Detroit Auto Makers Makes Progress in New J.D. Power Quality Study

For the first time in the 24 years of the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, the owners of domestic models reported fewer problems than the owners of import models.

Detroit automaker Ford (NYSE: F) also improved to number 5 in brand quality, ahead of both Honda Motor (NYSE: HMC) and Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM). Ford's CEO Alan Mulally has been credited with creating a long-term effort by the company to making quality a top priority.

Toyota suffered deeply in its recent recalls, dropping a whopping 15 spots from number 6 to number 21, below the industry average.