The 21 highest-ranked models in the 2010 Initial Quality Study:
Sub-Compact Car: 2010 Hyundai Accent
Compact Car: 2010 Ford Focus
Compact Crossover/SUV: 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Compact Multi Purpose Vehicle: 2010 Scion xB
Compact Sporty Car: 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Entry Premium Car: 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Entry Premium Crossover/SUV: 2010 Acura RDX
Compact Premium Sporty Car: 2010 Volvo C70
Midsize Car: 2010 Honda Accord
Midsize Crossover/SUV: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
Midsize Pickup: 2010 Nissan Frontier
Midsize Sporty: 2010 Ford Mustang
Minivan: 2010 Toyota Sienna
Midsize Premium Car: 2010 Lexus GS
Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV: 2010 Lexus GX 460
Large Car: 2010 Ford Taurus
Large Crossover/SUV: 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
Large Pickup (tie): 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche and 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
Large Premium Car: 2010 Lexus LS 460
Large Premium Crossover/SUV: 2010 Cadillac Escalade
There are 6 Toyota/Lexus/Scion, 4 General Motors, 3 Ford and 3 Honda/Acura vehicles.
This year, consumers were asked to report problems experienced in eight categories:
* Features/Controls/Displays
* Exterior
* Engine/Transmission
* Interior
* The Driving Experience
* Audio/Entertainment/Navigation
* HVAC (Climate controls)
* Seats
Over the years, the most frequent types of problems that owners report will vary. In the 2010 Initial Quality Study, for instance, the top five, most-frequently-reported problems are:
* Excessive wind noise
* Climate controls are difficult to use/see, or are in a poor location
* Hands-free communication system does not recognize user voice commands
* Front audio/entertainment system controls are difficult to use or are in a poor location
* Materials that scuff or soil easily
The 2010 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 82,000 purchasers and lessees of new
2010 model-year cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to identify problems, to drive product improvement, and to improve initial quality for new-vehicle buyers. The study was fielded between February and May 2010.
Courtesy of JD Power & Associates