Awards

Old news now, but last week Lexus placed fourth in the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study with 88 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), coming in just one PP100 behind Mercedes and two PP100 under Acura.

In light of some recent quality issues, this result stands as quite an accomplishment for Lexus — even more so given that the recently recalled Lexus GX 460 took the the top position in the Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV segment. Other first place finishes for Lexus included the GS 460 in the Midsize Premium Car segment and the LS 460 in the Large Premium Car segment, which marks the third year in a row that the LS has placed first in its segment (and the 10th time in 13 years).

Overall, the LS 460 earned the distinction of the fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 55 PP100 — a major accomplishment for the Lexus flagship.

[Source: J.D. Power]

Lexus has ranked first in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates/What Car? Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS), making it the tenth consecutive year the brand has taken the top spot.

Along with ranking #1 overall, Lexus was also tops in three of the study’s four categories: Quality and Reliability, Appeal and Service Satisfaction. As far as individual models go, the RX was named the top-ranked model overall for the second year in a row, along with being the #1 SUV. The IS was honored as well, taking the top spot in the compact executive car category.

Retaining the top position for a full decade is one thing, but even more impressive is that Lexus has won this award every year it’s been eligible to do so.

Continue reading this article…

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2010 Lexus RX its TOP SAFETY PICK award.

This designation recognizes the RX for earning the highest possible rating for front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection, along with being equipped with electronic stability control, which is standard.

Read the IIHS Annoucement

The results of Ward’s Interior of the Year Awards for 2010 have been announced, and the Lexus HS 250h has come away with the award for best Hybrid Car interior—here’s how Ward’s described the judging process:

A team of eight Ward’s editors evaluated 40 vehicles that have either all-new or significantly upgraded interiors this year. The vehicles – both car and truck – were divided into segments, with one winner named in each category. In addition, Ward’s bestowed special awards for outstanding achievements in key areas. Having both designations allowed judges to rank vehicles against the entire field, regardless of segment and price. Judging criteria included aesthetics and design harmony, comfort, driver information, ergonomics, fit and finish, materials, safety and overall value.

The actual awards presentation will be held at the Ward’s Auto Interiors Conference on May 19 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dearborn, MI.  Recent Lexus winners at the Ward’s Interior of the Year Awards have included the RX 350/450h and the LS 460 L.

[Source: Autoblog]

Kelley Blue Book has announced the results of its third annual Brand Image Awards, which are based on consumer perception data from 12,000+ KBB survey participants, and Lexus came away with twin victories for Best Comfort Brand and Best Interior Design Brand. Here’s how KBB described these awards:

Best Comfort Brand: Lexus
Known from the very beginning for their quiet, comfortable highway rides, Lexus vehicles continue to offer more and more occupant-coddling amenities. Combined with renowned reliability and consistently high dealership ratings, the Lexus brand delivers a relaxing ownership experience.

Best Interior Design Brand: Lexus
Lexus interiors aren’t extravagant, plush or boundary-pushing, but the fit, finish and attention to detail deliver long-term allure. Clean, comfortable and simple define the typical Lexus interior, which remains user-friendly even as it continues to host more and more technology.

In the luxury arena, other winners included Porsche for Best Performance, Coolest and Exterior Design, and Mercedes-Benz for Best Prestige.

[Source: KBB via Autoblog]

J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of its annual Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) for 2010.  In the study, Lexus took third position in a tie with Buick, earning an average score of 115 problems per 100 vehicles.  Just ahead was Lincoln (114), moving up from seventh last year, and taking the lead was Porsche (110), moving up from ninth place last year. Lexus also won a segment award for the GX 470, which beat out the RX 350 for the Highest-Ranked Premium MAV. The ES 350 and LS 460 placed second in their segments to the Audi A6 and Cadillac DTS respectively. Survey details from J D. Power:

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2007 model year) vehicles, includes 198 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle.  Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

Overall vehicle dependability has improved by 7 percent in 2010 to an average of 155 PP100, compared with 167 PP100 in 2009-a rate that is consistent with historical industry gains. In addition to the improvement in overall dependability, the rate of component replacement has also been reduced from 2009. Approximately 65 percent of owners indicate they replaced a vehicle component in 2010, compared with 68 percent in 2009.

Historically, Lexus has done well in the VDS, taking the top spot every year from 1995 to 2008, and ranking in the top three since 2009.  Lexus’ score for 2010 (115) is an improvement over 2009 (126) and 2008 (120).  With the 2010 VDS measuring vehicles purchased three years ago, this year marks the introduction of the 2007 LS 460 and ES 350 into the long-term survey pool.  Both models have a hefty legacy to follow, with the prior ES 330 having been the highest-ranked premium mid-size model and the LS 430 the highest-ranked vehicle among all cars in past editions of the VDS. The 2007 model year also represented Lexus’ highest-ever US sales total, with the luxury division gaining more customers than any of its quality rivals.

The 2010 VDS rankings further mark a shift in the survey leaders compared to 2009, when Buick and Jaguar tied for first, followed by Lexus.  The addition or removal of certain models in the survey reportedly had a significant effect on Porsche and Jaguar VDS scores.

[Source: JD Power]