National Survey Reveals Cadillac as Top Premium Brand, Buick as Top Popular Brand, Ford Motor Company Has Most Awards with Seven, Suzuki Kizashi as Top Car and Lincoln MKT as Top Truck

TUSTIN, Calif. (May 20, 2010) -- AutoPacific today announced its 14th Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) to help consumers make informed vehicle purchase decisions.

"While the auto industry is showing signs of improvement, more than ever before, manufacturers need to be able to differentiate themselves. Proof of satisfied customers is as good as gold," says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "We've found that more than 25% of new car buyers are positively influenced by owner-based awards like the VSA when deciding on a new car or truck."

AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award is an industry benchmark for measuring how satisfied an owner is with his/her new car or light truck. This study by the Southern California-based automotive research firm summarizes the results of over 42,000 new vehicle owners.

"Vehicles that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes," says Peterson. "The winners perform well in 48 separate categories that objectively measure the ownership experience."

Continue reading "Autopacific Announces 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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The data for April 2010 new vehicle sales are now in, and there is some dramatic news in the full-size pickup arena.

When compared with April 2009, Ford's F-Series share of the full-size pick segment is up...way up! Up from 34.3% of segment last year to 39.1% of segment this year -- an increase of 4.8%.

The Dodge Ram share of segment is down by an equally impressive amount, from 18.8% of segment to 12.6%, a 6.6% loss.

The GM entries (Chevrolet Silverado, and Avalanche, GMC Sierra and Cadillac Escalade) and the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan have all about maintained share of segment. The results are very similar if you compare April 2010 to April 2009 or if you look at the first four months of 2010 with the first four months of 2009.

What did Ford do right? No doubt the current F-150 and F-250/350 Super Duty models are as good as any vehicles in their segment. That helps! But what happened to the Dodge Ram? Both the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500 heavy Duty models are great products - especially with the Ram's Cummins I6 diesel. As far as I can tell, pricing and incentives are also competitive. So what's the problem? My speculation (and it is no more than that) is that pickup-truck buyers concern about Chrysler's future may be at the heart of the problem.

Posted by Jim Hossack at 8:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Toyota recalls over sticking accelerator pedals are causing quite a stir this week, one which has grown in volume, really, over months and years. The fallout may be severe for Toyota, depending on how long it takes to fully resolve the issues and whether or not an additional recall regarding the Prius brake system is also required--voluntary or not. The situation is particularly bad for a company that had built a personality based on reliability and safety. No doubt, they will be taken to task. No doubt, mistakes were made. Also no doubt, the media frenzy is turning an already difficult and serious recall situation into recall fever.

But, while the drama plays out on local and national news, and our hard-working Congresspeople ensure they publicly flog Toyota and get their two cents in and "keep us safe," there are real people with real questions. Toyota has some answers for customers, and we'd like to share them with you.

Follow the jump for Toyota's relatively thorough and clear FAQs, including information on both the accelerator pedal and floor mat recalls, and what to do in an emergency.

Continue reading "Toyota Recall Customer FAQs" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I recently had the opportunity to drive the all-new Toyota Sienna on public road here in Southern California, and in my mind the segment has a new product leader. As minivan sales have fallen from a peak of 1.3 million units in 2000 to about 460,000 in 2009, many players fell out. Today, the traditional minivans include Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Group's Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

Designed in California, engineered in Michigan, and built in Indiana, Sienna is developed for U.S. buyers. The 2011 Sienna is about the same size and heft as the outgoing Sienna and looks generally similar. Though the new take carries more contemporary style when the 2010 and 2011 are seen together, the functional requirements of any minivan determine much of its presence, footprint, and shadow. Toyota describes the new look as "visually intriguing." They have hidden the sliding door tracks and used elements like sculpted rear corners to lessen a minivan's natural boxy look.

Continue reading "First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna" »

Posted by Jim Hossack at 4:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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PickupTucks.com and AutoPacific have taken a look at all the new trucks sold in the past 10 years and made their picks for the most significant trucks of the decade. The trucks that made the list introduced cutting edge technologies and pushed the segment into new territory.

"Despite the economic challenges of the past two years, it's hard not to look back at the last ten years without calling it the decade of the pickup truck," said PickupTrucks.com editor Mike Levine. "Sales of full-size pickups hit 2.56 million units in 2004 and Ford's F-Series trucks remain the nation's best-selling vehicles, 33 years in a row."

Though there are many trucks that had a significant impact in the last decade, it's clear that the 2009 Ford F-150 earned the title of "Most Significant".

"On balance, we thought the 2009 Ford F-150 was the most significant pickup of the last decade," said Jim Hossack, vice president of consulting for AutoPacific. "It sells in high volume, owners like it and its body, chassis and powertrain are all first rate. Features abound, and there are more models, series and options than can be counted. It's a good looking truck and suitable for the widest possible range of tasks and uses."

After the jump are those trucks deemed most significant, in no particular order.

