Lexus Takes the Crown in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study, Big Three Improve

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.

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