DETROIT—Although Asian cars are still the most reliable, the U.S. beat Europe in overall vehicle quality for the first time in about 25 years, according to the Consumer Reports automotive issue released this week.

The magazine, which asked 675,000 U.S. car buyers about serious car problems they had over 12 months, said Detroit automakers were making a dramatic turn for the better.

“Some years ago, (Detroit) didn’t really take reliability that seriously,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ auto test department. “The domestic manufacturers have really come along strong.”

Take Ford, for example. The Ford Focus, which had been recalled 11 times after its 2000 launch, took home top honors in the “best small sedan” category. The SVT version of the Focus was named “most fun to drive.”

Among vehicles less than a year old, Asian vehicles averaged 12 problems per 100 units, U.S. vehicles averaged 18, and European models averaged 20.

DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group led the Detroit pack with 16 problems per 100 vehicles. The Jeep Liberty was the company’s most reliable vehicle. Ford averaged 18 problems per 100 vehicles and GM averaged 19.

Asian automakers Toyota and Honda swept the other eight “top pick” categories. Thirty-one out of the 32 most reliable vehicles were from Japanese carmakers, said Consumer Reports.

European makes performed relatively poorly in this year’s survey. Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles had below-average reliability.

European cars are great when they’re running but more prone to engine and electrical problems, said Champion.

For three-year old vehicles, Asian carmakers averaged 54 problems per 100 vehicles, Americans averaged 60 and European vehicles averaged 67.