Luxury Brands, VW Top Total Quality Survey
Before you’re surprised about Volkswagen being in the headline, we’ll let you know that Strategic Vision’s total quality index reflects only the first two to three months of ownership. This is similar to J.D. Power’s initial quality scores. Neither survey should really impact a buying decision, outside of the fact that it takes into account the dealership experience and the fact that nothing went wrong right away.
That said, BMW topped the list, with Hummer, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Infiniti, Lexus, Land Rover, Cadillac, Lincoln and Volkswagen rounding out the top 10. Only VW, GM and Ford showed improvement this year, as the industry averaged dropped a few points.
Check out which models won their respective categories below.
| Segment | Winner(s) | TQI Score |
| Small Car | Toyota Yaris | 860 |
| Small Multi-Function | Scion xB | 876 |
| Medium Car | Volkswagen Jetta | 911 |
| Large Car | Mercury Sable | 877 |
| Small Specialty Under $25,000 | Volvo C30 T5 Hatchback | 908 |
| Near Luxury Car | Chrysler 300C | 927 |
| Luxury Car | Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan | 950 |
| Convertibles Under $30,000 | Ford Mustang Convertible | 896 |
| Convertibles Over $30,000 | Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Mercedes-Benz SL |
940 939 |
| Minivan | Honda Odyssey | 864 |
| Small SUV | Hyundai Santa Fe | 866 |
| Medium Crossover | Ford Edge | 877 |
| Medium SUV | Toyota 4Runner | 891 |
| Large SUV | Toyota Sequoia | 897 |
| Near Luxury SUV | Lexus RX 350 Land Rover LR2 |
913 912 |
| Luxury SUV | BMW X5 | 907 |
| Standard Pick-Up | Honda Ridgeline | 878 |
| Large Pickup | Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 |
880 880 |
| Heavy Duty Pickup | Ford F-250/350 | 863 |
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"...Strategic Vision’s total quality index reflects only the first two to three months of ownership..."
Even Dodge can do that.
This is all so confusing to people who don't really understand...
VW is a problem brand! Cheap s@#$ from Germany. Made in Mexico, mostly.
It looks like Strategic Vision put the Jetta in the wrong grouping, with the Camry, Malibu and other mid-size cars. Edmumds.com lists the Jetta as a compact sedan and appropriately compares it to the Civic and Corolla, not the Camry. J.D. Power has a lot more credibility than Strategic "Vision."
Initial quality is pretty meaningless. EVERY vehicle should score high in initial quality. What would matter would be a survey after 4 years of ownership. This is the measure of quality (given people take care of their cars).
I think this test does have some credibility- if it didn't, then all of the cars tested would be equal. Think about it, if you say that cars shouldn't have any problems when they are brand new- this test shoots that theory out of the water because apparently they do- some more than others.
Broq
this isnt that far a claim from the truth.
the Jetta and Rabbit both recieved average or better reliaility from Consumer Reports.
the Touareg recieved below average in CR, and ranked at the bottom in this survey.
The A4 also ranked at the top, like in CR.
No doubt that the A6 would have been the best in initial quality, as it had the best reliability of any German Luxury Sedan, according to CR.
this isnt that far a claim from the truth.
the Jetta and Rabbit both recieved average or better reliaility from Consumer Reports.
the Touareg recieved below average in CR, and ranked at the bottom in this survey.
The A4 also ranked at the top, like in CR.
No doubt that the A6 would have been the best in initial quality, as it had the best reliability of any German Luxury Sedan, according to CR.
VW did well?? Give me a break. VW cars are junk in terms of quality.
Initial quality though is not something to brag about and some manufacturers seem to advertise this a lot. I already have a feel for the ones that are poor quality. Tell me about the ones that stand the test of time.
have any of you that dis VW ever owned one? I currently own an 08 Jetta, and previously owned a 99 passat. VWs are good cars, yeah you get a problem now and then, but its gonna happen no matter the brand. Its the number and size of the problems. I.E. the cadillac i owned had head gaskets go on it VS the passat needed a couple little fixes. I'd fix 100 small problems and call a car good. I would never buy another cadillac. May only have had one problem but its a known issue with them and a major one at that.
I have owned 4 Jettas,and they have all been fantastic,doing over 200000 miles each.
My present one is the current model,2007 2.o T,and as far as value for money,resale,safety and luxury features go,it is the best in class.
Jetta sales are booming worldwide,and they will be even higher with the sport wagon and TDI,soon to be launched.
That's right! Jetta is booming worldwide...
Mostly in the under-developped countries. Jettas also made there and are verrrrry cheap there.
In US all VW sales wouldn't touch a Civic sales alone.
Have few friends with Jettas. Yes, long miles but soooo many issues in between...
hm...
If I am not mistaken, quality has little to nothing to do with reliability. Correct?
+1
Have been advised that 2004 & 2005 Cadillacs have "soft engines". i.e. they may warp or crack if overheated. My 1998 Cad Deville has blown head gaskets don't want a similar problem with a replacement. Are all Caddy engines prone to problems?