If writing a general review of a new car it is not easy to give a meaningful but fair comment on its likely reliability, especially "in one or two lines". Auto Express have a reliability and safety section in their reviews and try to do that. Here are some real examples.
"Land Rover’s none-too-impressive 2014 Driver Power showing looks to be improving. The Range Rover has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, too."
"Top-notch safety is a big plus point, but the Golf might not be as reliable as VW would have you imagine."
"Safety technology is comprehensive, although reliability scores in Driver Power aren't the best." (Nissan Qashqai)
I am not convinced those comments would change the mind of many potential buyers, especially when there is a well-established myth about a manufacturer's reliability based on the way things were long ago. A good generic example is the ongoing myth that diesel engines have to be tougher so they go on forever. They did once upon a time - before they gained turbos and a battery of anti-pollution devices.
Personally I find HJ's approach far more useful. Don't offer an opinion but as time goes by append actual faults reported by real and often disgruntled owners.
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