VSA:
Posted by George Peterson on February 24, 2013 at 11:40 am
Award Winner Gets Major Changes After Only Three Years The 2012 Grand Cherokee has been arguably the best affordable “real” SUV on the market since the latest generation was launched for the 2011 model year. The Grand Cherokee was so good that its owners rated it higher enough against its competition to win AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award in 2011 and 2012 AND AutoPacific’s Ideal Vehicle Award in 2011 and 2012! This sweep in these tough-to-win owner awards is testament to the excellence of the Grand Cherokee.
Developed in Time of Hardship The 2011 Grand Cherokee was developed during the dark days of the reign of Cerberus Capital Management. Their ownership of Chrysler steered the firm to the bankruptcy courts and a bailout by the U.S. and Canadian government, UAW and CAW. Ultimately, Fiat took control of Chrysler and Jeep and the firm is now prospering. It is surprising that under the eyes of Cerberus, the 2011 Grand Cherokee turned out to be such a good vehicle.
Best Gets Better Like other Chrysler products (Chrysler 300, Chrysler 200, Dodge Charger, Ram 1500), Jeep’s product team has reinvigorated the vehicle but mostly under the skin. The front fascia is new. Taillamps are new. A couple of wheel designs are new. And the interiors are new and much more upscale. Grand Cherokee gets Chrysler’s latest iteration of its excellent and easy to use UConnect system. Gone is the 5-speed automatic transmission replaced by a silky smooth 8-speed unit. A 240HP 3.0L V6 diesel is available for the first time. So, the Grand Cherokee is a substantially upgraded version of the 2011 vehicle. And it works!
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Posted by George Peterson on October 31, 2012 at 1:44 pm
An automotive industry truism is that it is easier to satisfy your grandmother than a young man. Is this true? At least the gender portion of the statement is accurate.
Driver satisfaction is a critical measure of vehicle acceptance. Having a satisfied buyer results in better loyalty, better word-of-mouth, stronger image. Satisfaction is a central building block of a brand. AutoPacific has been measuring driver satisfaction since 1993 and it is always instructive to look at the differences between women and men drivers.
In AutoPacific’s annual 2012 Vehicle Satisfaction research, women drivers score 39 rating points higher than men – 674 over 635 in their overall Vehicle Satisfaction score.
Cadillac Tops Satisfaction Among Women While the top four brands in the satisfaction hierarchy are the same – Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Lincoln – the scores given them by women are much higher. Cadillac up 50 rating points. Mercedes up 16 rating points. Lexus up 41 rating points. Lincoln up 42 rating points. Interestingly, the rating for Fiat – perhaps the ultimate chick’s car – is at the bottom of the list among women but still higher by 29 rating points than among men.
Infiniti FX - Top in Satisfaction Among Women
Models With Touches of Luxury Score Better With Women In terms of individual vehicles the top twelve satisfying vehicles among women are: Infiniti FX at 774 (+94 rating points higher than men), Chrysler 300 at 767 (+89 rating points), Lexus ES at 742 (+40), Cadillac SRX (+48), Mercedes C-Class at 735 (+50), Buick Enclave (+57), Honda Crosstour at 729 (+73), Lincoln MKS at 728 (+50), Range Rover Evoque at 728 (+43), Lincoln MKX at 726 (+58), Honda Odyssey at 725 (+40), Lexus RX at 725 (+43). The lowest vehicle line among women is the Nissan LEAF at 550 rating points. The highest scoring vehicle among men is the Mercedes-Benz ML practically tied with the Cadillac Escalade. The lowest vehicle line among men is the Mazda2 at 502.
Women are More Satisfied With a Comfortable Stuff Hauler Women are much more satisfied with Fuel Economy (+8.3%pts), Warranty (+6.9%pts), Collision Avoidance Technology (+6.9%pts), 3rd Row Seat Comfort (+6.8%pts), 2nd Row Seat Comfort (+6.3%pts), Flexible/Changeable Seating (+6.5%pts), Rear Seat Entertainment System (+6.4%pts), Roof Rack (+6.0%pts), Price/Monthly Payments (+6.0%pts), Convertible Top (+6.0%pts). Many of these attributes are characteristics of vehicle types very popular with women drivers like Sport Utility Vehicles and Minivans. They want a comfortable vehicle with a good warranty that gets good fuel economy. They want the interior to be flexible and provide entertainment for their children. They are more satisfied with an affordable stuff hauler useful with children.
