An overall position of 22nd place is the highest that the brand has achieved in the survey since it began in 1994, and is the result of an on-going project designed to move Fiat steadily up the satisfaction rankings, the Italian carmaker believes. Three years ago the company finished 29th and last year it was in 26th position. However only 28 brands were counted this year and Fiat is still seven places below the industry standard.

The 500 has helped Fiat's efforts to improve in the survey, it was placed 53rd overall out of 106 models that were assessed and its ranking of 79.9 percent was well above the average of 79.4 percent. However customer satisfaction with the rest of the Fiat range was much less pronounced with the Panda (78.2 percent) in 78th place while the Grande Punto/Punto Evo (76.4 percent) and Bravo (76.2 percent) were right in amongst the poorest performers, in 96th and 97th place respectively.

“Clearly, there is a massive amount of work still to be done,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “However, the positive results of the task we initiated three years ago to improve customer satisfaction in Fiat and its products are starting to show through. We know there is a long way to go. But I am sure that these last two years of steadily improving results will continue to be seen in future JD Power surveys.”

Several factors have combined to improve Fiat’s standing in this important survey, including a big drive to improve the service offered by Fiat’s network of dealers, and a desirable range of cars that people want to buy and own. In the survey’s City Car category, Fiat 500 finished 2nd (its top spot of last year just taken away by Toyota's Aygo) while the Fiat Panda came 4th.

“Owners rated the Fiat 500 as more appealing than any other city car available, especially because of its retro styling and impeccable driving manners,” says JD Power. It also comments: “Down from second spot in last year’s survey, but the seven-year-old Panda is still showing well. Owners found it easy to get into and out of, and praised Fiat dealers for their servicing.”

Greater reliability, and award-winning technology, such as MultiAir and TwinAir engines and the eco:Drive fuel saving equipment, have also been appreciated by customers. Last month the TwinAir engine was voted International Engine of the Year, while eco:Drive, which has won many awards, has just been named Brand Innovator of the Year in the Marketing Week Engage 2011 Awards.