I just checked CR's site. They liked the FEH,and according to them the hybrid Escape has had above average reliability so far.They would have recommended it except for the Gov. tip over test"-just drive a little more carefully.
The Vibe has a "half a red dot" for reliability-that is just one step below the highest possible rating.CR has it as a recommended pick.It isn't built at the same plant as the Matrix. It is built in the same plant as some Corollas,Tacomas-that combined GM-Toyo plant in Ca. There probably is some bias in CR ratings, but it isn't from the employees of CR it is from the folks who subscribe and send in their ratings. They probably are conditioned to rate the Japanese stuff a little better. This is why the ratings are broken down into various categories-you can see what actually went bad. A trim element falling off is no where near as big a deal as the AC, or Trans, or engine failing.Luck,Charlie
PS- If you like the FEH, buy it. Objectively, it is better than average in reliability according to the folks as CR.