Scion Earns Highest-Ever Ranking in Vehicle Dependability Study

J.D. Power and Associates Recognizes Growing Auto Brand for Resolute Reliability

BALTIMORE, MD. (04/16/2012)(readMedia)-- While names like Toyota and Lexus are expected to come up in conversation when it comes to vehicle dependability, a recent report released by J.D. Power and Associates highlighted a rising automotive star: Scion. Earning its highest ranking ever, Scion broke into the top five auto brands in J.D. Power's 2012 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Models available at Scion dealerships outperformed the industry average by 16 percent in the study, moving up 17 spots from 2011 thanks to a 33-percent year-over-year improvement in long-term quality.

The annual J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study measures the number of problems owners have with their three-year-old vehicles over a one-year period. Owners of 2009-model-year Scion vehicles like the Scion tC experienced fewer problems on average than owners of luxury vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and Lincoln, as well as mainstream brands like Ford and Honda, all of which have been around for much longer than the Scion nameplate.

"Scion's high ranking goes to show that even though the brand has only been around for a decade, they've successfully produced a lineup of vehicles that can compete with the big boys," said Randy Smith, sales manager at Russel Scion, a Baltimore, Maryland Scion dealer. "The tC is a great example of a typical Scion model; it's a lot of fun to drive, but it's manufactured to last."

J.D. Power awarded the Scion tC coupe with the title of Most Dependable Compact Sporty Car in its study. The tC posted a 37-percent improvement from the previous year's study to outperform its segment average by 21 percent in 2012. Also receiving accolades at the top of its class was the Scion xB compact hatchback, which was named Most Dependable Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle for the second year in a row. The 2009 Scion xB performed 25 percent better than the segment average, improving by 30 percent in dependability from the previous year.

The current 2012 Scion tC offers Maryland drivers up to 31 mpg on the highway using an efficient 2.5-liter 180-horsepower engine. Standard features like a leather-trimmed steering wheel, sport front bucket seats and a chrome-tipped exhaust highlight its sporty appeal. Meanwhile, the spacious 2012 Scion xB gives occupants a number of ways to carry their cargo. Drivers can opt to store gear in the 69.9 cubic-feet of cargo room with the 60/40 reclining fold-flat rear seats down, or, if carrying passengers, an under-floor storage compartment and a storage tray under the rear seat add to the remaining cargo space in the back.

A vehicle that went untested in the 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study was Scion's newest model, the 2013 Scion FR-S sports car. Arriving at dealerships this spring, the compact rear-wheel-drive coupe delivers 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine featuring both direct and port injection. Sports car shoppers can choose to mate the engine to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic setup with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

"Scion models already emphasize style and performance, but the Scion FR-S promises to deliver the next level of drivability," added Smith. "A rear-wheel-drive sports car perfectly complements the stylish, athletic models that Scion is known for. The FR-S will appeal to both the hearts and the wallets of the driving-enthusiast crowd."

About Russel Scion:

For years, Maryland Scion shoppers have trusted the dedicated and knowledgeable team at Russel Scion to deliver unparalleled sales and service experiences. Their Baltimore Scion dealership offers an extensive inventory of new and pre-owned Scion vehicles that can be browsed in a no-hassle shopping environment. Meanwhile, Russel Scion's service and parts department helps customers long after each sale to ensure that they can enjoy their Scion for years to come. View their inventory online at www.russelscion.com, visit their dealership at 6324 Baltimore National Pike or contact their team by phone at 410-788-8400. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandToyota.