Porsche, GMC 'most ideal' brands in AutoPacific survey

(August 18, 2015) TUSTIN, Calif. — Automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc., today announced the 2015 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA). AutoPacific's IVAs recognize vehicles that best meet their owner's expectations and desires, helping consumers make informed vehicle purchase decisions with "owners talking" feedback.

The 2015 awards are based on responses from over 66,000 new vehicle owners across all major manufacturers. Surveyed after 90 days of ownership, respondents were asked what changes they would make to their car or truck in 15 key categories, including ride and handling, driver's seat comfort, interior storage, safety features, interior lighting, power and acceleration and technology.

"While no vehicle has a zero percent desire for change in all areas, IVAs recognize vehicles where owners want the least amount of change across the 15 surveyed attributes," explains George Peterson, president of AutoPacific.

Porsche ranked as the top luxury brand for the third year in a row. GMC received top popular brand honors for the second year in a row, while also carrying the top popular brand award in AutoPacific's 2015 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards for the second year in a row.

Porsche leads with four wins, including Most Ideal Premium Brand; Chevrolet, Ford and Subaru racked up three wins apiece. Remaining awards go to Honda, Lincoln, MINI, and GMC with two wins, and Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, each with one win.

"Each time a manufacturer redesigns a vehicle, they have the opportunity to fix past issues, respond to owner wants and needs, and challenge the competition with a superior product," says Peterson. This year's winner's list contains seven completely redesigned vehicles: Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford F-150, Honda Fit, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Golf; one major change: Ford Mustang; two new entries: Lexus RC and Porsche Macan; and two vehicles that were redesigned in 2014 and have won two years in a row: Chevrolet Impala and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.