WALTHAM, Mass. -

DealerRater announced the results of its mid-year update to the 2015 DealerRater Consumer Rating Index (CRI) for Auto Manufacturers.

At the head of their respective markets, Lexus ranked highest in customer experience in the luxury segment while Hyundai took the top spot in the mass market. Japanese manufacturers Honda and Subaru rounded out the top three for the mass market, while German-based Mercedes-Benz and Audi took the No. 2 and 3 spots in the luxury market.

DealerRater’s CRI is based on nearly 352,000 verified reviews gathered during a 12-month period starting in September 2013. Based on a five-point score, the rankings are based on numerical averages of all reviews that are attributed to the specific OEMs.

“Overall, CRI scores have increased since we introduced the index this past spring, which means dealers are working to improve the shopping experience for their customers,” Gary Tucker, DealerRater’s chief executive officer, said. “Our main goal in collecting consumer reviews and sharing these ratings is to help build trust between dealerships and car shoppers, so the fact that manufacturers and their dealers are listening to their customers’ feedback is very encouraging.

“Providing an exceptional buying experience is the key first step for dealers to forge long-lasting relationships with their customers.”

Below are the top five in each category of DealerRater’s current CRI. For a complete list, click here.

DealerRater’s Consumer Rating Index October 2014 (Luxury)

  1. Lexus, Score: 4.808/5
  2. Mercedes-Benz, 4.770
  3. Audi, 4.769
  4. Porsche, 4.760
  5. Acura, 4.750

DealerRater’s Consumer Rating Index October 2014 (Mass Market)

  1. Hyundai, Score: 4.762/5
  2. Honda, 4.744
  3. Subaru, 4.743
  4. Kia, 4.727
  5. Ford, 4.726