The annual results of the American Customer Satisfaction Index were released today and the rankings are a bit surprising. The overall average of all automobiles and light vehicles was 83 out of 100.

Lexus, Cadillac, and Toyota took the top three spots with an average of 87 points each.  The Toyota score is “a surprise”, Claes Fornell, who created the index said.  “Toyota makes a fair amount of fairly low priced cars.  For them to be that well-received is impressive, especially when you have a company like BMW scoring lower.”

Following close behind were Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz who tied with 86 points.  Buick and Honda tied for third with 85 points.  The other major luxury brand BMW earned a score of 83 points. 
The results of this index are based on data from 5,000 surveys collected during the second quarter of 2011.  The auto industry as a whole improved by 1 point over last year’s score.

To see the complete list of the automakers and where they landed on the vist visit The American Customer Satisfaction Index website.