| Strategic Vision Inc., the San Diego-based company | | | | the top-ranked small SUV. |
| which is responsible for the annual vehicle competition, | | | | Honda's preservation of its ranking was drawn from |
| has released its results. According to their survey, | | | | the success of Civic, Accord Coupe and Pilot. Honda |
| Honda Motor Co. is still the 'best automaker' for this | | | | Civic won in the compact pickup category with the |
| year. | | | | Ridgeline. Honda Accord Coupe, made it big in the |
| Strategic Vision has surveyed over 64,000 individuals | | | | mid-specialty car segment. Honda Pilot was declared |
| who have purchased new vehicles from October | | | | the top medium crossover SUV. |
| 2005 to March 2006. Respondents have been | | | | "One thing about Honda that is just really clear: They |
| questioned subsequent to 90 days of ownership. The | | | | have the strongest brand equity of any brand out |
| company's purpose in coming up with the survey is to | | | | there," says Alexander Edwards, president of |
| know whether said purchasers are satisfied. Also, said | | | | Strategic Vision's automotive research group. "But |
| survey is aimed at gauging the performance of | | | | Toyota has been moving slower than other brands |
| automakers. | | | | when it comes to innovation." |
| Honda Motor Co. has hold on to its survey ranking. | | | | Edwards mentioned Ridgeline as one of the great |
| Toyota Motor Co., on one hand, has won in 3 | | | | contributions of Honda. So far, said model is one of the |
| categories but lost in some segments of the | | | | most costly compact pickups. It is equipped with |
| competition. General Motors Corp. has won in 4 | | | | power Honda parts including the revolutionary tailgate |
| segments. Hyundai Motor Co. has alleviated its | | | | and a folding rear bench seat. "Such features, |
| standing by enhancing Kia parts integrated in Optima, | | | | combined with Honda's perceived reliability and |
| Azera, Sedona and Tucson. Optima grabbed the top | | | | durability, help boost the brand's value," says Edwards. |
| spot for the medium car category. Azera and Sedona | | | | Edwards further noted that Toyota must be careful |
| also bagged the top commendation for large car and | | | | not to become complacent. He added, "Everybody is |
| minivan, respectively. Finally, Tucson was dubbed as | | | | looking at them and asking, where are they weak? |