Top 10 Highest-quality Brands of 2019 According to J.D. Power

J.D. Power has just published its latest rankings of car brands with the highest initial quality. And for the second year in a row, the podium is an All-Korean affair.

You might be surprised to see who’s in (Dodge) and who’s out (Honda along with every European brand) of the top 10 this year.

The rankings are based on the number of reported problems per 100 vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership.

10. Toyota – 90 problems per 100 vehicles
Brands ranked eighth, ninth and tenth are all tied with the same score of 90 problems per 100 vehicles.

9. Lexus – 90 problems per 100 vehicles
As Toyota’s luxury brand, it’s no surprise that Lexus appears on this list as well.

8. Dodge – 90 problems per 100 vehicles
Critics of American cars will be shocked to see Dodge among the best brands for initial quality in 2019. Reliability is another story…

7. Nissan – 86 problems per 100 vehicles
While some Nissan models are particularly old compared to their rivals, the Japanese automaker is good enough to rank in seventh place.

6. Chevrolet – 85 problems per 100 vehicles
The bow tie’s sixth place in 2019 is the result of averaging just 85 problems per 100 vehicles. We’re anxious to see the next-generation Corvette and the return of the Trailblazer.

5. Lincoln – 84 problems per 100 vehicles
Ford’s luxury division fared slightly better than Chevy. In fact, the gap between No. 5 and No. 10 is quite small.

4. Ford – 83 problems per 100 vehicles
Considering that Ford and Lincoln vehicles share many components, their proximity in this top 10 is not a surprise.

3. Hyundai – 71 problems per 100 vehicles
With just 71 problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai deserves a bronze medal. The redesigned 2020 Sonata as well as the upcoming Venue and Palisade are highly anticipated in showrooms.

2. Kia – 70 problems per 100 vehicles
Introduced in Canada just 20 years ago, Kia is once again the top mainstream brand for initial quality. The recently launched Telluride is a terrific midsize SUV with seating for up to eight.

1. Genesis – 63 problems per 100 vehicles
Hyundai’s luxury brand only has three models in its lineup: G70, G80 (including G80 Sport) and G90. It’s the youngest and smallest make in the top 10, yet the best when it comes to initial quality. In fact, the G70 was named 2019 North American Car of the Year.