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View Full Version : Hyundai beats Honda and Toyota in initial quality? WTF?


twilyth
06-22-2009, 10:52 PM
I'm too upset. Just read the article. http://www.jdpower.com/

Edit. OK, here are some highlights. Links to the actual reports are on the last page.

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.
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Other highlights from the 2009 Initial Quality Study include:

* Overall, the industry average for initial quality is 108 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2009, down from 118 PP100 in 2008. Initial quality for domestic brands has improved to an average of 112 PP100 in 2009 from 124 PP100 in 2008, while import brands have improved to an average of 106 PP100 in 2009 from 114 PP100 in 2008.
* Lexus leads the overall nameplate rankings, averaging 84 PP100. This is the 12th time Lexus has been the highest-ranked brand in the 20 years it has been included in the IQS and the first time since 2005.
* Following in the rankings are Porsche, Cadillac (which moves from 10th rank position in 2008 to third in 2009), Hyundai (improves from 13th rank position in 2008 to fourth in 2009) and Honda, rounding out the top five.
* Toyota Motor Corporation captures 10 segment awards—more than any other automaker in the 2009 study—including five for Lexus, four for Toyota and one for Scion. Lexus receives awards for the IS, GS, GX, LS and LX models. The Lexus LX has the fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 52 PP100. Toyota models receiving awards in their respective segments are the 4Runner (in a tie); Sienna; Tundra (in a tie); and Yaris.
* Ford receives three awards for the Edge (in a tie); F-150 (in a tie); and Mustang. Garnering two awards each are Nissan (Altima and Z); and Honda (CR-V, in a tie, and Ridgeline).
* Also receiving segment awards are: Chevrolet TrailBlazer (in a tie), Chrysler PT Cruiser (in a tie), GMC Yukon, Hyundai Elantra Sedan, Mercury Sable and Scion tC.
* Suzuki is the most-improved nameplate in the industry this year. A reduction of 49 PP100 moves the Japanese brand from 32nd place in 2008 to ninth place this year. Suzuki is also the most improved nameplate for both Defects/Malfunctions and Design-related problems. Also, Saturn improves by 37 PP100 and Jeep by 30 PP100.
* The Toyota Motor Corporation assembly plant in Higashi-Fuji, Japan, receives the Platinum Plant Quality Award for producing vehicles yielding the fewest defects and malfunctions. Averaging just 29 PP100, the plant produces the Lexus SC 430 and Toyota Corolla. (Plant awards are based solely on average levels of defects and malfunctions and exclude design-related problems.)
* Among North and South American plants, the Honda plant in East Liberty, Ohio, which produces the Civic Sedan, CR-V and Element, achieves the Gold Plant Quality Award.
* In the Europe and Africa region, Daimler’s East London, South Africa, plant, which produces the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, receives the Gold Plant Quality Award.

T3hPwn3r3r
06-24-2009, 01:35 AM
The new Sonatas are actually pretty nice... and I HATE Hyundais.

They always felt like crap to drive... but that Sonata...

FordGT90Concept
06-24-2009, 02:06 AM
"Initial quality" is based on "problems per 100 vehicles." It doesn't measure anything more than that.

twilyth
06-24-2009, 04:44 AM
"Initial quality" is based on "problems per 100 vehicles." It doesn't measure anything more than that.

True, but initial quality is considered a barometer of long term durability. Of course like a normal barometer, it isn't always right. :)

FordGT90Concept
06-24-2009, 04:57 AM
Initial quality doesn't indicate long term durability at all. It only indicates how likely your car is to end up in a repair shop in the first year (infant mortality phase--problems associated with manufacturing) and, by the looks of it, most will at least once.

T3hPwn3r3r
06-24-2009, 07:02 PM
Also, need I mention last year Jaguar and Buick rounded out the best of the best in their vehicle quality assessment.

Jaguar had the fewest "problems"

Sadly, they count things like "unlabeled window switches" and "wind noise" as "problems"

twilyth
06-24-2009, 08:34 PM
Also, need I mention last year Jaguar and Buick rounded out the best of the best in their vehicle quality assessment.

Jaguar had the fewest "problems"

Sadly, they count things like "unlabeled window switches" and "wind noise" as "problems"

Yeah, I remember when us auto makers started quoting JD powers reports in their ads. Shit, musta been late 70's or early 80's. It was a standing joke that their ratings were worthless. But for whatever reason, people seem to take them seriously now.

And I'm sure some of the stuff they review seems stupid, but just remember how many minivans got sold because they had cup holders and the other guys didn't (again, going back to 80's probably). People get hung up about stuff that they see and touch everyday. If your more of a purist, you don't sweat the little shit, but you can bet that the average soccer mom does.