J.D. Power: Vehicle Dependability Study News
06-29-2005, 04:53 PM
#41
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Originally Posted by DownUnder
Interesting, last year I believe Lincoln was at the very bottom then all of a sudden this year it's in 3rd. 
06-30-2005, 02:54 AM
#43
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Also, does anyone wanna explain to me why Acura consistently ranks below Honda? Yeah, it's just by a few points, but look at all the other luxury marques that are under the umbrella of a more mass market company:
Lexus > Toyota
Infiniti > Nissan
Audi > VW
Caddy & Buick > any other GM
Lincoln > any other Ford
WHY does Honda not get that? What the fuck is so difficult to see about this concept: if a car sells for twice as much, PAY TWICE AS MUCH F*(#@(CkING ATTENTION WHEN YOU'RE MAKING IT!
Honda's run by very intelligent people. They see this for sure. Why won't they act upon it?
Lexus > Toyota
Infiniti > Nissan
Audi > VW
Caddy & Buick > any other GM
Lincoln > any other Ford
WHY does Honda not get that? What the fuck is so difficult to see about this concept: if a car sells for twice as much, PAY TWICE AS MUCH F*(#@(CkING ATTENTION WHEN YOU'RE MAKING IT!
Honda's run by very intelligent people. They see this for sure. Why won't they act upon it?
06-30-2005, 07:56 AM
#45
Burn some dust here
Originally Posted by cusdaddy
I think a lot of their placing has to do with the fact that they are extremely low volume compared to the rest of the list
06-30-2005, 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by cusdaddy
After experiences with my Z compared to my parents 99 Maxima, I can understand why Nissan has fallen.
With my Z, I've been through a new transmission, new front tires & alignment, a new rear axle. My parents 99 Maxima has never been to a mechanic other than scheduled maintenance.
With my Z, I've been through a new transmission, new front tires & alignment, a new rear axle. My parents 99 Maxima has never been to a mechanic other than scheduled maintenance.
New tranny and new rear axle!?! WTF! What happened to the...rear axle dude? Never heard of one break for ever. With any car.
06-30-2005, 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by goldmemberer
Far as industry avg. goes:
03-04 - 1.4% change
04-05 - 13% change (!)
Nice. Let's hope this continues.
03-04 - 1.4% change
04-05 - 13% change (!)
Nice. Let's hope this continues.
Yes, I noticed that and was blown away. This means that the 2002 model year was A TON more reliable/dependable than the 2001 and before years. Very well done, industry
06-30-2005, 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by goldmemberer
Also, does anyone wanna explain to me why Acura consistently ranks below Honda? Yeah, it's just by a few points, but look at all the other luxury marques that are under the umbrella of a more mass market company:
Lexus > Toyota
Infiniti > Nissan
Audi > VW
Caddy & Buick > any other GM
Lincoln > any other Ford
WHY does Honda not get that? What the fuck is so difficult to see about this concept: if a car sells for twice as much, PAY TWICE AS MUCH F*(#@(CkING ATTENTION WHEN YOU'RE MAKING IT!
Honda's run by very intelligent people. They see this for sure. Why won't they act upon it?
Lexus > Toyota
Infiniti > Nissan
Audi > VW
Caddy & Buick > any other GM
Lincoln > any other Ford
WHY does Honda not get that? What the fuck is so difficult to see about this concept: if a car sells for twice as much, PAY TWICE AS MUCH F*(#@(CkING ATTENTION WHEN YOU'RE MAKING IT!
Honda's run by very intelligent people. They see this for sure. Why won't they act upon it?
Hehehe...
Very nicely put though. No one can argue with the above gold. And to think that it's easier to do well in this study when your lineup consists of less offerings. In theory, everything is for Acura, yet they cant execute. Unacceptable and heads should be rolling on this.
06-30-2005, 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by cob3683
True but the number of problems from 2004-2005 dropped over 100....pretty impressive. Then again it couldve been just a very good year for Porsche but out of every Manufacturer, that caught me eye first.
06-30-2005, 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
MOst of this gain I bet is because they debugged the Cayenne. Or maybe not. When was the Cayenne introduced? Was it 2001 or 2002?
