The Corvette Lost to Only 1 Other Sports Car in Owner Satisfaction
Sports cars have an undeniable appeal. And the Chevy Corvette and Porsche 911 are prime examples of iconic models with passionate fan bases. The two recently went head-to-head in an owner satisfaction study. Although the German luxury car edged out the American legend, the competition was close.
What is the J.D. Power APEAL Study?
The J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study has been ongoing for 28 years. J.D. Power’s goal for this study is to gather information about the cars that owners feel the most excited about, the experiences they cherish, and the areas they would improve.
The market research firm conducts the annual study over a relatively short period. For example, it collected this year’s survey responses from November 2022 to February 2023 and focused only on vehicles whose owners have driven them for about 90 days.
The study’s results give automakers a better idea of what consumers want so the brands can better deliver. The study asks owners about 10 experiences. They include walking up to the vehicle, setting up and starting the vehicle, getting in and out, the interior, powertrain, how it feels while driving, the sense of safety, using the infotainment system, comfort, and fuel usage.
J.D. Power assesses vehicles in several categories. They include “Premium Sporty Car,” “Compact Premium Car,” “Large Premium Car,” “Small SUV,” and more.
The Porsche 911 beat the Corvette in owner satisfaction
The Porsche 911 and Chevy Corvette finished first and second in the “Premium Sporty Car” category. In this year’s survey, the Porsche sports car was the one to beat. It earned the highest ratings of any vehicle in the 2023 APEAL Study.
Owners told J.D. Power they were pleased with their ability to get in and out of the 911, zip in and out of traffic and tight parking spaces, and carry everything they needed.
However, they disliked the 911’s inability to insulate the cabin from outside noises, the voice assistant, and the ride’s comfort level.
J.D. Power says Corvette owners praised their car because, unlike the 911, it well insulates outside noises. It also has a stellar sound system and a comfortable ride.
Unsurprisingly, owners were less than pleased with the difficulty getting into and out of the Corvette. That has long been a complaint, and it seems Chevrolet has yet to correct it.
Corvette owners also knocked the car for being challenging to maneuver in traffic and cramped spaces. In addition, owners said they didn’t feel confident steering their new Vettes on slippery surfaces.
How do the 2023 Chevy Corvette and 2023 Porsche 911 compare?
Buyers are paying about $66,000 to $145,000 for a new 2023 Chevrolet Corvette. It packs a V8 engine with a horsepower range of 490 to 670 hp depending on the trim. But even the 1LT base model includes smart parking assistance, leather seats, and traction control.
The 2023 Porsche 911 is pricier than the Corvette. Expect to pay about $110,000 to $300,000 for a new model. There are two engine types. The first is the Premium Unleaded H-6, and the second is the Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded H-6. Their horsepower ranges from 379 to 640 hp. The 911 also offers available all-wheel drive.
Both of these coveted cars are stunning, luxurious, and feature-packed. But Corvette owners aren’t quite as satisfied as 911 owners in this year’s APEAL study.
