JD Power and Associates 3-Year Study Released in 2014
The third study to consider is the 2014 version of the JD Power and Associates 3 year reliability study. This study focused on 2011 model year vehicles. When looking at the top three models in each category, Toyota is mentioned extremely regularly. Their top models include the Corolla, Camry, Avalon, FJ Cruiser, RAV4, 4Runner, Sequoia, Sienna, and Tundra. Only the Camry and Siena were ranked at the top of their respective categories while the rest were ranked second or third.
The Long-Term Quality Index
The final study to consider is known as the long-term quality Index. Rather than a one year survey, this is actually a collaborative project between Steve Lang and Nick Lariviere. It utilizes data and analysis based upon trade-in vehicles from across the country to try and objectively rank the most reliable used vehicles on the road. In total, they have included information from more than 300,000 vehicles. Toyota managed to land at the top of several platforms. This study utilizes platforms and set of specific models because many manufacturers will sell multiple vehicles over the same platform to increase reliability and lower costs.
The Toyota Camry/Lexus ES/Toyota Avalon platform came in ranked number six. They discovered that the Camry is the only midsize vehicle to remain consistently well above average for the last 20 years in reliability. This is primarily because the Honda Accord went through a spell of consistent transmission issues and the Nissan Altima dealt with severe oil consumption issues with their 2.5 L four-cylinder engine. The Toyota 4Runner/Lexus GX470 and Toyota Prius platform also made the Top 10.
What is even more interesting than the top 10 list is the overall manufacturer report for Toyota. In total, this report included nearly 37,000 Toyota vehicles. Nearly 14,000 of them had more than 120,000 miles and almost 8000 of them had over 180,000 miles. In total, Toyota boasted a trading quality Index ratio of .21 for vehicles over 180,000 miles. The only manufacturers to best this where Honda and Lexus – both with a .22.
Toyota fared much better in the manufacturer quality Index rating as they came out well ahead of every other manufacturer, aside from Lexus. The highest rated models were the Land Cruiser, 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, and Prius.
