Luxury and Economy Cars Stand Out in Data from 32,000 Consumers

TUSTIN, Calif. (September 1, 2009) -- Three cars stand above the crowd of 2009 model year vehicles, as judged by owners participating in research firm AutoPacific's annual survey. Of the vehicles that earned honors in AutoPacific's 2009 awards, only the Lexus LS, Lexus ES and Honda Fit topped their segments in each contest: the Vehicle Satisfaction Award, the Ideal Vehicle Award, the Motorist Choice Award (presented jointly with IntelliChoice.com) and Owner Recommendations.

Data collected by AutoPacific from more than 32,000 new vehicle owners rated 2009 vehicles on 48 vehicle attributes related to satisfaction, value, comfort, styling, size, performance, reliability, fuel economy and more. The winning vehicles best met their owner's expectations.

"Winning one award is quite an achievement, and proof an automaker is able to meet its customers' needs," said George Peterson, President of AutoPacific. "But winning all four honors in a single year shows that Lexus and Honda are able to provide what their customers want in a reliable, satisfying vehicle; a single car owners are proud to recommend to their friends and family."

Continue reading "Trio Of Cars Make A Clean Sweep Of AutoPacific's 2009 Awards" »

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"For the third year running, the 2009 Cadillac DTS wins the Motorist Choice Award in the Large Car segment. With a spacious cabin, huge trunk, and plush seating, owners find the DTS to be a very pleasant vehicle to own and operate." -- AutoPacific

"Best-in-segment ownership costs and a strong showing in the AutoPacific survey were the keys to the DTS win." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Exterior Size
* Brand's Reputation
* Reliability / Dependability
* Driver's Seat Forward Visibility
* Feeling Safe While Driving
* Safety Features

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs

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"In a closely fought battle, the Cadillac Escalade wins the 2009 Motorist Choice Award for Luxury Sport Utility segment-again. Cadillac style, expressed by exterior and interior styling as well as image, resonates with these buyer; satisfaction with Power and Acceleration helped secure the win." -- AutoPacific

"The Cadillac Escalade has best-in-segment maintenance costs and was ranked first in the AutoPacific survey." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Brand reputation, Vehicle Reputation and Image
* Exterior and Interior Appearance
* Ride, Handing and Braking
* Overall Quality, Reliability and Dependability
* Safety Features (and large size) give Escalade owners a strong feeling of safety while driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Lowest Maintenance Costs
* Better than Expected Insurance Costs

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"A stunning complement to the Audi range, the A5 picks up a 2009 Motorist Choice Award in the Aspirational Luxury Car Segment. The near-uncompromised coupe delivers on Audi's 'Truth in Engineering' promise. A low-slung stance and sleek lines add beauty and grace to a demanding performance pedigree." -- AutoPacific

"The Audi A5 has the best-in-segment ownership costs and strong retained value." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Image and Exterior Styling
* Fun to Drive
* Overall Quality
* Overall Satisfaction

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
* Strong Retained Value

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"Chevrolet Corvette takes home both Motorist Choice Award and AutoPacific's Owner Recommendation Award for 2009. Owners in the Sports Car Segment kept the Corvette on top, following a 2008 win. These wins prove, yet again, Corvette is a performance icon. High scores in the performance categories drove Corvette in front to take the overall segment win." -- AutoPacific

"The Corvette has best-in-segment ownership costs and segment-leading retained value.." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Power and Acceleration
• Braking
• Handling
• Fun to Drive
• Image and Exterior Styling

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value

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"The Chevrolet Avalanche is the Motorist Choice Award winner in the Full-Size Pickup segment. Standard features that earned the win include a powerful V8 engine, a four-door cab, and useful bed size. The Avalanche is reliable/dependable and provides a strong feeling of safety when driving." -- AutoPacific

"The Avalanche was best in fuel costs and second best in retained value." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Ease of Ingress/Egress
* Overall Seating Capacity
* Reliable/Dependable
* Durable/Long Lasting
* Ride
* Safety Features and Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Strong Retained Value
* Lowest Fuel Costs

