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Ideal Vehicle Awards Recognize 2012 Models That Best Meet Owner Expectations

IRVINE, CA - MINI and Audi took the top spots as the overall winners with the highest scores for Most Ideal Vehicle. GM, Chrysler/Jeep, Honda/Acura, and Volkswagen/Audi received multiple awards.

by Staff
August 9, 2012
2 min to read


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.

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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

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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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