Just saw this in USA Today online: -------------------------- These are the top performers and runners-up in each category of 2009 vehicles in the J.D. Power and Associates annual survey of inital quality (problems in first three months). Top quality vehicles by category These are the top performers and runners-up in THE COMPACT CAR CATEGORY category of 2009 vehicles in the J.D. Power and Associates annual survey of initial quality (problems in first three months). Compact car: • Top: Hyundai Elantra sedan • Runners-up: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic ------------------------ Comment - Gotta hand it to Hyundai. They have really climbed up the charts the last few years. So much so, that the nameplate has now (2009 data) less problems per 100 vehicles than Toyota. They are only bested by Lexus, Porsche and Cadillac. THIS ALL SAID - HAS ANYONE (2010 OWNERS) EXPERIENCED ANY TRUE 'QUALITY' PROBLEMS SINCE DELIVERY? HAD TO BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO CORRECT A PROBLEM? ('YES' feedback only please to keep the thread easy to review) Perhaps we can start a poll sometime soon after we all have some miles under our belt. Domestic automakers make gains in quality survey - USATODAY.com
I'll agree they mis-classed the Prius, but that wasn't the question. Have I had any quality issues requiring me to bring the car back? Yes, I've had two and they both remain unsolved. The first is a slight window rattle in the driver's door. It shows up when the window is closed or partially open, and it can be fixed by applying slight pressure. The dealer attempted a quick fix, and that helped for awhile. I still need to take it back for some more interior work to the the window issue resolved. The second is a rattle in the back seat. At first it appeared to be the rear seat headrest, but I haven't yet figured out what mus be done.
It specifies the 2009 Prius. I think Toyota just started describing the Prius as a mid-size sedan with the 2010 year, if I'm not mistaken.
Is that bad enough to increase the overall noise level? I had the same problem in a Dodge Caravan I used to have (don't ask why someone would buy that car) and the dealer said: this is normal in some cars... I just couldn’t believe their answer.
So, considering the off-topic yada about mid size vs compact and lack of posted issues, the overall quality of the '10 must be quite good. Speaking for myself and my 10 day old / 600 mile V, my description of Prius quality would be Impeccable. I even put my reading glasses on and closely looked through the entire interior. From gaps to stitches to seams to fit to finish. I can be a very picky person, esp when shelling out big dough for a new car. This Prius, even my #1628, is as close to perfect as I could hope for. Simply NO manufacturing quality issues. A few far-reaching niggles: - the vibrating rearview mirror with low audio bass. - hollow sounding doors when opened. - some paint areas a (very little) bit orange-peeley. Kudos to Toyota and Japan manufacturing / assembly. Hope yours is just as well put-together. This is one wonderful automobile. I have not had 1 millisecond of remorse. Love the darn thing. Still learning the hybrid drive. 48.8 mpg 1st 600 miles.
The non-Homelink rearview mirror is poorly constructed. It vibrates along with the music causing aberrations in the umm... rear view.
So, have South Korean autoworkers gotten better, or has Hyundai's management decided to make better cars? Sorry, it just amazes why we blame US autoworkers for the decisions their managers have made about making quality products. But yes, it is great to see the Excel is history!
I'd have to agree with you! I own a 2004 (still love it) and went to look at the 2010 over the weekend. I spent about thirty minutes with the car and I must say the build quality is excellent. Contrary to your opinion about the doors, I found them to be quite solid. Overall, it certainly is a nice improvement over the previous model. I am a realist and as much as I'd love to have a new one, I can't justify it. I have a fully loaded 2004 that only has 65k miles. It STILL rides/runs like new. Truly an amazing car.
Are the two noises bad enough to increase the overall noise level? Hmm. A good question. I would say that if those two noises were in my 2007 Prius, I may not have heard the window one -- and that was right next to me. I know I would not have heard the one from the back. I should have added that the service tech did a fix on the window that I believe is not going to hold. I've heard a bit of the noise return, and I think they'll have to open the door and make certain the window track is OK. They've already offered to do this. Also, the service tech had to leave, so he offered to go out with me in the car for as long as it takes to isolate the sound from the back seat. He said I could drive and point out the sound and he would be in the back seat trying to locate the source. Pretty good service, I'd say!
