to 72 degrees. The heated seats and the rear defrost/heated mirrors will also activate so you can hop in and take off while everyone else is trying to defrost.

With an estimated 28 highway mpg you won’t break the bank on a long trip. The Explorer is definitely a big winner for tailgating, allowing you to enjoy yourself in style and comfort!

Over the river and through the woods, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will go to grandmother’s house – and beyond – with ease.

Trail-Rated and boasting the most traction of any Wrangler ever, the Wrangler Unlimited is equipped with best-in-class water fording, ground clearance, and turning diameter capabilities that help it handle even the toughest terrain and be able to travel through up to 2.5 feet of water. Plus, features such as Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist make off road travel safe and enjoyable.

The Unlimited comes standard with a 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, however, a five-speed automatic is also available. For those speed lovers out there, the Wrangler won’t disappoint either. This year’s model experienced a 26% improvement in 0-60 time, down to 8.4 seconds in 2012 from 11.4 seconds in 2011.

The outside of the Wrangler is as versatile as they come. The doors can easily be removed, as can the roof, creating an open air experience unlike any other. Both the soft and hardtop options give drivers almost unlimited choices as to how their driving experience will be. Pair any of these options with available Mopar accessories like taillamp guards and off-road lights and your Wrangler is sure to stand out. With improved aerodynamics and a multitude of exterior options, the Wrangler Unlimited is unmatched.

Think Jeeps are bare bones on the inside? Think again. The Unlimited is available with a 6.5” touchscreen display GPS Navigation and a 40 GB hard drive. The Infinity Premium sound System is a must have for those who make music an everyday part of their life. The seven speaker system features two weatherproof speakers mounted overhead for high quality music wherever or however you decide to travel. Plus, steering wheel mounted audio controls let you keep your eyes on what’s important while you pick the perfect song. Comfort your thing? Heated seats, remote start, and sound insulation have you covered.

Wherever your future trips may take you, the rugged elegance of the Wrangler Unlimited works. It works for families, young couples, single adventurers, empty nesters, and everyone in between. The next time adventure calls your name, check out the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.