Lexus Once Again Reigns Supreme for Brand Satisfaction
Wouldn't it be nice to know what cars are most satisfying to their owners before you buy? Automotive consultant group
AutoPacific has compiled such information in its 2006 model year vehicle satisfaction survey, and the results might surprise those who haven't driven the winners.
Don't adjust your modum, because Hyundai's Azera was the overall winner amongst cars achieving "Best Car" credentials, while Lincoln's Navigator earned "Best Truck" kudos. It comes as no surprise, however, that Toyota's luxury division, Lexus once again walked away as the most satisfying brand.
Other notable segment winners include Cadillac's CTS as the most satisfying in the "Entry Luxury Car" segment, beating out such stalwarts as the
BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4, and Nissan Titan overshadowing the Ford F-150 in the "Large Light-Duty Pickup" category.
Special mention should also be made of Mitsubishi for taking the "Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility" segment with its agile Endeavor, one of the best kept secrets on the crossover-SUV market, and Hyundai for winning over its Santa Fe owners, who will no doubt be lining up for the all-new 2007 model when it arrives this summer. Interestingly, not a single Toyota brand car or truck made the list, nor did BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi, brands that normally rank high for owner retention.
Also of note, Honda was number one for the amount of segment winners, taking three top owner
satisfaction spots, with Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Nissan achieving two vehicles apiece in the study.
Looking at automakers (manufacturer umbrella companies), GM surprises with three top-rated models, matching Honda which also had the Acura RSX join its three Honda branded winners in top segment placement.
The organization's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) denotes a segment winner by assigning numeric values to the satisfaction ratings of owners it has surveyed in 44 areas related to a vehicle's ownership experience.
Complete List of Segment Winners:
Brand: Lexus
Passenger Cars:
Light Trucks:
Wouldn't it be nice to know what cars are most satisfying to their owners before you buy? Automotive consultant group
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| Hyundai took top passenger car honours for its luxurious Azera. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Don't adjust your modum, because Hyundai's Azera was the overall winner amongst cars achieving "Best Car" credentials, while Lincoln's Navigator earned "Best Truck" kudos. It comes as no surprise, however, that Toyota's luxury division, Lexus once again walked away as the most satisfying brand.
Other notable segment winners include Cadillac's CTS as the most satisfying in the "Entry Luxury Car" segment, beating out such stalwarts as the
 |
| Lincoln's opulent Navigator satisfies its owners immensely. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Special mention should also be made of Mitsubishi for taking the "Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility" segment with its agile Endeavor, one of the best kept secrets on the crossover-SUV market, and Hyundai for winning over its Santa Fe owners, who will no doubt be lining up for the all-new 2007 model when it arrives this summer. Interestingly, not a single Toyota brand car or truck made the list, nor did BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi, brands that normally rank high for owner retention.
Also of note, Honda was number one for the amount of segment winners, taking three top owner
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| Lexus is once again the top-ranked brand for owner satisfaction, with the LS picked as top Premium Luxury Car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Looking at automakers (manufacturer umbrella companies), GM surprises with three top-rated models, matching Honda which also had the Acura RSX join its three Honda branded winners in top segment placement.
The organization's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) denotes a segment winner by assigning numeric values to the satisfaction ratings of owners it has surveyed in 44 areas related to a vehicle's ownership experience.
Complete List of Segment Winners:
Brand: Lexus
Passenger Cars:
- Premium Luxury Car - Lexus LS
- Entry Luxury Car - Cadillac CTS
- Luxury/Large Car - Hyundai Azera
- Premium Mid-Size Car - Volkswagen Passat
- Mid-Size Car - Mercury Milan (not available in Canada)
- Image Compact Car - MINI Cooper
- Compact Car - Honda Civic
- Sports Car - Chevrolet Corvette
- Sporty Car - Acura RSX
Light Trucks:
- Large Light-Duty Pickup - Nissan Titan
- Large Heavy-Duty Pickup - Chevrolet Silverado HD
- Sport Utility Truck - Honda Ridgeline
- Compact Pickup - Mitsubishi Raider (not available in Canada)
- Luxury Sport Utility - Lincoln Navigator
- Large Sport Utility - Nissan Armada
- Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility - Mitsubishi Endeavor
- Mid-Size Sport Utility - Hyundai Santa Fe
- Compact Sport Utility - Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Minivan - Honda Odyssey
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