The latest J.D. Power APEAL – Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout – study released yesterday brought with it some good news for automakers struggling to sell new cars. Among the winners were seven all-new models and the industry average, which ranks design execution from a consumer standpoint, increased dramatically.
“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 in a release. “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.â€
In the line-wide ranking, Porsche came out on top, with Jaguar , Cadillac , Audi and BMW not far behind. Volkswagen , Ford and Dodge all placed above average – an accolade generally reserved for premium luxury and performance brands. Most mainstream brands, including Japan’s “Big Three,” Toyota , Honda and Nissan , as well as Chrysler and Chevrolet , ranked below average. Suzuki was ranked the lowest.
Domestic brands comprised the most-improved nameplates, however. Dodge saw the biggest jump, followed by Pontiac, Buick and Cadillac. Soon-to-be-retired Pontiac’s ranking came courtesy of the G8, which scored second in its class.
Class awards
With generally varied lineups, the class awards are usually considered the best indicator of customer appeal. Seven redesigned or all-new models ranked at the top of their classes, including the Dodge Challenger , Ford F-150 , Ford Flex , Hyundai Genesis , Nissan Maxima , Volkswagen CC and Volkswagen Tiguan . Below are the rankings, in order by placing in each segment. Those classes with fewer than three finalists did not feature any additional vehicles that scored above average.
Sub-compact car: Smart ForTwo, Scion xD , Honda Fit
Compact car: Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Jetta, Mitsubishi Lancer
Compact sporty car: Volkswagen GTI
Compact premium sporty car: Mercedes-Benz SLK, Nissan 370Z
Entry premium vehicle: Volkswagen CC, Cadillac CTS , Audi A4 /A5
Midsize sporty car: Dodge Challenger
Midsize premium car: Hyundai Genesis, Jaguar XF , BMW 5-Series
Large premium car: Mercedes-Benz S-Class , Lexus LS
Midsize car: Volkswagen Passat, Mazda Mazda6 , Honda Accord
Large car: Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8, Toyota Avalon
Compact MAV/SUV: Volkswagen Tiguan, Saturn Vue, Mazda CX-7
Midsize MAV/SUV: Ford Flex, Buick Enclave , Toyota Venza
Large MAV/SUV: Nissan Armada , Chevrolet Suburban , GMC Yukon
Midsize premium MAV/SUV: Porsche Cayenne , BMW X5 , Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Large pickup: Chevrolet Avalanche /Ford F-150 (tie), Dodge Ram
Midsize pickup: Honda Ridgeline , Hummer H3T, Toyota Tacoma
Minivan: Honda Odyssey , Volkswagen Routan , Toyota Sienna
