J.D. Power and Associates recently released the results of their 2010 Initial Quality StudySM, or IQS. As an industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality, the IQS revealed which makes and models fared best for 2010. As J.D. Power names its top 10 brands from the study, we’ve selected our favorite model from each brand on their list for a top 10 list of our own.
Here are our top 10 cars from the top 10 brands in the IQS:
10. Volvo
Our favorite 2010 Volvo is the C70. Ride in style in this so-cool convertible. Its comfy interior, combined with its sleek and sporty styling make it a great cruising vehicle (and we love the looks-good-up-or-down retractable hardtop).
9. Infiniti
The 2010 Infiniti G37 coupe is one impressive vehicle. The car’s interior with its impressive list of performance, technology, and safety features is just as elegant and chic as its stylish exterior.
8. Lincoln
Lincoln's commitment to quality shines through in vehicles like its 2010 MKT. This mid-size SUV boasts luxury with its many fancy features including the optional EcoBoost™ engine, voice-activated navigation system and panoramic fixed glass Vista Roof™.
7. Hyundai
Our pick is the 2010 Hyundai Genesis. The Genesis is an affordable upscale car that gives you many of the same lavish features that luxury car competitors offer, but at a much lower price.
6. Honda
The 2010 Honda Odyssey takes the cake for family-friendly vehicles. This spacious minivan is fully equipped with a long list of safety features – necessary for any family hauler - and has plenty of added comfort features to make the entire family’s time on the road enjoyable.
5. Ford
You'll find more than just reliability in the 2010 Edge from Ford. With awesome features like its panoramic Vista Roof™, SYNC® technology and Top-Safety-Pick status, this gas-sipping crossover has “quality” written all over it.
4. Lexus
With quality being the name of the game, we had to choose this year’s ES 350 from Lexus. Undoubtedly one of the most comfortable cars in its class, the ES 350 makes driving easy, from the way it drives and handles to the simplicity of its interior features.
3. Mercedes-Benz
If luxury is what you want, then luxury is what you’ll get with our 2010 Mercedes-Benz pick, the E550 Sedan. Its elegant styling, lavish interior, exceptional performance and numerous innovative safety features make this car rise above any other in its class.
2. Acura
As the runner-up, Acura hits a homerun with the 2010 TSX. This good-looking and good-driving automobile has received superior safety ratings and offers scores of high-quality standard features, while remaining relatively affordable.
1. Porsche
Cruising into this year’s top spot is Porsche, and for 2010, our favorite is the 911 Turbo. Although expensive, in our opinion, this set of wheels is worth every penny. With a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 500-hp, the 911 Turbo can reach a maximum speed of 194 mph and has the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. While this car sure can fly, it’s loaded with safety and technology features that, believe it or not, make it even better. If you’re in the market for a high-performance luxury sports car, this one’s a no brainer.
