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When it comes to buying a car, what is the first thing you would look at? Mileage, exterior looks, interiors, HVAC or something else? What if you have a chart that has been prepared using some of the most common problem areas so that you don’t have to spend countless hours trying to decide which one to go for?

The J.D. Power 2016 US Vehicle Dependability Study is what will help you decide what to go for considering that it is a ‘tradition’ that has been going on for 27 years. With the least consumer complaints, Lexus has been pegged as the most dependable brand by the 2016 Study. The study, is based on responses from customers like who have been using a particular brand for three or more years. The latest study is based on responses from 33,560 original owners of 2013 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership.

The number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) determines overall dependability for each model. The study covers 177 specific problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle categories including exterior, engine/transmission, audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN), interior, the driving experience, features/controls/displays (FCD), heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC), and seats.

With a score of just 95 problems per 100 vehicles, Lexus topped the charts for the fifth consecutive year. Porsche was placed second, up from fifth last year, with a score of 97. At third place is Buick with 106 problems per 100 vehicle, while Toyota and GMC finished fourth and fifth respectively.

“The increase in technology-related problems has two sources,” said Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive at J.D. Power. “Usability problems that customers reported during their first 90 days of ownership are still bothering them three years later in ever-higher numbers. At the same time, the penetration of these features has increased year over year.”

The study gave out awards with General Motors Company receiving eight segment awards and Toyota Motor Corporation six. The GM models that were awarded include the Buick Encore; Buick LaCrosse; Buick Verano; Chevrolet Camaro; Chevrolet Equinox; Chevrolet Malibu; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Yukon.

Toyota awardees include the Lexus ES; Lexus GS; Lexus GX; Toyota Prius v; Toyota Sienna; and Toyota Tundra.

Others models to receive segment awards are the Fiat 500; Honda Fit; Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class; MINI Cooper; MINI Coupe/Roadster; and Nissan Murano.

Source: http://www.dispatchtribunal.com/lexus-pegged-as-most-dependable-us-vehicle-brand/16161/