Autobytel and Autopacific have released the results of their 16th Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. To compile the results for the awards, both companies survey 75,000 owners of vehicles from all major automakers about their current satisfaction level with the new vehicle each individual surveyed owns.
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade received the highest overall satisfaction level, according to Autopacific and Autobytel. The companies named Buick and Mercedes-Benz as the overall winners for the highest satisfaction levels with specific brands. Companies that won multiple awards include General Motors with six awards; Mercedes-Benz with three awards; Volkswagen with four awards; and Honda with three awards.
“In today’s market, it’s difficult to find a low-quality vehicle,” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. “The quality of vehicles from all manufacturers has risen to the highest level in history and what delineates a car or truck is owner satisfaction.”
Owners of new vehicles rate the vehicle they own on 48 different attributes that measures factors such as driver’s seat comfort, power and acceleration, interior styling, exterior styling, cargo space and capacity, the ease of getting in and out, and the level of quietness inside the vehicle.
“With hundreds of 2012 model year vehicles available, consumers need assistance to find a vehicle that’s right for them,” said Autobytel Inc. President and CEO Jeffrey H. Coats. “The 48 vehicle attributes we survey is detailed information that only a vehicle owner can provide, and that most consumers would want to know. Cars that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction survey appear to be delivering the highest value and consumer satisfaction across a wide range of attributes.”
The list of winners:
Top Rated Premium Luxury Car - 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Top Rated Aspirational Luxury Car - 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Top Rated Luxury Mid-Size Car - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
Top Rated Large Car - 2012 Chrysler 300
Top Rated Premium Mid-Size Car - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
Top Rated Mid-Size Car - 2012 Subaru Legacy
Top Rated Premium Compact Car - 2012 Volkswagen GTI
Top Rated Compact Car - 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
Top Rated Economy - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
Top Rated Sports Car - 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
Top Rated Sporty Car - 2012 Scion tC
Top Rated Hybrid/EV Car - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