Continue reading "PickupTrucks.com and AutoPacific Announce the Most Significant Trucks of the Decade" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Humble Beginnings
The first-generation Tundra (like the T100) had been caught between mid-size and full-size pickup trucks. It was economical, reliable, and easier to park, but didn't sell as well as the Detroit threes offerings. The 1999-2006MY Tundra (not coincidentally) built as a 7/8ths truck, was always perceived to be more of a grocery getter than an outright, knock down, drag-out, work-ready truck. This perception was reflected in Tundra sales volumes.

Continue reading "2009 Toyota Tundra - Double Cab 5.7L 4X4 Limited - All Guts, No Glory" »

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 8:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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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

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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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

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:55 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

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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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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Awards Show Consumers Enjoy Luxury and Size
(August 11, 2009) -- Right brain, left brain; the practical versus the emotional -- an age-old dilemma often at the center of decision making when buying a new car or truck. The 2009 Motorist Choice Awards recognize new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction, helping new-car buyers find vehicles that best satisfy all of their personal-transportation needs. The fourth annual Motorist Choice Awards survey, announced today, scores 196 cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs. With the top overall scores in both owner satisfaction and value, the Lexus LS placed highest of any 2009 model year vehicle.

Large and luxury vehicles dominated this year's results. The top 34 ranked cars, and 106 of the top 107, are large cars, luxury cars, sport utility vehicles, crossover SUVs or minivans. Only one small car, the BMW 1-Series, scored in the top 100, landing in the 35th slot. Toyota Prius is the next-highest-scoring small car, coming in 107th.

Awards are given for top-scoring vehicles scoring in each of twenty-three segments, as well as for the top-scoring brand. Nine manufacturers earned segment wins, led by Toyota with nine awards (including three for Lexus), followed by General Motors with six (Chevrolet 4, Cadillac 2), Honda with three, and Chrysler with two (Dodge 1, Jeep 1). Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan and Volkswagen took top honors in one segment each.

(And check out our video on YouTube.)

Continue reading "Motorist Choice Awards Reveal Vehicles That Please Both Hearts And Minds" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Toyota's long and successful history in the US owes a lot to the Baby Boom generation. Now in their mid-forties into their sixties, Boomers have always been agents for change. The various cultural revolutions of the 60s and 70s? Those were driven by young Baby Boomers. How about acceptance of Japanese cars (and Toyotas in particular) at a time when many Americans thought of anything from the land of the rising sun as cheap junk? Again, it was the Baby Boomers.

Today, more and more Baby Boomers are entering the "empty nest" stage of their lives. Their kids have left the house, and many are looking to consolidate and simplify their lives. Many have spent the last few years driving minivans and SUVs in order to accommodate family life. But now, they don't need three rows of seats or that domesticated family vehicle image.

Continue reading "2009 Toyota Venza: Those Baby Boomers Keep Driving Change!" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 8:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"The all-new Toyota Venza delivers what its owners want, earning AutoPacific's 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award for Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUVs. In fact, Venza owners give Venza eight of fifteen possible best-in-class ratings, the highest of any vehicle in this research," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, Inc. "Toyota designed a very different vehicle with the Venza. It is a large, five-passenger Crossover targeted at maturing Baby Boomers. Clearly Toyota identified a lucrative target and hit it in the bulls-eye." Leading Venza attributes include:
* Exterior size
* Passenger room
* Ease of entry/egress
* Cargo space
* Exterior styling
* Handling
* Power and acceleration
* Safety features

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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If you read our F1 post from several days ago, the world known as Formula One was on the brink of becoming CART Wars, PART II. A majority of the teams who race in the international F1 Championship were prepared (so they said), to launch a breakaway series, due in large part to their dissatisfaction with the requirements set forth by the governing body and its president, Max Mosely.

Continue reading "Luca trumps Max: New Era in Formula One Announced" »

Posted by dbarrett at 2:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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On May 13, 1950, the first ever (modern era) Formula One Championship Grand Prix was won by Giuseppe Farina in an Alfa Romeo-dominated event in which the Italian manufacturer cruised to a 1-2-3 finish. Luigi Fagioli and British driver Reg Parnell filled the remaining podium positions. The circuit was a WWII bomber airfield called Silverstone. The circuit has been a part of Formula One since that time, although races have, on occasion been run at other Britich tracks. This weekend, Silverstone hosted its last Grand Prix, and in addition to the race, manufacturers and the governing body announced they are going their separate ways as well. And so, Silverstone may go down in history marking the beginning and in some respects, the end of an era in modern motorsport.

