|
"The problem with JD Power is the rankings are based on surveys of owners, not hard data. So if someone is generally happy with their car/dealer, or are fiercely loyal to the brand, they would be less apt to report a problem to JD, or perceive something as a problem. And many would be reluctant to admit they bought a bad car, unless it is really bad. If somebody hates their dealer, they're going to be much more likely to be unhappy with their car and report problems to JD.
I think this is why Lexus has been dropping on their lists lately. The product is the same, the quality is the same. But the perception of the brand is changing to 'just another car' rather than this mythical automobile many perceived it to be when it was the car de jour.
It would be interesting to plot JD Powers survey results versus marketing campaign effectveness over the years and see if the curves align."
+1
I place very little stock in a JD Powers survey. Most new owners don't want to admit their purchase might have been a mistake and still have the "new car high".
It's kind of like Consumer Reports saying a Dodge Neon is the best new car buy- and the worst used car buy. Or Motor Trend's farcical "Car of the Year".
But I do think Buicks are durable appliances. A long way away from the stylish and powerful Invictas/Electras/LeSabres/GS 455s etc. of my youth.
|