Japanese vehicles generated the fewest new-owner complaints during the 1992 model year, though American automakers managed to slightly narrow the quality gap, according to a new survey.
Japanese luxury carmakers Infiniti and Lexus and a range of Toyota trucks had the fewest consumer gripes in the first 90 days of ownership, according to the New Car Initial Quality Study by J.D. Power and Associates.More than 44,000 truck and new-car owners were polled. Automakers often use the survey results to brag about their vehicles in advertisements.
Overall problems reported were at their lowest level since the car survey began in 1987.
Domestic brands improved 8 percent to 136 complaints per 100 cars over the 1991 model year, when 148 problems were reported per 100 vehicles.
Japanese makes improved 6 percent to 105 complaints per 100 cars, from 112 complaints per 100 cars in 1991. European models declined 3 percent to 158 complaints per 100 cars, compared with 154 per 100 in 1991.
Infiniti was ranked as the best import nameplate, and the Saturn subsidiary of General Motors Corp. topped all domestic car makes. Audi was the top European brand.
The number of initial quality complaints among the top 100 vehicles were: Infiniti, 70; Lexus, 73; Toyota, 85; Honda, 105; Nissan, 108; Saturn, 109; Lincoln 114; Acura, 115; Oldsmobile, 121; Subaru, 122; Audi and Buick, 124.