It's not often Lexus and Buick are mentioned in the same conversation about automobiles. But that just changed — at least as far as J.D. Power & Associate is concerned.

The venerable independent customer satisfaction survey firm recently announced its yearly automobile dependability survey — and Lexus and Buick tied for top honors for 2007. It was the first time in 12 years, an American brand was at the top of the ranking. More notable was three American brands among the top-five most dependable brands.

The study was based on responses from more than 53,000 original owners of 2004 model-year vehicles, and was conducted from January through April of this year. It measured the number of problems reported by these owners. Lexus and Buick each posted a "top score" of 145 problems per 100 vehicles.

The study also revealed that long-term dependability is now more important than ever.

"Sixty two percent of buyers now cite long-term dependability as their number one reason for buying the car they bought, compared to their second choice," said Joe Ivers, .J. D. Power's executive director of automotive quality and customer satisfaction research.

"That is now the number one issue by far, and it's been growing. In 2003, only 52 percent cited long-term dependability as the reason — and back then, that factor wasn't even the number one reason they made the choice they made."

Added Neal Oddes, director of product research and analysis for J.D. Power and Associates:

"With three non-premium nameplates — Buick, Honda and Mercury — ranking within the top five, and particularly with Buick tying with Lexus for the top rank, consumers seeking a vehicle with strong dependability have good choices at various price levels. Consumers don't necessarily need to pay premium prices to obtain high quality and dependability."

Here are the Top-Five Most Dependable Automobile Brands and Most Dependable Car By Category For 2007:

Overall Top Five Most Dependable Brands

1. Buick, Lexus (tied); 3. Cadillac, 4. Mercury, 5. Honda.

Most Dependable Models By Segment

Sub-Compact, Scion xA;  Compact , Honda Civic; Midsize,  Buick Century; Large, Ford Crown Victoria;    Large Premium, Lexus LS 430.