In photos: What the happiest new car buyers drive, according to J.D. Power study

Staff

Published August 5, 2015

For the 11th year in a row, Porsche buyers are the most gratified to own and drive their car, according to the 2015 APEAL study by J.D. Power and Associates. Porsche also had the most segment winners of any brand with three. Chevrolet and Ford also each won three segments. Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi round out the top five brands overall. Mini was the top-ranked non-premium brand. Smart was the lowest-ranked brand followed by Fiat. APEAL - Automotive Performance Execution and Layout - studies an owner's emotional connection to their new vehicle, says Renee Steven, vice-president of U.S. Auto Quality for J.D. Power. "How satisfied they are with their features, functions, comfort, styling." It examines what customers like about their car after 90 days of ownership and is often referred to as the 'things-gone-right' study. It may not be a surprise, but overall premium brands rated higher, although Steven notes mainstream brands are closing the gap. The study breaks vehicles into 26 segments and ranks them based on eight categories including handling, comfort, instrument panel and the sound system. Here are the segment winners:

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