The information service J.D. Power and Associates today released the results of its Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
The study examines buying trends and owner satisfaction within the car industry. Responses were gathered between February and May 2012 from more than 74,000 purchasers and lessees of 2012 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.
Results showed that 27 percent of buyers downsized into a smaller vehicle segment, while 13 percent upsized and 60 percent purchased in the same segment as their old vehicle.
While larger models continue to increase their scores in terms of customer satisfaction, this year's downsizing maintains a trend that has been ongoing for "many years". J.D. Power implies, however, that the large number of drivers downsizing shouldn't be taken as a grim reminder of the economy. Vehicles traded in for newer ones are six years old, on average; and in the last six years compact vehicles have come to offer more than they used to in terms of features, performance, and overall appeal. In short, the researcher says, they are not the "econoboxes" of old.
The study offers customer-satisfaction ratings according to segment. The list of segments and the highest-ranking car for each is as follows:
Subcompact: Chevrolet Sonic
Compact: Chevrolet Volt
Compact Sporty: MINI Coupe/Roadster
Compact Premium Sporty: Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
Entry Premium: BMW 3 Series
Midsize Sporty: Dodge Challenger
Midsize Premium: Audi A6
Large Premium: Audi A8
Midsize: Kia Optima, Volkswagen Passat (tie)
Large: Dodge Charger
Premium Sporty: Porsche 911
Compact Crossover/SUV: MINI Countryman
Compact MPV: Kia Soul
Entry Premium Crossover/SUV: Range Rover Evoque
Midsize Crossover/SUV: Ford Flex
Large Crossover/SUV: Ford Expedition
Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV: Porsche Cayenne
Large Premium Crossover/SUV: Infiniti QX56
Large Pickup: Chevrolet Avalanche
Midsize Pickup: Nissan Frontier
Minivan: Nissan Quest
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