Ford Motor Company Most Improved Domestic Automaker in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

Ford Motor Co. made the most year-over-year improvement among the domestic automakers and moved up two positions from last year's ranking in the 2002 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS). The overall automotive industry improved initial quality by 10 percent over 2001, and Ford surpassed that by showing a 12-percent year-to-year quality improvement. Ford Division helped drive this gain with three vehicles — the Expedition, E-Series, and Thunderbird. Mazda Miata also was named a segment award winner in the Sporty Car segment. Volvo took the honors as the industry's most improved nameplate, now ranking fifth among all brands, and Lincoln continues its ranking among the top 10. The rankings: 1. Toyota 2. Honda 3. GM 4. DaimlerChrysler 5. Ford Motor Company 6. Nissan 7. VW In addition to the segment-toping vehicles, seven Ford Motor Co. vehicles were among the top three in their respective market segments: the Volvo S80, the Lincoln Town Car, the Mercury Grand Marquis, Mercury Villager, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Ranger, and Ford F-150.