From Deseret News archives:
Quality of new cars improves again in industrywide survey
Honda is only brand with winners in 3 categories
Porsche was the top brand in J.D. Power's annual ranking of initial vehicle quality, which measures both mechanical and design problems in the first 90 days of ownership. Others in the top five were Nissan Motor Co.'s Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus and Toyota brands.
In rankings by vehicle segments, Honda was the only brand with three winners the Fit subcompact, Civic small car and CR-V crossover. Toyota, General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. had three winners each across all their brands. Overall, 26 of the 36 nameplates in the rankings improved from last year.
Chrysler LLC's Jeep was the worst-performing brand, with 167 problems per 100 vehicles. Other brands in the bottom five were BMW AG's MINI, Land Rover, GM's Saturn, and Suzuki.
David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power, said the most improved vehicle this year was the Volkswagen Passat. He also cited the Chevrolet Malibu and Infiniti EX-Series, saying both vehicles had strong launches with relatively few problems, which is rare for all-new vehicles.
The rankings were based on questionnaires from 81,500 people who bought or leased new 2008 vehicles between November and January. The questionnaires ask 228 questions on issues from handling, braking and engine trouble to seat comfort and stereo systems. Sargent said consumers reported that quality was up in every category except audio, entertainment and navigation systems.
The rankings are closely watched by automakers and are frequently used in advertising despite persistent questions about whether they show any real statistical difference between automakers. For example, if Jeep has 167 problems per 100 vehicles, that equals 1.67 problems per vehicle, making the difference with Porsche at 0.87 problems per vehicle seem less significant.
Sargent said there are more profound differences in the numbers for individual models, which aren't released publicly but are shown to automakers.
"Most brands produce some very good cars, and many brands produce some cars or vehicles which are not so good," Sargent said during the release of the numbers before a meeting of the Automotive Press Association.
Comments
- 'New Moon' wolfs down $140.7M 1:56 p.m.
- Holcomb wins bobsled gold 1:54 p.m.
- Sen. Dems at odds over health bill 1:17 p.m.
- Arrest in suspected child abuse 1:13 p.m.
- Cancer guidelines spark debate 12:57 p.m.
- Man dies after SUV backs over him 12:39 p.m.
- At 6-5, hard time arguing firing Weis 12:24 p.m.
- $27M transfer for state Route 193 12:20 p.m.
- 'Christmas With King Family' DVD 12:16 p.m.
- Youn men help fill food-pantry needs 12:15 p.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Utah Utes whip SDSU
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Y. coach Hill up for Portland State job
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
200 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
174 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
170 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
123 - BYU records with win
120 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
I don't pretend to be an expert on global warming. I've met with...
He is NOT a good example. He broke the Sabbath for a simple game and money....
Yes - the Catholic Church can take any stand they want for the Catholic...
Let it be heard and RISE AND SHOUT, the UTES are out. We claim ownership of...
IN 50 years of membership I have yet to hear a person of whatever position in...
It is non-sense to say one has to have religion to do good or to be good....
Please don't spend any taxpayer money on this.
be a Dietmer because he can never win big games. He will never be a Steve...
I find it interesting that so many who are so vocal about a perceived threat...
Fireboylen, you make want to drug test you with that comment, are you out of...
Oh really. "How many places other than DN..." is a stupid thing to say....


You can be the first to comment on this story.