How does the J.D. Power classification work and why is Lexus still well represented in it?

J.D. Power's classifications touch on the automotive field and many aspects of the consumer customer experience. On the manufacturer's side, they can be valuable allies, but they can also be a source of deep concern. At Lexus, we're more in the first camp, and you'll quickly see why.

Various surveys

J.D. Power conducts surveys of vehicle owners. Who better to objectively evaluate a product used in daily life? The topics addressed by the firm are varied. Among them is the ranking of the initial quality. The latter identifies the problems encountered by new vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership. The questionnaire sent to new owners covers 223 potential problems that can be found in nine different categories: driving experience, powertrain, multimedia system, seats, interior, exterior, driving aids and climate.

The problems identified are then counted to produce a ranking that shows the number of problems identified per 100 vehicles. The models with the fewest reports naturally rank highest.

Another of the popular categories is that of product reliability after three years of ownership. This ranking gives a very good idea of what a vehicle can look like in the following years when it is considered on the used market.

The Lexus case

Whether it's for these two categories, or for the resale value category, Lexus is always among the best brands. The reason is simple. Toyota's luxury brand offers quality products that are well assembled and user-friendly. So, it's not surprising to find owners who are very happy with their experience, whether it's after three months or three years. In the latter case, the high reliability of the brand's models gives it an obvious advantage.

So, J.D. Power could be considered a Lexus ally. However, it should not be forgotten that the organization's rankings also serve as a warning and allow for adjustments to be made.