98AccordEx

Among the most successful launches are the Nissan Maxima (2004), Mercury Marauder, Acura TSX, BMW Z4, Subaru Baja, Honda Element, Nissan Murano, Lexus RX 330 (2004), and Toyota Sienna (2004), which each ranked highest in their respective vehicle segments.

The 2003 APEAL Study is based on responses from 102,975 new-vehicle owners. The study, now in its eighth year, is based on eight specific categories of vehicle performance and design that identify what consumers like and dislike about their new vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership. The areas are: engine/transmission; ride, handling and braking; comfort/convenience; seats; cockpit/instrument panel; heating, ventilation and cooling; sound system; and styling/exterior.

Full link:
http://www.jdpower.com/news/releases...asp?ID=2003120

tsx-mdxman

That's great! So all 4 Baja owners were in agreement.
______________________________
04 TSX AT/NAV
03 MDX SSM TOURING/NAV/RES

Bear Trap

OMG - Maxima and Marauder sucessful launches? I might believe the Maxima even though I think it is butt ugly and needs a serious diet but the Marauder was a bomb - wasn't it? Maybe I should say a dud... It figures JDP equates a successful launch with initial quality and has nothing to do with sales since that isn't their business. They shouldn't use the term "successful launch" so loosely.

1SICKLEX

They don't know shit. The new Maxima has gotten average, below average reviews in every magazine and the focking Maurader is ALREADY DISCONTINUED.

Dumbasses

jcg878

I guess THAT owner really liked his Maurader.

Habiib

Would it be safe to say that this article is completely worthless, and that all of their opinions/rankings/ratings can be dismissed as well?

jcg878

Yes, along with that oct 2003 Automobile comparison. Too bad that both of them favor our car.

MonteZ_RENAMED

I agree the Max is hideous Nissan had it right in 02/03(perfect size, nice quality/stylish interior) and messed it up for 04, the Marauder,lol! I've only seen one on the road and just mistaked it for a normal black Marquis, I want to know what their parameters are for success?

Brad

I guess there's no chance for a revitalized Mercury Turnpike Cruiser?

That would really surprise me if they discontinued the Maurader already--not that I like it. It just came out.

On the other hand, it doesn't have provisions for tuna nets.

LeeLee

Guys, this article lists vehicles that are best in their respective categories. The Mercury Marauder was the only full size car released recently, so that's why it won. In other words, even Clinton would win "Most Honorable President Who Was President In 1995".

Brad

It's also very curious the way the J.D. Power and Associates Reports titled their report:

European Nameplates on Average Are Most Appealing To Non-Luxury Vehicle Owners, While Japanese Nameplates Appeal Most to Luxury Owners

The nameplates are the appeal and ~not~ the cars!?!?

Clearly in many instances nameplate appeal is what appeals to many people who ironically think that a lower quality--that is, less reliable + more trouble-prone = lower quality--car somehow equates to greater status appeal because of "nameplate"?

dabuda

the marauder looks like the grand marquis???

Brad

I caught a very brief glimpse of a Marauder that was parked in front of my Acura dealer one day. It's basically a regurgitated Ford Crown Victoria, but without hardly any chrome. It's a bit cleaner looking design than the Crown Vic and pretty much all monochrome. I couldn't find the ports for the tuna nets, so maybe Ford has cleverly disguised them?