The California-based auto marketing and consulting firm AutoPacific has released the results of its 15th-annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA), which are intended to help consumers make informed vehicle purchase decisions.
AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, based on a study of over 68,000 new- vehicle owners in the U.S., serves as an industry benchmark for measuring how satisfied owners are with their new vehicles.
“We’ve found that more than one-third of new car buyers are positively influenced by objective awards based on owner ratings when deciding on a new car or truck,” says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific.
Carmakers communicate their success by citing the satisfaction of their owners, the company says. “Proof of satisfied customers is as good as gold,” says Peterson.
“Vehicles that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes,” he explains. “The winners perform well in 48 separate categories that objectively measure the ownership experience.”
According to AutoPacific’s study, Lincoln is the premium brand with the highest level of vehicle satisfaction and Chrysler is the highest-ranking popular brand.
Among individual models, the Cadillac Escalade luxury SUV has the highest overall owner satisfaction, car or truck.
The passenger car with the highest overall satisfaction score is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
At the manufacturer level, there were several multiple award winners: Ford with seven wins; Toyota with four wins; and General Motors and Hyundai with three wins each.
“While the economy is strengthening, new vehicle buyers continue to be especially careful in selecting the perfect vehicle for their needs” says Peterson. “A wise purchase decision is like money in the bank.”
AutoPacific 2011 Vehicle Satisfaction Award winners
Highest Satisfaction Premium Brand: Lincoln
Highest Satisfaction Popular Brand: Chrysler
Premium Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Aspirational Luxury Car: Hyundai Genesis
Luxury Mid-Size Car: Lincoln MKZ
Large Car: Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon (tie)
Premium Mid-Size Car: Hyundai Sonata
Mid-Size Car: Suzuki Kizashi
Premium Compact Car: Volvo C30/S40/V50
Compact Car: Hyundai Elantra
Economy Car: Honda Fit
Sports Car: Porsche 911
Sporty Car: Scion tC
Hybrid Car: Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Heavy Duty Pickup: Ford F-Series Super Duty
Large Light Duty Pickup: Chevrolet Avalanche
Compact Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle: Cadillac Escalade
Large Sport Utility Vehicle: GMC Yukon
Premium Mid-Size SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Premium Luxury Crossover: Lincoln MKT
Luxury Crossover: Lexus RX
Large Crossover: Ford Flex
Premium Mid-Size Crossover: Ford Explorer
Mid-Size Crossover: Mitsubishi Outlander
Compact Crossover SUV: Kia Sportage
Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country
Hybrid Truck: Lexus RX450h Hybrid
