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Pontiac-GMC Cars and Trucks Ranked Most Appealing J.D. Power and Associates Study Reveals

29 August 1997

Pontiac-GMC Cars and Trucks Ranked Most Appealing J.D. Power and Associates Study Reveals

    DETROIT, Aug. 28 -- Pontiac-GMC Division scored again in J.D.
Power and Associates 1997 APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout)
Study, with models finishing highest in two of ten categories.  The results of
the study were just announced by the Agoura Hills, California marketing
information firm.
    The study, which asked more than 29,000 new car and truck owners to rate
their vehicles after three months of ownership, is designed to identify and
quantify what people really like about their new car or truck and why they
have those attitudes.  The study addresses eight specific elements of the
vehicle including styling, comfort and convenience, ride and handling, engine
and transmission, seats, heating and cooling, instrument panel, and sound
system.  Pontiac-GMC vehicles that were ranked most appealing in their
respective categories according to the owners who were surveyed include the
Pontiac Grand Prix (premium midsize car segment) and the GMC Suburban
(full-size sport utility segment).
    "The J.D. Power and Associates Study validates what we've known all along
-- that our cars and trucks generate passion in the hearts and minds of their
owners," said Roy S. Roberts, Pontiac-GMC general manager and General Motors
vice president.  "For the second consecutive year our customers are confirming
that we're hitting the target with products that meet and exceed their
expectations.  We are extremely pleased with the study's results."
    The highest rated features for the most appealing vehicles varies as
widely as the categories themselves.  By product those are:
    Grand Prix - Pontiac's dramatic and exciting midsize car took top honors
due to its unique and expressive styling, power and acceleration, driver and
passenger legroom, and exterior and interior colors.
    Suburban - GMC's flagship sport utility took top honors for its cargo
carrying capacity, driver and passenger roominess, vehicle ground clearance,
and driver visibility.

SOURCE  Pontiac-GMC Division