As mentioned above. Most batteries are made by the same 3 manufacturers. Johnson Controls (JCI) makes most of them. AC Delco's have served me well for the most part, but I have seen some poor service from some when I was working on cars. With that they cost, I just couldn't justify the additional $$$. I have run Everstarts in my cars for years. They last about average. The reason I run them, they are cheap (not as much as they used to) and Wal Marts are everywhere. Wal Mart also has long hours. I have run replaced a battery at midnight under warranty. You can't do that many places.
Personally, I won't touch Interstate. We used to have terrible service with them. I understand many of there batteries are manufactured in Mexico.
Optima's have become junk over the last few years. Most people swear 2004 was when they became junk, but I cannot pinpoint it that closesly.
Deka seems to be one of the best out there currently. They are priced reasonably and really well made. They make a ton of industrial batteries that have to work because the equipement and trucks they are in make $$$. If they don't work, the company is losing money. I have their Intimidators in my diesel truck and one in my Jeep. They have been abused and still work great. They are made at their own facility in Penn, not overseas like many other brands. You might have to call Deka to find out who is a retailer near you. They also make many of Napa's house brand batteries. If you call Deka, they can tell you the Napa part #.
One thing to remember, cars today have much more electronic dependence and are harding on batteries / alternators than cars did 20 years ago. When I worked on cars I got sick of hearing the stories about how batteries used to last 10 years, etc. In modern cars, we used to see 3 years as the average service life. I tend to also buy batteries for their warranty. If I can get 3 years free replacement, I am happy. Anything past 3 years, I consider a bonus.
