Detroit Gaining On Japan In Auto Quality Rankings

There are two primary causes for the decline of the American automakers over the past decade.  The first is rapidly rising gas prices.  If you want proof, just ask your local Chevrolet dealer how difficult it is to sell a 12 mpg Suburban when gas is $3 per gallon.

The second and most important reason Detroit has been rapidly losing market share to Japanese automakers is poor product quality.  For years (going back at least to the mid 70’s), American-built vehicles have simply been inferior to their Japanese competitors in nearly every respect.  By the early 90’s, Japanese dominance was beginning to show in the annual quality ratings and by 2003, Detroit had already begun its downward death spiral.

American Auto Quality Making A Comeback

This year’s J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Survey illustrates just how far Detroit has come in improving the quality gap.  Overall auto quality improved a solid 8% this year, but American steel improved an even more impressive 10% over the same period.  Overall, American automakers snagged two first-place spots this year in their respective categories (Ford Mustang, Mercury Sable) and tied for first place three more times (Chevy Trailblazer, Ford Edge, Chrysler PT Cruiser).  Additionally, several other American models snagged respectable second and third place finishes.

Overall, Asian manufacturers still dominate the rankings, but their hold on the top spots has been slipping significantly the past few years.  If current trends continue, American manufacturers should overtake their Asian competitors in overall quality sometime within the next 5-10 years.  So if you’ve been avoiding American cars due to past quality issues, now just might be time to take a second look.  You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised by what you find.