Industry Report Part 1: New J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey Puts Hyundai Above Toyota

Jeep moves up from its 2003 rating of 27th to become the next non-premium brand in 26th place (from 146 to 136 PP100) for

This year's results were a big improvement for MINI, moving from 33rd to 27th place. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

2004, followed closely by BMW's MINI brand now in 27th place (from 166 to 142 PP100), a big improvement over its 33rd standing in the 2003 IQS.

Saturn, Suzuki and Kia are 29th, 30th and 31st respectively, with Saturn moving up the list 2 places from 31st last year (from 158 to 149 PP100), Suzuki dropping from 26th in 2003 (from 144 to 149 PP100), one of the only brands to move backwards in problems per 100 vehicles most likely due to the integration of GMDAT Korean built models previously under the Daewoo badge, and Kia making moves to the positive from its previous 33rd position (from 168 to 153 PP100). Watch for Kia to steadily

Although the GM owned Swedish brand showed a big improvement, Saab was one of the only premium brands rated below average in J.D. Power's 2004 IQS. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

move up the charts in years to come due to its shared architectures and components with rising star Hyundai.

Disappointing are Nissan, Mazda and Scion, near the bottom of the 37 nameplate heap at 32nd, 33rd and 34th respectively. Nissan is a big loser in the 2004 IQS dropping from 21st place with 139 problems per 100 vehicle in the 2003 survey to 154 in 2004, most likely due to teething pains from an influx of new products (watch for improvements next year), probably the same reason why Mazda went from 148 problems per 100 units to 157. Scion is an all-new brand, but given its Toyota roots and Lexus familial ties its 158 problems per 100 vehicles is surprising to say the least.