29.4.2004
J.D. Power releases 2004 initial quality study results

General Motors' Cadillac Division has re-emerged to a top position in initial vehicle quality among luxury nameplates in the US, according to the 2004 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. Two of Cadillac's newest models, the CTS and the XLR, are among the top 10 in the industry in initial quality.

The J.D. Power study measures the number of problems consumers experience during the first 90 days of vehicle ownership in the US. The study results also influence consumer decisions on what make and model of vehicle to buy or lease.

In addition, the study named GM's Lansing Grand River assembly plant the high-ranking assembly plant in North and South America for initial quality. The plant also was ranked the world's third best plant in the annual study.

GM's Lansing Grand River, Mich., assembly plant builds the Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX and this summer will begin production of the all-new Cadillac STS. It is one of GM's most advanced, state-of-the-art assembly plants. The plant began building vehicles in late 2001.

GM had 14 top-three performing vehicles, including two vehicles that were ranked segment leaders, the Chevrolet Suburban in the full-size SUV segment and Buick Century in the study's premium midsize car segment.

GM's second-place finishers include:

Oldsmobile Alero - Entry Midsize Car
Chevrolet Monte Carlo - Premium Midsize Car
Buick LeSabre - Fullsize Car
Cadillac DeVille - Mid Luxury Car
GMC Sierra HD - Light Duty Fullsize Pickup
Chevy Tahoe - Fullsize SUV

GM's third-place finishers include:
Chevy Malibu - Entry Midsize Car
Cadillac CTS - Entry Luxury Car
Cadillac XLR - Premium Luxury Car
Cadillac Escalade EXT - Light Duty Fullsize Pickup
Chevrolet Silverado HD - Heavy Duty Fullsize Pickup
Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV - Premium Luxury SU