Because existing sources of auto reliability information left much to be desired, in late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research at TrueDelta.com. TrueDelta reports absolute stats like "trips to the shop" that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, so it's possible to provide reliability information on new models quickly. Also, any significant changes in a model's reliability become apparent quickly.

I'm currently just a few owners short of being able to include the 2006 Highlander in the main survey, and other years are also close.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, panel members will receive full access to the results for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Auto reliability research

Next results in May, but probably not enough responses for the Highlander.

To help get your model year included:

Vehicle reliability research

There weren't enough responses from Highlander owners to include any model year in the May results.

To help make this happen with the next update, in August:

Vehicle reliability research

Some years included in the August results, but the sample sizes were too small for these results to be conclusive. Next set in November--more participants would certainly help.

Vehicle reliability research

This month's survey is the last before we update results. Sample sizes have been marginal for the Highlander, so additional participants would be very helpful.

Car reliability research