you hear it all the time from Honda Commercials to Suzuki commercials...
but it is just me or does anyone else not really give a rats *** about JD Power this and that.

I feel as if they have a category for everything, which takes the 'value' of their quote away. Like, I feel if the Yugo came out it could be "JD power ranked number one for new cars under 4K"...

I have nothing against the organization, just curious on more about it I guess, and the true 'value' of a JD power 'award'.

i know its survey/owner based survey results...which is valuable..but i've never received a letter or been able to submit my thoughts on my car. so who the hell is doing it?

Why do some people hold JD power so much 'higher' than say consumer reports or just your regular car mags?

 

My understanding is that to be "considered" for an award you have to pay JD Power a bunch of money. When you consistently "lose", you are less likely to pay for the award and you get into a situation where only one or two manufacturers is even considered for such an award. (And from what I've been lead to believe, if you don't win in a certain "category", they'll be happy to make up one just for you... for some additional money of course.)

 

I agree that JD Power is bs. As are ratings from CR, edmunds, C&D, MotorTrend, whatever. Forums (if you look at the overall picture) and test drives are a good judge of where a vehicle stands for YOU.

 

i wouldn't hold forum comments too highly either... goddamn RX-8 fanbois lol

 

^ True, which is why you should look at the overall picture on this forum (read good stuff and bad stuff) and surf some competitor forums to get their fanboyism to offset RX8 fanboyism.

 

forums would be bias so no... i wouldnt say magazines are bad ways of finding reviews..

 

I agree. I've probably read ever Road & Track, Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Automobile magazine since the early '90s. I've also read many Tog Gear, CAR, EVO, Performance Car, Autoweek magazines since that time and I would say overall there opinions of particular companies/brands and cars are pretty much dead on regardless of what they get paid in advertisement.

I read countless reviews/articles on every car I've ever owned and the comments made on these cars are for the most part dead on.

You add in direct comparisons and long-term tests and the good and the bad cars are pointed out.

Not to mention, all the major magazines across the globe usually agree on their choices for some of the best and worst cars.

I usually prefer the European magazines (EVO is my favorite) as they arn't afraid to totally trash a car if it deserves it.