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"Minivans aren't for everyone, but those that like 'em love 'em. And the Honda Odyssey is the one to beat, winning its segment in the Motorist Choice Awards but also in the 2009 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards. There are sound product and financial reasons for selecting the Odyssey, including seating capacity, reputation and safety features. Some owners consider it stylish as well." - AutoPacific

"The Odyssey was a 2009 BOVY Winner. The Odyssey has best-in-segment ownership costs and segment-leading retained value and low insurance costs." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Overall Seating Capacity
• Driver's Seat Comfort
• Brand Reputation
• Safety Features
• Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• 2009 BOVY Winner
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value
• Low Insurance Costs

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"Chevrolet's Tahoe takes the Motorist Choice Award in the Large SUV segment, after winning AutoPacific's 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Award. Owners appreciate its reputation for reliability/durability and its wide array of safety features provide a strong feeling of driving safety, all complemented by highly rated driver's seat comfort and driver?s forward visibility." -- AutoPacific

"The Tahoe has the lowest fuel, insurance, and maintenance in the segment as well as ranking first in the AutoPacific survey." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Reliable/Dependable
* Overall Quality
* Safety Features/Feeling Safe While Driving
* Driver's Visibility
* Seat Comfort and Seating Capacity

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Lowest Fuel Costs
* Lowest Insurance Costs
* Lowest Maintenance Costs

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"Toyota's FJ Cruiser wins the 2009 Motorist Choice award for the Mid-Size Sport Utility segment. What a ride! Looks tough. Is tough. Goes anywhere. Just what an authentic SUV is supposed to be, and a poster child for legendary Toyota virtues of quality, reliability and durability to boot." - AutoPacific

"The FJ Cruiser was a 2009 BOVY Winner. The FJ Cruiser has best-in-segment ownership costs and by far the best retained value." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Brand reputation
• Reliable/Dependable
• Durable/Long Lasting
• Overall Quality

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• 2009 BOVY Winner
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value

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"When thinking Toyota Prius, one often thinks green. We must also think winner, as Image Compact Car owners bestow the Motorist Choice Award as well as AutoPacific's Owner Recommendation and Vehicle Satisfaction Awards on the iconic hybrid. With a standout shape and efficient interior packaging, the Prius fits nicely into the lives of those looking to make a statement without sacrificing lifestyle." -- AutoPacific

"The Prius was a 2009 BOVY winner and has the second-best retained value and the lowest fuel costs of any vehicle." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Vehicle and Brand Reputation
* Reliable / Dependable
* Environmental Friendliness
* Innovative Technology
* Overall Quality

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* 2009 BOVY Winner
* Exceptional Retained Value
* Lowest Fuel Costs of any vehicle

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"Hyundai's Tucson wins a Motorist Choice Award as a top Compact Crossover SUV. Hyundai has done well lately, in vehicle awards and, even more important, in vehicle sales. The award-winning Tucson gains points for product content in a very competitive segment and for financial responsibility in a tough financial environment." - AutoPacific

"The Tucson has low insurance and repair costs and was ranked first in the AutoPacific survey." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Ease of Ingress/Egress
• Reliable/Dependable
• Driver's Seat Forward Visibility
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Safety Features

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Low Insurance Costs
• Low Repair costs

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"The Jeep Patriot wins AutoPacific's 2009 Motorist Choice Award for Compact Crossover SUVs. Just the right size for passengers and cargo and with traditional Jeep appearance, the Patriot meets the product needs of its buyers in a financially efficient way. For them, it is the Goldilocks SUV - not too much and not too little - in every respect." - AutoPacific

"The Patriot has the best-in-segment fuel costs, above-average retained value and low insurance and maintenance costs." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Safety Features
• Reliable / Dependable

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Lowest Fuel Costs
• Strong Retained Value
• Low Insurance Costs
• Low Maintenance Costs

