[Jason]

J.D. Power and Associates recently conducted its 2010 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. This year's study asked 76,000 owners 90 days after purchasing their 2010 model-year cars "how gratifying their new vehicle is to own and drive."

The results are below and BMW managed to claim the #3 spot, while the 2010 3-series and 5-series topped their respective categories (Entry-level Premium and Midsize Premium). Congrats to BMW, 3-series owners, and 5-series owners!






Individual awards:

Subcompact: Honda Fit
Compact: MINI Cooper
Compact Sporty Car: Volkswagen GTI
Compact Premium Sporty Car: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
Entry-level Premium: BMW 3-series
Midsize Sporty Car: Chevrolet Camaro
Midsize Premium: BMW 5-series
Large Premium: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Midsize: Ford Fusion
Large: Ford Taurus
Compact CUV/SUV: GMC Terrain
Compact MPV: Nissan Cube
Entry Premium CUV/SUV: Audi Q5
Midsize CUV/SUV: Ford Flex
Large CUV/SUV: Ford Expedition
Midsize Premium CUV/SUV: Audi Q7
Large Premium CUV/SUV: Land Rover Range Rover
Large Pickups: Chevrolet Avalanche
Midsize Pickup: Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Minivan: Volkwagen Routan

[IancoleTX]

LOL in what way is an E-class coupe a Compact Premium Sporty Car?

[Quasimodem]

I get tired of seeing 5-series cars. I think where I am, the 5 series is much more popular than the 3 series. It's almost like the 5 series was made for the US.

[lasovan]

some brands never score in those charts. brands where "nameplates" are by far the most important thing such as ferrari, RR, lamborghini, pagani, etc... I wonder what apeal has RR in comparison with Merc-Benz for instance... Maybe they are just too apealing to score in this survey

[Tallest]

considering BMW outproduces Audi and Mercedes (not combined obviously) it's nice that the brand is still seen as exclusive and above of top of the German Three.

[Cuz5150]

Hmm.....Jaguar and Landrover above AUDI!!!! Not buying it! something smells a little....no?

[Tee212]

Originally Posted by Cuz5150

Hmm.....Jaguar and Landrover above AUDI!!!! Not buying it! something smells a little....no?

lol serious! i see like 1 jag a month around here prolly due cause its the most ugliest high end brand and even for it to top audi ??? that list lost all cred.

[kinan_sleiman2006]

nicw bmw result

[Oulixes]

The survey may be meaningful to those who are willing to answer the appeal to participate in it. The result reflects what a specific group of people feels about their car(s) - it is not related to the key attributes of the cars listed. Some BMW owners may be gratified to see the placing of their brand and the prize received by the 3-series, but those who have experienced repeated fuel delivery problems in their N54 engine may view the results of the survey as less meaningful.

[eisenb11]

Originally Posted by Oulixes

The survey may be meaningful to those who are willing to answer the appeal to participate in it. The result reflects what a specific group of people feels about their car(s) - it is not related to the key attributes of the cars listed. Some BMW owners may be gratified to see the placing of their brand and the prize received by the 3-series, but those who have experienced repeated fuel delivery problems in their N54 engine may view the results of the survey as less meaningful.

Also 90 days isn't a long time for stuff to go wrong - most people are still pretty excited about their cars. I'd also imagine that there would be correlation between a the ratio of a person's income level vs amount spent on car and how ecstatic they are 90 days later as well.

I'm more interested in the long-term studies to see happy people are a year or two or three later.

[andrew_chee]

BMW 7-series is not one of them (under large premium?)

[slyboogy]

how is the audi Q7 only a midsize suv??

[3s-a-charm]

Poor Toyota. They are really taking a beating... below Hyundai and Suzuki.

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by andrew_chee

BMW 7-series is not one of them (under large premium?)

S-Class rules that segment around here.

[TheRox]

Drove the new 5-series


Its allright...but I'd still take a Lexus LS, the 5 isn't very fun to drive at all (test drove 535i and an X5...which was completely useless; it was giant boat). 3-series is the right car...feels like a damn sports car, the 5-series does not.

Plus the automatic transmission in the 535 was so bad...automatics usually are...I couldn't imagine the 535 without a manual..autos are so slow and the computer usually selects the wrong gear, not the one I have in mind. Overall, the new 5 felt quite souless.

[TheRox]

Originally Posted by RichReg

S-Class rules that segment around here.

Agreed...in that size class, the Mercedes S class is the best.

Who wants to drive a car that big? That too with an automatic transmission, might as well go S class or Lexus LS (cheaper and reliable)

The 7 series is dreary, interior isn't great, and its a boat.

[TheRox]

Originally Posted by IancoleTX

LOL in what way is an E-class coupe a Compact Premium Sporty Car?

E-class coupe is based on the chassis of the C-class

Unlike the E-class sedan.

[ILMOSTRO]

I asked myself the same question when reading this. How accurate do you think these surveys are?

Originally Posted by IancoleTX

LOL in what way is an E-class coupe a Compact Premium Sporty Car?

[VZehn]

It's somewhat amazing that the aged E60 5 series wins this segment - up against newer models such as the E-Class and XF.

While I'm sure this study asks about the stuff we care about (crisp handling, amazing engines/transmissions, solid brakes, driving postions, styling, etc ...), it must also cover stuff that we don't put as much priority on (cup holders, HVAC controls, audio/nav system, stoage space, etc ..) = stuff the E60 isn't as good at.

I guess in the end the E60 appeals more because it meets or exceeds the expectations of its owners in the areas we care most about.

Well done BMW. Farewell E60.

[Voltigeur]

But what about Jag's resurgence (and Toyota's dramatic fall)? Clearly the re-design bgy Callum has done wonders for the marque.

[blue2fire]

Good.

Jaguar makes beautiful cars. I love seeing them once in a while.