Top 9 Interesting Findings in the 2017 JD Power APEAL Survey

1. Porsche Leads Again

Porsche tops the APEAL study for the 13th year in a row with a score of 844 out of 1,000. Honestly, it’s not difficult to see why.

2. Genesis Shows Strong

Genesis is not too far behind Porsche with a score of 869. This is pretty impressive because this is the first year Hyundai’s luxury brand has been included in the study, as it just became its own standalone brand last year. Genesis also came in second place in JD Power’s Initial Quality Survey that tracks how many problems arise with owners’ new cars.

3. Gap Between Premium and Non-Premium Brands is Shrinking

The score for the non-premium segment is up 10 points over last year to 804, while the score for the premium segment is up only one point to 845. The gap between the two is at an all time low. A huge reason for this is that more fancy features are available in mass-market brands.

ALSO SEE: Top 10 Worst Automakers in Initial Quality: 2017

4. Chrysler is Most Improved

With a score of 815, Chrysler’s ranking has improved by 41 points over last year, which is interesting because it only sells three models and one of them (the 200) is being discontinued. The new Pacifica minivan is probably the biggest reason why Chrysler’s rankings have improved so much this year.

5. Volkswagen Group Leads with Six Segment Awards

The Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi A7, Porsche 911, Porsche Cayenne, and Porsche Macan all won top honors in their individual segments. The Macan has won its segment for three years running.

6. Dodge Challenger is the Most Appealing Muscle Car

This is interesting because the Challenger is the oldest one of the muscle car holy trinity. It scored higher than the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro in its segment.

7. Audi A7 Ties Lincoln Continental

This is a huge win for Lincoln, as Ford’s luxury arm is trying to turn things around and tieing with such a successful brand like Audi is a step in the right direction.

ALSO SEE: Top 10 Best Automakers in Initial Quality: 2017

8. Industry Score is Up

The score for overall appeal has increased by 9 points from last year (801 to 810), which ties for the biggest gain since the study first started 22 years ago. The score has been going up consistently since 2014. This means that people are in general, happier with their new cars.

9. German Big 3 Are Close

BMW (855), Audi (854), and Mercedes (851) are in third, fourth, and fifth place, respectively, in the brand rankings this year with scores that are very close.