06-30-2005, 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
New tranny and new rear axle!?! WTF! What happened to the...rear axle dude? Never heard of one break for ever. With any car.
All were replaced quickly under warranty and I got a loaner car so no major issue, but still a pain.
07-01-2005, 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by chungkopi
whatever happened to hyundai and subaru? i thought they were two of the top 5. is it because of their newly introduced cars?
They are only in "Intial Quality", they are improving in dependability, but they have some work to do to clear their name.
07-03-2005, 04:16 PM
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Some people will only buy Hondas. To them, Honda anything = good
However, the Accurati like to cross-shop a lot with the other brands.
A lot of people try Acura once and then move on
They (we) are fussy.
However, the Accurati like to cross-shop a lot with the other brands.
A lot of people try Acura once and then move on
They (we) are fussy.
09-27-2005, 02:15 PM
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2005 Vehicle Dependability Study
Originally Posted by J.D.Power
http://www.jdpower.com/pdf/2005089.pdf
J.D. Power and Associates Reports:
The Automotive Industry Records Substantial Long-Term Vehicle Quality Improvements
Lexus Ranks Highest in Vehicle Dependability for the 11th Consecutive Year;
General Motors and Ford Motor Company Earn Record Number of Model Awards
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 29 June 2005 — The automotive industry records an impressive 12 percent improvement in long-term vehicle quality, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today.
The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old (2002 model-year) vehicles, provides useful information to both consumers and the automotive industry on long-term vehicle quality. For consumers, the VDS offers insight into the reliability and dependability of brands and specific models as they approach the end of a typical warranty period. Manufacturers use this information to track the quality performance of their models over time to implement product improvement plans.
At the industry level, manufacturers have made a considerable leap in quality, with improvements across all categories. The industry average improves 32 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) compared to 2004. In addition, nearly all nameplates and 84 percent of vehicle models included in the 2005 VDS also record year-over-year improvements. The categories showing the most significant improvements in 2005 include ride, handling and braking; engine; and interior.
"While the Initial Quality Study [IQS], which measures problems experienced in the first 90 days of ownership, can be an indicator of how models will perform over time, our studies consistently show that long-term durability is a tremendously important factor to consumers," said Chance Parker, executive director of product and research analysis at J.D. Power and Associates. "As the number of problems owners experience with their vehicles increases, repurchase intent and the number of recommendations owners will make to others decreases. The study also finds that long-term durability can have a significant impact on a vehicle’s retained value."
According to actual retail transaction data from the Power Information Network, a division of J.D. Power and Associates, 3-year-old vehicles of brands that perform above the industry average in VDS typically retain $1,000 more of their value than those of brands performing below the industry average.
Lexus, which ranks highest in vehicle dependability for the 11th consecutive year, improves 14 percent (23 PP100) compared to 2004.
Porsche makes the largest percentage improvement in its VDS score, while Hyundai experiences the largest reduction in problems reported by owners. Porsche, which ranks second among nameplates, improves 38 percent compared to 2004—a 91 PP100 improvement. Although still hovering below the industry average, Hyundai records a dramatic 115 PP100 improvement (31%).
"Hyundai experienced similar levels of improvement in the 2002 IQS, when these vehicles were new, which shows a successful effort by Hyundai in translating short-term quality improvements into higher long-term quality," said Parker. "Even though there is still room for improvement, Hyundai is a great example of an automaker that is making strides toward improving vehicle quality by paying close attention to owner feedback and designing products with both short- and long-term quality in mind."
General Motors models earn eight segment awards and Ford Motor Company models receive five segments awards —a record for both GM and Ford in VDS. Toyota Motor Corporation models receive four awards.
The Lexus LS 430, which earns a score of 90 PP100, is the first model in VDS history to receive fewer than 100 PP100. The LS 430 receives the premium luxury car segment award, and Lexus also receives awards for its RX 300 (entry luxury SUV) and LX 470 (premium luxury SUV) models.
