JD Power: 2009 Initial Quality Study – Detroit Rocks

The Detroit 3 showed marked improvements in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study released this week, with a 10-percent gain over 2008. This accomplishment for Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors is remarkable given the well-publicized challenges they have faced in the past year, and all the more impressive for being greater than the 8-percent rate of improvement by the industry overall.

Cadillac ranks in the top three, moving up from 10th last year, with Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercury all ranked above the industry average. However, Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep remain well below the average.

The study finds that initial quality for newly launched and redesigned models in 2009 has improved compared with previous years. Historically, all-new models have typically launched with below-average levels of initial quality. However, several all-new models in 2009, including the Hyundai Genesis, Kia Borrego, Toyota Venza and Volkswagen CC, perform considerably better than their respective segment averages. Many redesigned models in 2009 also show notable improvement from the previous generation--particularly the Acura TL, Ford F-150, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Z.

The highest ranked for initial quality by car segment
Compact Car: Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Compact Sporty Car: Scion tC
Compact Premium Sporty Car: Nissan Z
Entry Premium Vehicle: Lexus IS
Midsize Premium Car: Lexus GS
Midsize Sporty Car: Ford Mustang
Large Premium Car: Lexus LS
Midsize Car: Nissan Altima
Large Car: Mercury Sable
Compact MAV: Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda CR-V (tie)
Midsize MAV: Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Ford Edge, Toyota 4Runner (tie)
Large MAV: GMC Yukon
Midsize Premium: Lexus GX
Large Premium MAV: Lexus LX
Large Pickup: Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra (tie)
Midsize Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
Minivan: Toyota Sienna

2009 Nameplate IQS Ranking
Problems per 100 vehicles
84 Lexus
90 Porsche
91 Cadillac
95 Hyundai
99 Honda
101 Mercedes-Benz
101 Toyota
102 Ford
103 Chevrolet
103 Suzuki
106 Infiniti
106 Mercury
108 Industry Average
110 Nissan
111 Acura
112 BMW
112 Kia
112 Volkswagen
116 GMC
117 Buick
118 Audi
118 Pontiac
118 Scion
118 Volvo
120 Saturn
123 Mazda
129 Lincoln
130 Subaru
134 Dodge
134 Jaguar
135 Mitsubishi
136 Chrysler
136 Hummer
137 Jeep
138 Saab
138 Smart
150 Land Rover
165 Mini

The 2009 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identifying problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2009.