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The MKZ is the top rated Luxury Mid-Size Car in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research.  As the class winner, its owners indicate there is little they would change in their new MKZ with a few exceptions.  Almost 30% of its owners want better visibility.  About 25% want for the MKZ to be easier to get into and out of.  About 20% want better safety features and more roominess.  MKZ owners least want to change its ride, seat comfort and handling.  MKZ handily outpoints the second place Lexus ES. 

Luxury Mid-Size Car

If you were to look at vehicles that offer almost-luxury car amenities at a not-so-premium price one might think of vehicles like the Nissan Maxima or Acura TSX.  These vehicles offer a premium feel and some features usually found on vehicles at a higher price point.  These cars generally share many components with a less expensive mid-size sibling.  By sharing parts, the costs are kept under control helping to price the price point down and provide more value.

 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.