In a March 30 speech, President Obama urged Americans to buy American cars, saying among other things, that Buick tied for first place as the most reliable car in the world. The President didn’t say where he got his information, but it was most likely from J.D. Power and Associates, whose 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study released on March 19th have Buick and Jaguar tied for most-dependable honors. The study measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles.

Buick reliability has long been a bright spot for General Motors in the Consumer Reports’ annual Car Reliability Survey. Most Buicks have been consistently reliable. In the 2008 survey, based on our subscribers' experiences with 1.4 million vehicles, Buick ranked about mid-pack of 34 brands in new car reliability.

Jaguar, on the other hand, has a spottier history in CR reliability surveys. This year, its XK roadster gets a below-average rating from owners. The XF is too new to have data, and we have insufficient reliability data for the XJ sedan.

Ratings aside, it looks like a brand mention from the President of the United States may be just the thing to help move some sheet metal. According to General Motors, Buick sales were up by 21 percent in April. 

Interested in buying American? Check out our American Top Picks 2009.

—Jim Travers