IRVINE, CA - Automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific, and Autobytel Inc., which helps car dealers and buyers connect online, have announced their Ideal Vehicle Awards, which recognize the 2012 model-year vehicles that best meet their owners’ expectations.

MINI and Audi took the top spots as the overall winners with the highest scores for Most Ideal Vehicle. A number of other automakers achieved multiple awards, with Honda/Acura receiving five awards; General Motors receiving four awards; Chrysler/Jeep receiving three awards; and Volkswagen/Audi getting three awards, according to AutoPacific and Autobytel.

To determine the rankings and winners in each category, AutoPacific and Autobytel survey 75,000 vehicle owners across all major manufacturers. The survey reflects the views of respondents who have owned a 2012 vehicle for 90 days.

The specific models that achieved the top spot in each category are noted below.

2012 Overall Winner: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Premium Brand (2012 Model Year): Audi

Popular Brand (2012 Model Year): MINI

2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards: Passenger Cars

  • Most Ideal Premium Luxury Car: 2012 Mercedes Benz S-Class
  • Most Ideal Aspirational Luxury Car: 2012 Audi A4
  • Most Ideal Large Car: 2012 Dodge Charger
  • Most Ideal Luxury Mid-Size Car: 2012 Acura TSX
  • Most Ideal Premium Mid-Size Car: 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  • Most Ideal Mid-Size Car: 2012 Subaru Legacy
  • Most Ideal Premium Compact Car: 2012 MINI Cooper
  • Most Ideal Compact Car: 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  • Most Ideal Economy Car: 2012 Honda Fit
  • Most Ideal Sports Car: 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
  • Most Ideal Sporty Car: 2012 Dodge Challenger
  • Most Ideal Hybrid/EV Car: 2012 Nissan Leaf


2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards: Light Trucks

  • Most Ideal Large Light Duty Pickup: 2012 Ford F-150
  • Most Ideal Heavy Duty Pickup: 2012 GMC Sierra HD
  • Most Ideal Compact Pickup: 2012 GMC Canyon
  • Most Ideal Luxury SUV: 2012 Land Rover LR4
  • Most Ideal Large SUV: 2012 GMC Yukon XL
  • Most Ideal Mid-Size SUV: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Most Ideal Premium Luxury Crossover SUV: 2012 Porsche Cayenne
  • Most Ideal Luxury Crossover SUV: 2012 Volvo XC70
  • Most Ideal Large Crossover SUV: 2012 Ford Flex
  • Most Ideal Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2012 Honda Pilot
  • Most Ideal Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2012 Honda CR-V
  • Most Ideal Compact Crossover SUV: 2012 MINI Countryman
  • Most Ideal Minivan: 2012 Honda Odyssey
  • Most Ideal Hybrid/EV Truck: 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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