Chevrolet captures the most segment awards, with the Prizm (compact car), Malibu (entry midsize car), S-10 Pickup (midsize pickup) and Silverado HD (heavy-duty full-size pickup) each earning an award in their respective segments. Ford receives three segment awards, for the Thunderbird (entry luxury car), Windstar (midsize van) and E-Series (full-size van).
The VDS is one of three J.D. Power and Associates quality metrics, along with IQS and the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, which measures customer perceptions on the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles. The results of the 2005 IQS were released in May and the 2005 APEAL Study is scheduled for release in late September.
The 2005 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from 50,635 original owners of 2002 model-year cars and light trucks. For more information on vehicle ratings, visit the J.D. Power Consumer Center at www.jdpower.com.
About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, BusinessWeek and McGraw-Hill Education. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 37 countries. Sales in 2004 were $5.3 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.
J.D. Power and Associates Reports:
The Automotive Industry Records Substantial Long-Term Vehicle Quality Improvements
Lexus Ranks Highest in Vehicle Dependability for the 11th Consecutive Year;
General Motors and Ford Motor Company Earn Record Number of Model Awards
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 29 June 2005 — The automotive industry records an impressive 12 percent improvement in long-term vehicle quality, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today.
The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old (2002 model-year) vehicles, provides useful information to both consumers and the automotive industry on long-term vehicle quality. For consumers, the VDS offers insight into the reliability and dependability of brands and specific models as they approach the end of a typical warranty period. Manufacturers use this information to track the quality performance of their models over time to implement product improvement plans.
At the industry level, manufacturers have made a considerable leap in quality, with improvements across all categories. The industry average improves 32 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) compared to 2004. In addition, nearly all nameplates and 84 percent of vehicle models included in the 2005 VDS also record year-over-year improvements. The categories showing the most significant improvements in 2005 include ride, handling and braking; engine; and interior.
"While the Initial Quality Study [IQS], which measures problems experienced in the first 90 days of ownership, can be an indicator of how models will perform over time, our studies consistently show that long-term durability is a tremendously important factor to consumers," said Chance Parker, executive director of product and research analysis at J.D. Power and Associates. "As the number of problems owners experience with their vehicles increases, repurchase intent and the number of recommendations owners will make to others decreases. The study also finds that long-term durability can have a significant impact on a vehicle’s retained value."
According to actual retail transaction data from the Power Information Network, a division of J.D. Power and Associates, 3-year-old vehicles of brands that perform above the industry average in VDS typically retain $1,000 more of their value than those of brands performing below the industry average.
Lexus, which ranks highest in vehicle dependability for the 11th consecutive year, improves 14 percent (23 PP100) compared to 2004.
Porsche makes the largest percentage improvement in its VDS score, while Hyundai experiences the largest reduction in problems reported by owners. Porsche, which ranks second among nameplates, improves 38 percent compared to 2004—a 91 PP100 improvement. Although still hovering below the industry average, Hyundai records a dramatic 115 PP100 improvement (31%).
"Hyundai experienced similar levels of improvement in the 2002 IQS, when these vehicles were new, which shows a successful effort by Hyundai in translating short-term quality improvements into higher long-term quality," said Parker. "Even though there is still room for improvement, Hyundai is a great example of an automaker that is making strides toward improving vehicle quality by paying close attention to owner feedback and designing products with both short- and long-term quality in mind."
General Motors models earn eight segment awards and Ford Motor Company models receive five segments awards —a record for both GM and Ford in VDS. Toyota Motor Corporation models receive four awards.
The Lexus LS 430, which earns a score of 90 PP100, is the first model in VDS history to receive fewer than 100 PP100. The LS 430 receives the premium luxury car segment award, and Lexus also receives awards for its RX 300 (entry luxury SUV) and LX 470 (premium luxury SUV) models.
Chevrolet captures the most segment awards, with the Prizm (compact car), Malibu (entry midsize car), S-10 Pickup (midsize pickup) and Silverado HD (heavy-duty full-size pickup) each earning an award in their respective segments. Ford receives three segment awards, for the Thunderbird (entry luxury car), Windstar (midsize van) and E-Series (full-size van).
