Hyundai Ranks 1st for Non-Premium Maker in Initial Quality Survey

J.D. Power and Associates announced yesterday that Hyundai is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate in their 2009 Initial Quality Study, and is ranked fourth among all nameplates. With 95 problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai performed better than other established brands such as Honda (5th) and Toyota (6th - tied with Mercedes-Benz). The Korean brand ranked 13th in 2008.

This year’s ranking marks the second time Hyundai has been the highest-ranked non-premium nameplate in the last four years, and the second time it finished among the top four overall nameplates (ranked third in 2006). The Hyundai Elantra topped the compact car segment, beating the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic (in order). The Hyundai Accent ranked second in the highly competitive subcompact car segment, in which the Toyota Yaris performed the best. Hyundai's new Genesis also performed significantly better than average in the mid-size premium car segment, an impressive feat for a first-year model.

The IQS study measures 228 attributes, including the overall driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of defect and design problems reported by vehicle owners, over a 90-day period.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

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