Aug. 10, 2006 12:00 AM
DETROIT - Domestic nameplates gained on the leading Japanese automakers in the latest J.D. Powers reliability survey, closing the gap with perennial leaders Lexus and Toyota.
Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand, led for the 12th consecutive year in the overall ranking of the Vehicle Dependability Study by the automotive consultant group. But the Mercury division of Ford Motor Co. moved up to the No. 2 spot, followed by Buick, Cadillac and Toyota.
In last year's study, Mercury ranked eighth.
The Japanese brands dominate the rankings by vehicle segment, with Toyota nailing eight of 19 vehicle categories, Honda and GM taking four, Ford with two winners and Mazda with one.
For the study, Westlake Village, Calif.-based J.D. Power questioned owners of 3-year-old vehicles about problems they are experiencing.
This year's survey questioned 47,620 original owners of 2003 model-year cars and trucks.
On average, vehicle owners reported 227 problems per 100 vehicles this year, 10 fewer than last year. The study gives all problems equal weight; the most common ones reported were wind noise and loud brakes.
Last-place Land Rover, which is owned by Ford, lagged far behind the second-to-last brand, Saab, which is owned by GM. Land Rover owners reported 438 problems per 100 vehicles, while Saab owners reported 326.
The survey shows that the gap between luxury and non-luxury brands is narrowing. This year, owners reported an average 213 problems per 100 vehicles for premium brands, 15 fewer than for mainstream brands. Last year, the gap was 20, while in 2003, it was 31.
Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand, led for the 12th consecutive year in the overall ranking of the Vehicle Dependability Study by the automotive consultant group. But the Mercury division of Ford Motor Co. moved up to the No. 2 spot, followed by Buick, Cadillac and Toyota.
In last year's study, Mercury ranked eighth.
The Japanese brands dominate the rankings by vehicle segment, with Toyota nailing eight of 19 vehicle categories, Honda and GM taking four, Ford with two winners and Mazda with one.
For the study, Westlake Village, Calif.-based J.D. Power questioned owners of 3-year-old vehicles about problems they are experiencing.
This year's survey questioned 47,620 original owners of 2003 model-year cars and trucks.
On average, vehicle owners reported 227 problems per 100 vehicles this year, 10 fewer than last year. The study gives all problems equal weight; the most common ones reported were wind noise and loud brakes.
Last-place Land Rover, which is owned by Ford, lagged far behind the second-to-last brand, Saab, which is owned by GM. Land Rover owners reported 438 problems per 100 vehicles, while Saab owners reported 326.
The survey shows that the gap between luxury and non-luxury brands is narrowing. This year, owners reported an average 213 problems per 100 vehicles for premium brands, 15 fewer than for mainstream brands. Last year, the gap was 20, while in 2003, it was 31.
