Lexus ranks highest in long-term dependability for the sixth consecutive year, with less than one-half the number of vehicle problems than the average manufacturer, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM). Following Lexus in the ranking is sports car manufacturer Porsche, with Infiniti, Toyota and Acura, respectively, rounding out the top five. Only three non-luxury makes are in the top 10 -- Toyota, Honda and Buick. "The impact of vehicle quality on customer satisfaction increases over time," said Brian Walters, director of product research at J.D. Power and Associates. "Manufacturers that understand the importance of long-term durability and produce vehicles that experience fewer problems in the later years of ownership are rewarded with higher customer retention. Fewer vehicle problems also translates into greater satisfaction with dealer service, better brand reputation and a greater likelihood of making recommendations to friends and family." The study also concludes that manufacturer-certified used vehicles have fewer problems than non-certified used vehicles. Fewer problems translate into higher customer satisfaction. "The differences between certified and non-certified vehicles are especially apparent among non-luxury makes," Walters said. "Among buyers of certified non-luxury vehicles, 25 percent rated their vehicle outstanding, compared with 16 percent of non-certified buyers. Buyers of certified non-luxury vehicles also have higher intentions to recommend their dealership and purchase the same make again." The study, previously named the Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI), was redesigned for 2000 using an all-new matrix expanded to 137 problems. This new matrix allows consumers the opportunity to more fully describe any issues they may have experienced and provide manufacturers with a better understanding of how the long-term performance of their vehicles affects owners. Conducted annually, the study is the industry standard measurement of overall long-term dependability. The study monitors the number and type of problems consumers have with their four- to five-year-old vehicles and covers 137 specific problem areas in nine categories. The 2000 study includes responses from 28,415 original owners and owners who purchased used 1996 model-year vehicles. With headquarters in Agoura Hills, J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors, including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on actual responses from millions of consumers annually. J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) 2000 Nameplate Top 10 Ranking Fewest Problems Per 100 Vehicles 1. Lexus (216) 2. Porsche (220) 3. Infiniti (245) 4. Toyota (299) 5. Acura (304) 6. Jaguar (308) TIE 6. Mercedes-Benz (308) TIE 8. Honda (318) 9. Lincoln (337) 10. Buick (340) J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) 1996 Model Year Used-Vehicle ChoicesCompact Car Toyota Tercel Toyota Corolla Subaru Impreza Outback Entry Midsize Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Nissan Altima Buick Skylark Premium Midsize Honda Accord Buick LeSabre Toyota Camry Toyota Avalon Sporty Car Mazda Miata Honda Del Sol Honda Prelude Sports Car Porsche 911 Nissan 300ZX Chevrolet Corvette Entry Luxury Lexus ES 300 Infiniti G20 Infiniti I30 Premium Luxury Lexus LS 400 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Lexus SC Coupe Compact Pickup Toyota Tacoma Nissan Pickup Ford Ranger Fullsize Pickup Toyota T100 GMC Sierra Chevrolet C/K Mini SUV Toyota RAV4 Compact SUV Toyota 4Runner Isuzu Trooper Ford Explorer Fullsize SUV Toyota Land Cruiser GMC Yukon Luxury SUV Lexus LX 450 Compact Van Honda Odyssey Toyota Previa Mazda MPV (Top three vehicles in traditional award categories provided they ranked better than Industry verage.) Source: J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) J.D. Power and Associates can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpa.com.