Chevy Corvette Tops Segment In J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Initial Quality Study

The Chevy Corvette Stingray C8 was rated the best Premium Sporty Car in the 2021 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study.

The Chevy Corvette Stingray beat out two of its closest rivals to top its category in the annual J.D. Power Study – the Porsche 718 and the Lexus LC. The Porsche 911, long considered the most direct rival to the Chevy Corvette, is notably absent from the top three.

The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study is conducted by surveying new vehicle owners on the number of problems they experienced during the first 90 days of ownership, per 100 vehicles. A lower score means fewer problems were experienced and is thus indicative of a higher quality. The industry average score in this year’s edition of the annual study was 162, with 20 of 32 brands improving their quality from last year’s study. The survey is based on the responses from 110,827 purchasers and lessees of new 2021 model-year vehicles, who answered 223 questions with regard to vehicle quality split into nine vehicle categories. These included infotainment, features, controls and displays, exterior, driving assistance, interior, powertrain, seats, driving experience and climate. The study was fielded from February through July 2021.

A high initial quality score for the C8 Corvette Stingray means owners are experiencing minimal problems with the vehicle early in their ownership. Common problems experienced early with new vehicles include infotainment bugs, smartphone/Bluetooth connectivity issues and loose/squeaky trim pieces. One in four of all problems cited by new-vehicle owners are in the infotainment category, J.D. Power says, and six of the top 10 problems across the industry are infotainment-related.

J.D. Power says the addition of wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto has made these connectivity/infotainment issues even more common.

“The top complaint this year is Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity, which worsens significantly,” the research agency said. “This is a particular problem when these systems are operated wirelessly, which is increasingly common.”

The 2022 Chevy Corvette Stingray will enter production at the GM Bowling Green Assembly plant on September 6^th, introducing minor changes like new exterior colors and a new low rear spoiler.

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