Drivers 'happier with their cars'

Motorists are growing more satisfied with their cars, according to a survey

Published: 4:58am, 27th May 2011

Motorists are growing more satisfied with their vehicles, according to a survey of more than 16,000 car owners.

And the biggest increase in satisfaction levels over the last 12 months has come in the car servicing category, the poll found.

The Lexus IS was the top-rated model and Lexus also topped the manufacturers' satisfaction table in the survey by information services company JD Power and Associates and What Car? magazine. In contrast, the Ford Ka was 108th and last in the model table, while Vauxhall was bottom of the 28-strong manufacturers' table.

Overall, satisfaction levels averaged 79.4% compared with 78.9% in last year's survey.

After the Lexus IS, the vehicle that owners were most satisfied with was the Honda Accord, with the Lexus RX third, the Honda CR-V fourth and the Toyota Prius fifth.

Just above the Ford Ka at the bottom of the model table was the Kia Rio (in 107th place), with the Vauxhall Corsa 106th and the Suzuki SX4 105th.

In the manufacturers' table, Honda was second to Lexus, with Jaguar third, Skoda fourth and Mini fifth. At the bottom, just above 28th and last-placed Vauxhall was Suzuki (27th), with Chevrolet 26th, Peugeot 25th and Mitsubishi 24th.

JD Power's European automotive operations senior director Brian Walters said: "It is particularly encouraging that satisfaction with ownership costs has improved during a year that has witnessed record fuel costs, increased insurance premiums and greater competitive price pressure for dealerships.

"In many respects, this indicates that automakers have been able to protect their customers from direct internal cost pressures."

What Car? magazine editor Jim Holder said: "It's great news that people are more satisfied with their cars than ever, and it proves that car makers are getting things right more often. Yet again, Lexus tops the study with outstandingly reliable cars and dealer back-up that is truly exceptional. Brands at the other end of the spectrum must work hard to win back customer support."