Can't Get No Satisfaction? You Probably Just Bought a New Car

There's nothing like a brand new car. The smell, the shiny paint, the . . .buyer's remorse. According to the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, buyers are less satisfied with their new car purchases than they have been in the past.  Motor Trend reports that the study "revealed that overall rankings fell for the first time in years. The 2008 average score was 770 on a 1,000 point scale, down two points from last year. More than half of the decrease is attributed to fuel economy." According to the magazine, "The only scores to show improvement were in the audio, entertainment and navigation segment."

The Auto Channel says there is one clear path into buyers' hearts for auto makers: better gas mileage. They quote David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power as saying "Manufacturers that deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles and integrate alternative fuel technology into their designs stand a better chance of delighting their customers and being successful in this rapidly changing marketplace."

Surprisingly, the survey finds that even though satisfaction with fuel economy declined, consumers are still buying cars based on factors beyond gas mileage. According to J.D. Power, "although practicality and fuel economy have increased in importance in the vehicle selection process, it doesn't mean consumers are willing to compromise on performance. Things like exterior design, engine performance, handling, and the quality of the audio system are still the determining factors for many consumers."

So, which automakers deliver on these points? According to J.D. Power, Porsche ranks the highest in consumer satisfaction (we're guessing that if you can buy a Porsche, you can also buy a lot of gas), which goes nicely with its top-ranking in J.D. Power's initial quality study. Jaguar takes the second place spot in the APEAL rankings and BMW and Mercedes tie for third.  Notice a trend?

Proving that you don't have to take out a second mortgage to like your car, three Honda models took home APPEAL awards, which is the most model awards of any automaker. Buick also had the most improved score for a manufacturer and the newly redesigned Ford Focus had the most improved score for of any car model.

Find this story interesting? If so, please click "Buzz up" to let us know.