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The Azera is the top ranked Large Car in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research.  Its owners indicate there is little they would change about their new car with a few notable exceptions.  About 25% of the owners want more infotainment technology.  About 20% want the Azera to be easier to get into and out of.  About 30% would like a softer ride in their Azera.  They most like the Azera’s seat comfort, tires and wheels and exterior size.  The Azera wins its class by a wide margin over the second place Toyota Avalon.

 Large Car

For mainstream brands such as Ford or Toyota, the Large Car segment is all about just that, large cars.  Interior room is usually plentiful and may offer many features that are normally found on vehicles that cost thousands more.  Consider many of these vehicles to be the “almost-flagship” vehicle for the brand, such as the Ford Taurus or Toyota Avalon.  These vehicles may have many features found on a premium vehicle without the premium price. 

 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.