A consumer survey of 2500 people has shown Australians prefer some newer brands over long-established companies.
Virgin Blue topped Qantas, Virgin Mobile rang up more consumer satisfaction that Telstra, and Hyundai streeted big brands Ford and Holden.
The research is the first national study undertaken by Canstar Blue, a new division of Canstar Cannex which has been compiling and comparing business information since 1992. It asked consumers which airline, car, mobile phone provider, bank, TV and electronic retailer they preferred. The survey covered price, service, product range, accessibility and clear billing.
The survey showed greatest consumer satisfaction with ANZ as an established bank, ING as a challenger bank, Virgin Blue as domestic airline and Virgin Mobile ringing up votes as mobile phone carrier.
Hyundai emerged leading the car category, Retravision topped the survey as electronics retailer, Hisense did the best of the LCD TVs while Panasonic was the leading plasma TV brand.
The results also showed women tend to be more satisfied with their chosen brand than men, especially with their car, while men were more critical of the value provided by airlines, car and phone companies.
Baby boomers are more optimistic in their choices than Gen X and Gen Y consumers and happier with the value and service they receive.
While South Australians are the most satisfied with their purchases, West Australians are the grumpiest, disliking their chosen products the most.
Canstar Cannex head of research Steven Mickenbecker (Mickenbecker) said the ratings could be valuable to consumers.
"It's by consumers, for consumers," he said.
"This is going to direct to consumers and saying: now, how do you find that brand?"
2010 AAP
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