All-New and Redesigned Vehicles Boosts Automotive APEAL Scores
21 September 2000
J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Record Number of All-New and Redesigned Vehicles Boosts Automotive APEAL Scores
AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--Sept. 21, 2000--All-new and redesigned vehicles serve as the catalyst for the automotive industry's most appealing lineup in recent history, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study(SM) (APEAL) released today.Of the 47 all-new or redesigned vehicles introduced in 2000, 14 rank in the top three in their respective segments (see note), resulting in an all-time high APEAL industry average. The study, in its fifth year, is based on responses from 101,768 new-vehicle owners and measures what excites and delights them with their vehicles' features and design.
"New vehicle concepts are igniting competition in the industry," said Jacques daCosta, senior manager of product research at J.D. Power and Associates. "The 2000 APEAL information shows that consumers are seeking dramatic vehicle changes."
Toyota models rank highest in three of the 15 vehicle segments with the Avalon, Land Cruiser and Tundra. The Tundra is the industry's first non-domestic full-size pickup truck to top its segment.
For the second consecutive year, three Volkswagen models also capture top segment rankings -- the popular Beetle, Jetta and GTI. The Beetle outranks the new Chrysler PT Cruiser, which ranks second in the compact car segment.
The Subaru Forester and Mercedes-Benz S-Class both top their respective segments, making it the first time either a Subaru or Mercedes-Benz model has ranked highest in a segment in the APEAL study.
The Chevrolet Corvette continues to set the APEAL standard in the sports car segment, ranking highest for the fourth year in a row, while the BMW 3 Series tops the entry luxury segment for the second straight year with its coupe, convertible and sport wagon redesigns.
For the fourth year running, the Dodge Dakota dominates as the most appealing compact pickup. The Honda Odyssey ranks highest in the compact van segment for the second straight year, followed closely by the Toyota Sienna. The Ford Econoline ranks highest in the full-size van segment, followed by the Chevrolet Express and the GMC Savana, respectively.
The Nissan Pathfinder decisively tops the compact SUV segment, while the new BMW X5 ranks highest in the luxury SUV segment, followed by the Lexus LX 470 and RX 300, respectively.
"While many new launches are successful, there are plenty that miss their mark," daCosta said. "Manufacturers must meet the challenges of anticipating and designing products for today's demanding consumers if they hope to leapfrog the competition and set new standards."
The 2000 APEAL study comprises eight specific areas of vehicle performance and design, including more than 100 attributes that uncover what consumers like and dislike about their new vehicles. These areas include vehicle styling; engine and transmission; comfort and convenience; ride, handling and braking; seats; heating, ventilation and cooling; cockpit and instrument panel; and sound system.
J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Automotive Performance,
Execution and Layout Study(SM) (APEAL)
Top Three Models in 15 Segments
Compact Car Segment Compact Pickup Segment
Most Appealing: VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE Most Appealing: DODGE DAKOTA
Chrysler PT Cruiser (2001) Toyota Tacoma
Volkswagen Golf Chevrolet S-10 Pickup
Entry Midsize Segment Full-Size Pickup Segment
Most Appealing: VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Most Appealing: TOYOTA TUNDRA
Pontiac Grand Am Ford F-150 Super Crew (2001)
Oldsmobile Alero GMC Sierra
Premium Midsize Segment Mini SUV Segment
Most Appealing: TOYOTA AVALON Most Appealing: SUBARU FORESTER
Nissan Maxima (2001)
Volkswagen Passat Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V
Entry Luxury Segment Compact SUV Segment
Most Appealing: BMW 3 SERIES Most Appealing: NISSAN
Acura CL (2001) PATHFINDER (2001)
Lexus ES 300 Toyota 4Runner
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Premium Luxury Segment Full-Size SUV Segment
Most Appealing: MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS Most Appealing: TOYOTA LAND
BMW 5 Series CRUISER
BMW 7 Series GMC Yukon XL
Ford Excursion
Sporty Car Segment Luxury SUV Segment
Most Appealing: VOLKSWAGEN GTI Most Appealing: BMW X5
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder (2001) Lexus LX 470
Toyota Celica and Toyota MR2 Spyder Lexus RX 300
(tie)
Sports Car Segment Compact Van Segment
Most Appealing: CHEVROLET CORVETTE Most Appealing: HONDA ODYSSEY
Porsche 911 Toyota Sienna
Audi TT Chrysler Town & Country
Full-Size Van Segment
Most Appealing: FORD ECONOLINE
Chevrolet Express
GMC Savana
J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Automotive Performance, Execution and
Layout Study(SM) (APEAL)
Charts and graphs extracted from this news release must be accompanied
by a statement identifying J.D. Power and Associates as the publisher
and the J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Automotive Performance,
Execution and Layout Study(SM) (APEAL) as the source. No advertising
or other promotional use can be made of the information in this
release or J.D. Power and Associates survey results without the
express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates.
