Tesla Tops Porsche In Owner Satisfaction

Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) Model S sedan sits atop the closely-watched Consumer Reports buyer satisfaction survey for the second year in a row. Moreover, Tesla whipped the competition in the 2014 Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey, scoring 98 out of 100 points. Porsche models, the second-ranked auto brand this year, just scored an average of 87 out of 100.

Statement from Consumer Reports on Tesla

Consumer Reports noted that its survey included 350,000 vehicles ranging from one to three years old, and did take into account “attributes such as styling, comfort, features, cargo space, fuel economy, maintenance and repair costs, overall value, and driving dynamics.”

“Not only is the Tesla roomy, comfortable, and a lot of fun to drive, but it also has low operating costs,” Consumer Reports noted in its article.

The rest of the 2014 Top 5

After the Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) Model S and Porsche 911, the next three highest raked vehicles in the Consumer Reports satisfaction survey were General Motors Company (NYSE:GM)’s Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, with a 95% satisfaction rating, and Volkswagen AG (ADR) (OTCMKTS:VLKAY) (ETR:VOW)’s Porsche Cayman and Boxster, which tied for third with a 91% of buyers reporting they would purchase the car again

Hybrid and electric cars generally outperformed gas-powered cars

Of note, hybrid, electric and diesel-powered cars generally outperformed gas engine vehicles throughout the survey, with the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Motor Corp (ADR) (NYSE:TM) (TYO:7203)’s Prius topping the compact-car category and Honda Motor Co Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:HMC) (TYO:7267)’s Accord Hybrid and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)’s Fusion Energi leading the list of mid-sized sedans.

Investigation into Tesla Model S battery fires

The 2014 Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey will further improve Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s image as the leader in the  high-end electric vehicle segment. This good news arrives around a year after U.S. regulators began an  investigation into battery fires that took place after several Tesla vehicles struck road debris. The investigation was closed inconclusively and without resulting in a formal recall.