US Vehicles Edge Out Imports in Quality

American automakers scored higher marks on quality than their foreign rivals for the first time since the JD Power survey began in 1986, the Detroit Free Press reports. A dozen Ford models ranked in the top three in their segments, making it the highest-ranked automaker overall. Ford's namesake brand ranked fifth, and General Motors had 10 brands in the top vehicle rankings.

Toyota, by contrast, fell from 6th last year to 21st. "We're disappointed, but probably not surprised," given the company's quality-control problems over the last year, said one Toyota exec. Even Chrysler, whose four brands all rated below average, made progress with several of its models. Dodge was the lowest-rated domestic brand, and Land Rover finished last overall, reports the Detroit News.