A study released today by noted automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. summarizes the results of its 2006 model year owner satisfaction research for brands and product
segments. AutoPacific's VSA (Vehicle Satisfaction Award) study is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new car or light truck.
The top rated Premium/Luxury Brand is Cadillac. Cadillac out-points second-place Lexus. Cadillac had the top rated Entry Luxury Car with its
CTS and solid performances by the rest of its lineup. The Lexus LS430 is the top rated Luxury Car, but Lexus overall rates just below Cadillac.
The top rated Mainstream Brand is Honda. With two category wins -- Honda Ridgeline is the top rated Sport Utility Truck and the Honda Odyssey
is the top rated Minivan, Honda nosed out second place Mainstream Brand Hyundai. Hyundai also had two category wins with the Hyundai Azera the top
car overall and the top Large Car and the Hyundai Santa Fe the top rated Mid-Size SUV.
In rating major segments, Sport Utility Vehicle owners rate their vehicles more satisfying than do Car, Pickup or Minivan owners. This
finding goes contrary to popular myth that SUVs are fading in popularity and SUV owners are dissatisfied with their vehicles.
AutoPacific previously announced individual vehicle winners. The vehicle registering highest overall satisfaction in 2006 is the Lincoln
Navigator Luxury SUV winning top vehicle, top truck and top Luxury SUV honors. The highest rated car is the new-for-2006 Hyundai flagship --
Hyundai Azera.
Source: AutoPacific