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’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.
Segment | Winner(s) | TQI Score |
Small Car | Dodge Dart | 884 |
Small Multi-Function | Kia Soul | 868 |
Mid-Size Car | Ford Fusion | 908 |
Chevrolet Volt | 907 | |
Mid-Size Multi-Function | Honda Accord Crosstour | 877 |
Large Car | Volkswagen CC | 920 |
Near-Luxury Car | Hyundai Genesis Sedan | 922 |
Audi A4 Sedan | 921 | |
Luxury Car | Lexus LS | 955 |
Specialty Coupe | MINI Cooper Hardtop | 913 |
Premium Coupe | Chevrolet Corvette Coupe | 931 |
Convertibles | Chrysler 200 Convertible | 917 |
Premium Convertible/ Roadster | Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 959 |
Porsche Boxster | 957 | |
Minivan | Chrysler Town & Country | 850 |
Entry Utility | Volkswagen Tiguan | 885 |
Toyota FJ Cruiser | 883 | |
Mid-Size Crossover Utility | Chevrolet Traverse | 900 |
Mid-Size Traditional Utility | Dodge Durango | 881 |
Large Utility | GMC Yukon | 893 |
Near-Luxury Utility | Buick Enclave | 928 |
Luxury Utility | Porsche Cayenne | 948 |
Standard Pickup | Toyota Tacoma | 847 |
Full-Size Pickup | Chevrolet Avalanche | 896 |
Heavy-Duty Pickup | Ford F-250/350 | 892 |
More Operations

How to Manage Conflict for Your Fleet Operations
Conflict management is becoming a core leadership skill. Here are five strategies fleet leaders should know.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention
Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.
Read More →Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?
Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.
Read More →
Turn Fleet Data Into Smarter Decisions
Fleet leaders have access to more operational data than ever, but disconnected systems and unclear metrics often slow decision-making instead of improving it. This article outlines five practical steps fleets can take to transform fragmented data into actionable insights that improve planning, safety, utilization, and long-term performance.
Read More →
Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges
For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.
Read More →
How NOV Uses Telematics to Improve Fleet Safety Across 160 Locations
James Victory of NOV discusses how the company manages fleet safety, maintenance, and telematics across more than 150 locations supporting oilfield operations throughout the U.S.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Steven Santostasi
This edition of the Fleet Meets series features Steven Santostasi, the current TSP channel manager for Ford Pro.
Read More →
Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →Soap Box Derby Challenge: Assembling the Crew
Meet Gabriel, Matthew, and Angel — the team helping bring this soap box derby build to life.
Read More →
