lol, the J.D. Power “initial Quality” ward gauges quality of vehicles on showroom floors, let alone 3 years of service.

Ive always defined long term quality as a any car in which youve racked up considerable mileage , and still have no doubt itll make that next 2500 mile trip without issue. I recently completed a 3200 mile trip in my 10 year old truck, the odo read 169,990 at the start, towed another vehicle home with it, and didnt even consider the possibility of not making it. long term quality?, absolutely and it goes along with complete confidence in your ride.
If three old cars are garnering “long term quality” status, we really should be ashamed of ourselves for not demanding quality for our money in the first place!

My latest Firebird has 233,800 miles on it and runs its ass off. I’ve been quizzing everyone not familiar with the car. According to their reaction the car looks pretty damn good considering the miles and age.
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LONGEVITY is Quality.
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I’ve skewered the staff at J.D. Power about their “initial quality” studies. Initial quality is an Oxymoron. Quality LASTS (as long as whatever is maintained and used properly).

My RoadMonster had over 100K when I started replacing everything,
and it really didn’t need it.
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My Miata, at 117K, has just needed wear items: Clutch, Brakes, Fluid Changes, etc. Now it needs a new cat… Oh well…
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Both have been low maintenance cars.
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Oh, and Sam, the days of domestics not being as reliable as imports have long gone. That used to be true, back in the 80′s.
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Better catch up with the times

my first “mental snapping phenomona” against all autos was when I took grandmas waxed 3 year old jeep to a driving test for my first license, and the jeep failed (ebrake broke right on the spot. I did get credit for quick thinking…but no excuses if vehicle fails).Expensive jeep, even back then.. That very day over 20 years ago has had my silent vengeance, and I even argue with state car inspectors with an integrity self declared so f***n far beyond rules doubts they have no right to argue…and then made a career out of inspecting airplanes. If brakes are noisy to gain race like performance, (as old hubs in the rear were notorious for) havadit. That is only one of many many things oem engineers jip people over in the name of pretentious comfort. I find ingredients of real longevity in the darndest cars/trucks, only to learn that is the reason they are silenced and unglorified. Business hates them for that very reason.

If things only start to go after 150k, it’s good enough for me. 200k on the original drivetrain, and I’m happy.

I totally agree with this post, but then again my car’s 45.

If you don’t need to replace any wiring harness or serious drivetrain bits, it’s good. My 8YO wagon is just hitting its stride at 112K, and aside from some TREs and two CV joints, it’s doing quite well. JD Powers only cares about lease returns – that’s your three-year reliability window. Those of us who don’t buy or lease a new vehicle every time the wind changes direction are not part of the consumer pool any more.

wether or not its a domestic or not,we all know most domestic’s aren’t as durable as many imports.

If you can hit 200,000 with only regular maintainence.

3 years is long term? They must have some serious commitment issues. To me long term vehicle quality is that if i only have to change the fluids, get a tune up (plugs wires and so) every year or so, get new brakes when the pedal goes almost to the floor, and new tires when screech making a 20 mpg turn, than you’re doing good.