Industry Report Part 2: Toyota Leads J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study Corporate Rankings

Not including Daewoo which is now defunct, the 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study shows that 2001 model year vehicles

The 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study shows that 2001 model year vehicles actually became less reliable than those made in the 2000 model year. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

actually became less reliable than 2000 model year vehicles surveyed in the 2003 VDS. The numbers read as follows: 7 automakers improved their placement, with the same number improving problems per 100 vehicle scores too. A larger proportion of automakers, 8 in total, fell backwards in their PP100 figures, while only 5 dropped in placement among the 15 automakers. A total of 3 automakers remained in the same position from the 2003 VDS to 2004.

In the end, if it wasn't for GM, Ford Motor and DaimlerChrysler which each achieved improvement in PP100 ratings, the overall results would be even less encouraging than they currently are. Even with the domestics, 2001 model cars do not show the same level of dependability as their 2000 model year equivalents. Once again, it is important to review J.D. Powers' IQS results to get a better picture about 2004 model year automakers, nameplates and individual cars. A complete review of these results can be seen in the archives of this website (Apr 30, 2004: Industry Report Part 1: New J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey Puts Hyundai Above Toyota; May 1, 2004: Industry Report Part 2: Koreans Overtake Europeans and Domestics in Initial Quality; May 2, 2004: Industry Report Part 3: What Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Vans Are Best in Initial Quality?).

Come back tomorrow for a detailed look at what cars, trucks, SUVs and vans are best in the 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).