Ford Motor Co. made significant improvement this year overall that outpaced total industry improvement, according to the results of the annual J.D. Power and Associate Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI) that were recently announced. VDI is based on responses of original owners of 1997-model-year vehicles about their concerns experienced over the last 12 months. As a corporation, Ford not only improved one rank position to No. 3 among the seven multi-divisional companies and leads the domestic automakers, but is the only corporation overall to show steady improvement and consistent improvements since 1997. Some of the Ford nameplates that rated among the top three in their respective segments included F-150/250, Super Duty F-250/350, Crown Victoria, Expedition, Econoline Van/Club Wagon, and Ranger. The Lincoln Town Car ranked as the top domestic brand in the industry.