Lexus tops quality survey

No surprises here. Lexus has again fended off the challenges of all comers to bag the top spot in the latest JD Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability study conducted in the US.

However, what is somewhat surprising is that American brands Mercury, Buick and Cadillac snared the next three places in the pecking order.

It's a heartening result for General Motors (which owns these brands) as the car-maker has been battling financial woes in recent times.

The JD Power survey scores cars based on the number of problems owners encounter with vehicles that are three-years old. Its rankings are based on survey responses from about 48,000 owners of 2003 model-year vehicles. Cars are scored based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles.

While GM has plenty to chortle about, the news isn't so good for cross-town rivals Chrysler, as none of its brands -- Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge -- figured at the pointy end.

Somewhat surprisingly, Porsche has had a shocker -- the premium German marque placed second last year, but plunged to 22nd spot in this year's survey.

The statistics show that Porsche's 2002 model year cars experienced an average of 149 problems per 100 vehicles, but the MY2003 cars averaged 248.

A JD Power spokesman said the Boxster and 911 were the main culprits, which suggests the Cayenne SUV probably fared better.

The only Euro brands to figure in the top 10 were eighth-placed Jaguar (yes, it's true) and BMW, which nailed down ninth place.

The wooden spoon in this year's survey went to Land Rover, which had 438 problems per 100 vehicles.

J.D. Power 2006 Vehicle Dependability Study

Average score: 227