Strategic Vision - 2009 Total Quality Awards

I saw a press release on this awhile ago and didn't think it was even worthy of posting. Some of their "winners" fare very badly in the reliability department (VW New Beetle, Corvette and Land Rovers for example). So much for "quality".

I think the study is either BS or is a reflection what cars somehow spark an emotional connection in people. I wish I could find the Bob Lutz interview but he stated it best when talked about reasons people give for wanting BMWs. He said people would give BS reasons like handling and German engineering whereas nobody would say they WANT a Chevy Impala.

I've seen this odd (and misplaced) perception about VWs, both amongst some owners and people looking to buy. Some of that latter buy something else once they are shown VW reliability stats or talk to VW owners about their repair and maintenance histories.

 

My first impression from the thread is that this is some touchy-feely piece of BS.

The following excerpt confirms it:

"It is also important to note that Saturn and Pontiac brands performed well in TQI across most of their models, with both brands tied for having the highest TQI scores in their price segment."

So either this award is the "kiss of death" or everyone likes Saturns & Pontiacs but not enough to buy them.

 

Another good reason to ignore it IMO, like JD Power's initial quality awards. How can you declare a quality winner 90 days (JD Power) or within months of purchase? And both use buyers opinions as "data." What buyer would tell you he/she bought a poor quality car 90 days or so after buying it? Kind of like expecting someone to admit "I am stupid for buying this car," few would even if it was clear to them they had.

We've owned a BMW and an Audi. Great cars, not as reliable as a Toyota or Honda, and criminally expensive to maintain ($1200 for standard brake job - I was fit to be tied). My Dad owned a Mercedes, it was surprisingly unreliable, he sold it after 3 years (as soon as the warranty ended). Our family was cured of "German engineering" a while ago.

 

I just got an e-mail:

Worth doing?