Thursday, June 17, 2010

2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study Results

 The 21 highest-ranked models in the 2010 Initial Quality Study:

Sub-Compact Car: 2010 Hyundai Accent
Compact Car: 2010 Ford Focus
Compact Crossover/SUV: 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Compact Multi Purpose Vehicle: 2010 Scion xB
Compact Sporty Car: 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Entry Premium Car: 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Entry Premium Crossover/SUV: 2010 Acura RDX
Compact Premium Sporty Car: 2010 Volvo C70
Midsize Car: 2010 Honda Accord
Midsize Crossover/SUV: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
Midsize Pickup: 2010 Nissan Frontier
Midsize Sporty: 2010 Ford Mustang
Minivan: 2010 Toyota Sienna
Midsize Premium Car: 2010 Lexus GS
Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV: 2010 Lexus GX 460
Large Car: 2010 Ford Taurus
Large Crossover/SUV: 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
Large Pickup (tie): 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche and 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
Large Premium Car: 2010 Lexus LS 460
Large Premium Crossover/SUV: 2010 Cadillac Escalade

There are 6 Toyota/Lexus/Scion, 4 General Motors, 3 Ford and 3 Honda/Acura vehicles.

This year, consumers were asked to report problems experienced in eight categories:
    * Features/Controls/Displays
    * Exterior
    * Engine/Transmission
    * Interior
    * The Driving Experience
    * Audio/Entertainment/Navigation
    * HVAC (Climate controls)
    * Seats
Over the years, the most frequent types of problems that owners report will vary. In the 2010 Initial Quality Study, for instance, the top five, most-frequently-reported problems are:
    * Excessive wind noise
    * Climate controls are difficult to use/see, or are in a poor location
    * Hands-free communication system does not recognize user voice commands
    * Front audio/entertainment system controls are difficult to use or are in a poor location
    * Materials that scuff or soil easily

The 2010 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 82,000 purchasers and lessees of new
2010 model-year cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to identify problems, to drive product improvement, and to improve initial quality for new-vehicle buyers. The study was fielded between February and May 2010.

Courtesy of JD Power & Associates