The Most Dependable Used Cars Ranked by J.D. Power

The Vehicle Dependability Study focuses on cars that are 3 years old, so this year's study is for the 2008 model year.

The reason these rankings are so important is because dependability has a big affect on resale values. Cars that are ranked well tend to hold their value better because of higher demand for dependable used cars.

This year's study named Lincoln and Lexus as the most dependable brands, with 101 problems per 100 vehicles for Lincoln, followed by Lexus with a score of 109.

It's the first time Lincoln has been named the most dependable brand in the history of the study.

Jaguar also suprised everybody by finishing #3, with 112 problems per 100 vehicles.

Porsche (114) and Toyota (122) round out the top five.

Bringing up the rear is Mini, with 221 problems per 100 vehicles, followed by Jeep (214), Land Rover (212), Dodge (206) and Chrysler (202).

The study also ranks individual models in each category, and Toyota's seven individual segment victories gave them more individual victories than any other brand.

Here is how each brand ranked this year: