DETROIT – Korean vehicles now outpace both European and Domestic vehicles in initial quality, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Initial Quality Study released on Wednesday.
Led by Hyundai Motor America, Korean vehicles have reduced quality problems by 57 percent in the past six years, dropping from 272 problems per 100 vehicles in 1998 to 117 problems per 100 vehicles in 2004, according to the study.
Korean vehicles had five fewer problems per 100 vehicles than European brands, and six fewer than the Domestics. The Koreans still trail Japanese automakers by six problems per 100 vehicles. Toyota Motor Sales USA, including the Lexus luxury brand, repeated as the company with the highest overall initial quality, with 101 problems per 100 vehicles. Toyota is followed by American Honda Motor Co. and Hyundai in a tie.
The study shows an increase in initial quality improvements throughout the automotive industry. Initial quality problems dropped 11 percent overall from 2003.
Detroit automakers continued improving. General Motors fared best, with 120 problems per 100 vehicles, an improvement from 134 problems last year. DaimlerChrysler had 123 problems, 16 fewer than last year. Ford Motor Co. had 127 problems, an improvement from last year's 136.
2004 Initial Quality rankings
Rank, Brand, Problems/100 vehicles
1. Lexus 87
2. Cadillac 93
3. Jaguar 98
4. Honda 99
5. Buick (tied) 100
5. Mercury (tied) 100
7. Hyundai 102
8. Infiniti (tied) 104
8. Toyota (tied) 104
10. Mercedes 106
11. Audi (tied) 109
11. BMW (tied) 109
13. Oldsmobile 110
14. Volvo 113
15. Acura 117
16. Chevrolet 119
Industry average 119
17. Chrysler 120
18. Dodge (tied) 121
18. Lincoln (tied) 121
20. Pontiac 122
21. Subaru 123
22. GMC 127
23. Ford (tied) 130
23. Mitsubishi(tied) 130
25. Saab 133
26. Jeep 136
27. Mini 142
28. Land Rover 148
29. Saturn (tied) 149
29. Suzuki (tied) 149
31. Kia 153
32. Nissan 154
33. Mazda 157
34. Scion 158
35. Porsche 159
36. Volkswagen 164
37. Hummer 173
Source: J.D. Power and Associates
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