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The Flex is the top ranked Large XSUV in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research.  As the class winner, its owners identify few things they want changed, but inevitably there are a few.  About 30% want better interior storage.  Over 20% want more cargo room (!), more power (non-EcoBoost vehicles), and more infotainment technology.  Flex owners most like its ride, seat comfort, size, roominess and ease of getting in and out.  Flex handily outpoints second place GMC Acadia.

Large XSUV

Large XSUVs usually have three rows of seats have taken the place of minivans for many consumers today.  They are built to handle well on-road rather than off-road.  They don’t offer all of the utility or capability of a minivan but have all-wheel drive available and an elevated seating position. 

Ideal Vehicle Award

Each year AutoPacific surveys new car and light truck buyers via mail and Internet about their new vehicle in order to learn more about their purchase experience, attribute importance and satisfaction, lifestyle, preferences, vehicle use, personal characteristics, desired features and more. Respondents to this survey are owners of new 2011 model-year cars and trucks purchased from September through December 2010.  The questionnaire was administered in January and March 2011. The 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards are based on scores developed using results from a part of this survey that focuses on the consumers’ desire to change their vehicle if given the opportunity.  Respondents rate 15 attributes indicating whether they want them to be changed (larger, smaller, more or less) or not changed (stay the same) after having driven their vehicle for 90 days. Those vehicles wanting the LEAST CHANGE win the IVA for their class.  A total of 72,917 respondents provided input for these awards.