J.D. Power is an American data analytics, software, and consumer intelligence company that was founded in 1968 by James David Power III. The company’s origins trace back to Power’s work in customer research for the Ford Motor Company, where he identified a lack of reliable data on customer satisfaction. Starting from his kitchen table, with help from his family, J.D. Power began by surveying car owners to collect detailed data on vehicle attributes, which helped manufacturers improve their products.
The company gained national attention in 1973 when it uncovered a design flaw in Mazda rotary engines through its surveys, demonstrating the power and value of consumer feedback. Over the decades, J.D. Power has expanded its scope beyond automotive to include other industries such as food and computers, but it remains best known for its automotive customer satisfaction rankings and studies.
J.D. Power developed pioneering research methodologies, including the first Dealer Attitude Study in 1976 and the U.S. Automotive Customer Satisfaction Index in 1981. It introduced influential studies like the Initial Quality Study in 1987 and annually surveys numerous sectors to provide independent, reliable benchmarks for customer satisfaction and product quality.
The firm’s work has been credited with transforming the automotive industry into one that is far more customer-driven by making consumer satisfaction a central focus. Today, J.D. Power operates globally, leveraging big data and analytics to deliver trusted market insights and help companies optimize their products and services based on customer feedback.
Its headquarters are located in Costa Mesa, California, and it continues to be recognized as a leader in consumer insights and market research, with a strong reputation for independence and credibility in its data-driven evaluations.