From MINIUSA PR:

“MINI 'Best Of The Best' In Study Ranking Ownership Experience. Results Show The Little Car Is Proving A Big Hit With Owners

MINI has scored extremely well in Strategic Vision's 2003 Vehicle Experience Study as the company releases the results of its 2003 Total Quality Index(tm) (TQI). TQI measures the complete ownership experience, including the emotions generated-the same criteria buyers use to measure quality.

MINI topped its segment, Specialty Cars under $25,000 scoring a TQI of 912. Runners up were the Acura RSX (893) and the Volkswagen New Beetle (890). MINI scored above sector average in all areas and most notably in the areas of Style, Handling, Craftsmanship, Individuality, Fun, Performance and Safety.

MINI also scored highly on major topics:

  • On the question of Overall Opinion Of Vehicle, 97% of MINI owners were either Very or Completely Satisfied with their MINI.
  • On Initial Quality Rating. 97.4% rated their car Excellent or Very Good. More MINI owners (91.4%) would Definitely Recommend to a Friend/Relative than any other car in the sector.
  • Regarding a Definite Emotional Attachment To Vehicle, MINI topped the sector with 69.73%.
  • MINI also came on top in the category Overall New Vehicle Experience with 74.97% of owners relating that they were Quite Delighted with their purchase.

Jack Pitney, general manager of MINI USA said: “We are delighted to see that MINI has scored so well in this survey. We know that MINI owners are one of the most enthusiastic owner groups around and it's great to see their enthusiasm for MINI shine through.”

Hopefully this dispells some of negative feelings many had after the recent JD Powers survey.