Overall dependability was determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 miles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The new study, based on surveys of more than 46,000 vehicle owners, measured problems that cropped up on vehicles over three years. Power & Associates' 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study results conclude. "With no end to the nation's economic troubles in sight, finding a dependable vehicle is even more critical," J.D. Power & Associates, agrees, claiming that the average age of a vehicle at trade-in has increased to 73 months in 2009 from 65 months in 2006. "Given that about half of the respondents said that they have owned their current model longer than initially planned, that longevity might be more important to them than ever," according to Consumer Reports' findings.Ī new vehicle-dependability study, from J.D. In rank order, Toyota, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Cadillac dominated scores for quality. The leading factor, by 49 percent of the survey's respondents, was "value" here considered by car buyers as "the most bang for their buck." Moreover, 21 percent of the respondents cited "quality" as a most significant factor in choosing a new vehicle, as this factor speaks to not only its initial fit-and-finish impression, but to how well the model will hold up over time. 1 reason that nearly half of Americans are delaying a new car purchase is that the existing vehicle is still in good shape. From its 2009 Auto Brand Perception Survey findings, the Consumers Union publication determined that the No. Which automaker(s) took the top spot in 2009? And which made the biggest gains in long-term dependability improvement?Įarlier this year, Consumer Reports concluded that the reason people aren't buying new cars is that there is nothing wrong with the old one. New findings measure problems experienced by the original owners of vehicles after three years.