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 any significant changes in a model's reliability become apparent quickly.

With the 2007 Camry V6, we were the first source of reliability stats to report a problem with the automatic transmission. And with prompt quarterly updates we're the only source to report improvements. There will be another update in about a week.

The main thing the research needs: more participants.

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 receive full access to the results for free.

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

Vehicle reliability research

Updated results recently posted:

Vehicle reliability research

The 2007 V6 has improved to average, while the other 2007s are better than average.

Not as large a sample of 2008s--need more of them--but the limited amount of data we have suggests it might be doing worse than the 2007. This would be unusual, so probably a matter of the sample size.

We have updated results for the Camry to include owner experiences through March 2009. All sixth-generation Camry powertrains and model years now better than average:

Toyota Camry reliability comparisons

Additional participants needed, especially for the 2009.