J.D. Power and Associates is a renowned American firm conducting various studies on customer satisfaction, product quality and buying habits, whether it's electronics, finance, healthcare, insurance or automobiles.
One of the most interesting auto-related studies is unquestionably the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, which measures owner satisfaction with their vehicle's design, content, ergonomics and performance following the first 90 days of ownership. Reliability or fuel economy has nothing to do with it.
This year's APEAL study results are based on survey responses from over 81,000 verified owners of 2008 model-year vehicles. Here are some highlights of this year's study:
For a fourth consecutive year, Porsche ranks highest among all nameplates in the APEAL study, its score improving by 5 index points from last year. The German automaker is followed by Jaguar, which boasts a 3-point improvement compared to last year. BMW and Mercedes-Benz are tied in third place.
Buick is the most improved nameplate with an 8-position jump in the rankings, due in large part to its stylish new Enclave crossover.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the top-performing model in this year's APEAL study, followed by the Lexus LS and the Porsche 911. Meanwhile, the Ford Focus is the most improved model in the study. The Dodge Grand Caravan and Chevy Malibu also experience large gains.
Unlike previous years, "freshened" models outperform all-new or redesigned models.
photo:J.D. Power and Associates
One of the most interesting auto-related studies is unquestionably the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, which measures owner satisfaction with their vehicle's design, content, ergonomics and performance following the first 90 days of ownership. Reliability or fuel economy has nothing to do with it.
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| For a fourth consecutive year, Porsche ranks highest among all nameplates in the APEAL study. |
This year's APEAL study results are based on survey responses from over 81,000 verified owners of 2008 model-year vehicles. Here are some highlights of this year's study:
For a fourth consecutive year, Porsche ranks highest among all nameplates in the APEAL study, its score improving by 5 index points from last year. The German automaker is followed by Jaguar, which boasts a 3-point improvement compared to last year. BMW and Mercedes-Benz are tied in third place.
Buick is the most improved nameplate with an 8-position jump in the rankings, due in large part to its stylish new Enclave crossover.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the top-performing model in this year's APEAL study, followed by the Lexus LS and the Porsche 911. Meanwhile, the Ford Focus is the most improved model in the study. The Dodge Grand Caravan and Chevy Malibu also experience large gains.
Unlike previous years, "freshened" models outperform all-new or redesigned models.
photo:J.D. Power and Associates