The J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study found that consumers were much happier than in previous years with new and redesigned vehicle models.
This year’s APEAL score averages 790 on a 1,000-point scale, up from 779 in 2008.
"Most automakers are on track in terms of designing new models that are highly appealing," said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. "The greater challenge for manufacturers lies in creating models that launch with both strong appeal and high quality, which ultimately lead to improved sales through greater customer loyalty and advocacy."
Porsche was the highest-ranking brand for the fifth year in a row, with its Cayenne winning an APEAL award.
Historically, models with high APEAL scores usually have higher and faster sales, fewer incentives and higher profit margins.
Volkswagen won four APEAL awards for its CC, GTI, Passat and Tiguan. Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan each took two awards. The Chevrolet Avalanche, Dodge Challenger, Hyundai Genesis, MINI Cooper, Porsche Cayenne and smart fortwo also won APEAL awards.
Porsche is the highest-ranking nameplate in APEAL for the fifth consecutive year.
J.D. Powers’ APEAL Study looks at how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of more than 90 vehicle attributes after the first 90 days of ownership.
2009 APEAL Nameplate Ranking (Based on a 1,000-point scale) Porsche 869 Jaguar 859 Cadillac 852 Audi 846 BMW 844 Mercedes-Benz 841 Lexus 837 Infiniti 828 Land Rover 822 Lincoln 820 Acura 818 MINI 817 Volkswagen 807 Buick 801 Volvo 793 Ford 785 Dodge 784 GMC 784 Saturn 779 Industry Average 779 Honda 778 Mazda 778 HUMMER 773 Scion 772 Pontiac 769 Nissan 768 Mitsubishi 767 Smart 767 Chevrolet 764 Hyundai 763 Mercury 763 Chrysler 757 Toyota 756 SAAB 754 Kia 748 Subaru 738 Jeep 727 Suzuki 715
