Infiniti, Audi Make Big Move in Initial Quality

J.D. Power released its 2008 Initial Quality Study today, and luxury brands Infiniti and Audi saw the biggest gains. Infiniti now rests at No. 2, up from No. 9 in 2007, behind only Porsche. Audi moved from the 26th spot up to 10th.

Overall, J.D. Power reported “substantial” gains in quality from three-fourths of the 36 auto brands. That’s good news, but as always we have to point out that this study captures just the first three months of ownership, when nothing should go wrong with new cars.  The study also takes design into account, meaning the folks who loved Jaguar’s looks — which were top ranked — helped improve its overall ranking, even if its mechanical quality was nearly middle of the road. Jaguar ended up ninth.

The full list of brands and the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles is below. Let us know if these rankings will impact your shopping choices.

  Brand, Problems Per 100 Vehicles  

• Porsche             87  
• Infiniti            98  
• Lexus               99  
• Mercedes-Benz      104  
• Toyota             104  
• Mercury            109  
• Honda              110  
• Ford               112  
• Jaguar             112  
• Audi               113  
• Cadillac           113  
• Chevrolet          113  
• Hyundai            114  
• Pontiac            114  
• Lincoln            115  
• Buick              118  
• Industry Average   118  
• Acura              119  
• Kia                119  
• Nissan             124  
• Volvo              124  
• BMW                126  
• GMC                127  
• Mazda              127  
• Volkswagen         128  
• Hummer             132  
• Subaru             133  
• Scion              138  
• Dodge              141  
• Chrysler           142  
• Mitsubishi         149  
• Saab               149  
• Suzuki             152  
• Saturn             157  
• Land Rover         161  
• Mini               163  
• Jeep               167