2014 J.D Power Awards for Initial Quality Study and Awards for Dependability Rating

The 2011 Lexus GS - Most reliable Mid-sized Premium Car after three years and most reliable brand overall after the same period according to J.D Power

There are two, I repeat two (2) major J.D Power Awards for the Automotive sector out there. 

First is the Initial Quality Study for 2014. Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction, or where controls or features may work as designed, but are difficult to use or understand.



In a nutshell, this is the 28th year the IQS has been running over in America. Porsche Ranks Highest among Nameplates for a Second Consecutive Year; General Motors Company Receives Six Model-Level Awards; Hyundai Motor Company Receives Five

Note that for the first three months of ownership things are rosy for cars which we see are a bit of a handful here in Malaysia. 

But when you head over to the 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study results the picture gets clearer. I'd use this chart as a gauge to what I'd like to own for the next five years or so. Now, don't be telling me that Proton is not on the chart. Of course it isn't. It's not sold over in the land of the free, steak and potatos.

In a nutshell, the 25th year in JD Power's car reliability study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2011 model year) vehicles, includes 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The Vehicle Dependability Study is used extensively by vehicle manufacturers worldwide to help design and build better vehicles, which typically translates to higher resale values and higher customer loyalty. 

So in the long run, you'd be better off in a Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Honda, Toyota, Porsche and Infiniti. Note where Mini sits on the chart. 

Below are the category winners for IQS and the VDS 2014. These range from the Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra, Porsche Boxster and Mazda 5 for the IQS and the Honda Fit, Toyota Camry, Kia Sportage, Honda CRV and Lexus GS:

Source: J.D Power