With a CSI score of 915 (on a 1,000-point scale), Lincoln ranks highest in customer satisfaction with dealer service, receiving a record-setting high CSI score for the second consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study(SM) released today.

The study, now in its 25th year, measures customer satisfaction of vehicle owners who visited the dealer service department for maintenance or repair work during the first three years of ownership, which typically represents the majority of the vehicle warranty period. Overall customer satisfaction is based on six measures: service initiation, service advisor, in-dealership experience, service delivery, service quality and user-friendly service.

Lincoln outperforms other brands in the areas of service initiation and user-friendly service. Lincoln customers are particularly pleased with the dealership's ability to get them in for an appointment within a reasonable amount of time and the fairness of charges. Lincoln is the first domestic make to rank highest in CSI for two consecutive years.

Lincoln is followed in the rankings by Cadillac, Saturn and Lexus, respectively.

The study finds that 51 percent of repair work involved a recall -- up from 39 percent in 2004 -- reflecting, in part, a change in government regulations on mandatory reporting of vehicle safety defects. CSI scores are, on average, considerably higher for repairs that involve recalls, particularly in the area of service quality. Recall work often tends to garner higher satisfaction than typical repairs because dealers plan for and communicate the work to customers better. As recall repairs become routine, technicians become more efficient and consistent in fixing the problem.

The study also finds that brands receiving high ratings from customers for service satisfaction benefit as well in terms of loyalty, both in the likelihood of customers returning to the dealer for in-warranty and post- warranty work and in intentions to repurchase from the servicing dealer. This is particularly important when the warranty period ends. Creating strong relationships with customers during the first few years of ownership significantly influences customer retention during the post-warranty period, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Service Usage and Retention Study(SM) (SURS), which measures the same elements as CSI but at four to five years of ownership, when most warranties have expired.

According to SURS, independent service providers typically outperform dealers in the key drivers of service satisfaction, including getting customers their appointment on the desired day; waiting on customers immediately; telling customers when their vehicle will be ready and consistently delivering on that promise; fixing the vehicle right the first time; and explaining the work performed and associated charges.

Brands that perform particularly well in service satisfaction among owners of four- to five-year-old vehicles include luxury brands Acura, Cadillac, Infiniti and Lexus.

The 2005 CSI Study is based on responses from 99,550 owners and lessees of 2002 to 2004 model-year vehicles. The 2005 SURS is based on responses from 11,016 owners of 2000 to 2001 model-year vehicles.