Good Housekeeping Announces 2002 Women's Automotive Satisfaction Awards
NEW YORK--Oct. 15, 2002--Good Housekeeping Institute Technical Director John Kupsch announced that seven automotive nameplates have earned the 2002 Good Housekeeping Institute Women's Automotive Satisfaction Award. All of the winning models met criteria based on the results of a survey of female new car purchasers and lessees conducted on behalf of the Good Housekeeping Institute by J. D. Power and Associates. Qualifications are that women must report their overall satisfaction with the vehicle, that they would recommend this vehicle to others, and that they would make the same purchase decision again themselves.
For the fourth consecutive year, Buick LeSabre and Chrysler Town & Country have received awards. For the second year running, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata made the list. Toyota Highlander and Honda CRV are first-time winners.
"Our research shows that 67.2% of the women surveyed were the primary decision makers among new vehicle purchases," said Kupsch. "By talking to female car owners about their experiences with their new automobiles, we were able to accurately determine the level of women's satisfaction with the products currently offered in the automotive market."
The winners in each of this year's seven categories are:
Compact Van: Chrysler Town & Country
Fullsize Car: Buick LeSabre
Premium Midsize Car: Toyota Camry
Entry Midsize Car: Hyundai Sonata
Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander
Fullsize SUV: Toyota Sequoia
Entry SUV: Honda CRV
"Since we launched this program in 1998, we have observed that women are far more informed about what to look for when purchasing a new car than they were in the past," said Good Housekeeping Senior Vice President/Publisher Pat Haegele. "As always, safety and comfort are key concerns of female car buyers. But brand perception, performance and handling are also factors. This year, the Good Housekeeping Institute, once again with the help of J.D. Power and Associates, offers automotive manufacturers a benchmark for meeting the needs of women drivers."
Winners of the award are featured on www.GoodHousekeeping.com, and will be featured in the January 2003 issue, on newsstands December 17, 2002. The Good Housekeeping Institute, founded in 1901, is the consumer product testing facility that researches products appearing in the magazine's articles and advertisements.