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Posted by George Peterson on June 10, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Best in Class 2012 Premium Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2012 Mercedes-Benz Wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award
The top satisfying car, and top rated Premium Luxury Car for 2011 and 2012 is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the sedan flagship of the Mercedes lineup. The S-Class scores top of class satisfaction ratings in 33 of 48 attributes contributing to AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award. This is a gargantuan feat. With a possible high score of 5.0 on each characteristic, S-Class owners rated the car at 4.8 rating points or higher in Exterior Size, Ease of Getting in and Out, Seating Capacity, Image, Vehicle Reputation, Brand Reputation, Exterior Styling, Interior Styling, Braking, Handling, Ride, Quietness, Easy to Use Controls, Feeling Safe While Driving, Safety Ratings, and Overall Quality. They were least satisfied with the fuel economy of their S-Class and the price they paid for the privilege of owning such a prestigious car.
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Posted by George Peterson on June 10, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Best in Class 2012 Aspirational Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award
The top satisfying car in the Aspirational Luxury Car Class for 2012 is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The C-Class wins not by achieving top scores in many categories in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award research, but by having a solid performance in most. It is top rated in only one category, Cupholder Design and Size. While this may seem very minor, it is rare for a German vehicle to even think of having a good cupholder. With a possible high score of 5.0 on each of 48 characteristics, owners of the C-Class rated the car 4.7 or higher on several, including: Overall Satisfaction, Vehicle’s Reputation, Brand’s Reputation, Exterior Color, Exterior Styling, Fun to Drive, Reliable/Dependable, Feeling Safe While Driving, Safety Features, and Overall Quality. The lowest satisfaction from owners of the C-Class were in fuel economy, rear seat comfort, cargo capacity and flexible seating.
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Posted by George Peterson on June 10, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Best in Class 2012 Large Car: Chrysler 300
2012 Chrysler 300 Wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award
The top Large Car for 2012 is the Chrysler 300, the sedan flagship of the Chrysler lineup. The owners of the Chrysler 300 give the car satisfaction scores at top of its class in 11 of 48 attributes contributing to AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award research. The Chrysler 300 is top of class in Exterior Size, Interior Fabrics and Materials, Braking, Fuel Economy, Quietness, Brand of Audio System, Infotainment Technology, Price, Advanced Powertrain Technology and Range. With a possible high score of 5.0 on each of 48 characteristics, owners of the Chrysler 300 rated the car a 4.6 or higher on several, including: Overall satisfaction, Exterior Size, Image, Exterior Styling, Braking, Handling, Fun to Drive, Ride, and Overall Quality. Owners were least satisfied in Use of Recyclable Materials, Environmental Friendliness, and Price.
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Posted by George Peterson on June 10, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Best In Class 2012 Premium Mid-Size Car: Volkswagen Passat
2012 Volkswagen Passat Wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award
The top satisfying Premium Mid-Size Car is the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Passat. That Volkswagen can pull off this feat in its first year of an all-new design of a car assembled in an all-new assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee is remarkable. It normally takes a couple of years to fine tune the process. The owners of the new Passat gave the car class-leading satisfaction ratings in 21 of 48 attributes that contribute to AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award including: Overall Satisfaction, Exterior Size, Ease of Getting In and Out, Seating Capacity, Rear Seat Comfort, Flexible Seating, Cargo Space, Ease of Unloading Cargo, Image, Power and Acceleration, Fuel Economy, Quality Feeling Controls, Brand of Audio System, Interior Lighting, Environmental Friendliness, Feeling Safe While Driving, Safety Features, Safety Rating, Use of Recyclable Materials, Advanced Powertrain Technology, and Range. With a possible high score of 5.0 on each of 48 characteristics, Passat owners rated the car over 4.6 rating points on: Overall Satisfaction, Exterior Size, Seating Capacity, Reliable/Dependable, Feeling Safe While Driving, Safety Ratings, and Safety Features. The owners were least satisfied in Tire Brand, Size and Appearance and Collision Avoidance Technology. That Volkswagen can add Passat’s 2012 Vehicle Satisfaction Award to its trophy case along side the Motor Trend 2012 Car of the Year Award is an impressive feat for an all-new car.
