What are the ideal vehicles?

An "ideal" is defined as an
excellent or perfect example. In the first Ideal Vehicle Awards, announced
today by automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific, owners rate their new 2006 model year cars and trucks by how closely they come to their ideal. The cars or trucks that owners would change the least are the most
ideal.

Those carmakers that best understand their customers and create the vehicle their core buyer group desires have come closest to the ideal.

The top-rated vehicle and top-rated car is the Mercury Montego in the Large Car/Luxury Car category. In fact, Ford Motor Company sweeps the first three positions overall with the Ford Crown Victoria and Ford Five Hundred in second and third place. The top-rated truck is the Honda Odyssey Minivan.

Full article here

dblo7 - 6/14/2006 12:44:19 PM

+1 Boost

I think you meant the top 'utility' truck is the Honda Ridgeline. There are no real trucks on the list. Mercury Milan is actualy very nice, but not as nice as a Cadillac CTS. No one is going to be happy with the list and call it rubbish since it is not either Japanese dominated or German dominated...oh well.

phantom330 - 6/14/2006 12:48:35 PM

+1 Boost

Ford Five Hundred? Crown Vicoria? People actually buy these cars? Was this survey administered in a trailer park? This list is rubbish.

Dayton - 6/14/2006 1:58:39 PM

+1 Boost

They must have done their survey with rental car companies.

dblo7 - 6/14/2006 7:25:41 PM

+1 Boost

Hello people. This list is for ideal autos in the segment, not most expensive! IDEAL. Of course these are not the most pricey, prestigious, or 'best' car in these segments.

I guess Phantom and esf rather get a MB:

http://money.cnn.com/2006/06/14/Autos/pricey_lemon/index.htm

janos2769 - 6/16/2006 10:15:11 AM

+1 Boost

Someone creates a new Award that coincidentally ranks Ford at top with cars that really should only be made for those people that have no passion for driving.

What is ideal for some is not ideal for all or any other groups by that matter. People that find pleasure in driving will most likely not buy the vehicle which has the "Ideal" price or "ideal" cargo room, or even "ideal" gas mileage. I happen to fit into this group. This award is thus completely meaningless to me and most others who prioritize styling, performance, quality over price and practicality.

The Montego and Crown Victoria should not be at the top of any passionate driver's ranking.

If all that interests you is to get from point A to point B then, congrats, you've got a new Award to look forward to. Otherwise, can you say "who cares"?

courtstone - 6/19/2006 12:13:00 PM

+1 Boost

Dont get wrong. I like the '06 Sonata, but how is it more "ideal" than an Accord/Camry. To me driving something that has build quality and reliability is "ideal" to me.

Personally I like a more sporty feel like the Acura TL/Infinity G35. But i guess thats just water under the bridge.