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It's official: all that talk by Ford about how improved the company's quality is, is more than just marketing spin. In the most recent Consumer Reports Annual Car Reliability Survey (2009), Ford made huge gains, with the Fusion mid-sized sedan out-ranking both the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

"It's rare for Consumer Reports to see family sedans from domestic car makers continue to beat the reliability scores of such highly regarded Japanese models as the Camry and Accord," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Automotive Test Center, with the last domestic sedan to do so being the Buick Regal back in 2004.

As a whole, 90 percent (or 46 of 51) Ford/Lincoln models scored average or better reliability. Dragging that number down were the Lincoln MKS, MKX, and MKZ, which all scored below average.

As for domestic competitors General Motors and Chrysler, the General has 20 or 48 vehicles that scored average reliability, while Chrysler continues to falter with one third of its vehicles below average and only one recommended product – the Ram 1500 4WD.

Despite losing out to Ford in the mid-sized segment, the Japanese (and now Korean) automakers continue to dominate as the most reliable vehicles, with 36 of the top 48 models being Asian. All Honda and Acura products rated average or above average, while out of Toyota, Lexus and Scion, just one model (the Lexus GS AWD) rated below average.

Like the American automakers (Chrysler excluded) European car manufacturers are improving. Mercedes has made the biggest improvement with most models now rated average or better. BMWs brought mixed results with the 535i sedan and X3 SUV declining, while the 135i rating below average. Only the 328i lists as "Recommended" by Consumer Reports.

As for Volkswagen, the Golf and CC earned top scores, while the diesel Jetta is now listed as the only diesel with a "Recommended" rating. Unfortunately for VW, the least reliable car from the CR survey is the Toureg.

As for the impeccably reliable product from Porsche, that reputation has been sullied somewhat for 2009 with the Boxster slipping in reliability, causing it to be removed from the "Recommended" list.

Consumer Reports' 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey is based on responses from more than 1.4 million new vehicle owners or leases that subscribe to Consumer Reports.

More: Report: Ford Fusion Tops Honda Accord, Toyota Camry in Consumer Reports Reliability Ranking on AutoGuide.com