Kia tops J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

Kia is number one in the new J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, the first time in 27 years that a non-luxury brand has finished on top.

But it’s no fluke. Last year Kia ranked second, behind only Porsche in one of the auto industry's most closely watched quality surveys.

J.D. Power rates brands by the number of flaws found by owners in their cars in the first 90 days of ownership. This year, owners placed Kia first among the 33 brands by reporting 21% fewer problems per 100 cars than the industry average.

Kia executives in the U.S. were elated.

“Ranking number one in the entire industry for initial quality is the result of Kia’s decade-long focus on craftsmanship and continuous improvement, and reflects the voice of our customers, which is the ultimate affirmation,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer for Kia Motors America. “As the highest-ranked brand in the industry, there is no doubt Kia is a world-class automaker.”

"Manufacturers are currently making some of the highest-quality products that we've ever seen," said Renee Stephens, J.D. Power vice president of automotive quality.

The study matters because owners who perceive their new models are high quality are likely to stay with brand when they buy their next car. Those who didn't find a single problem in the first 90 days of ownership were, by a 54% margin, likely to stay with the brand the next time they buy a new car. That number falls to 50% among those who reported a single problem.

By segment, Kia Rio was among the top three Small Cars, Kia Forte the top three Compact Cars, Kia Sportage the top three Small SUV, and Kia Soul stood alone in Compact MPV. 

All that industry-leading quality is right here at Barnett Kia. Right now at Barnett Kia, you can get two payments on us plus no payments until November PLUS zero percent financing on any 2016 Soul, Forte or Optima! Or lease a new 2016 Sorento for as little as $99/mo with only $2,999 upfront plus first payment tax and license. Or, if you’d prefer a lease with very little cash commitment, try a lease on a new 2016 Sportage with $0 down. That payment can be as low as $199 a month with all rebates and $0 down! Simply pay first month’s payment, tax, title and license.*

And, of course, every new vehicle purchased comes with Barnett’s exclusive—and FREE—MILLION MILE Limited Powertrain Warranty. Ask your sales associate for all the details on that, too. Come see us soon at Barnett Kia on Highway 61 in White Bear Lake!