Toyota (TM) dominated the 2010 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Survey. Granted, the poll looks back over a period of a year. Power describes the methodology as “original vehicle owners were asked to report the type and number of problems they experienced during the preceding 12 months with their 3-year-old vehicle. This is measured as “problems per 100 vehicles”. A lower PP 100 score reflects higher quality.

The final data was based on responses from more than 52,000 original owners of 2007 model-year vehicles.

Of the 58 models on the lists which breaks out vehicles by type, Toyota and its Lexus luxury brand had 11 winners.

Among the Toyota cars, the company had two cars in the compact auto segment–the Prius and Corolla — , each of which has been part of recalls or potential recalls for defects. Among SUVs, Toyota also took two of the top three spots with its 4Runner and Highlander.Toyota had the top spot among large SUVs with its Sequoia model as the winner.  Among premium SUVs, the top two positions went to the Lexus GX 470 and RX.

American car companies did relative well, but for some odd reasons. The Pontiac Solstice, which has been discontinued, was a winner in the sporty car division as was the discontinued Saturn Sky. Among premium entry vehicles, the Lincoln MKZ and Cadillac CTS was winners. Lincoln and Cadillac dominated the large premium SUV category. Honda (HMC) placed four cars among the top three in several categories.

Among brands, Porsche cars ranked first, followed by Buick, Lincoln, Lexus, and Mercury.

Toyota may not fare as well when the Power survey is done in three years and the models being examined are 2010 cars. But, for the time being Toyota can use the results in its marketing to help it offset the damage to its image that increases each day as it recalls another model.

Douglas A. McIntyre

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