JD Power Satisfaction Survey 2006 - Winners

GOLD AWARD
This is now six in a row for Lexus. Perhaps they should withdraw from the survey to give the others a chance?

Lexus has retained the top spot with another impressive set of scores right across the board. Mechanical parts rarely miss a beat, while you'll hardly hear a squeak or rattle in the cabins. Scores for vehicle appeal aren't quite so high, but still sit close to the top of the table.

On the rare occasions Lexus owners have to visit a dealer, they're pleased with the service they get, thanks to courteous, helpful staff and high-quality facilities.

What's most impressive of all, however, is the way Lexus keeps getting better. It's not only the top manufacturer in this year's survey, it's also the most improved.

SILVER AWARD
Third last year, Honda goes one better in 2006. With two class winners (the Honda Jazz in superminis and the Accord in family cars), Honda is the only make to take the top spot for more than one type of car.

The performance of these star cars is backed up by other impressive scores. According to their owners, the Honda Civic and the CR-V 4x4 are also fine cars to own and rarely give any trouble.

Whichever Honda you choose, it seems little goes wrong under the bonnet or in the cabin. Dealers are quick to find any faults and correct them, while running costs – especially if you drive a Jazz or Civic – are pleasingly low.

BRONZE AWARD
Skoda drops one place from 2005, but still does enough to pick up the bronze award. There are just two models listed in this year's survey. Although neither the Fabia supermini nor the Octavia family car wins its class, both come close and post impressive scores in most areas of assessment.

Skoda dealers clearly know a thing or two about customer service, while low running costs also help Skoda towards the top of the table.

As Skoda owners will tell you, very little ever goes wrong with these cars. Mechanical parts are robust, and there are few niggles inside the cabins. Strong scores for the way the cars drive also help to push Skoda well clear of some of motoring's bigger names in this year's survey.

Click here for a manufacturers' league table.

Click here for a model league table.