Honda Marine today announced that it has received the four-stroke outboard engine Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Award for 2005 from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Presented at Friday's International Boat Builders Exhibition (IBEX), the event marks the second consecutive year that Honda Marine has secured the honor.

The CSI Award recognizes companies that actively measure customer satisfaction to pursue continuous improvement. Recipients have achieved and maintained an independently measured standard of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction during the past year, based on customer surveys. Honda Marine's outboard engines were recognized for their fuel-efficiency, reliability and quietness-at-cruise, three evaluating criteria important to consumers.

"NMMA's 2005 recognition is further testament to Honda Marine's commitment to operational excellence as well as superior product performance," said John Fulcher, senior manager, Honda Marine. "From automobiles to power equipment to marine outboard engines, Honda extends its proud legacy of technological innovation and leadership."

In 2001, NMMA launched the Marine Industry CSI program to provide boat and engine manufacturers a tool to raise the bar on customer satisfaction in the boating industry. Since the program's inception, more than 250,000 surveys have been completed by new boat and engine customers, allowing the more than 50 participating manufacturers to monitor customer satisfaction on an ongoing basis, and to benchmark themselves against industry averages.

"Since 1973, when Honda introduced the first four-stroke outboard marine engine in the United States, we have been a leader in technology," said Michael Rickey, national sales manager, Honda Marine. "Honda customers consistently recognize our dealer network for its exceptional customer service."