Take The 2011 JD Power "Initial Quality" Rorschach Test
Clear your mind, look deep into the results of the 2011 JD Power Initial Quality Survey, and what will you find? Based on my limited understanding of the human mind, I’d guess “something that helps prop up your established perspective on the world of cars.” But hey, feel free to prove me wrong. Meanwhile, lest we take any of this too seriously, let’s remember the wise words of Michael Karesh, who noted on last year’s results that
J.D. Power continues to assert that a low number of problems during the first 90 days of ownership should allay any concerns a car buyer might have about a car’s quality. But of course car buyers are most concerned about how a car will hold up in the long run.
Initial quality sometimes correlates with long-term durability, but there’s only a partial connection between the two. Initial quality can result from solid engineering, which will also benefit long-term durability. But strong initial quality can also follow from thorough inspections at the plant or dealer. Such inspections can catch and fix problems that happen to occur before delivery, but aren’t likely to reduce problems down the road.
Karesh’s seminal IQS critique can be found her e.
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Dodge's last place results are pretty remarkable, considering how well the Grand Caravan, Challenger, and Durango performed. what models are dragging Dodge's results down? A list of the worst offenders in each category would be nice.
The whole JD power thing is a JOKE. MB is makes higher quality cars then Hyundai, Toyota, Infiniti? Yea, right
Which model(s) dragged Dodge down to last place? Chrysler brand scores 110, Dodge 137. 300/Charger, 200/Avenger, Town & Country/Grand Caravan all nearly identical, built in the same plants, so scores should be close for those models. Challenger places first in segment, Durange ties for second. Grand Caravan places third highest in segment. So is the Journey and/or Caliber the culprit here?
What is up with Porsche continuing to be rated highly on the IQS? It always seemed improbable, but scratching the surface makes their ranking seem impossible. They only have two models that sell in sufficient numbers to even take part in the Initial Quality Study. Neither are sports cars. The Panamera ranked 'better than most' overall in a class towered over by the Lexus LS. The Cayenne scored like one would expect, about as badly as anything can be rated. It was worse than average over all, and worse than average in 3 out of 4 categories of mechanical quality, earning one average score for features and accessories. How in wild fiction does that add up to an overall IQS index with the quality makes? What does it mean for the Porsche sports cars? Nothing. There ought to be asterisks aplenty for a brand rated on 2 of 5 model lines, but I guess that would bring attention to the fact that only one of the two models tracked was better than Soviet surplus.