Power Circle Ratings Calculation Methodology: Automotive Definitions of IQS, APEAL, VDS, and Predicted Reliability
To calculate Power Circle Ratings, J.D. Power and Associates begins with its syndicated study customer satisfaction data, expressed as a specific standard of measurement: reported Problems Per 100 vehicles (PP100). Using this PP100 measurement, Power Circle Ratings are calculated based on the range between the vehicle with the highest score and the vehicle with the lowest score.
Two sets of Power Circle Ratings are calculated for each vehicle. The first set measures customer satisfaction with a vehicle compared to other vehicles in the same category (for example, Midsize Car). The second set measures customer satisfaction with a vehicle compared to all vehicles measured by the study. J.D. Power and Associates generates a Power Circle Rating of five, four, three, or two. According to J.D. Power and Associates, a vehicle receiving five Power Circles* ranks “among the best” in its class, scoring among the top 10 percent of vehicles in the segment.
Vehix buying guides include only those vehicles that have earned a Power Circle Rating of five compared to other models in its class, in one of four ratings categories:
- Initial Quality – Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction, or where controls or features may work as designed, but are difficult to use or understand.
- Performance and Design – Taken from the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, this measure is based on owner satisfaction with vehicle Performance, Style, Features and Instrument Panel, and Comfort.
- Overall Dependability – Taken from the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 3 years of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or become loose).
- Predicted Reliability – Derived from historical trending for a vehicle and/or manufacturer in our Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability Studies, Predicted Reliability is a forecast of how reliable a newer vehicle might be over time.
*Please note that Power Circle Ratings may not include all information used to determine J.D. Power and Associates awards.