For a second consecutive year, J.D. Power and Associates rated the Caterpillar 3406E diesel engine highest in customer satisfaction for both over-the-road and vocational heavy-duty diesel engines.

In addition to the overall satisfaction measurement, the Cat 3406E was ranked highest in five individual engine satisfaction measures.

The awards were given based on the results of J. D. Power's 2001 Heavy-Duty Truck Engine and Transmission Customer Satisfaction Study, an annual survey that measures customer satisfaction with product quality and performance.

The study, which was based on interviews with more than 2,800 Class 8 truck owners, evaluates several performance criteria, including engine performance and quality, warranty, noise and fuel economy.

Engine life, which encompasses durability, reliability and length of warranty, was the most important factor, accounting for more than half of the total impact on overall customer satisfaction.