Cadillac Named Most Dependable Car in 1989 Study

Strategic Insights -

A study by J.D. Power and Associates has crowned Cadillac the most dependable car among those built in 1989, based on responses from 22,000 car owners. The study found that Cadillac had the lowest average number of problems, followed closely by Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Buick, Acura, BMW, and Honda. The Toyota Cressida was ranked as the top individual car. The study's findings indicate that the quality of U.S. automobiles built in 1989 is now comparable to that of Asian makes, with 450 problems per 100 cars, compared to 428 problems per 100 for Asian makes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cadillac was named the most dependable car among those built in 1989, with the lowest average number of problems among 31 makes surveyed.
  • The study found that Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Buick, Acura, BMW, and Honda followed closely behind Cadillac in terms of dependability.
  • The Toyota Cressida was ranked as the top individual car, with excellent reviews from 22,000 car owners.
  • The study's findings suggest that U.S. automakers have been able to close the quality gap with Asian makes, with 450 problems per 100 cars, compared to 428 problems per 100 for Asian makes.
  • Porsche was ranked No. 7, followed by Oldsmobile, Toyota, Lincoln, Mercury, Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, which all finished below the industry average.
  • J.D. Power and Associates credited Cadillac's turnaround in 1989 to improved quality and the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award the following year.
  • The study emphasized the importance of consumers' opinions at five years of ownership in determining repurchase decisions.

Statistics:

  • 22,000 car owners participated in the survey.
  • 31 makes were included in the study, with clear rankings provided for the top 13.
  • The average number of problems per 100 cars for U.S. makes was 450, compared to 428 for Asian makes and 475 for European cars.
  • Cadillac had the lowest average number of problems, with Porsche finishing at No. 7.
  • The Toyota Cressida was ranked as the top individual car, with excellent reviews from participants.

Sources:

  • J.D. Power and Associates study (cited in the Los Angeles Times, March 22)