Originally Posted by Edmunds Inside Line

SAN DIEGO — Toyota, which had seven segment winners in the 2005 edition of the annual Strategic Vision vehicle value survey, took only three categories in this year's study.

At the same time, Hyundai Motor gained ground: The Kia Optima snagged the top spot for a medium car, the Hyundai Azera won for larger car and the Kia Sedona ranked as the top minivan.

Honda retained its overall top ranking, taking top honors in the small-car category for the Civic and in the compact-pickup segment with the Ridgeline. Honda Motor was also named the best overall corporation. General Motors had segment leaders with the Chevrolet Corvette, Corvette convertible and Silverado. The Saturn Vue tied with the Hyundai Tucson in the small-SUV category. Survey results were released on Monday.

The Strategic Vision survey asked more than 64,000 new vehicle owners about their experiences and whether they believe they got their money's worth in the time period from October 2005 to March 2006. The study is somewhat unusual in that it includes "emotional responses" to vehicles.

What this means to you: Consumers praised Honda for its innovation in this highly regarded study, especially on products such as the Ridgeline.