Toyota Earns Top Marks in 2009 Loyalty Awards

It was the first time that GM had not received the award in a decade, and Toyota accomplished the feat with popular models such as the Toyota Prius hybrid and its Lexus RX luxury SUV line. Another Japanese maker, Honda, was honored for its customer retention efforts in marketing to various ethnicities.

Domestic automakers received higher marks for long-running models. Ford earned the nod for its Mustang in the sports car category, the second year in a row it has done so, as well as the F-Series pickup line. The Chrysler Town & Country retained its crown among minivans for the eighth straight year.

Critics' darlings like the Subaru Forester and the Range Rover were also noted beneficiaries of repeat customers, according to Polk's data for both the compact and luxury SUV segments.

Awards like these are important when considering your next car purchase because they demonstrate models that have a history of buyers who continue to enjoy them.

Here is a list of the overall winners: