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.

During GMC Truck Month it’s time to trade up to the best Sierra model ever; customers interested in the GMC Canyon pickup can also find great deals during GMC Truck Month.

This month qualified buyers can get 0% financing for 72 months plus $2,000 allowance when they trade in an eligible vehicle. An eligible vehicle is one that is from 1999 model year or newer.  These deals are available on all 2011 and 2012 Sierra models.

Interested pickup truck buyers can also find great deals on the GMC Canyon – a smaller GMC pickup.  The specials available on the Canyon vary by model; on the 2012 GMC Canyon Regular buyers can get $1,000 consumer cash.  On the GMC Canyon Extended $2,000 consumer cash will be awarded; and on the Canyon Crew $1,500 is available. 1.9% financing is available on all 2012 GMC Canyon models.

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General Motors plans to introduce the industry’s first front center air bag; an inflatable restraint designed to help protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.

This new air bag, known as the front center air bag, will be introduced on the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse in the 2013 model year.  The new feature will be standard on all Enclave models and Acadia and Traverse models with power seats.

The front center air bag deploys from the right side of the driver’s seat and positions itself between the front row seats near the center of the vehicle.

The air bag is designed to provide restraint during passenger-side crashes when the driver is the only front occupant, as well as act as an energy absorbing cushion between driver and front passenger in both driver- and passenger-side crashes.  The air bag is also expected to provide benefit in rollovers.

GM found that far-side impact crashes, which the front center air bag primarily addresses, accounted for 11% of belted front occupant fatalities in non-rollover impacts between 2004 and 2009.  “No other air bag in passenger vehicles today offers the type of restraint and cushioning this air bag is designed to provide for front occupants,” said Scott Thomas, senior staff engineer in GM’s advanced restraint system.

“The front center air bag has real potential to save lives in side crashes,” said Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “GM should be commended for taking the lead in this important area.”