The VDS is one of three J.D. Power and Associates quality metrics, along with IQS and the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, which measures customer perceptions on the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles. The results of the 2005 IQS were released in May and the 2005 APEAL Study is scheduled for release in late September.
The 2005 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from 50,635 original owners of 2002 model-year cars and light trucks. For more information on vehicle ratings, visit the J.D. Power Consumer Center at www.jdpower.com.
About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, BusinessWeek and McGraw-Hill Education. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 37 countries. Sales in 2004 were $5.3 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.
2005 Initial Quality
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosins...C01-186788.htm
Last edited by heyitsme; 09-27-2005 at 02:19 PM.
VW/Audi.
09-27-2005, 04:18 PM
#60
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by dom
No surprise there IMO.
09-27-2005, 07:31 PM
#61
Originally Posted by charliemike
Someone in the other thread was going on about Honda being more reliable than Toyota despite evidence to the contrary
09-27-2005, 08:37 PM
#63
Fahrvergnügen'd
This is 3-yr data ... ok ... We've been posting 90-day before ... Totally different scales
Interesting trends here ...
Jaguar is one of the best in the first 90-days and then falls the fuck apart over the next 3 years
... Mazda on the other hand has a real problem with initial quality and then starts to get better as all the kinks get worked out
Interesting trends here ...
Jaguar is one of the best in the first 90-days and then falls the fuck apart over the next 3 years
... Mazda on the other hand has a real problem with initial quality and then starts to get better as all the kinks get worked out
Last edited by charliemike; 09-27-2005 at 08:40 PM.
09-27-2005, 11:00 PM
#64
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Originally Posted by runnerX
Interesting.. how Honda is better than Acura... sigh.. Acura --> 
09-28-2005, 08:28 AM
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GM is trippin'... Buick is a brand that has consistently ranked in the top surveys of both dependability and inital quality with J.D. Power. The don't expliot that in with any type of advertising. What's worse, they continue to make extremely dependable cars that aren't extremely desirable. Lexus got to where they were because they became the benchmark of quality; not because of their stunning styling. Buick will have to have both quality, styling, and the credentials on paper to regain the U.S.'s intrest. ... and GM's supposed to be remaking Buick in Lexus' light... yeah right. Ditto for dumb ass Ford that could be doing much more with Lincoln/Merury. 
09-28-2005, 09:36 AM
#67
Originally Posted by titan
Ditto for dumb ass Ford that could be doing much more with Lincoln/Merury.
09-28-2005, 10:35 AM
#68
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by phile
Ford has Aston Martin, a very desirable brand, which GM has nothing to go against. Ford can use Jaguar, Volvo to go against Cadillac, Lexus, Merc, etc and it has Land Rover to go against any luxury SUV. They could probably do more with Lincoln by moving it even more upscale, but I don't really see a problem with Mercury. it's not helping the brand, but it's not really hurting Ford either.
09-28-2005, 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
Dude this is from July of 2005!
09-28-2005, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by M TYPE X
Some people will only buy Hondas. To them, Honda anything = good
However, the Accurati like to cross-shop a lot with the other brands.
A lot of people try Acura once and then move on
They (we) are fussy.
However, the Accurati like to cross-shop a lot with the other brands.
A lot of people try Acura once and then move on
They (we) are fussy.
09-28-2005, 07:02 PM
#72
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Originally Posted by titan
Something tells me that Nissan's new Canton (Mississippi) plant has alot to do with that. From what I understand, they fumbled on the Quest's launch, and the trucks have had more problems then projected. Notice Infiniti's way up there, and the only vehicle they get from that plant's the new QX56. Nissan gets the Titan,Armada,Quest,Pathfinder,and Frontier. I think they'll climb back up once they get the kinks out of that plant.
09-29-2005, 08:49 AM
#73
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
It's because all the Infiniti's besides the QX56 are Made in Japan. As we all know that Japanese built cars have a good build quality reputation I assume.
09-29-2005, 03:33 PM
#74
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Anyone notice that Hyundai's 3 year old cars are 5 spots ahead of than Nissan's? And they're doing amazing shit nowadays? I predict that their spot will continue to rise until they're hanging out with Honda and Toyota. If you've ever been on South-East Asian roads, you already know that Hyundai has their shit together.
