Ford Fusion hybrid.David McNew/Getty Images
Ford ranked No. 1 for new-car quality among mass-market brands while recall-hit Toyota plunged in a closely watched quality survey released last week.
Toyota, grappling with a series of damaging recalls, fell below the industry average to place 21st in the influential study by J.D. Power and Associates - its lowest ranking since the survey started 24 years ago.
Ford climbed three spots to rank fifth - the highest place it has achieved in the study.
Luxury brands captured the top four spots, led by Porsche and followed by the Acura, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus nameplate.
The results underscore the progress U.S. auto makers have made on closing their long-criticized gap in quality with Asian auto makers, and also the challenges facing Toyota in the wake of recent safety woes.
HOW THE BRANDS DID
The J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey, which records difficulties faced by new-car owners in the first 90 days of ownership, was conducted between February and May this year.
Brand/Problems per 100 Vehicles
Porsche 83
Acura 86
Mercedes-Benz 87
Lexus 88
Ford 93
Honda 95
Hyundai 102
Lincoln 106
Infiniti 107
Volvo 109
Industry Average 109
Ram 110
Audi 111
Cadillac 111
Chevrolet 111
Nissan 111
BMW 113
Mercury 113
Buick 114
Mazda 114
Scion 114
Toyota 117
Subaru 121
Chrysler 122
Suzuki 122
GMC 126
Kia 126
Jeep 129
Dodge 130
Jaguar 130
Mini 133
Volkswagen 135
Mitsubishi 146
Land Rover 170
Source: J.D. Power and Associates