J.D. Power Study Shows Customers Like Compacts, Dodge, Porsche

Jul 25, 2012 01:34 PM EDT | Staff Reporter

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