09-29-2005, 06:22 PM
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Originally Posted by charliemike
Shouldn't it be Acurati?
I'm tired of people saying "Acura doesn't do anything for me, but Lexus will wipe my ass." If your Acura dealer won't supply clean loaners, then switch dealers. The Acurati can compete with the Lex snobs.
09-30-2005, 09:32 AM
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Originally Posted by phile
Ford has Aston Martin, a very desirable brand, which GM has nothing to go against. Ford can use Jaguar, Volvo to go against Cadillac, Lexus, Merc, etc and it has Land Rover to go against any luxury SUV. They could probably do more with Lincoln by moving it even more upscale, but I don't really see a problem with Mercury. it's not helping the brand, but it's not really hurting Ford either.
08-09-2006, 04:17 PM
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2006 J.D. Power dependability study *Land Rover blames problems on software glitch*
Quality gap narrows between luxury, high-volume vehicles - - Dale Jewett | | Automotive News / August 9, 2006 - 1:05 pm
2006 Vehicle Dependability Study: Nameplate Ranking
Top Three Models per Segment: Car Segments
Top Three Models per Segment: Truck Segments
The quality gap between luxury and high-volume vehicles keeps narrowing.
The latest example: Mercury vaulted six places to take the No. 2 spot in J.D. Power and Associates' latest Vehicle Dependability Study. The report surveyed 47,620 owners to record problems after three years of ownership.
Lexus retained the top spot in the study's ranking for the 12th consecutive year with 136 problems per 100 vehicles for the 2003 model year. The Mercury brand scored 151 problems per 100 vehicles in the study, a reduction from 195 problems per 100 vehicles for the 2002 model year.
Rounding out the top five brands were Buick, 153 problems per 100; Cadillac, 163 problems per 100; and Toyota, 179 problems per 100. The industry average in the 2006 survey was 227 problems per 100 vehicles, compared with 237 problems per 100 vehicles in last year's survey.
Japanese dominate
Japanese automakers still dominate the survey's rankings of vehicles by segment. Of the 19 segments listed by J.D. Power and Associates, Japanese brands were top-ranked in 13 of them -- and 12 of the 13 were captured by Toyota or Honda vehicles.
Other big gainers in this year's survey included:
Jaguar, which jumped from No. 23 and 268 problems per 100 vehicles last year to No. 8 and 210 problems per 100 this year.
Kia, which moved from No. 37 and last place in last year's survey to No. 34 this year. Problems per 100 vehicles declined from 397 in the 2005 survey to 310 this year.
Mini, which moved from No. 35 last year to No. 29 this year. Problems per 100 vehicles declined from 383 last year to 280 this year.
Over the past four years, the quality gap between luxury and high-volume vehicles has been cut in half - from an average gap of 31 problems per 100 in the 2003 survey to 15 problems per 100 in this year's survey, the research firm said.
Porsche plunges
But paying high sticker prices is no guarantee of long-term quality.
The Porsche brand plunged from No. 2 in the 2005 study to No. 22 in this year's study, as its problems per 100 score jumped from 149 for the 2002 model year to 248 for the 2003 model year.
Also, Land Rover, which ranked just above last-place Kia last year, was last on this year's list with a score of 438 problems per 100 vehicles. The gap between Land Rover and next-to-last Saab was 112 problems per 100 vehicles.
Other brands that tumbled in this year's survey include:
Infiniti, which slipped to No. 10 on this year's survey from No. 6 last year. Problems per 100 vehicles increased from 178 last year to 215 this year.
Lincoln dropped to No. 11 from No. 3 last year. Problems per 100 vehicles jumped from 151 last year to 220 this year.
Saturn, which dropped to No. 31 from No. 15 last year. Problems per 100 increased from 240 last year to 289 this year.
Also, the Hummer brand made its first appearance on the firm's three-year dependability survey. Hummer ranked No. 33 out of 37 brands with 307 problems per 100 vehicles.
