VW rated 3rd worst in most reliable car makers list

[G-rig]

Yeah it's pathetic that Bluetooth & usb/ipod isn't standard now on VW's .. Maybe in 2011!

[trueman]

Cheaper brand vs VW perhaps

"The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."

[PassatB6]

JD Power nonsense. Check out Warranty Direct for real reliability figures, not owner complaint surveys masquerading a reliability studies. 250,000 + vehicles rated on actual repairs not owner opinions.

http://www.reliabilityindex.co.uk/

Back to JDP
Look at their definition of Initial Quality
Initial Quality: Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction, or where controls or features may work as designed, but are difficult to use or understand.

i.e it all works fine but because it might be complicated for anyone who hasn't read the manual or has difficulty with a new technology then this is defined as a manufacturer problem.

and also this nonsense about being able to "predict" vehicle reliability:

Predicted Reliability: Derived from historical trending for a vehicle and/or manufacturer in our Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability Studies, Predicted Reliability is a forecast of how reliable a newer vehicle might be over time.

I just don't get what all the fuss is about JD Power's opinions.

[nau]

http://www.reliabilityindex.co.uk/

mmmmmmm... how can I put it ....
top 10
Rank Car Make Index Rating

1 SUZUKI 31.13
2 HONDA 33.17
3 MAZDA 53.5
4 TOYOTA 56.22
5 SKODA 58.87
6 SMART 66.4
7 CITROEN 66.61
8 HYUNDAI 66.97
9 NISSAN 70.02
10 FORD 70.71

Worst 10
Rank Car Make Index Rating

1 JEEP 231.09
2 PORSCHE 221.39
3 LANDROVER 213.73
4 ALFA ROMEO 158.4
5 CHRYSLER 155.61
6 JAGUAR 146.13
7 AUDI 142.35
8 MG 131.08
9 MERCEDES 129.89
10 SAAB 126.12

how did all the top brands end up at the bottom?

[AdamD]

how did all the top brands end up at the bottom?

Well, the Japanese brands like Honda, Toyota and Mazda are a pretty sure bet for reliability in many of the more prominent surveys I've read over the years. And based on experience, a survey that places Alfa Romeo well down the order sounds right on the money to me.

Skoda's up there too. And just see these results from their website:

• 2009: (UK) Škoda named Best Car Manufacturer 2009,
  JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey
• 2009: (UK) Škoda Superb named 2nd Best Car of the Year,
  JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey
• 2009: (UK) Octavia named 3rd Best Car of the Year,
  JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey
• 2008: (UK) Škoda 2nd overall, in top 5 for last 13 years,
  JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey
• 2007: (UK) Škoda Best Manufacturer,
  Top Gear Reader’s Poll

And Skodas are pure VW under the skin. Results like that suggest the mechanical fundamentals are sound. I wouldn't be surprised if the biggest difference between Skoda, VW and Audi in terms of quality is buyer perceptions and expectations.

[MurphyTheElf]

Notice how Suzuki and Porsche are at completely opposite positions on the two indexes? How can we possibly believe either of them?

[G-rig]

Seems like Skodas are built slightly better than VW's, maybe they take an extra bit of care? Still not as desireable or look quite right yet but very promising (I wouldnt mind a new VR sedan though) .

[PassatB6]

I wouldn't be surprised if the biggest difference between Skoda, VW and Audi in terms of quality is buyer perceptions and expectations.

Bingo! Expectations and perception seems to me to be the major reason. That is why Skoda is high, VW is middle and AUDI is low. Expectations go up and ratings therefore go down. Many parts are shared.

mmmmmmm... how can I put it ....
how did all the top brands end up at the bottom?

Because the ratings are affected by repair costs.

Notice how Suzuki and Porsche are at completely opposite positions on the two indexes? How can we possibly believe either of them?

One is about actual repairs, while the other (JDP) is about owners perceptions. Owners perception of a problem is affected by initial cost, expectation, manufacturer reputation etc. IMHO its a less objective measure.

[Hooligan]

Vw owns porsche the most reliable car in the world that is built in Germany.
http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/t...0319-qjc6.html

The Vw cars that are in those statistics the most are the brazilian Mexican
built Vw not the German ones.

[nicandlance]

We had a Mazda for years and it was a terrific car... really loved it. Reliable, nice to drive, gripped the road really well. I was actually tossing up between the Mazda 3 and the Golf this time around..... (of course, I also loved my Golf for the short time I had it), but you only need to look at any forum on any car to find discontent with one thing or another.