When the folks at J.D. Power and Associates released this year’s Vehicle Dependability Study, one contender surprised the industry with a win in what is a seriously tough segment. The survey polls original drivers who have owned their vehicles for three years so being that the Hyundai Genesis Sedan first debuted in 2009, it finally came time for it to enter the fray. Not only did the Korean bomber take the Premium Midsize Car category, but it also was the first entrant into the study to win an award on its first eligible year.
Each year, the product review experts at J.D. Power and Associates survey original owners of three year old vehicles to measure the issues had within the previous 12 months. The poll covers 202 issues that could be had on every aspect of the vehicle so that any little “quirk” can be recorded. In 2009, the Genesis Sedan was completely new and usually, all-new components need a few years before they get settled in. Strangely enough, the rear drive, high-output but inexpensive luxury cruiser hit an instant home run and since then, things have only gotten better. Take the 2012 model year for instance; once you realize that 429 horsepower can be matched with serene leather wrapped comfort for under $50 grand, the car’s awards list seems that much more just. “Our goal is to design and build cars that meet and exceed consumers’ expectations not only off the showroom floor, but through the duration of their ownership experience. Earning Hyundai’s first-ever top 10 finish in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study demonstrates that our efforts are paying dividends,” said Erwin Raphael, director of engineering and quality, Hyundai Motor America.
Source: Hyundai
