Every year, the California research firm Strategic Vision establishes what it calls a Total Quality Index (TQI) for vehicles, based not just on things gone wrong but on how much customers like their vehicles.
For 2013, for the first time in more than a decade, the TQI study resulted in more North-American than import brands as segment winners, and some of them in highly- competitive segments.
"Don't misunderstand; imports like Hyundai are a force to be reckoned with and Toyota has regrouped," said Strategic Vision president, Alexander Edwards. "However, domestics are running in the tight race also, and it's now forcing all manufacturers to build the most superior, innovative and holistically quality vehicles possible to gain the hearts and minds of the customer."
Strategic Vision has been measuring quality since 1994, using a "Total Quality" concept that considers problems encountered but also includes multiple aspects of influence and perception that customers use as a base for their decisions.
The TQI study is said to look at over 442 variables that include customer emotions.
Volkswagen Group, including Audi, was the best overall corporation in Total Quality for the eighth consecutive year and Audi tied with Lexus for the best individual brand.
Ford was second, followed by a statistical tie for third between General Motors and Hyundai.
The Total Quality Index was calculated from 17,568 buyers who purchased 2013 models in the U.S from September to November 2012.
Following is a list of Strategic Vision's top-ranked vehicles for Total Quality in their segments, with their TQI score:
Small Car
Dodge Dart 884
Small Multi-Function
Kia Soul 868
Mid-Size Car
Ford Fusion 908
Chevrolet Volt 907
Mid-Size Multi-Function
Honda Accord Crosstour 877
Large Car
Volkswagen CC 920
Near-Luxury Car
Hyundai Genesis Sedan 922
Audi A4 Sedan 921
Luxury Car
Lexus LS 955
Specialty Coupe
MINI Cooper Hardtop 913
Premium Coupe
Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 931
Convertibles
Chrysler 200 Convertible 917
Premium Convertible/ Roadster
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 959
Porsche Boxster 957
Minivan
Chrysler Town & Country 850
Entry Utility
Volkswagen Tiguan 885
Toyota FJ Cruiser 883
Mid-Size Crossover Utility
Chevrolet Traverse 900
Mid-Size Traditional Utility
Dodge Durango 881
Large Utility
GMC Yukon 893
Near-Luxury Utility
Buick Enclave 928
Luxury Utility
Porsche Cayenne 948
Standard Pickup
Toyota Tacoma 847
Full-Size Pickup
Chevrolet Avalanche 896
Heavy-Duty Pickup
Ford F-250/350 892