Lexus Takes the Crown in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study, Big Three Improve
By Liz Opsitnik Tuesday, Jun 23 2009 10:00
J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of its 2009 Initial Quality Study. Lexus regains the number one spot, while GM, Chrysler and Ford all improved in initial quality, making them more comparable to their foreign competitors.
The LS was one of Lexus' models that won an award in J.D. Power's IQS.
Porsche, Cadillac, Hyundai and Honda follow Lexus to complete the top five. J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study measures new-vehicle quality at 90 days of ownership. The study asks owners to look at design-related problems and defects and malfunctions.
The Big Three all improved in initial quality by an average of 10 percent, compared with 2008, surpassing the 8 percent rate of improvement by the industry overall, according to the study.
Suzuki had the biggest ranking increase, moving from 32nd place in 2008 to ninth in 2009. Toyota earned the most segment awards at 10, including five for Lexus, four for Toyota and one for Scion.
2009 Nameplate IQS Ranking
Problems per 100 Vehicles
Lexus 84 Porsche 90 Cadillac 91 Hyundai 95 Honda 99 Mercedes-Benz 101 Toyota 101 Ford 102 Chevrolet 103 Suzuki 103 Infiniti 106 Mercury 106 Industry Average 108 Nissan 110 Acura 111 BMW 112 Kia 112 Volkswagen 112 GMC 116 Buick 117 Audi 118 Pontiac 118 Scion 118 Volvo 118 Saturn 120 Mazda 123 Lincoln 129 Subaru 130 Dodge 134 Jaguar 134 Mitsubishi 135 Chrysler 136 HUMMER 136 Jeep 137 SAAB 138 smart 138 Land Rover 150 MINI 165
Mini has been a bottom feeder in the J.D. Power ranking for last a few years. The fact is that Mini has its own niche market with no direct competition. People are still buying Minis even though they may (or may not) know the vehicle has some problems.
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