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Posted by George Peterson on June 10, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Best In Class 2012 Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette
2012 Chevrolet Corvette Wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award
Corvette owners rate the car Best In Class without giving the car top satisfaction ratings in any category. This can sometimes, but rarely, happen in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award research. It means that Corvette owners consider many characteristics more important than the owners of competing sports cars and when combined with their satisfaction with those characteristics, Corvette’s overall score is the highest. With a possible high score of 5.0 rating points, a rating of 4.6 or higher can be considered very good. Corvette owners satisfaction was 4.6 or higher in: Overall Satisfaction, Exterior Size, Vehicle’s Reputation, Brand’s Reputation, Exterior Color, Exterior Styling, Power and Acceleration, Braking, Handling, Fun to Drive, Overall Quality, and Advanced Powertrain Technology. Corvette owners value the dynamic qualities of America’s premier sports car and rate its styling near the top of its class.
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Posted by George Peterson on June 10, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Best In Class 2012 Luxury Mid-Size Car: Lincoln MKZ
2012 Lincoln MKZ Wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award
The top satisfying Luxury Mid-Size Car is the Lincoln MKZ for the second year in a row. The owners of the MKZ gave the car top scores in 11 of 48 attributes contributing to AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award research. The Lincoln MKZ is the top satisfying car in its class in Rear Seat Comfort, Exterior Color, Braking, Ride, Quietness, Interior Lighting, Infotainment Technology (MyLincoln Touch), Dealership Experience, Use of Recyclable Materials (using soy-based seat foam), Collision Avoidance Technology and Warranty. With a possible high rating of 5.0 on each of 48 characteristics, owners of the MKZ rated the car at 4.6 or higher on several, including: Overall Satisfaction, Exterior Size, Vehicle’s Reputation, Brand’s Reputation, Exterior Color, Handling, Ride, Feeling Safe While Driving, and Overall Quality. Owners were least satisfied with Fuel Economy and Driving Range.
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Posted by George Peterson on June 10, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Best In Class 2012 Full Size Pickup: Ford F-150
2012 Ford F-150 Wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award
Owners of the 2012 Ford F-150 Full Size Pickup give the truck top ratings in seventeen of forty-eight characteristics measured in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award research. The F-150 gets top marks for Driver’s Seat Comfort, Interior Styling, Feel of Interior Fabrics and Materials, Braking, Handling, Ride, Quietness, Control Feel and Quality, Instrument Layout, Brand of Audio System, Visibility, Tire Brand/Size Appearance, Environmental Friendliness, Infotainment Technology, Advanced Powertrain Technology (new engines and availability of EcoBoost), Collision Avoidance Technology and Range. With a possible high score of 5.0 satisfaction rating points for each attribute, a rating of 4.6 or higher can be considered to be very good. F-150 owners rate the truck at 4.6 or higher in: Overall Satisfaction, Seating Capacity, Vehicle’s Reputation, Brand’s Reputation, Power and Acceleration, Braking, Handling, Reliable/Dependable, Ride, and Feeling Safe While Driving. Owners rate the F-150 below 4.0 satisfaction rating attributes in: Fuel Economy, Range, Environmental Friendliness, Price, Recyclability and Warranty.
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Posted by George Peterson on June 10, 2012 at 11:58 am
Best in Class 2012 Heavy Duty Pickup: Ford Super Duty
2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty Wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award
Owners of the 2012 Ford Super Duty Pickups give the trucks top ratings in twenty-three of forty-eight characteristics measured in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award research. This is the second year in a row the Super Duties have won the VSA for its class. The Super Duties get top marks for Exterior Size, Ease of Getting In and Out, Seating Capacity, Driver’s Seat Comfort, Ease of Loading Cargo, Image, Vehicle’s Reputation, Brand’s Reputation, Exterior Color, Exterior Styling, Interior Styling, Feel of Interior Fabrics and Materials, Power and Acceleration, Fun to Drive, Fuel Economy, Ride, Quietness, Instrument Layout, Visibility, Cupholder Design and Size, Overall Quality and Durability. With a possible high score of 5.0 rating points for each attribute, a rating of 4.6 or higher can be considered to be very good. Super Duty owners rate the trucks at 4.6 or higher in: Overall Satisfaction, Exterior Size, Vehicle’s Reputation, Brand’s Reputation, Exterior Color, Power and Acceleration, Feeling Safe While Driving and Overall Quality. Super Duty owners give the pickups satisfaction ratings below 4.0 in six attributes: Flexible Seating, Fuel Economy (even though the SD had the highest rating for this attribute), Cruising Range, Interior Lighting, Environmental Friendliness, Price, Recyclability and Collision Avoidance Technology.
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