While Acura’s PP100(problems per 100 vehicles) score improved in J.D. Power’s 2012 Initial Quality Study, overall ranking slips to sixth place. Acura was bumped three spots from last year’s survey, by improvements from Jaguar, Porsche and Cadillac. Still, Acura remains near the top of the 34 brands ranked with its PP100 well above the industry average.

The Acura TL and the Acura RDX were ranked as a Top Three Model in the Entry Premium Car and Entry Premium Crossover/SUV segments respectively. Receiving a Silver Plant Assembly Line Quality Award was Honda’s Marysville facility which produces the Acura TL, Acura RDX and Honda Accord.

“The Initial Quality Study, now in its 26th year, serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. The study is used extensively by manufacturers worldwide to help them design and build better models and by consumers to help them in their vehicle purchase decisions. Initial quality has been shown throughout the years to be an excellent initial indicator of long-term durability, which directly impacts consumer purchase decisions. The study captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories: design-related problems and defects and malfunctions.” –  J.D. Power and Associates

Download the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study Press release here.

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]