Buick Earns the 2009 VDS Award

Winner of the Vehicle Dependability Study

Buick is the 2009 winner of the Vehicle Dependability Study, or VDS. The study measures the amount of problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles, according to a press release from J.D. Power and Associates.

"Buick has ranked among the top 10 nameplates each year (since 2003)," said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates in the press release.

Buick Cars Have the Least Amount of Problems

Out of all vehicle makes, Buick owners reported the least amount of problems compared to all other brands of cars. The survey shows that Buick owners reported a low 122 problems per 100 vehicles over a 3 year period, beating the industry average which is pegged at 170 problems per 100 vehicles. Lexus and Toyota were the 2 runners up, with scores of 126 and 129 problems per 100 vehicles, respectively. It's a significant win for Buick as consumers consider reliability a major factor when purchasing a vehicle.

But what of the study itself? Does it mean anything?

The 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study

The short answer is yes. The 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 46,000 original owners of 2006 model-year vehicles. Also, it was fielded in October 2008, so the information is recent.

As for J.D. Powers and Associates - the study's author - the company funds its research (ie: it's not "sponsored" research) so it maintains an independent and unbiased perspective, according J.D.'s website. The research is based on unfiltered consumer feedback, the site notes.

The report is welcome news for Capital Pontiac Buick Cadillac GMC in Regina. Capital sales manager Fred Petrowich says the Buick is loaded with fine engineering and design. "When people take it out for a test drive, people always comment on how quiet the vehicle runs," Petrowich says.

"It's just amazing how quiet the vehicle is until you experience it yourself," he noted.

Buick's website calls this QuietTuning technology. Interactive windows demonstrate just how much engineering has gone into each part of the vehicle. To name just two of many techniques: the Buick's engine mounts are hydraulic, which helps reduce cabin noise; elsewhere, steel parts are laminated to reduce vibration noises.

It's an interesting time for the Buick line-up of cars, Petrowich says. The Buick used to be your grandfathers' car. An old demographic of people who wanted a fully-featured luxury car without the swagger of a Cadillac would normally buy a Buick. But demographics are shifting, and Buick is getting attention from a younger crowd, according to Petrowich.