US automakers rise in magazine's annual brand rankings, but Japanese, Germans dominate

Buick is the first U.S.-based automotive brand to crack the top 10 in Consumer Reports magazine's annual brand report cards.

U.S. automakers also placed three vehicles on the magazine's list of "top picks" for vehicles, the first time that's happened in 17 years. The rankings were unveiled Tuesday in the magazine's annual auto issue.

But the brand rankings and top picks still were dominated by Japanese and German manufacturers, with Lexus, Mazda, Toyota, Audi and Subaru taking the top five brand spots.

Buick, made by General Motors, placed seventh in the brand rankings.