New JD Power Rankings for 2013 Dependability

[gorcorps]

Yeah no kidding. But I do believe they need some separation between critical problems and "it took 15 seconds for my phone to connect with Bluetooth" or "I can't find the right angle for seat comfort". My Ford has the much maligned Sync system and it had some problems the first few months, where it would crash once a month or so or report that the Sirius signal was lost for no apparent reason but there was a system update after about 6 months of ownership and it has fixed all the issues. People are reporting that the new Sync 3 system that uses QNX instead of Microsoft is much more responsive and easy to use so it will be interesting to see if Ford's JDP rankings go up just because of that.

Yeah that'd be nice to have some separation of complaints so people know if they would complain about the same thing. Everybody has different expectations in vehicles and something that rubs them the wrong way would never be a problem for others.

 

[SearchMaster]

Yeah, there's a difference between the car still driving and not but do you really want that to be where the line is drawn?

When I buy a new car, if I keep having to bring it down to the dealer to fix stuff (mechanical or otherwise), I'm not going to be happy with it even if it was technically functional the entire time. I brought it my BRZ to the dealer several times because it would go into limp mode. It was still technically functioning, it got to the dealer under it's own power.

No the line wouldn't be functioning versus non-functioning, but I would like to see them use some sort of algorithm that weighted some things higher than others. Things like squeaks and rattles are annoying, but certainly should not weigh as high as your BRZ issues even if neither caused the car to be completely non-functional. There are reliability ratings that go into greater details about a vehicle's sub-systems but AFAIK the initial quality survey by JDP ranks a blown motor the same as "I couldn't figure out the radio".

 

[Londo_Jowo]

Compact Premium Car: Lexus ES

Lexus ES is a compact?

The ES is bigger than the GS.

Though the ES is the about the same length as the GS, the GS is 6" wider. The difference is the GS AWD and RWD have space for the rear wheel drive shaft whereas the ES is FWD.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Though the ES is the about the same length as the GS, the GS is 6" wider. The difference is the GS AWD and RWD have space for the rear wheel drive shaft whereas the ES is FWD.

The GS is not 6" wider than the ES. The GS is actually less than an inch wider and it is more than an inch shorter than the ES.

I've driven both and the ES actually feels larger inside probably because there isn't a pronounced hump for the driveshaft going down the middle of the car.

"infotainment systems"

lol.

I'll just drive my car, thanks.

There are myriad reasons, not the least of which pertaining to performance, overall quality, reliability, style, practicality, economy, resale value, or comfort, just to name a few, that can and do matter far more for people who actually care about cars beyond how "nifty the infotainment screen is".

"Nifty" doesn't enter into it. I spend nearly 2 hours a day in my car. Things like integrated satellite radio and traffic are very important to me as is the ability to make phone calls without having to fumble around with my phone. I will never own another car without bluetooth. This is a necessity... and it had better fucking work.

 

[Londo_Jowo]

The GS is not 6" wider than the ES. The GS is actually less than an inch wider and it is more than an inch shorter than the ES.

I've driven both and the ES actually feels larger inside probably because there isn't a pronounced hump for the driveshaft going down the middle of the car.

You're correct, I misread the Edmunds site. None the less I still like my 2014 GS350 F Sport.

Same with you on the Infotainment system, I like being able to make calls or send texts without messing with my phone. Love the built in navigation system. I also like the fact I can have my 280+ album (ripped to mp3's) collection available on a USB drive to play on a long drive.

 

[JulesMaximus]

You're correct, I misread the Edmunds site. None the less I still like my 2014 GS350 F Sport.

Same with you on the Infotainment system, I like being able to make calls or send texts without messing with my phone. Love the built in navigation system. I also like the fact I can have my 280+ album (ripped to mp3's) collection available on a USB drive to play on a long drive.

:thumbsup: They're great cars. A definite step up from the ES but really not any bigger. My complaint was them classifying the ES as a compact luxury car. It must be a typo, maybe they meant the IS.

 

[Londo_Jowo]

:thumbsup: They're great cars. A definite step up from the ES but really not any bigger. My complaint was them classifying the ES as a compact luxury car. It must be a typo, maybe they meant the IS.

I think you're right or possibly a RC350 as well. But without a doubt the ES is not compact car.

 

[smitbret]

JD Power has always been in GM pockets. Nothing new to see here.

Probably no more biased than Consumer Reports is towards anything coming out of Japan.

 

[Knavish]

There so many groups its a junk ratings system almost as bad as Consumer Reports.

Fiat is near dead last with 171 problem per 100cars yet the Fiat 500 won in the City Car group.

Almost as baffling is their recommendation of the notoriously unreliable Mini Cooper as a "dependable" sporty compact!