Results of a study released May 3 by automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. show Cadillac taking the crown from last year's top brand, Lexus. The scores measure satisfaction levels with new 2001 model year cars and light trucks. The VSS (Vehicle Satisfaction Score) study is an industry benchmark for objective new vehicle buyer and lessee satisfaction. The individual vehicle model registering highest overall satisfaction for a second consecutive year is Lexus' LS sedan, represented for 2001 by an all-new LS430 model. The highest-rated truck is Lincoln's Navigator, which rose from 5th place in the 2000 study to claim top honors this year in a more competitive product segment. "The corporate combination of Toyota and Lexus once again demonstrates significant strength in the new vehicle arena with five segment winners," notes AutoPacific founder and president George Peterson. "Ford also shines with four class winners, while General Motors and Nissan each have three, and Daimler-Chrysler and Honda each have two." Joining the winner's circle for the first time is Hyundai with its all-new Santa Fe sport utility.