Those two brands pulled in scores of 89 and 88, respectively, from a possible 100 points. Trailing behind them were perennial quality leaders BMW and Mercedes-Benz, as well as another GM brand, Cadillac. All three were tied with a score of 86.

The survey used 1994 as a baseline year, and was conducted by phone among 5,000 respondents. While domestic automakers fared best, it was not a great year overall for manufacturer quality; scores fell for most automakers, and domestics either rose slightly or simply lost fewer points.

Toyota, obviously, did not fare well. After a very rough year in terms of bad public relations, safety issues and massive recalls, it dropped from a score of 86 last year to 84 this year. Likewise, its luxury division, Lexus -- which last year was tied for the top spot alongside Cadillac, with a score of 89 -- scored only 85 points.

The survey is not related strictly to automobiles; the consumer satisfaction index rates other products, as well.