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Lexus goes long
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November 3, 2000: 12:11 p.m. ET
J.D. Power survey finds Lexus tops in long-term dependability
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Lexus ranks highest in long-term dependability for the sixth consecutive year, according to a recent survey, with fewer than half the number of vehicle problems than the average manufacturer.
The J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Vehicle Dependability Study had sportscar maker Porsche next on the list, followed by Infiniti, Toyota and Acura, to round out the top five. They were followed by Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Lincoln and Buick.
Only three non-luxury makes—Toyota, Honda and Buick—made it to the top 10.
"The impact of vehicle quality on customer satisfaction increases over time," Brian Walters, director of product research at J.D. Power, said in a news release. "Manufacturers that understand the importance of long-term durability and produce vehicles that experience fewer problems in the later years of ownership are rewarded with higher customer retention."
Fewer vehicle problems, Walters said, translate into greater satisfaction with dealer service, better brand reputation and a greater likelihood of making recommendations to friends and family.
Fewer problems, more happy drivers
The study also found manufacturer-certified used vehicles have fewer problems than non-certified used vehicles. Fewer problems mean—you guessed it—higher customer satisfaction.
"The differences between certified and non-certified vehicles are especially apparent among non-luxury makes," Walker said. "Among buyers of certified non-luxury vehicles, 25 percent rated their vehicle outstanding, compared with 16 percent of non-certified buyers. Buyers of certified non-luxury also have higher intentions to recommend their dealership and purchase the same make again."
The study, previously named the Vehicle Dependability Index, was redesigned for 2000 using an all-new matrix expanded to 137 problems. The study includes responses from 28,415 original owners and owners who purchased used 1996 model-year vehicles. 
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