Strategic Vision survey favors Honda and GM

Strategic Vision just released its list of top automotive brands and models and it looks like Toyota slipped a bit while Honda held strong and GM moved up. Strategic Vision is a marketing research company that consults with automakers on vehicle values. Through surveys, they questioned more than 64,000 new vehicle owners about their experiences and whether they believe they got their money's worth. The study is unique in that it also incorporates emotional responses to vehicles.

Honda stayed on top in the overall rankings as the best full-line automaker, which is no surprise. General Motors, however, won four categories and was the only domestic automaker with a segment-topping vehicle. Toyota, had seven winners in 2005, but managed only three categories this year. "One thing about Honda that is just really clear: They have the strongest brand equity of any brand out there," said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision's automotive research group. Honda's "perceived reliability and durability," helps boost the brand's value, Edwards added. The full list of segment winners can be found after the jump.

[Source: Detroit News]
Segment Winners:

-- Small car: Honda Civic
-- Small multifunction: Scion xB
-- Medium car: Kia Optima
-- Medium multifunction: Mazda6 Wagon
-- Larger car: Hyundai Azera
-- Near luxury car: BMW 3--Series
-- Luxury multifunction: Audi A4/S4 Avant
-- Luxury car (three--way tie): Lexus LS 430, Acura RL, Audi A8
-- Small specialty under $25K: Mini Cooper
-- Small specialty over $25K: Chevrolet Corvette
-- Mid--specialty: Honda Accord Coupe
-- Convertible under $30K: Mini Cooper Convertible
-- Convertible over $30K: Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
-- Minivan: Kia Sedona
-- Small SUV (tie): Saturn Vue, Hyundai Tucson
-- Medium crossover SUV: Honda Pilot
-- Medium SUV: Nissan Xterra
-- Large SUV: Nissan Armada
-- Near luxury SUV: Lexus RX 330
-- Luxury SUV: Mercedes GL--Class
-- Compact pickup: Honda Ridgeline
-- Full--size pickup: Nissan Titan
-- Heavy--duty pickup: Chevrolet Silverado
-- Best model: Mini Cooper
-- Most improved brand: Honda
-- Best corporation (overall): Honda Motor Co.
Source: Strategic Vision Inc.