JD Power Survey 2005 - Family cars

In most classes, a non-Japanese winner might raise a few eyebrows, but not here. The Skoda Octavia has dominated this class for the past three years and it does so again.

That it achieves this in the face of continuing opposition from excellent Japanese cars – three are breathing right down its neck – is merely further evidence of its blend of reliability, practicality, low running costs and fine dealer service.

Further down the table, there’s evidence that the French manufacturers are raising their game. The Renault Laguna and Citroën C5 were in the bottom two positions a year ago, but now they are fourth and fifth from bottom respectively. Yes, it’s a small step, but it’s progress nevertheless.

Skoda Octavia CLASS WINNER
Rating 84.7% Overall Ranking 4th=
Just as it has become something of a habit for Japanese cars to win overall, so it has for the Octavia to pick up the award for best family car. In fact, the Skoda has won this class ever since What Car? first started publishing the results of this survey, four years ago.

As you’d expect from a winner – and the fifth-placed car overall – it’s a very impressive performance. The Octavia rates as at least above average in every category and excellent for running costs.

Honda Accord Second in class
Rating 83.9% Overall Ranking 8th=
The Accord is second only to the Skoda Octavia in this class and part of a very impressive showing by Honda: it’s one of four Hondas in the top 13.

Like the Skoda, it scores well across the board, with good quality and
reliability, particularly for the engine and transmission. Owners found it to be comfortable and enjoyed driving it, but reserved particular praise for the dealers. Fuel economy was something of a bugbear but, even so, running costs rated as average.

Mazda 6 Third in class
Rating 83.6% Overall Ranking 11th
This is the first appearance for the 6 in the survey, but it picks up just where its 626 predecessor left off. It finishes third in its category and is just outside the top 10 overall.

Looks were its strongest suit: no other car in this class rated so highly for its styling. The way it drove and the comfort it afforded were highly praised, too. It also scored above average for its mechanical reliability, running costs and the experience at the dealers.

Click here for the family cars results table

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Click here for the manufacturer league table