Lexus tops J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study
In 2009, the automotive industry had one of its toughest years with the Great Recession threatening the existence of many. Nonetheless, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, automakers built the most dependable vehicles during that time.
“The study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2009 model-year) vehicles,” J.D. Power said in a statement. “Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.”
In 2012, overall vehicle dependability averages 132 PP100, an improvement of 13 percent from the 2011 average of 151. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study, overall initial quality of 2009 model-year vehicles was, at the time, the highest level of initial quality since 1987.
“Despite facing immense challenges in 2009, automakers placed a keen focus on delivering outstanding levels of quality, which they understood would be essential to their long-term success, ” said David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates. “Three years later, owners of these models are enjoying unprecedented levels of vehicle dependability and manufacturers are experiencing market recovery. This is good news both for owners, who are holding onto their vehicles for longer than ever, and manufacturers, since perception of quality and dependability is a critical factor in vehicle purchase decisions.”
Lexus ranked the highest among all nameplates followed by Porsche, Cadillac Toyota and Scion – in that order.
– By: Omar Rana
