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Kia, Hyundai among top 5 makes based on initial quality

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour
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Josée Paquet

The 2015 J.D Power Initial Quality Study is out, and while three of the top five makes are prestigious names (Porsche, Jaguar, Infiniti), Kia and Hyundai managed to grab the other two spots, landing in second and fourth place, respectively.

Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership.

Porsche leads the way with just 80 PP100, followed by Kia (86), Jaguar (93), Hyundai (95), and Infiniti (97). The industry average is 112 PP100, an improvement from 2014 (116). 

For the first time in the history of the J.D Power Initial Quality Study, European makes collectively fare better than their Japanese rivals with 113 PP100 versus 114. American makes also rate at 114 PP100.

At the bottom of the list, you'll find Jeep (141), Subaru (142), Chrysler (143), smart (154), and Fiat (161). 

As for the best vehicles, the 2015 J.D Power Initial Quality Study highlights the following models:

  • City car: Chevrolet Spark
  • Small car: Hyundai Accent
  • Small premium car: BMW 2 Series
  • Compact car: Nissan Sentra
  • Compact sporty car: Mazda MX-5
  • Compact premium car: BMW 4 Series
  • Compact sporty premium car: Porsche Boxster
  • Midsize car: Chevrolet Malibu
  • Midsize sporty car: Dodge Challenger
  • Midsize premium car: BMW 5 Series
  • Midsize sporty premium car: Porsche 911
  • Full-size car: Chrysler 300
  • Full-size premium car: Lexus LS

Click here for detailed results of the 2015 J.D Power Initial Quality Study.

 

Josée Paquet
Josée Paquet
Automotive expert