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Corvette is second in satisfaction poll. (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061110/BUSINESS01/611100332/1014)

Katie Merx - Detroit Free Press - Nov. 10. 2006

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2006_Black_Toyota_Prius_II.jpg How much do you like the car you drive? Would you buy the same car again?

When the Consumer Reports National Research Center asked that question, for the third straight year, owners of the Toyota Prius were the most satisfied, with 92% saying they'd buy the fuel-efficient hybrid sedan again.

"This is a case where hybrids really work," said Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center Senior Director David Champion.

The agile and fast Chevrolet Corvette ranked second in the satisfaction survey that Champion presented Thursday to the Automotive Press Association at the Detroit Athletic Club.

The results of the survey, as well as those of the magazine's annual auto-reliability study, are available in the new car and truck preview issue that is on newsstands now.

Of the 45 vehicles that ranked the most satisfying - 80% or more survey respondents said they'd definitely buy it again - seven were made by Detroit automakers. That list includes the Ford Mustang, Pontiac Solstice, Dodge Charger, Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda dominated the list.

On the magazine's least satisfying list - fewer than half of buyers said they'd definitely buy it again - 26 of 31 were domestic models.

In general, the cars that ranked most satisfying boasted either extraordinary fuel-economy or exceptional style and sportiness.

Those at the other end of the spectrum were primarily pickups, SUVs and minivans, which also have seen a dip in sales this year.

Consumer Reports compiled survey results from 950,000 subscribers who responded to questions about 1.3 million vehicles.

I wonder where the Civic Hybrid ranked. For me at least, the only reason I wouldn't buy another one is the hideous choice of colors being offered by Honda (ranging from silt to mud color).

But I am leaning toward the Prius for 2008 unless a.) The HCH gets better colors, or b.) Honda smakes a hybrid Fit.

Of the 45 vehicles that ranked the most satisfying . . . seven were made by Detroit automakers.

On the magazine's least satisfying list . . . 26 of 31 were domestic models.Does anyone have any spray paint so I can write this on a wall somewhere?
Seriously, if this doesn't make Detroit automakers shudder, nothing will.

But it is refreshing to hear Mercury admitting that they aren't on anyone's list. What do I mean? When you tell someone, "you've got to put Mercury on your list" you are admitting that it's not currently on their list. And when you're telling that to the general population, you're admitting that the general population doesn't have Mercury on their list. Perhaps this article will explain why.