Author Archive: George Peterson

AutoPacific announces 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. 25,000 consumers tell us how satisfied they are with their cars, and in the tough environment of 2009, winners had to go the extra mile.

Survey results: What owners are most willing to recommend their cars to friends and family members?

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: [...]

AutoPacific finds that moms are leaders in adapting and demanding high-tech convenience features.

As I write this, much attention is focused on Chrysler, a company now entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings amidst an automobile industry that has collapsed. It’s quite a backdrop to consider as we evaluated the latest Dodge Ram pickup truck. Let’s get this out of the way first: the latest Dodge Ram is the best driving pickup I’ve ever driven, and its interior is the best I’ve ever seen from Chrysler.

GM may also be a winner, because if Chrysler can prove that filing bankruptcy doesn't automatically mean a collapse of any remaining sales prospects, the General may determine a similar BK filing could further reduce its debt load, while enabling it to develop a new array of products.

The 2010 Mazda3 proves the company's successful blend of sylish, performance-oriented vehicles at an affordable price is no fluke.

Consumer surveys you participate in a vehiclevoice.com make a difference, and are being shared with manufacturers all the time. This feedback on when you might be in the market for a new car is just one example.

AutoPacific wants to know what you think about your car. We want to know what you want. What would you replace, disown, or repaint? What would make you keep your car for a long time? And, what would prompt you to say, "aha! There's a new car I would buy right now." Tell us at VehicleVoice Dot Com.

Consumers want more and more technology in their cars, and manufacturers are responding.