A study released today by an automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. summarizes the results of its 2006 model year owner satisfaction research. AutoPacific's VSA (Vehicle Satisfaction Award) study is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new car or light truck.

The vehicle registering highest overall satisfaction in 2006 is the Lincoln Navigator Luxury SUV. The highest rated car is the new-for-2006 Hyundai flagship -- Hyundai Azera.

Unlike 2005, when Nissan North America had seven winners, the 2006 results are distributed across the industry. There are eighteen Vehicle Satisfaction Award categories. Honda won four categories, General Motors won three categories, Ford won three categories, Nissan won two categories, Hyundai won two categories, Mitsubishi won two categories.

  Top 2006 model year performers are:

  BRAND:                                         Lexus

  PASSENGER CARS:
  Premium Luxury Car                   Lexus LS
  Entry Luxury Car                           Cadillac CTS
  Luxury/Large Car                          Hyundai Azera
  Premium Mid-Size Car                Volkswagen Passat
  Mid-Size Car                                  Mercury Milan
  Image Compact Car                    MINI Cooper
  Compact Car                                 Honda Civic
  Sports Car                                     Chevrolet Corvette
  Sporty Car                                     Acura RSX

  LIGHT TRUCKS:
  Large Light-Duty Pickup                Nissan Titan
  Large Heavy-Duty Pickup              Chevrolet Silverado HD
  Sport Utility Truck                            Honda Ridgeline
  Compact Pickup                             Mitsubishi Raider
  Luxury Sport Utility                          Lincoln Navigator
  Large Sport Utility                           Nissan Armada
  Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility    Mitsubishi Endeavor
  Mid-Size Sport Utility                      Hyundai Santa Fe
  Compact Sport Utility                    Suzuki Grand Vitara
  Minivan                                            Honda Odyssey