Source: Jerry Hirsch, L.A.Times ( Free Registration )

Two new reports are pointing to a rapidly changing auto world where American and South Korean brands are equaling the quality of the top manufacturers and making large gains in market share.

The data show that Ford Motor Co. is beginning to solidify its position as the top auto seller nationally and it, along with the Buick division of General Motors Co., are edging out luxury brands such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benz in the latest quality rankings.

Ford’s Lincoln brand trailed only Porsche in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Vehicle Dependability Study to be released Thursday. Lincoln owners reported problems at a rate of 114 per 100 vehicles during the first three years of ownership, slightly higher than the 110 rate reported by Porsche owners. Buick and Toyota Motor Corp.‘s Lexus brand tied for third at 115.

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