The latest example: Mercury vaulted six places to take the No. 2 spot in J.D. Power and Associates' latest Vehicle Dependability Study. The report surveyed 47,620 owners to record problems after three years of ownership.
Lexus retained the top spot in the study's ranking for the 12th consecutive year with 136 problems per 100 vehicles for the 2003 model year. The Mercury brand scored 151 problems per 100 vehicles in the study, a reduction from 195 problems per 100 vehicles for the 2002 model year.
Rounding out the top five brands were Buick, 153 problems per 100; Cadillac, 163 problems per 100; and Toyota, 179 problems per 100. The industry average in the 2006 survey was 227 problems per 100 vehicles, compared with 237 problems per 100 vehicles in last year's survey.
Japanese dominate
Japanese automakers still dominate the survey's rankings of vehicles by segment. Of the 19 segments listed by J.D. Power and Associates, Japanese brands were top-ranked in 13 of them -- and 12 of the 13 were captured by Toyota or Honda vehicles.
Other big gainers in this year's survey included:
Jaguar, which jumped from No. 23 and 268 problems per 100 vehicles last year to No. 8 and 210 problems per 100 this year.
Kia, which moved from No. 37 and last place in last year's survey to No. 34 this year. Problems per 100 vehicles declined from 397 in the 2005 survey to 310 this year.
Mini, which moved from No. 35 last year to No. 29 this year. Problems per 100 vehicles declined from 383 last year to 280 this year.
Over the past four years, the quality gap between luxury and high-volume vehicles has been cut in half - from an average gap of 31 problems per 100 in the 2003 survey to 15 problems per 100 in this year's survey, the research firm said.
Porsche plunges
But paying high sticker prices is no guarantee of long-term quality.
The Porsche brand plunged from No. 2 in the 2005 study to No. 22 in this year's study, as its problems per 100 score jumped from 149 for the 2002 model year to 248 for the 2003 model year.
Also, Land Rover, which ranked just above last-place Kia last year, was last on this year's list with a score of 438 problems per 100 vehicles. The gap between Land Rover and next-to-last Saab was 112 problems per 100 vehicles.
Other brands that tumbled in this year's survey include:
Infiniti, which slipped to No. 10 on this year's survey from No. 6 last year. Problems per 100 vehicles increased from 178 last year to 215 this year.
Lincoln dropped to No. 11 from No. 3 last year. Problems per 100 vehicles jumped from 151 last year to 220 this year.
Saturn, which dropped to No. 31 from No. 15 last year. Problems per 100 increased from 240 last year to 289 this year.
Also, the Hummer brand made its first appearance on the firm's three-year dependability survey. Hummer ranked No. 33 out of 37 brands with 307 problems per 100 vehicles.
Top Three Models per Segment: Car Segments
Top Three Models per Segment: Truck Segments
08-09-2006, 04:18 PM
#80
Suzuka Master
"Lexus, Detroit brands top J.D. Power survey"
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Perennial winner Lexus took the top spot again this year in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability study, but U.S. brands Mercury, Buick and Cadillac filled out the top four.
The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, which was released today, scores cars based on the number of problems owners have with vehicles that are three years old. Its rankings are based on survey responses from about 48,000 owners of 2003 model-year vehicles. Cars are scored based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles.
Lexus is the luxury brand of Japan's Toyota Motor Co. That company's mainstream Toyota brand ranked fifth in the survey.
Chrysler, the U.S. arm of German-based DaimlerChrysler, did not share in the success of the other U.S. brands. None of its brands - Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge - scored above average in the study.
A Chrysler spokeswoman could not immediately be reached for comment.
Porsche also had a poor showing this year. The carmaker, which finished second in last year's survey, dropped to 22nd in the rankings in this year's survey.
The substantial drop-off in Porsche's performance, from 149 problems per 100 2002 model year cars last year, to 248 problems per 100 2003 model year cars this year, was due mostly to problems with the company's 911 and Boxster sports cars, said Neal Oddes, director of product research and analysis for J.D. Power and Associates.
Nevertheless, Porsche recently topped a J.D. Power Initial Quality study which measures problems in brand new vehicles.