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"For 2009, Lexus edged out Jaguar and Porsche to take top-rated brand honors in the Motorist Choice Awards. With remarkable consistency in outpacing the competition along with outstanding overall quality, longevity, and durability scores Lexus has earned its reputation as a top-ranked nameplate." - AutoPacific

"The Lexus brand has a strong history of excelling in ownership costs and 2009 was no exception. Lexus had four BOVY winners and was ranked the best brand value among the luxury brands." - IntelliChoice

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"The Lexus ES is back for accolades as it wins a Motorist Choice Award, after 2009 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle, Vehicle Satisfaction, and Owner Recommendation Awards. Lexus ES earns top marks in the Mid-Size Luxury Car Segment by offering a sophisticated blend of luxury and smooth performance. A long-standing reputation as a quality vehicle from a dependable brand only bolstered ratings." - AutoPacific

"The Lexus ES has best-in-segment ownership costs and is second best in retained value and lowest in insurance and repair costs." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Vehicle Reputation
• Brand Reputation
• Reliability / Dependability
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Overall Quality

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Strong Retained Value
• Lowest Insurance Costs
• Lowest Repair Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"The Lexus LS wins the 2009 Motorist Choice Award for the third straight year. The LS has not been bashful about receiving awards, also taking AutoPacific's Owner Recommendation, Vehicle Satisfaction, and Ideal Vehicle Awards this year. Owners in the Premium Luxury Car segment keep placing the LS at pole position. Lexus comes through by consistently placing the ownership experience at the top of the priority list" - AutoPacific

"The Lexus LS was a 2009 BOVY Winner. The Lexus LS has best-in-segment ownership costs and by far the best retained value in the segment.." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Ease of Getting in and Out
• Driver's Seat Comfort
• Image
• Vehicle and Brand Reputation
• Exterior and Interior Styling
• Power and Acceleration
• Reliable / Dependable
• Vehicle's Ride
• Safety Features and Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• 2009 BOVY Winner
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value

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"For the second year in a row, the Lexus RX is the Motorist Choice Award winning Luxury Crossover SUV. Not a first choice for serious off-roading, for what its buyers want and need, it is tops in class. It meets or exceeds its daily product requirements, looks good inside and out, and delivers reliable, trouble-free service." - AutoPacific

"The Lexus RX was a 2009 BOVY Winner. The RX has best-in-segment ownership costs and retained value." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Overall Quality
• Reliable/Dependable
• Brand and Vehicle Reputation
• Safety Features/Feeling of Safety While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• 2009 BOVY Winner
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"The Lincoln Town Car wins 2009 AutoPacific Motorist Choice Award in the Large Car segment. Owners rave about one of the last body-on-frame vehicles. From 5-star safety ratings to stuffing four golf bags into the trunk, owners appreciate their Town Car. It consistently scored at the top of its class." - AutoPacific

"The Town Car has low maintenance costs and was ranked first in the AutoPacific survey." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Vehicle and Brand Reputation
• Winning scores for Durability and Longevity
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Packaging elements, including Cargo Space/Capacity and Forward and Rearward Driver's Seat Visibility
• Vehicle's Ride

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Low Maintenance Costs
• Better-than-expected Insurance Costs

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"The 2009 Motorist Choice Award for the Compact Pickup segment is the Nissan Frontier. A sturdy truck and worthy winner, Frontier combines the traditional product virtues of quality, reliability and durability with attractive financial considerations so important in today's challenging economy." - AutoPacific

"A strong retained value and low maintenance costs were the keys to the Nissan Frontier win." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Reliable/Dependable
• Quality
• Durable/Long Lasting
• Vehicle and Brand Reputation

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Strong Retained Value
• Low Maintenance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"The winner of the 2009 Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle award is the Toyota 4Runner. That shouldn't be a surprise, as the 4Runner won the same award last year. And the year before that. A three-time winner, the 4Runner is highly rated on attributes that make it an outstanding product, and also an outstanding proposition from a financial standpoint as well." - AutoPacific

