Korean Carmakers Sweep Top Spots in Latest U.S. Ratings

Published on 2018/06/24 | Source

Korean automakers swept the top spots in the latest survey by U.S. market researcher J.D. Power.

Hyundai, including the luxury brand Genesis, and Kia eclipsed its German and Japanese rivals to take the top three spots in the annual Initial Quality Study, which measures the quality of new vehicles based on the number of problems experienced during the first 90 days of ownership.

Genesis took the top spot, followed by Kia and Hyundai.

In the same survey in 2000, Kia ranked at the bottom in 37th place, and Hyundai did not fare much better, placing 34th. But the Korean carmakers have steadily climbed in the ratings, with Kia taking the top spot and Hyundai third in 2016, and grabbing the top three spots this time.

"Two decades ago, Korean brands Hyundai and Kia were considered little more than compromise purchases for people who didn't have the cash or credit score to afford a car from Japan, Detroit or Europe. Today... Toyota and BMW and other stalwarts of quality and reputation are chasing Hyundai, Kia and Hyundai luxury brand Genesis for the fewest glitches and design flaws", Forbes magazine wrote.