Consumer Reports' brand perception survey

Toyota saw a five-point gain in its score from 2013, holding its top spot from last year as the leading brand. It was not only distinguished as the best in perceived quality, but also in fuel economy and value. Pictured here is the Toyota Corolla, which shed its bland sheet metal for a more contemporary look.

Ford's three-point improvement from last year wasn't enough to overtake Toyota, which maintained its top spot. The Blue Oval scored well in perceived quality, safety, performance and value, and saw strong sales of the Ford Fusion and Escape.

Although Honda enjoyed segment-topping sales with the Accord and CR-V for 2013, the brand dipped 16 points while still staying in the top three. Consumer Reports (CR) dropped the coveted "Recommended" rating for the V-6 Accord, which may have hurt its perception. Nevertheless, it ranked highly in fuel economy, value and safety.

Chevrolet jumped up 16 points to nearly tie Honda at fourth place overall. The brand topped the performance category, likely boosted by cars such as the Corvette Stingray, SS and Camaro.

Tesla Motors jumped 47 points from last year to fifth place this year. Lauded as the top-rated vehicle by Consumer Reports, it also received praise for its safety, and torquey performance (that could take on Corvettes at the drag strip).

Subaru saw a huge jump in its perceived safety ranking and was second in that category, though Volvo still easily took the top spot. The 2014 Subaru Forester was the highest scoring vehicle in predicted reliability by Consumer Reports last year.

Although the Mercedes-Benz came second behind Toyota in perceived quality, it was seventh overall. The brand didn't rank highly in performance, but tied first in design with BMW, Cadillac and Audi. The 2014 Mercedes CLA-Class is pictured here.

In spite of Toyota's high ranking, Scion (a sub-division of Toyota Motor Company) was a low performer in CR's brand survey--likely hurt by the below-average reliability score for the Scion FR-S (along with its twin, the Subaru BRZ).

Historically, Land Rover has been at the bottom of reliability surveys and lists, which likely hurt its perception in spite of stylish offerings such as this Range Rover Sport.