Honda Leads the Pack in 2007 J.D. Power APEAL Study

Honda snagged more awards than any other vehicle manufacturer in the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, which measures "owner delight" with design, content, layout and performance.

Domestic manufacturers dominated just four out of 19 segment categories. The Ford Mustang was the highest-ranked midsize sporty car, the GMC Sierra LD was highest-ranked large pickup and the Ford Edge took home honors as the highest-ranked midsize multiactivity vehicle. The Cadillac Escalade EXT tied with the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class for highest-ranked large premium MAV.

Honda scored top honors for the CR-V, Fit, Ridgeline and Odyssey. BMW and Mercedes-Benz got three segment awards. Singled out for praise were the BMW 3 Series, 6 Series and X5, while Mercedes earned awards for the E-Class, GL-Class and S-Class. The Volkswagen GTI and Jetta were also prize winners, along with the Nissan Altima and Armada. The Hyundai Azera was named highest-ranked large car.

Porsche is the highest-ranking nameplate in APEAL for the third consecutive year. Scion was cited as the "most improved" nameplate for 2007. Jeep was at the bottom of the heap in the nameplate APEAL ranking.

Power explained that "higher vehicle appeal may allow for low dealer incentives" and explained: "On average, owners of vehicles with APEAL scores lower than 800, based on a 1,000-point scale, report receiving dealer incentives of approximately $2,000.... For purchasers of models with average APEAL scores higher than 800, the incentive amount can decline by up to 10 percent."

The study is based on interviews with more than 91,000 purchasers and lessees of 2007 cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.