Buick ranks 3rd

J.D. Power released their 2010 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study this week.
The Vehicle Dependability Study measures the problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles (2007). Over 198 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle were tested for the study. The study is based on responses from more than 52,000 original owners and survey was done in October last year. In the vehicle dependability category General Motor’s Buick brand placed third! Porsche held the top spot with 110 problems per 100 vehicles. Volkswagen came in third to last in the study with 225 problems per 100 vehicles. The problems were grouped into the following eight categories: Vehicle Exterior; The Driving Experience; Features Controls and Displays; Audio, Entertainment and Navigation; Seats; Heating, Ventilation and Cooling; Vehicle Interior; and Engine and Transmission.

J.D. Power analysts suggest four things automakers can do to help to increase vehicle dependability with customers, so when in the market for a new car they buy within the same brand as their current vehicle:
1. Provide extended warranties to demonstrate a brand’s faith in its products.
2. Incorporate features, materials and finishes in vehicles that have a rich feel.
3. Ensure new models launched are of better quality than past models.
4. Increase communication efforts between automakers and customers.

If you have never been to JDPower.com the site is full of articles on auto shows, customer reviews and car buying tips.