In a result few expected, the Ford Mustang has emerged as the highest-ranked sporty car in the J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study 2026. It beat key rivals in its segment, including the Toyota 86, which finished second.
But the win that Ford Mustang secured is just one part of a much bigger story. The American brand has delivered a massive turnaround in overall quality rankings, jumping from 14th place last year to third in 2026. Among mass-market brands, it now sits at the very top, trailing only premium players like Porsche and Genesis.
The numbers make the improvement even clearer. Ford reduced its score from 193 to 152 problems per 100 vehicles—a significant 41-point drop. That’s the largest year-on-year improvement recorded among mainstream manufacturers.
The study is based on feedback from over 78,000 owners and lessees of new 2026 vehicles, evaluated after 90 days of ownership. It measures real-world issues reported by customers, along with dealer service visits – a key indicator of initial quality.
