U.S. car satisfaction reaches record high

The results of a new survey conducted in the US shows that the nation's new car buyers were largely satisfied with their purchases, although quality levels for some Asian brands actually dropped. The survey, run by the University of Michigan, showed that overall vehicle satisfaction rose 1.2% this year to 82%, a record result for the survey which is now in its twelfth year.

The survey questioned 11,312 people who purchased a new car within the past three years, asking them to rate their satisfaction level compared with their expectations, reports the Associated Press.

Lexus topped the field with a score of 87 out of a possible 100 points, followed closely by BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln and Mercury all tied on 86. Surprisingly, Japanese and Korean brands experienced the largest drop in the survey since 1996, and even industry juggernaut Toyota fell four points compared with last year’s result. Chrysler was the worst performer in the survey with a score of 75.

The results are a little misleading considering that most US domestic brands have been losing sales in recent times, whereas the Asian makes have been gaining market share.