There are two major components to the JD Power rankings: the Initial Quality Survey (IQS), which is a Consumer Reports-like opinion survey, and the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) which is a real statistical survey of warranty repair issues after three years of ownership.

There are 16 categories in the IQS. Toyota/Lexus won 6, Ford 3, GM 3, Mazda 2, Mercedes 1, and Honda 1.

Interesting quote from the survey - "While Domestics trailed their European and Japanese counterparts by at least 19 PP100 five years ago, Domestics and Europeans are now equal, and both trail the Japanese by 9 PP100."

There are 17 categories in the VDS. Toyota/Lexus won 9, Ford 3, GM 3, Porsche 1 (which really surprised me), and Acura 1 (the RL gets the Midsize Luxury Car award).

The worst in the world in dependability? Kia and Daewoo are the worst, and 12 of the worst 13 are imports, including Mitsubishi, both Audi and Volkswagen, and Mercedes Benz. Surprised?

Buick, Cadillac, and Lincoln all score better than Honda with Mercury just a tick below. Buick trails Lexus and Infiniti overall, though.

Don't shoot the messenger...