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Satisfaction with dealer service rises, Lexus and GMC are tops

During the economic downturn, many car dealerships counteracted their slowing income by focusing on things that would set them apart from competition - things like the quality of customer service they provide. When the economy picked up and more sales and service followed, many also first invested those funds back into the business, improving their dealership facilities and service centers.
It looks like those investments are paying off, as J.D. Power and Associates' latest Customer Service Index Study shows that overall consumer satisfaction with dealer service has increased to 797 (on a 1,000-point scale), up from 787 in 2012 and 29 points higher than the score in 2011. The study also finds that people are more satisfied with the service they get at dealerships compared to independent service providers, despite the much higher average out-of-pocket cost per visit ($118 vs. $44).
Note, however, that this study only looks at how people are treated by a dealer's service department during the first three years of ownership (the survey is based on responses from 91,000 owners and lessees of 2008 to 2012 model year vehicles), so we're talking about the experience had when bringing a car in for repair or maintenance work, most likely under warranty. In fact, maintenance work is increasing in share and accounted for 77 percent of service visits (up from 72 percent in 2012 and 63 percent in 2011). This helps explain why customer satisfaction has also risen, since a properly maintained car is one that's less likely to require a dealer visit for an unexpected repair.

2023 GMC Sierra Review: Upscale and off-road capable

Pros: Quiet and torque-rich Duramax diesel; premium interior; big touchscreen on most trims; great trailering tech Cons: Worse ride than most rivals; AT4X priced like a Raptor but doesn't go like a Raptor The 2023 GMC Sierra half-ton pickup is a slightly more upscale cousin of the Chevy Silverado, but didn’t always feel like it. After a refresh last year, the Sierra actually delivers on the upscale part, for the most part of the equation with a comfortable, high-quality interior and better technology in most trim levels. ItÂ’s massively configurable, with four available engines and five different cab/box combinations. ItÂ’s also quite capable off-road with that AT4, AT4X and the soon-to-arrive AT4X AEV Edition. WeÂ’re fond of the diversity of tech available in the Sierra, whether itÂ’s the Google-powered infotainment with large, easy-to-use screens, a clear head-up display, numerous camera feeds for trailering and off-roading, or GMÂ’s Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system. We just wish that last one was available on more than just the Denali trims. If youÂ’re looking for a truck whose capability is matched by its livability, the GMC Sierra is worthy of your consideration, though you can find better ride quality in other brands (we enjoyed the ride in the AT4X, however). And while the AT4X has some true off-road capability, if youÂ’re looking for a Baja-blasting supertruck, though, youÂ’ll find better with the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram Rebel TRX. If you donÂ’t need the nicer interior or extra tech, you might find something more matching your needs and pocketbook with the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 or even GMÂ’s own Chevy Silverado. ItÂ’s hard to go wrong with any of those nameplates. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? After some pleasant updates for the 2022 model year, the changes for 2023 are relatively minor. The price went up, unfortunately. The available 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel has been revised for more power and efficiency. Later in the year, the AT4X AEV Edition will add even more off-road capability to this luxurious pickup. There are also some new exterior colors available, a new Graphite Edition for the Pro trim, and new 22-inch ultra-bright wheels for the Denali Ultimate.

GMC Hummer EV First Drive Review | True supertruck, for better and for worse

Right from the start, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV has been advertised with superlatives, mostly in reference to its specifications. GMC has even called it a "supertruck" in its own materials. And while we've received a taste of the truck before, only now have we finally got our hands on the production-spec model, and had the opportunity to drive it both off-road and on the street. What we've found is that the Hummer EV is undoubtedly a supertruck, much the same way that a Ferrari or a Lamborghini is a supercar. It totally delivers on its incredible capabilities, but there are compromises. And they're worth being aware of before plunking down the more than $100,000 a first-year Hummer will run you. That six-figure truck is the version we tested, the Edition 1, which actually rings in at $112,595. It's the only version in production for now, with lower trims coming in the next couple years. It's sold out, but many of the features will be available on the next highest trim level, the EV 3X. Among those features are the three motors, torque vectoring, “Watts To Freedom” launch mode, four-wheel steering, removable glass roof panels, 35-inch tires, Super Cruise, power rear window and MultiPro tailgate. In other words, although you can literally no longer order an Edition 1, you can still order a Hummer EV with nearly the same specification. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. We'll start where most owners probably will: mashing the throttle. No one can resist seeing what 1,000 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet of torque will feel like. It's even a tad more torque in Watts To Freedom mode, which preemptively runs the cooling system to enable the additional twist. That mode allows the Hummer to hit 60 mph in 3 seconds, and the drama is dialed up with visual, audible and haptic cues. But even without engaging launch mode, the Hummer EV impresses and delights with its acceleration. In addition to pinning you to the seat, the entire truck squats in an exaggerated fashion. It's absurd, especially considering the truck's curb weight that surpasses a truly astounding 9,000 pounds. ThatÂ’s several hundred pounds more than the heaviest GMC Sierra HD 3500 diesel dually. Of course, that weight, as well as the nature of electric motors, means the party starts to calm down as the speed increases. The weight is noticeable in other areas, too.