Ratings Methodology

At JD Power, we base our independent and unbiased ratings, reviews, and awards on detailed survey feedback from verified car owners each year to uncover and understand their experiences over the first three-months of ownership and, subsequently, their experiences over the first three-years of ownership. For real insider knowledge, our surveys cover vehicle attributes such as quality and reliability, driving experience, and the car dealership experience (buying and servicing the car). We even factor in resale value, using our industry-leading valuations data. Every detail matters!
Once we've collected the feedback and categorized it into specific price range (luxury vs. non-luxury) and car size (compact, small, midsize, and large), we start crunching the numbers. Ratings are calculated by the distance between the specific model attribute to the average score of the same category or peer group.
From the collection, categorization, and formation of these scores comes the JD Power Consumer Verified Ratings. These ratings are given to each model per year, including an overall rating as well as sub-ratings for quality and reliability (40%), driving experience (20%), resale value (20%), and dealership experience (20%).

Quality and Reliability

  • Measures the level of defects, malfunctions and design flaws experienced by vehicle owners
  • Covers the entire vehicle from engine to infotainment system
  • A higher rating means fewer problems

Driving Experience

  • Owners' evaluation of the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functionality, safety, and technology, comprise this rating
  • Newer and recently redesigned vehicles tend to score better

Dealership Experience

  • Owners' experience with this brand's dealerships during the purchase and service process make up this rating
  • Key factors include customer service, dealership facilities and the quality of work

Resale Value

  • JD Power's forecast of depreciation (how much of its current value the vehicle will likely lose) over the next three years
  • Lower depreciation equals a higher rating

JD Power Score Classifications

Best (91-100)

  • Models within the "best" classification are the highest rated within their category according to their owner

Great (81-90)

  • Models belonging in the "great" classification didn't rate high enough to be considered for the top of their category, but were better than the average ratings within their category

Average (70-80)

  • Models within the "average" classification earned a par score within their category
  • As a benchmark, the average 100-Point Score is settled at 80 for the most recent model year, and older models usually experience a lower average rating than 80

Fair (0-69)

  • The "fair" classification represents models that didn't make the cut and were rated below average within their category
All ratings on the site (past and current) are updated when the new models are introduced to the market, as their data provides new baselines. Older model ratings are subject to change as new data is available.
For current model year data, prior year information is used until all data is updated in September each year. For example, 2023 model year vehicle ratings are based on model year 2022 data until the September update of 2023. For models that are not redesigned, this “carryover” data is an accurate reflection of the following year performance.
In the case of redesigned models with multiple all-new components and significant appearance changes versus its prior model year, the previous year's rating is applied since on average prior year information is still the best estimate. However, model redesign ratings should be used with caution. These vehicles have the latest styling, technology and other components, but are unproven in their first year and can be less reliable than their predecessor.
For all-new models with an architecture new to the market and not sold under another name in the past, ratings are not available in their first year. JD Power ratings are based on real owners' opinions, and enough people need to purchase this model to meet the rigorous survey standards behind the ratings. Regardless, all-new models are exciting and worth considering if you want the most innovative styling and technology.
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