Test drives can only go so far – a driver needs to really have the car for a few months before they can be sure if the car is right for them. For those in the market for a vehicle, JD Power helps buyers arrive at that decision. Their annual APEAL survey (Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout) is designed to complement their Initial Quality Survey, which tracks problems with a vehicle in the first 90 days. While that is one measure of quality, APEAL looks more at the intangibles, asking recent owners to rate over 80 factors that get to the heart of whether they like the car or not. The results of this APEAL survey tracked 2010 model cars for sale, meaning that many of these vehicles can now be found on the used market.

Following the trend that started in the Initial Quality Survey, American brands posted the biggest improvement in this year’s survery, overtaking foreign cars in average rating for the first time since 1997. The study showed that redesigned vehicles from Ford and GM were among the highest rated models in the poll. Chrysler did not fare as well, but it was enough for the Big Three and their associated brands to top the foreign average.

"Historically, vehicle models achieving high APEAL scores have been shown to generate faster sales, higher profit margins and less need for cash incentives," the study said. "High levels of vehicle appeal also have a strong influence on customer recommendation rates."

Owners may want to rush out and throw down money on these used cars right away. However, the APEAL survey demonstrates the benefits of waiting. By showing patience, finding out which models are highly-rated and performing well without issues, and then waiting for these late-model vehicles to hit the used car market, drivers can save a bundle and get a car they know will be up to snuff.

Porsche took home the crown, as it did in the Initial Quality Survey as well. However, there were major discrepancies between the two results. For example, Land Rovers were last in initial quality, but fifth in APEAL. Jaguar, second in APEAL, was fifth from the bottom in initial quality.

Ford’s Lincoln brand was the best domestic brand, followed closely by GM’s Cadillac. Chevy and Ford placed around the middle of the pack, while Chrysler took last with its Jeep brand, third to last with its self-titled models, and eighth from last for Dodge. Its new Ram truck brand fared the best, but still placed slightly below Chevy and Ford. However, Chrysler has a slew of redesigned models debuting soon.

Ford continued its impressive turnaround by taking top marks in the most categories, with five. It won outright with its Explorer, Expedition, Flex, Fusion and Taurus models.

Other highly-ranked vehicles included the BMW 3 and 5 Series and the Mercedes E- and S-Class.