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Aug 07, 2008 -- J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study released

When it comes to research about reliable cars, there are two highly respected sources -- Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates.

The latter's 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study shows that the most reliable cars are made by Lexus. They're followed by Mercury, Cadillac, Toyota and Acura.

When it comes to the worst of the worst, Land Rover is in last place -- again. Faring slightly better were Suzuki, Kia, Isuzu and Saab. In fact, Saab was named as the most-improved nameplate this year.

In addition to J.D. Power's tally, you should also check the April issue of Consumer Reports each year -- particularly if you're in the market for a used car.


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What others are saying

  • US autos
    I have ONLY ever owned US autos. I'm 54 years old, and have only had 5 cars in my lifetime. That speaks volumes for the quality of my cars. I've only owned FORD products, though relatives had also had success w/other (Chevrolet & Pontiac) products. My 1st car was a used 69 Grande Mustang. Loved it, but got married and started a family, hence needed a family car. Next was a 1976 Ford Elite, kept until 180,000 mi. - great car; next was a 1986 V6 Mercury Cougar - great, agile little car, kept until 225,000 mi. - transmission rebuilt once. Next was 1994 V-8 Mercury Cougar -AWESOME car. Kept until 230,00 miles. Transmission rebuilt once. Best suspension on any car I've ever driven (and I've driven many other cars that I've not owned), hugs the road better than any, and hangs any curve. Definitely a class act. Wish FORD would bring it back! Present car is a Lincoln LS Sport V-8. I LOVE IT! At 70,000 mi. no problems, just oil changes. I live in America, buy American. For myself, I take pride in my job, and do outstanding work as an American. I ALWAYS prefer quality. I prefer to support my economy. I know that I've always received great value for my $$ in choosing US autos, or at least FORD products, for that's all I've ever owned, and I've been very happy w/them, and will continue to buy.
  • buying a used van
    How can I tell if I am not getting ripped off on pricing of a used van. Is there a way for the consumer to figure out what % a mark up will be on a used van?
  • Dependability Study
    I would not use this study when making a sound decision to purchase a car. It does not tell me anything!
  • Car Rankings
    Sometimes rankings are deceiving, and are perhaps at best an "average". My 1978 Chevrolet, rated by Consumer Reports in 1981 as a "worst used car", ran for me nearly perfectly for the next 21 years/300,000 miles. My 1999 Buick, ranked #2 by JD Power in a field of several hundred cars suffered from Dexcool issues that cost thousands to fix. What a pain! I still have that car, though, and the Dexcool class action suit was won.
  • Mitsubishi
    I had bought a used Mitsubishi Mirage in 1995 and had no end of trouble with it. I had to have the car computer replaced twice. I then had to have the transmission replaced. I don't know if the original owners neglect was cause for all of this but it made me shy of buying one. The dealership in Kirkwood was very bad so I had to drive 25 miles to another dealership in Illinois to get any sort of reasonable service. I think a lot rides on what dealership you have in your area so there is more involved than just the make and it's reliability.
  • Buicks
    I have owned Buick Regals since 1967. I have had no major problems with any of them. however, I purchased a 2007 Lacross CXL and the ride is terrible. Every little bad spot on road is telescoped thru the steering wheel. Also very noisy. I drove a 08 Last week and it is no better. Dealer says there is no problem, its just the way it is made.
  • Don't keep a Prius past it's warrenty
    My 2001 with 127k miles on it needed a new trans axle last year $5000, and now it needs another $3000 for batteries and repairs. Sorry I ever owned it.
  • Auto reliability
    Data is fine. Just use it as only part of your decision-making.
  • Dependable vehicles
    Subaru being only average dependable is just wrong. I have a 1999 Forester with close to 200k miles, and have never needed repairs. I love Subarus and will never own anything else.
  • Credit Freeze
    Please explain how to get a credit freeze, we really need one.
    Thank you.
  • dependable after 18yrs.
    My Volvo is 18yrs.old & gets yearly maintainace checks,and reg. oil changes. The list shows Volvo's way down on the list,so for me this list as mentioned before, is not the best test of dependability. Maybe after 10yrs.to see what you've got after it's paid for.
  • the study is not what you think it is
    This study has nothing to do with "reliable cars". First of all, we dont know the methodology of the study. Second, it looked only at the first 3 years, where most cars are covered by warranty anyway. So a Mercury, which has so much "initial quality" may have the worst long term quality. It is wrong to represent this study as having anything to do with quality as most people would believe it to be.
  • Mitsubishi reliability (Excellent)
    We had a 1999 Galant and sold it to a friend at 120,000 miles. She still has it and loves it (sold it in 2005). We bought the 2005 new Galant and have had excellent results with it. It has wonderful pickup, exterior and interior look like new...Mitsubishi makes a very dependable automobile.
  • Hyundai moving up
    I am glad to see Hyundai moving up in quality. I own a Sonata, Entourage and Accent and have found them economical and durable. Now if US makers can get their act together in small cars...
  • Scion Xb safety and dependability
    Any experiences or posts re: the 2006 Scion Xb safety and dependability records?
  • vehicle dependability stusy
    Being a former mechanic, I don't agree with ALL of the results, but anyone who still feels that American companies don't build quality needs to read this list!
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