Lexus Dominates 2005 Nameplate Rankings in J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study

TORRANCE, Calif., June 30 -- Lexus once again dominated the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) nameplate rankings, which tracks the number and type of problems owners have with their three-year-old vehicles. Lexus was the top nameplate for the 11th consecutive year and improved 14 percent compared to 2004.

The Lexus LS 430 premium luxury sedan was the top-performing model in the industry for the 11th consecutive year with the fewest problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) of any car in the study. With a score of 90 PP100, the LS 430 was also the first model in VDS history to receive fewer than 100 PP100. The Lexus LX 470 premium luxury utility vehicle had the fewest PP100 of any truck/SUV in the study. In the entry luxury SUV category, the RX 300 luxury utility vehicle was the top-performing model in its segment.

"The results speak well to our commitment to the customers' ownership experience," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "Lexus owners know that we continue to strive for perfection in the quality and dependability of our vehicles, much like we do in exceeding their customer satisfaction expectations."

The VDS study finds long-term durability continues to be an important consumer factor. The number of problems an owner experiences affects their repurchase intent, vehicle recommendation, and impacts their vehicle's retained value.