LORDSTOWN - For what might be the first time ever, Consumer Reports this week listed a Lordstown-built car as a recommended auto purchase.
In its annual auto survey looking at the most reliable new cars from 2012 or early 2013 released this week, the magazine listed the Chevrolet Cruze among 16 "newly recommended" models based on improved reliability, and among 11 small cars analyzed and recommended.
In order to be "recommended," the models must have average or better reliability, have done well in the magazine's testing and performed at least adequately if included in independent crash rollover tests.
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The Lordstown-built Chevrolet Cruze
"The best news might be from Chevrolet," the magazine reported. "The compact Chevrolet Cruze, dismal in its first year, improved to average."
While the description is far from a ringing endorsement, the magazine's stamp of approval as a "recommended buy" was enough to leave local GM and United Auto Workers officials thrilled.
"We have been working real hard to make a good, reliable car," said UAW Local 1714 president Dave Green. "The community has been real supportive, and I am really appreciative of that."
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UAW Local 1112 president Glenn Johnson also was pleased with the recommendation, and described the car as "user friendly," noting many of the accessories often are ones you would find in more of a luxury car rather than a small car. But with the Cruze, he pointed out, you get the bells and whistles along with comfort, fuel efficiency and affordability, all in a "well-built" vehicle.
GM Lordstown plant spokesman Tom Mock noted it may be the first time in history that the well-known magazine report recommended a Lordstown-built auto.
Consumers rely heavily on the magazine's analyses, and Mock noted that a recommendation goes a long way to support sales.
Other small cars recommended by the magazine included the Chevy Sonic, Subaru Impreza sedan, Mazda3 and Mazda3 SkyActiv, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra and Accent, Kia Rio and Forte and Volkswagen Jetta TDI.
Other newly recommended GM models with improved reliability include the Buick Enclave and Regal.