karl k

MB slips in new JD Powers Initial Quality Survey in the AVERAGE category.

In a just completed TV interview at CNBC, a JD Powers spokesman says that

Mercedes-Benz quality slipped, because of the introduction of the new E-Class, which has more
problems than the previous E-class,

and pulled the only "average quality" ratings for MB of the last couple years further down in this new survey.

Top 3 automakers:
LEXUS, TOYOTA, CADILLAC.


Worst 3:
HUMMER, LAND ROVER, KIA

PS:

The JD powers spokesman also commented, that the new MURANO by INFINITY ranks tops in INITIAL QUALITY.

karl k

CHEVY beats MERCEDES in initial quality!!

Summary:
1.Lexus
2.Cadillac
3.Infiniti
4.Acura

7.Porsche
8.BMW
9.Toyota
10.Jaguar

11.Honda
12.Volvo
13.Chevy
14.Audi
15.Mercedes-Benz

RJC

Buick is #5 and Mercury is #6 so Buick, Mercury and Chevy beat out MBZ...so much for the "master race" just kidding.

karl k

What really is surprising it the ranking of CADILLAC as #2 -- after LEXUS!

Cadillac's new 2-seater will debut in a couple of months, built in Kentucky at the Corvette plant, it was called EVOQ, as a concept car.

That one I am going to check out - the metal collapsible roof I believe is German, same maker as the SL and SLK roofs.

Ooops, that roof system might pull down Cadillac's future quality rating, -- "master" parts co-mingled ...??

RJC

Motor Trend tested a pre production XLR against the supercharged Jag XKR, Maseratti Spyder cambriocorssa, and the 500SL...the Caddy came in second right out of the box which even included some pre production ailments. The Sl 500 was first but MT said "Cadillac's proud visage can be seen plainly in the SL's rear view mirror. By our reckoning, that makes for two winners of this test: one actual and one spiritual." PS the Caddy beat the SL 500 in 1/4 mile, 0-100 and 0-110 times and trap speeds. Mercedes quality has plummeted, they've cut costs there by cheapening the product. They'll only be able to go so far on the name if they don't get their act together. If Lexus only built a CLK...

karl k

The problems with the new 209 CLK are simply unreal and shocking as per the 209 forum postings.

It sounds like the incompetent technicians assembling this car in Germany, are the new immigrants from the caves of Afghanistan!?

RJC

The worst part of all is that MBZ had TSB's out to dealers and did not upgrade cars on the assembly line even months after the TSB's were out! This is a sure fire way to self-sabotage JD Power ratings...hey it worked, they sucked!

500AMG

While MB quality may be declining (I don't doubt that at all), I put very little weight in JD Power's Initial Quality ratings. They're based upon owner responses...and god knows many car owners know nothing about the "problems" they have with "quality". Just take a look at the genius owners of Hummer brand SUVs.

"Gary Cowger, president of GM North America, said the H2's fuel consumption was the No. 1 complaint among owners, outpacing the No. 2 gripe -- that the SUV's headlights were aimed too high -- by a 2-1 margin. "

Fuel consumption...what did they expect from a 6400 lb vehicle with a 6.0 liter V8?

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...gm_hummer_dc_1

Not saying that all JD Power ratings are wrong...but you often have to take them with a grain of salt.

RJC

Very good point but MBZ and owners of other brands are just as stupid and make claims just as crazy.

500AMG

I agree wholeheartedly (did I spell that right ), which is why I said we have to take the results with a grain of salt...MB quality may be declining, but I wouldn't base that solely upon JD Power's survey.