"The 4Runner has best-in-segment ownership costs with the best retained value in the segment and lowest fuel costs." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Reliable/Dependable
• Overall Quality
• Durable/Long Lasting
• Brand and Vehicle Reputation
• Overall Satisfaction

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value
• Lowest Fuel Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"On the heels of an AutoPacific Owner Recommendation Award, the Toyota Camry wins a Motorist Choice Award in the Premium Mid-Size Car segment. The mid-size car by which others are measured, Camry exudes a comforting sense of predictability. Owners gave it top marks for reputation, dependability and safety." - AutoPacific

"The Camry has best-in-segment ownership costs with the best retained value in the segment and lowest insurance costs." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Vehicle and Brand Reputation
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Overall Quality
• Durable / Long Lasting
• Interior and Exterior Styling

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value
• Lowest Insurance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"Owners crown the Toyota Matrix as the new king of the Compact Car segment in the 2009 Motorist Choice Awards. With incredible package efficiency and Toyota reliability, the Matrix blew the competition away. This compact hatchback turns owners into ambassadors eager to share their enthusiasm for Matrix." - AutoPacific

"The Matrix has the best-in-segment ownership costs and strong retained value." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Ease of Loading / Unloading
• Vehicle and Brand Reputation
• Reliable / Dependable
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Fun to Drive

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Strong Retained Value

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"Toyota's all-new Venza wins the Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV Motorist Choice Award. It is beautiful, easy to get into and out of, with good driver's visibility. Lots of safety features and a Toyota reputation for durability, reliability,and quality. No wonder Venza took a solid win in a highly competitive segment." -- AutoPacific

"The Venza has best-in-segment ownership costs with by far the best retained value in the segment and lowest fuel costs." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Ease of Ingress/Egress
* Brand Reputation
* Reliable/Dependable
* Safety Features/Feeling Safe While Driving
* Exterior Styling and Size

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
* Best-in-Segment Retained Value
* Lowest-in-Segment Fuel Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"Pulling ahead of the competition in the Mid-Size Car segment, the Volkswagen Jetta wins AutoPacific's 2009 Motorist Choice Award. This after winning AutoPacific's Ideal Vehicle and Owner Recommendation Awards. Jetta offers a touch of class and German engineering not found in the competition which, when added to the high ratings for powertrain and safety, makes it a Motorist Choice." -- AutoPacific

"The Jetta has best-in-segment ownership costs. The Jetta has the highest retained value and lowest fuel costs in the segment." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Cargo Space / Capacity
* Powertrain and Acceleration
* Braking
* Handling
* Fun to Drive
* Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
* Best Retained Value
* Lowest Fuel Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"The Honda Fit's image and reputation helped it earn a 2009 Motorist Choice Award, as well as AutoPacific's Ideal Vehicle Award. This Economy Car's owners applaud the Fit's versatility, as it is easy to live with. The Fit also benefits from its Honda badge, as owners cite Brand Reputation as a contributing factor." -- AutoPacific

"The Fit was a 2009 BOVY winner and has above average retained value and fuel costs. In addition, the Fit has the lowest maintenance costs within the segment." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Image
* Vehicle Reputation
* Brand Reputation
* Reliability / Dependability
* Overall Quality
* Durability / Long Lasting

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* 2009 BOVY Winner
* Strong Retained Value
* Low Fuel Costs
* Lowest Maintenance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"The Honda CR-V wins the 2009 Motorist Choice Award in the Mid-Size Crossover SUV segment. Traditional CR-V strengths include brand reputation, vehicle reputation, reliability/dependability, durability, and overall quality. What a base to build upon! Even subjective attributes like exterior styling and environmental friendliness were highly rated. A solid winner." -- AutoPacific

"The CR-V has best-in-segment ownership costs. The CR-V has the highest retained value and strong insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Brand and Vehicle Reputation
* Reliability / Dependability
* Durability
* Overall Quality
* Safety Features/Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
* Best Retained Value
* Low Insurance Costs
* Low Fuel Costs
* Low Maintenance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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