GM Keeps a Promise

General Motors Corp. is starting to deliver on its promise of better products, according to the people who buy them.

The No.1 auto maker led in 11 of 19 segments (five ties) on Strategic Vision's 2004 Total Quality Index Among GM brands, Chevrolet led with four wins (Malibu, Corvette, Monte Carlo, Avalanche) in their respective categories, followed by Cadillac's three wins (XLR, DeVille, Escalade), Saturn's two (Ion and Vue) and Buick's one (LeSabre). The rankings included some ties with other brands.

“GM has been saying for some time that it's improving its products,” says Strategic Vision vice president Daniel Gorrell,

He adds: “The challenge will be to continue this momentum and regain the trust, and then the hearts and minds of the U.S. car and truck buyer.”

The index assesses new buyers' responses to the complete ownership experience, including buying, owning and driving their new vehicles. The calculations also include the emotional response to that experience.

Other winners rated tops by buyers are: Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Acura TSX, Chrysler Concorde, Mini Cooper, Infiniti G35, Lexus LS 430, Mercury Monterey, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Murano, Ford Excursion, Infiniti FX and Dodge Dakota.