Honda Enjoys Best-ever J.D. Power Study Results

The Honda brand earned its best-ever ranking in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) for 2011, finishing second among all surveyed carmaking brands, including premium marks.The Japanese carmaker also had an amazing seven models earning the highest initial quality ranking in their respective segments, including the top-selling Accord and Civic. The Acura brand finished third overall in the 2011 IQS.

“Creating products of the highest quality and value is the foundation of our business and it begins with a deep understanding of the customer,” said Tetsuo Iwamura, President and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “These results are an important demonstration of our focus on the customer and the tireless efforts put forth by Honda associates throughout our organisation—in R&D, in manufacturing and in sales—to exceed their high expectations of Honda and Acura.”

Of the seven Honda models earning the highest initial quality score in their segment – the most segment leaders of any brand – five were manufactured in North America: the Civic (compact car); the Element (compact crossover SUV—followed by the CR-V in second place); the Accord (midsize car); the Accord Crosstour (midsize crossover SUV); and the Ridgeline (midsize pickup). Those five models were joined on the 2011 segment leader list by the Insight hybrid (compact car, tie) and Honda Fit (sub-compact car), sold as the Jazz in Australia.

J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study is an important tool for consumers in evaluating the quality and design of new vehicles. The company has been surveying owners to measure the initial quality of new vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership, ever since 1987.