Lexus tops dependability survey, eighth time
26 November 2002: Lexus has topped a US study into the long-term durability of cars, for the eighth year in succession. Mercedes-Benz suffered the greatest drop in the study, because of problems reported with its US-built M-Class SUV (above).
According to the J D Power Vehicle Dependability Index Study, four- and five-year old Lexus cars and SUVs had only 159 problems per 100 vehicles, far better than the industry average of 355 problems per vehicle.
All five of the top brands in the survey of 30,000 owners of 1998 model-year vehicles were Japanese, with Infiniti (Nissan's luxury division), Acura (Honda's), Honda and Toyota following Lexus respectively in the rankings.
Mercedes, 10th in last year's study with 296 problems per 100 vehicles, fell 23 per cent to lower than the industry average.
Volkswagen's Audi luxury vehicle brand also suffered a sharp drop, falling 19 per cent to below the industry average.
Suzuki showed the strongest gain, improving by 27 per cent, although it also finished below average.