DETROIT – Korean vehicles now outpace both European and Domestic vehicles in initial quality, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Initial Quality Study released on Wednesday. Led by Hyundai Motor America, Korean vehicles have reduced quality problems by 57 percent in the past six years, dropping from 272 problems per 100 vehicles in 1998 to 117 problems per 100 vehicles in 2004, according to the study. Korean vehicles had five fewer problems per 100 vehicles than European brands, and six fewer than the Domestics. The Koreans still trail Japanese automakers by six problems per 100 vehicles. Toyota Motor Sales USA, including the Lexus luxury brand, repeated as the company with the highest overall initial quality, with 101 problems per 100 vehicles. Toyota is followed by American Honda Motor Co. and Hyundai in a tie. The study shows an increase in initial quality improvements throughout the automotive industry. Initial quality problems dropped 11 percent overall from 2003. Detroit automakers continued improving. General Motors fared best, with 120 problems per 100 vehicles, an improvement from 134 problems last year. DaimlerChrysler had 123 problems, 16 fewer than last year. Ford Motor Co. had 127 problems, an improvement from last year's 136. 2004 Initial Quality rankings Rank, Brand, Problems/100 vehicles 1. Lexus 87 2. Cadillac 93 3. Jaguar 98 4. Honda 99 5. Buick (tied) 100 5. Mercury (tied) 100 7. Hyundai 102 8. Infiniti (tied) 104 8. Toyota (tied) 104 10. Mercedes 106 11. Audi (tied) 109 11. BMW (tied) 109 13. Oldsmobile 110 14. Volvo 113 15. Acura 117 16. Chevrolet 119 Industry average 119 17. Chrysler 120 18. Dodge (tied) 121 18. Lincoln (tied) 121 20. Pontiac 122 21. Subaru 123 22. GMC 127 23. Ford (tied) 130 23. Mitsubishi(tied) 130 25. Saab 133 26. Jeep 136 27. Mini 142 28. Land Rover 148 29. Saturn (tied) 149 29. Suzuki (tied) 149 31. Kia 153 32. Nissan 154 33. Mazda 157 34. Scion 158 35. Porsche 159 36. Volkswagen 164 37. Hummer 173 Source: J.D. Power and Associates