JD Power's Skewed Reports

So last week, JD Power and Associates came out with most dependable brand reports. You may have read a story about it in the paper or online. Today, on MSN's homepage they were highlighting the story. What is interesting is what they left out of the story.

"For the first time in 12 years, Lexus is no longer alone as the most dependable brand—for 2007 it shares that honor with Buick."

Excellent. It's great to see such a storied, although rather boring, American car company at the top. More importantly, sharing the top spot with Lexus, a very prestigious brand with a very prestigious price tag. But, read on...

"Buick and Lexus both had a score of just 145 problems per 100 vehicles. This compares to the industry average of 216 PP100. Lexus vehicles also ranked highest in more categories than any other vehicle this year. Top scoring Lexus vehicles included the GS 300/GS 430, Lexus LS 430, Lexus LX 470 and Lexus SC 430."

But what are the top scoring Buicks? Why don't they list them? Is MSN biased? No. Buick doesn't make them anymore. Peter D. and the boyzzz at AutoExtremist fill us in on the details from their "On The Table" article.

"The bad news? The two Buick vehicles that delivered the results - the Century and Regal - are no longer being built."

Interesting. The MSM has the perfect opportunity to bash one of their favorite punching bags, the American auto industry, and they drop the ball. If it looks like a fish, smells like a .... You know, it's fishy.