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2011 J.D. Power UK survey results

J.D. Power and Associates in the UK have released the 2011 J.D. Power Survey results, which consists of ratings from 16,840 motor vehicle owners, who judged their own cars as a long-term product.


The survey produces results that can provide real-world advice when it comes to buyers selecting a new car. Each survey taker provides as much detail as possible on what their particular model of car is like to live with.

Every car is rated using the same marking process, including everything from dealer costs to mechanical repairs. Each car is then put into one of nine different categories, including City cars, Family cars and SUVs.

Taking top spot for the City car category was the Toyota Aygo with a score of 80.2 percent. Owners' main areas of concern were the noisy engine, very small boot and poor overtaking ability, although these elements weren't high on the priority list to begin with. Other highly-rated cars in this category included the Fiat 500 (79.9 percent) and the Hyundai i10 (79.8 percent).

Picking up top spot for the Supermini category was the Honda Jazz with a rating of 83.2 percent. Owners liked the car's versatility, surprisingly large interior space and adjustable seat configuration. However, owners weren't overly impressed with the engine power and highway entry capabilities. Other cars that were highly rated in this segment included the MINI (82.2 percent) and the Skoda Fabia (81.7 percent).

As for the Family car segment, the Honda Accord (Honda Accord Euro in Australia) was rated the highest with a score of 85.2 percent. Owners liked the more-than-adequate engine performance (although some noted a mild oil consumption problem), excellent fuel consumption, comfortable on-road refinement as well as fair service costs and customer treatment. Other cars that came close is this segment included the Toyota Prius (83.9 percent) and the Volvo S40 (83.3 percent).

Taking home the highest rating for the Executive segment was both the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class with equal ratings of 83.3 percent. Owners of the BMW didn't like the usability of the sat-nav system and lack of proper iPod connectivity, while Mercedes-Benz owners didn't like the somewhat mild engine performance on some models. Other cars that came close in this segment included the Jaguar XF (82.3 percent) and the Audi A6 range (81.7 percent).

Picking up the highest rating for the Sports car and convertible segment was the Mazda MX-5 with a score of 82.4 percent. Owners loved the handling and involving drive experience, and noted it for its exceptional steering sharpness. Owners also loved the surprisingly good interior quality and design. Quibbles included battery failures, some cases of rust and not-so-good fuel consumption. Other cars that came close in this segment included the Volkswagen Scirocco (82 percent) and the Audi TT (80.8 percent).

Lastly, the SUV segment. The Lexus RX was rated the highest with a score of 84.3 percent. It seems customer were most pleased with the after-sales service and customer treatment when living with the RX. Special mentions were also made to the interior practicality, smooth engine and effortless overtaking ability. Some owners didn't like the usability of the in-car entertainment layout, the insurance costs, and some reported battery failures and water leaks. Other cars that came close in this segment included the Honda CR-V (84.2 percent) and the Toyota RAV4 (83.4 percent).

Picking up the highest scored MPV was the Citroen C3 Picasso with 83.1 percent, closely followed by the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso (82.5 percent), and then the Mercedes-Benz B-Class (81.7 percent).


At the top of the overall list, with a total mark of 85.4 percent, was the Lexus IS series, followed by the Honda Accord on 85.2 percent and the Lexus RX on 84.3 percent.

As for the three lowest rated cars, the Vauxhall Corsa was rated at 74.9 percent, then the Kia Rio rated at 74.6 percent and lastly the Ford Ka with a mark of 74.1 percent.

Take a look at the overall ratings list below to see if your car made it into the top 20.

?1. Lexus IS - 85.4%
2. Honda Accord - 85.2%
3. Lexus RX - 84.3%
4. Honda CR-V - 84.2%
5. Toyota Prius - 83.9%
6. Toyota RAV4 - 83.4%
7. BMW 5 Series - 83.3%
7. Mercedes-Benz E-Class - 83.3%
7. Volvo S40 - 83.3%
10. Honda Jazz - 83.2%
11. Citroen C3 Picasso - 83.1%
11. Mercedes-Benz C-Class - 83.1%
11. Skoda Octavia - 83.1%
14. Honda Civic - 82.7%
15. Citroen Grand C4 Picasso - 82.5%
16. Mazda MX-5 - 82.4%
17. Jaguar XF - 82.3%
18. MINI - 82.2%
19. Hyundai i30 - 82.2%
20. Volkswagen Passat - 82%

As for manufacturers, Lexus customers rated their cars the highest with an average score of 84.5 percent, then Honda with 83.3 percent and Jaguar and Skoda equally rounding out the top three with 82.5 percent. The rest of the top 20 list consists of:

1. Lexus - 84.5%
2. Honda - 83.3%
3. Jaguar - 82.5%
3. Skoda - 82.5%
5. MINI - 82.2%
6. Mercedes-Benz - 82.1%
7. BMW - 81.7%
8. Audi - 81.2%
9. Volvo - 81.1%
10. Alfa Romeo - 80.5%
10. Toyota - 80.5%
10. Volkswagen - 80.5%
13. Nissan - 80.2%
14. Land Rover - 80.1%
15. Mazda - 79.9%
16. Hyundai - 79.2%
16. Saab - 79.2%
18. Citroen - 79%
18 Ford - 79%
20. Kia - 78.3%

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