It’s year 2008 and still, the largest and the leading auto manufacturer in the industry continues to take over other nameplates. I guess they know how to keep their engine and radiator scorching to the max!

Toyota reigned over in the most recent South Africa Automotive Customer Satisfaction Index Study. Toyota vehicles along with another Japanese brand, Honda, got four segment honors apiece. The two companies equally earned more honors than any other car maker according to J.D. Power and Associates/CAR Magazine 2007 South Africa Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Study(SM). Toyota’s Avensis, Hilux, Land Cruiser Prado and Tazz were the highest ranked models in their particular segments.

“Honda and Toyota models continue their strong performance in satisfying customers in South Africa. In both 2006 and 2007, four Toyota models ranked highest in their respective segments, while Honda has led in nameplate rankings in both years. These results are a testament to the commitment to high quality that both brands demonstrate. In addition, Mercedes-Benz maintains its ranking in the top five for a second consecutive year and improves in an impressive manner since 2006," says Brian Walters, the vice president of J.D. Power and Associates' Europe, Middle East and Africa operations.

"The consistent improvement in overall satisfaction in the South Africa market is good news for consumers, franchised dealers and manufacturers. However, there is still significant room for improvement. While customers seem to be more satisfied with vehicle quality and reliability as well as vehicle appeal, service satisfaction and ownership cost satisfaction levels are not on par,” added Walters.

Top Models per Segment in CSI (Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Upper Compact Car
Toyota Tazz 773

Lower Small Car
Honda Jazz 876
Toyota Yaris 855
Hyundai Getz 837
   
Upper Small Car
Honda Civic (new) 886
Mercedes-Benz A-Class 859
Toyota Corolla 837
   
Medium Car
Toyota Avensis 870
Toyota Camry 867
Audi A4 863
   
Compact MPV
Honda FR-V  860
Toyota Corolla Verso 838
Volkswagen Touran 825
   
Medium SUV
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 856
BMW X3 854
Mitsubishi Pajero 835
   
One-Ton Pickup
Toyota Hilux 805
Nissan Navara 801
Isuzu KB 79