Four Honda models rate highest in customer satisfaction

With four models topping the rankings for their vehicle segments in an annual J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction survey of U.S. drivers, Honda Motor Company outperformed all other automakers.

Honda’s newly redesigned CR-V small crossover sport utility vehicle, Ridgeline truck and Odyssey minivan all topped their segments in the survey, which focuses on the first 90 days of vehicle ownership. The subcompact Honda Fit tied with Toyota Motor Corp.’s Yaris for a top spot.

Mercedes-Benz and BMW AG each had three models atop premium segments. Mercedes-Benz was tops with its midsize E-Class car and large S-class car, and its GL-Class tied for a top spot with General Motors Corp.’s Cadillac Escalade EXT in a segment that includes large luxury SUVs and crossovers. BMW’s 3 Series and 6 Series cars, and X5 midsize crossover SUV all received top rankings.

The study, now in its 12^th year, measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles. Based on responses gathered between February and May 2007 from more than 91,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2007 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership, APEAL is designed to complement the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS), which focuses on problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership. APEAL measures how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive.

More information about the 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study^SM from J.D. Power and Associates, including a video, article and appeal ratings are available at JDPower.com.