The latest J. D. Power reliability study was just published. The study was performed in the fall
and winter of 2016 relating to 3 year old vehicles (2014 models). The study examined 177
specific problems in 8 major categories occurring in the previous 12 months.
Toyota and Lexus models were top rated in 10 of 18 vehicle categories. This is the highest
number ever achieved by a single corporation in the 28 years this study has been in existence.
Next was Chevy with top picks in 4 categories. Camaro was best midsize sporty car, Sonic best
small car, Silverado HD best large HD pickup and Tahoe best large SUV. Rounding out the list
is Ford F150, Honda Ridgeline, VW Tiguan and Mercedes GLK.
When ranked by make, Lexus is number 1, Porsche 2 , Toyota 3, Buick 4 and Hyundai 5 (up
from 30 last year).
Decreased rankings included Infinity going from 13 in 2016 to 29 in 2017, Fiat dropped from 26
to 31 (fix it again Tony). Acura went from 8 in the 2016 study to 22 in the 2017 study.
Our advice has always been to buy a reliable vehicle, maintain it and hold onto it. This will save
considerable money in repairs, taxes, motor vehicle fees and loan payments. There’s nothing
like the freedom of driving a reliable and well maintained older vehicle that’s PAID for.
