NEW YORK -- All three U.S.-based automakers are doing a better job of satisfying their customers than they were a year ago, according to a recent survey reported by The Associated Press.

General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all posted significant gains in this year's American Customer Satisfaction Index released Tuesday by the University of Michigan.

"Although the future will obviously be challenging for Detroit, the rise in customer satisfaction provides a much needed improvement in competitive standing," Claes Fornell, the University of Michigan business professor who heads the annual survey, said in a statement.