Could the new name for quality be Ford? If the once dominating manufacturer from Detroit has anything to do with it, then the answer is surely yes. If you have driven a Ford lately, you surely notice a difference. There does seem to be a certain quality about their vehicles this year. Kristen Kinley, Ford's Quality Communications Manager, says the first step to reducing defects is to design better cars in general. She also points out that streamlining the manufacturing process, an initiative the company has been focusing on for several years now, has contributed to quality as well.

J.D. Power released the 2010 Initial Quality Study data. From February to May this year, 82,000 owners and leasers of new vehicles were surveyed and their comments tallied scoring automakers according to the number of problems per 100 vehicles. The average score for the industry this year is 109 problems per 100 automobiles. This is just a slight increase from last year's average of 108.

In sharp contradiction to the industry average, Ford is bringing their Nameplate Score down. They hit the press with an astonishing 93 problems per 100 vehicles. Incredible. They even beat Honda, who's Nameplate Score is 95. What is even more amazing is how Ford stacks up to Lexus, who has always been a top contender since their inception in 1990. This year, Ford barely lost out to Lexus, who's Nameplate score is 88. Good job Ford. Keep doing what you are doing. Maybe someday soon the word quality will be synonymous with Ford.

This year, twelve Ford models placed within the top three positions in their respective categories. Three of their models topped their class. The Ford Focus tops the Compact Car segment. The Ford Mustang tops the Midsize Sporty Car class, and the Ford Taurus tops the Large Car class.

They don't stop impressing there. A further look into the results of the study should raise your brows. Ford holds the number 5 position overall this year and they are first among the major brands. The top five list is Porsche, Acura, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Ford, respectively. By most accounts, Ford is keeping some pretty good company lately.

Ford seems to do no wrong lately. They avoided bankruptcy court. They steered clear of the constraints of government bailout money. They entered the realm of profitability in 2009. They are increasing sales numbers and keeping Honda out of the number three position for total sales.

So, what about tomorrow? It is apparent the company has a plan, and a good one at that. CEO Alan Mulally recently commented, "We expect to continue to improve our balance sheet as we deliver on our plan. Our business results make it possible to take these actions while still accelerating the investments we are making in our business." This statement came just after Ford announced it was paying down it's debt by $4 billion. With sales increasing, profits climbing, and a cleaner balance sheet, Ford should be able to sustain quality improvements for a while.

If this truth remains, good things will keep happening to Ford. GM is struggling, dropping from 9th place last year to 14th place this year, with a Nameplate Score of 111. Toyota's woes continue, tumbling from 6th place last year to 21st with a Nameplate Score of 117. If Ford keeps investing in quality, focusing on profitability, and streamlining their efficiencies, they can really set themselves apart from the other mass-producers.

Look out GM and Toyota. Ford is on the rise. Maybe we can finally believe that at Ford, quality is really job 1. Have you driven a Ford lately?