Honda Models Dominates APEAL Study

The top model segments of the recent 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates was dominated by Honda models. Four vehicle models from the Japanese automaker ranked as the highest in their respective categories including the Honda Fit (Sub-Compact Car, tied with Toyota Yaris equipped with Toyota radiator, Honda CR-V (Truck / Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) Segments), Honda Ridgeline (Midsize Pickup), and the Honda Odyssey for the Van segment. In addition, the 2007 Honda Civic also earned an award, ranked 3rd in the Compact Car segment.
The 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study is based on the survey results conducted by J.D. Power staff. The staff surveyed customers who purchased or leased 2007 model year vehicles and asked their assessment for the vehicle during the 90 days of ownership.
According to Neal Oddes, director of product research and analysis at J.D. Power and Associates: "Vehicle models with strong customer appeal tend to be in higher demand, which diminishes the need for dealers to incentivize to boost sales. Offering larger incentives decreases the profitability of vehicles, so it s important for manufacturers to incorporate those must-have features and design elements that will entice buyers, which also reduces the need for large customer cash rebates."
Oddes added: "Whether due to fresh designs or innovative features, APEAL scores tend to be highest for models when they are first introduced. It s essential for manufacturers to get new-vehicle launches right, since vehicles with high appeal scores generally command a higher gross profit and sell more quickly. Two of the redesigned models -- the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (in a tie) and Honda CR-V -- also earned awards in the 2007 Initial Quality Study, and are examples of how manufacturers can learn from preceding models to improve in both initial quality and appeal."
Meanwhile, here is the complete list of the Top Three Models per Segment in the 2007 APEAL Study.
Sub-Compact Car Highest Ranked: Honda Fit (Tie), Toyota Yaris (Tie) Nissan Versa
Compact Car Highest Ranked: Volkswagen Jetta Volkswagen Rabbit Honda Civic
Compact Sporty Car Highest Ranked: Volkswagen GTI Scion tC Volkswagen Eos
Compact Premium Sporty Car Highest Ranked: Porsche Cayman Porsche Boxster Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
Entry Premium Car Highest Ranked: BMW 3 Series Lexus IS 250/IS 350 Acura TL (Tie) Audi A4 (Tie)
Midsize Premium Car Highest Ranked: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Lexus GS 350/GS 430/GS 450h BMW 5 Series
Large Premium Car Highest Ranked: Mercedes-Benz S-Class BMW 7 Series Lexus LS 460
Premium Sporty Car Highest Ranked: BMW 6 Series Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Chevrolet Corvette
Midsize Sporty Car Highest Ranked: Ford Mustang Mitsubishi Eclipse Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Midsize Car Highest Ranked: Nissan Altima Sedan Volkswagen Passat Saturn AURA
Large Car Highest Ranked: Hyundai Azera Toyota Avalon Dodge Charger
Truck / Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) Segments Compact MAV Highest Ranked: Honda CR-V Mazda CX-7 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Midsize MAV Highest Ranked: Ford Edge Saturn Outlook GMC Acadia
Large MAV Highest Ranked: Nissan Armada Chevrolet Tahoe Chevrolet Suburban
Midsize Premium MAV Highest Ranked: BMW X5 Audi Q7 (Tie) Mercedes-Benz M-Class (Tie)
Large Premium MAV Highest Ranked: Cadillac Escalade EXT (Tie), Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (Tie) Lincoln Navigator
Large Pickup Highest Ranked: GMC Sierra LD Chevrolet Avalanche Chevrolet Silverado LD
Midsize Pickup Highest Ranked: Honda Ridgeline Ford Explorer Sport Trac Toyota Tacoma
Van Highest Ranked: Honda Odyssey Kia Sedona Hyundai Entourage



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