Domestic Automakers Move Up in Strategic Vision's 2013 Total Quality Index

Strategic Vision’s 18th Total Quality Index study, which rates a number of different factors related to vehicle quality, found that domestic automakers have moved up on the list, with Ford in second place and General Motors in third (tied with Hyundai). Strategic Vision said that for the first time in more than a decade there are more domestic winners on the company’s list than import brands.

In terms of vehicles, Ford had its Fusion sharing a leading spot in the mid-size car segment and the automaker’s F-250 and F-350 lead Strategic Vision’s heavy-duty truck segment. GM had its Buick Enclave, the Chevrolet Volt, Traverse, Corvette Coupe/Convertible, Avalanche, and its GMC Yukon on Strategic Vision’s 2013 list.

Chrysler’s Dodge Dart took the top total quality award for the small car segment, and the 200 Convertible and Dodge Durango took the lead in the convertible and mid-size traditional utility categories, respectively.

The top automaker in the list was Volkswagen, and its Audi luxury brand tied with Lexus for the best individual brand. 

“There's no questioning domestic car makers want to lead. For the first time in over a decade our comprehensive and complete study of Quality resulted in more domestic winners than imports,” said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision. “Don't misunderstand, imports like Hyundai are a force to be reckoned with and Toyota has regrouped with Total Quality winners Lexus LS, Tacoma and FJ Cruiser. However, domestics are running in the tight race also, and it's now forcing all manufacturers to build the most superior, innovative and holistically Quality vehicles possible to gain the hearts and minds of the customer.”

Strategic Vision calculated the index by using data from 17,568 buyers who purchased 2013-MY evhicles between Sept. and Nov. 2012.

The table below shows the full list of winners and each vehicle's respective score. The chart shows the number one-ranked vehicle in each segment.