Continue reading "Silverstone: The Beginning and End of Formula One " »

Posted by dbarrett at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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For the second year in a row, the Toyota Sienna comes out on top in the Minivan segment. No, the Sienna does not come in first in every attribute, but it does extremely well, with first place (or tied for first place) finishes in 26 of 48 satisfaction measures, including many of those ranked most important. The Sienna is the class leader in:
• Brand and vehicle reputation
• Overall quality
• Ride and handling
• Quietness inside the vehicle
• Safety features and feeling safe while driving
• Innovative technology
• Details like the feel of interior fabrics and materials
• Financial considerations, including value for the money, anticipated resale value and operating costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The new Toyota Venza wins the Vehicle Satisfaction Award for the Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV category. The Venza wins with a combination of desirable product, brand reputation and financial attributes and is rated first-in-class in the following:
• Brand reputation
• Ease of entry/egress
• Interior styling
• Reliability/dependability, durability and quality
• Safety features
• Financial considerations, including value for the money, fuel economy and anticipated resale value

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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With an unmistakable image, both literally and figuratively, it was no surprise that the Toyota Prius won out against the competition in the Image Compact Car segment. Prius dominates the segment with owner's satisfaction scores, especially in terms of reputation and innovation. Areas in which the Prius leads the segment include:
• Innovative technology and environmental friendliness
• Vehicle and brand reputation
• Interior storage/compartments
• Fuel economy/gas mileage
• Quietness inside the vehicle and vehicle ride

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The second generation Prius, which debuted for the 2004 model year, has become an icon on many levels. It's a green statement. It's a political statement. It's even a technology statement. I've been saying for quite a while now that history will look upon the little lozenge-shaped car as THE iconic vehicle of this decade, much as the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was the iconic car of the 1950s.

The second generation Prius was the car that brought hybrids to the mainstream. The dorky first generation car looked and felt somewhat like a science project...and the quirky original Honda Insight even more so. But Prius v2.0 boasted a really usable interior package, decent performance, and a unique look that proclaimed to the world that you were ready for something beyond the status quo.

There was just one problem: it was just so boring to drive. There was absolutely nothing rewarding about the way it drove, so it had zero appeal to anyone who actually enjoyed the act of driving. Its steering felt completely detached from the road, it rode harshly, and it squealed like a pig through corners. For the Prius fanbase, none of this really mattered much as driving appeal wasn't the car's point.

Continue reading "2010 Toyota Prius: Wait...Did They Actually Make it Fun to Drive?" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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This past weekend I wanted the most horsepower on my block. That's pretty tough on my block, where horsepower seems to trump everything. Rationality is heresy on a block of 9 homes that includes a BMW M6, a Jaguar XKR, a Chrysler 300C SRT8 and a host of other badges of courage.

A simple V8 Would Not Do

A simple V8 would not do, but we're fortunate enough to have a 2008 Toyota Tundra Supercharged by TRD. Some cars offer the power and handling go to give the driver a feeling of "point and shoot". In the case of the Tundra, "just shoot" will do. The mother of all Tundras is built off of the regular cab, to keep it light. The TRD-designed and developed supercharger boosts horsepower from 381 to 504, and torque from 401 pound-feet up to 550 lb-ft. Start the motor, listen to the whine of your neighbors, I mean, the supercharger. Tap the accelerator and feel your spine align. Tap the brakes and the 16-inch cross-drilled rotors will stop your watch. Load it with manure (I did) and see how truly pointless this vehicle is. Pointless in a good way. Like 150 proof Vodka is pointless.

Which makes me wonder. Today the only auto press I hear relates to bankruptcy, compact cars, and hybrids. Among many others, the Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac XLR and Acura NSX are postponed. How long will the Obama Administration's latest comments be more important than horsepower?

Posted by Dan Hall at 2:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Is My Pickup Better Than Your Pickup?
Among our contributors are owners of vehicles from a MINI Cooper (two, actually), Audi TT, Ford Flex, an aging Ford Taurus, and a Toyota Tacoma. For us, it is always fun to apply our analysis and industry knowledge to our own lives and rides, and the Frontier provided the chance to do that again. While I drove the Xterra and Frontier during an afternoon on a press preview, contributor Keagan Patrick took the Frontier that spent a week with California HQ out for some seat time and direct comparisons against his Tacoma.

Follow the jump for his take!

Continue reading "Counterpoint: Tacoma Versus Frontier, an Owner Weighs In" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We had the opportunity to drive the all new Toyota Venza in the Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania at the height of the fall color change. The venue - the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, PA was an outstanding venue surrounded by fun to drive roads allowing a quick stop at Fallingwater a 1930s era home designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Optimized Car

But that's beside the point. The 5-passenger Venza is described by Toyota brass as "The Optimized Car". It is a two box derivative of the Toyota Highlander Crossover SUV and the Toyota Camry Premium Mid-Size Sedan - the best selling vehicle in the USA at the moment. By "Optimized Car" Toyota means that Venza has easy ingress/egress, good visibility, chair-like seating, available all wheel drive and a spacious cargo area behind the fold down second row seat.

But is it a car? We don't think so... read on

Continue reading "2009 Toyota Venza - The Optimized Car" »

Posted by George Peterson at 12:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Among the newer products in Toyota's lineup is the Sequoia, updated for 2008 model year. The truck has scored well with owners, winning both AutoPacific's 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction and Motorist Choice Awards. Recently, we found a chance to see what all the fuss is about.

It's often tough to knock a Toyota. They typically live up to the reputation they've earned as top-notch appliances you can rely on, even if they cost you a little more up front. Sometimes there is a notable lack of passion, being addressed by more adventurous styling as time goes on. Though everyone knows the customer is always right, we were not as impressed as Sequoia's owners.

Continue reading "2008 Toyota Sequoia Misses the Mark" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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