The Mercedes ML luxury crossover has the largest number of attributes that new owners like, according to a survey of 52,000 vehicle owners who have driven their 2013 vehicle for 90 days or more. The Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVAs) by research firm AutoPacific recognize the cars that best meet their owners expectations and desires about their auto purchases.
The top premium brand is Porsche. The top popular brand is the Chrysler Ram. Some of the other winners: large car, Ford Taurus; midsize car, Nissan Altima; compact car, Volkswagen Beetle; economy car, Honda Fit. Among the light truck winners: light duty pickup, Ford F-150; midsize SUV, Jeep Grand Cherokee; midsize crossover, Ford Escape.
The winning vehicles are those whose owners want the least amount of change to the vehicles in 15 attributes including exterior styling, exterior size, passenger roominess, cargo space, drivers seat comfort, drivers seat visibility, info/entertainment technology, interior lighting, power and acceleration, ease of entry and exit, interior storage compartments, ride handling, safety features, and tires and wheels.
AutoPacific says 38 percent of car buyers are positively influenced by owner-based awards like the IVAs.
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