The 2012 J.D. Power Customer Retention Survey has been released, and Hyundai topped the list of brands when it comes to customer loyalty.
According to the report, 64 percent of people who buy a Hyundai return to buy the same brand, which was significantly better than the 49 percent average for the industry. The Hyundai Assurance program, which guarantees trade-in values for Hyundai cars, was cited as a big factor in the loyalty.
"Hyundai's increased retention rate is shaped by its expanding model lineup, as well as the fact that perceptions of the brand's quality and appeal have continued to improve during the past decade," said Raffi Festekjian, director of automotive product research at J.D. Power and Associates.
Other brands that fared well include Honda and Ford, which tied for second at 60 percent. The beleaguered Swedish automaker Saab was the worst at just 7 percent.
If you're planning to buy a new car, it still pays to invest in auto maintenance for your current vehicle. Taking care of any nagging car repairs can greatly increase your trade-in value when you visit the dealership.