J.D. Power Ratings Glossary of Terms
Initial Quality Ratings
These scores come from consumer ratings of their vehicles after the first few months of ownership.
- Overall Quality - Mechanical
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Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or come loose).
- Powertrain Quality - Mechanical
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Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations) only.
- Body & Interior Quality - Mechanical
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Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with wind noise, water leaks, poor interior fit/finish, paint imperfection, and squeaks/rattles.
- Features & Accessories Quality - Mechanical
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Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the seats, windshield wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof and trip computer.
- Overall Quality - Design
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Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems where controls or features may work as designed, but are difficult to use or understand (i.e., overly complicated controls/features that are difficult to operate due to poor location).
- Powertrain Quality - Design
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Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., ride smoothness, responsiveness of the steering system and brakes, and handling/stability).
- Body & Interior Quality - Design
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Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the front-/rear-end styling, the appearance of the interior and exterior, and the sound of the doors when closing.
- Features & Accessories Quality - Design
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Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the seats, stereo/navigation system, heater, air conditioner, and sunroof.
Appeal Ratings
- Overall Performance and Design
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Taken from the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, this measure is based on owner satisfaction with vehicle Performance, Style, Features and Instrument Panel, and Comfort.
- Performance
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This component of APEAL is based on owner satisfaction with the vehicle's powertrain and suspension systems, including acceleration, handling stability, braking performance, and shift quality.
- Style
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This component of APEAL is based on owner satisfaction with the vehicle's interior and exterior styling, uniqueness of styling, and exterior and interior colors.
- Features & Instrument Panel
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This component of APEAL is based on owner satisfaction with the vehicle's stereo system, gauges/instruments, and heating/air conditioning system.
- Comfort
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This component of APEAL is based on owner satisfaction with the vehicle's comfort and convenience features and seats.
Dependability Ratings
For model years prior to 1999, vehicles are evaluated after four to five years of ownership. From 1999 to present, vehicles are evaluated after three years of ownership.
- Overall Dependability
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Taken from the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), this measure is based on long-term Mechanical, Body and Interior, and Feature and Accessory dependability.
- Powertrain Dependability
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Taken from the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 3 years of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations) only.
- Feature & Accessory Dependability
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This component of VDS is based on problems reported with seats, windshield wipers, door locks, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof, and trip computer.
- Body & Interior Dependability
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This component of VDS is based on problems reported with exterior paint, wind noise, water leaks, interior fit/finish, and squeaks/rattles.