We all read the studies. You know the ones where brands are put on a pedestal for fantastic reliability and others are deemed just a mere step from the junk yard. Simply not worthy to purchase to many.
There is no doubt that modern cars have remarkably increased reliability since JD Power first started the now famous Vehicle Dependability Study rankings. To see a car at the bottom of this list now, conjures up visions of a mother with her children stranded in the worst part of town surrounded by a sea of criminals. Or possibly to some, an expensive import stranded in the Arizona desert with the nearest dealer over 500 miles away. Scary thoughts to say the least.
But did you know that in 2000 the JD Power the VDS top score was Lexus rated at an amazing 2.15 issues per vehicle car produced? Now that type of performance places it barely above average for all brands rated for 2007! Actually the worst brand on the 2007 study, Land Rover at 3.98 issues per vehicle, would still rank above the industry standard in 2000 of 4.48 issues per vehicle!
So is reliability an issue anymore? While I truly believe as cars become more complex the issues change. What used to represent a total meltdown for the car back in the 90’s may only now represent an odd idle or a hesitation today. Attention is still needed, but the severity has changed dramatically.
So what are your chances of actually becoming stranded? No one really knows I suspect. Have you ever had a total meltdown and been left on the side of the road? If so how old was the car? Please limit you response vehicle owned since 2000.
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