Thank you, Captain Obvious.

From Edmund's Inside Line

Consumers Say They Get Satisfaction from Toyota
Date Posted 08-18-2005

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Toyota dominated a new University of Michigan consumer survey that measures customer satisfaction; Ford received the study's lowest score.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index, which questioned 8,096 vehicle owners between April 1 and June 30, rated automakers based on owners' satisfaction. The study was released on Monday, according to the Associated Press. Owners were asked about their overall satisfaction and their satisfaction level compared to their expectations. They also were asked to rate how their vehicle compares to their ideal vehicle.

Toyota got the top score of 87 out of 100. Ford got the lowest score of 75. Honda, BMW, and GM's Cadillac and Buick were listed among the top five performers. Half of the brands improved their scores from last year, including Hyundai and Pontiac. Customers gave the vehicles an average rating of 80.

University of Michigan researchers say the study shows U.S. automakers should spend less on incentives and more on quality improvements.

What this means to you: The moral of the story is that Toyota raised prices this summer, after getting the highest satisfaction score. A lesson for Detroit automakers: Quality sells.