10 Best Car Brands in the Philippines for Dependability 2017

J.D. Power is a global market research company that releases benchmark research data on different industries on a regular basis. One of these is the recently released 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study, which analyzes the issues reported by first-time owners of vehicles three years old or less. The fewer problems encountered per vehicle model, the higher the brand ranks in the study. The brand’s overall score is then computed by calculating how many problems were experienced by their customers per 100 vehicles sold.

Most of the car brands on J.D. list are available in the Philippines. To keep things relevant, we skipped no. 4 in the list, which is Buick, because it’s not available in the local market, officially speaking. Without much ado, here are your top 10 best car brands for reliability in the Philippines.

10. Kia

No. 11 on J.D.’s list, Kia makes its way into the top 10 with the exclusion of Buick at no. 4. Still, that doesn’t mean Kia’s results are any less impressive. Posting 153 problems per 100 vehicles, the South Korean brand has come a long way from being regarded as a second-tier brand a decade or so ago.

9. Jaguar

This British make with a lengthy history is known for many things, but reliability was rarely one them, at least anecdotally. It looks like Jaguar took its ill reputation as a challenge, and so this time around, it managed to score a solid 144 problems for every 100 sold and make it into the J.D Power top 10.

8. Honda

The popular Japanese brand’s ranking is a bit of a surprise—many were expecting to earn a much higher position, but Honda’s ranking is marred by its less-than-ideal standing at 143 problems per 100 vehicles. Nevertheless, the Honda Civic remains one of the most dependable small cars, according to the J.D. Power study.

7. Chevrolet

If you want to buy American, then you can never go wrong with Chevrolet. Posting 142 problems per 100 vehicles, Chevys give you reliability, affordability, and the prestige that comes with being an American make. If you’re looking for a small car, take note: J.D. Power ranked the Chevrolet Sonic as the most dependable in the market.

6. BMW

BMWs are generally perceived to be upscale and dependable, and with 139 problems reported per 100 vehicles sold, its’ a pretty safe assumption. Despite its high ranking however, it’s a wonder why no BMW models are singled out to be the most reliable in their segment.

5. Hyundai

It wasn’t that long ago that Kia and Hyundai were known building cheap-looking cars for people with really cheap budgets, but both brands have certainly turned things around, with Hyundai getting the better of its South Korean sibling by posting 133 problems per 100 vehicles. Boasting innovations in fuel cell, hybrid, and electric technology, Hyundai’s penchant for state-of-the-art is matched by the sharp styling of recent releases. If you’re looking for a Hyundai to buy, J.D.Power recommends you go with the Sonata and the Tucson, both stellar scorers in their respective categories.

4. Mercedes-Benz

Ask a Pinoy about luxury car brands and the word ‘Chedeng’ will likely be your top answer. With 131 reported problems per 100 vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz marque is practically synonymous with luxury and reliability. That’s why this German car brand’s tristar logo is like a badge of honor for its Philippine car owners.

3. Toyota

If not for the sheer sales volume, Toyota would probably be number one on this list. Alas, this Japanese brand is the second bestselling marque in the world, and with more sales, the possibility for error also increases. That said, with 123 problems per 100 vehicles, J.D. Power’s study proves that you can’t really go wrong with a Toyota.

2. Porsche

If luxury, performance, speed, and dependability are important factors in the vehicle you choose, then it’s a Porsche for you. That is, if you can afford it. The German luxury sports car maker actually ties for the top spot with Lexus, as ranked by J.D.Power.

1. Lexus

Even if Toyota is in third place, it still manages to be number one somewhat, as Lexus is Toyota’s premium nameplate.  Matching Porsche with 110 problems per 100 vehicles sold, Lexus earns co-top-spot in J.D. Power’s 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study.