Lexus Tops University of Michigan CSI Survey

Washington DC August 15, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reports that the consumer satisfaction rate for vehicles rose 1 point this year to a score of 82 out of 100, a record in the 12-year history of the University of Michigan's American Customer Satisfaction Index, reported AP.

Lexus ranked atop the list with a score of 87. BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln and Mercury all recorded scores of 86.

Toyota brand cars dropped 3 points to 84. The survey questioned approximately 11,312 people who bought cars within the past three years by telephone from April through June. Respondents were asked to rate their satisfaction level compared with their expectations. They also were asked to rate how their vehicle compares with the ideal vehicle, and to rate their overall satisfaction.

Claes Fornell, head of the index, said the survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 1 point when rating the entire industry and 2 points on individual manufacturers.