You'll Be Surprised to See Which Models Get Knocked Off the List
While ranking automotive corporations as well as specific nameplates within those automakers, the J.D. Powers and Associates Initial Quality Survey (IQS) also picks the top three vehicles in 18 separate categories, from "Compact Car" to "Premium Luxury SUV."
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| The Toyota Corolla is once again number 1 in the Compact Car segment according to the J.D. Powers and Associates Initial Quality Survey. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
Starting with the Compact Car segment, which incidentally includes entry compact and premium compact cars, the Toyota Corolla is once again number 1 in the category. Displaced from last year's IQS are the Mitsubishi Lancer and Toyota Echo, which were tied in 2003, by the Hyundai Accent which is now in 2nd place, followed by a tie between the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Honda Civic for third.
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| In the IQS ratings, Buick's Century took top spot in the Premium Midsize Car segment. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Hyundai's Sonata led the Korean upswing as the best vehicle in the Entry Midsize Car category, followed closely by the now discontinued (but still available) Oldsmobile Alero in 2nd and Chevy Malibu in 3rd. Last year the Malibu came 1st, with the Sonata in 2nd place. The Pontiac Grand Am has been ousted from the top three in this category.
Buick's Century took top spot in the Premium Midsize Car segment, followed by the Chevrolet Monte Carlo in 2nd and a then by a tie between the Mitsubishi Galant and Toyota Avalon for 3rd. Displaced are the Mercury Sable which previously held 1st position, the Chevrolet Impala in 2nd and the Buick Regal in 3rd, which incidentally was initially tied with the current 2nd place Monte Carlo.