The J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction survey of medium-duty truck owners ranked Kenworth highest in overall customer satisfaction among those with conventional vehicles; Hino ranked highest among cabover customers. International trucks led in the service satisfaction category.

The 2000 Medium-Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study was based on interviews with 2,066 people who maintain Class 5, 6 and 7 trucks that have been in service approximately two years. Variables included satisfaction with vehicle performance, product quality, interior and exterior design, dealer service, dealer parts and manufacturer image.

“Kenworth received top ratings from its customers for satisfaction with its vehicle being well-matched to the job it performs, the vehicle's operating costs, expected resale, and reliability and dependability,” said Jen Loukes, manager of commercial vehicle research for J.D. Power and Associates. “Hino ranked well above the industry average in vehicle performance, vehicle downtime, drivetrain, design and styling, and warranty in the cabover engine segment.”

Ranking highest in dealer service, International earned top marks from its customers for service quality, business practices and integrity, service capabilities and service advisors. The study also placed Chevrolet, GMC Truck and Peterbilt above the industry average for overall satisfaction among medium-duty truck customers.