A spokesman for Porsche could not be immediately reached for comment on today's results.
The top of the rankings in this year's dependability study are dominated by Japanese and American brands. Jaguar, which ranked eighth, and BMW, which ranked ninth, were the only European brands to score above average in the study.
"The industry continues to make improvements in long-term vehicle quality, and not just among luxury makes that benefit from smaller production volumes on the assembly line," said Oddes. "Many high-volume, mass-marketed brands have acquired a foundation of quality products from which to challenge the normally strong performances of the luxury brands."
Among individual cars, the Honda Civic ranked as the most dependable compact car, while the Buick Century ranked as the most dependable midsize car.
The lowest-ranking brand in this year's survey was Land Rover, which had 438 problems per 100 vehicles, compared to just 136 for Lexus and 151 for Mercury. Saab was second-worst with a score of 326.
J.D. Power 2006 Vehicle Dependability Study
Top ranking brands:
1. Lexus (Toyota), Score: 136
2. Mercury (Ford), Score: 151
3. Buick (GM), Score: 153
4. Cadillac (GM), Score: 163
5. Toyota, Score: 179
6. Acura (Honda), Score: 184
7. Honda, Score: 194
8. Jaguar (Ford), Score: 210
9. BMW, Score: 212
10. Infiniti (Nissan), Score: 215
11. Lincoln (Ford), Score: 220
12. Ford, Score: 224
13. Oldsmobile (GM), Score: 224
Average score: 227
http://money.cnn.com/2006/08/08/auto...lity/index.htm
The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, which was released today, scores cars based on the number of problems owners have with vehicles that are three years old. Its rankings are based on survey responses from about 48,000 owners of 2003 model-year vehicles. Cars are scored based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles.
Lexus is the luxury brand of Japan's Toyota Motor Co. That company's mainstream Toyota brand ranked fifth in the survey.
Chrysler, the U.S. arm of German-based DaimlerChrysler, did not share in the success of the other U.S. brands. None of its brands - Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge - scored above average in the study.
A Chrysler spokeswoman could not immediately be reached for comment.
Porsche also had a poor showing this year. The carmaker, which finished second in last year's survey, dropped to 22nd in the rankings in this year's survey.
The substantial drop-off in Porsche's performance, from 149 problems per 100 2002 model year cars last year, to 248 problems per 100 2003 model year cars this year, was due mostly to problems with the company's 911 and Boxster sports cars, said Neal Oddes, director of product research and analysis for J.D. Power and Associates.
Nevertheless, Porsche recently topped a J.D. Power Initial Quality study which measures problems in brand new vehicles.
A spokesman for Porsche could not be immediately reached for comment on today's results.
The top of the rankings in this year's dependability study are dominated by Japanese and American brands. Jaguar, which ranked eighth, and BMW, which ranked ninth, were the only European brands to score above average in the study.
"The industry continues to make improvements in long-term vehicle quality, and not just among luxury makes that benefit from smaller production volumes on the assembly line," said Oddes. "Many high-volume, mass-marketed brands have acquired a foundation of quality products from which to challenge the normally strong performances of the luxury brands."
Among individual cars, the Honda Civic ranked as the most dependable compact car, while the Buick Century ranked as the most dependable midsize car.
The lowest-ranking brand in this year's survey was Land Rover, which had 438 problems per 100 vehicles, compared to just 136 for Lexus and 151 for Mercury. Saab was second-worst with a score of 326.
J.D. Power 2006 Vehicle Dependability Study
Top ranking brands:
1. Lexus (Toyota), Score: 136
2. Mercury (Ford), Score: 151
3. Buick (GM), Score: 153
4. Cadillac (GM), Score: 163
5. Toyota, Score: 179
6. Acura (Honda), Score: 184
7. Honda, Score: 194
8. Jaguar (Ford), Score: 210
9. BMW, Score: 212
10. Infiniti (Nissan), Score: 215
11. Lincoln (Ford), Score: 220
12. Ford, Score: 224
13. Oldsmobile (GM), Score: 224
Average score: 227
http://money.cnn.com/2006/08/08/auto...lity/index.htm