WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - MY-2009 one of the toughest years in automotive history have exhibited strong quality, translating into ongoing dependability. This was the conclusion of J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

The study measured problems experienced during the last 12 months by original owners of MY-2009 vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experience per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting high quality. For 2012, the overall vehicle dependability averaged 132 PP100, an improvement of 13 percent over the 2011 average of 151. The 2012 average is the lowest problem rate since the inception of the study in 1990.

According to the study, Lexus ranked highest in dependability among all the nameplates in 2012. Toyota Motor Corporation scored eight segment awards-the most of any automaker-for the Lexus ES 350 (in a tie with the Lincoln MKZ), Lexus RX 350, Scion tC, Scion xB, Toyota Prius, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Tundra, and Toyota Yaris. Ford received three model awards for the Ford Explorer (in a tie with the Nissan Murano), Ford Fusion, and Lincoln MKZ. GM received two awards for the Buick Lucerne and Chevrolet Equinox as did Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. for the Nissan Frontier and Nissan Murano. Hyundai received an award for the Hyundai Genesis.

The 2012 VDS is based on responses from more than 31,000 original owners of MY-2009 vehicles after three years of ownership. Data was captured between October and December 2011. For more detailed information go to JDPower.com.