Porsche, Ford Top List of Brands in 'Ideal' Survey

The Range Rover SUV from Land Rover was the overall top-rated vehicle in AutoPacific's 2010 survey of the most ideal vehicles as surveyed by new owners, Automotive News reported.

The Tustin, Calif., market research and consulting firm released its annual Ideal Vehicle Awards today, rating Porsche as the top premium brand and Ford as the best volume brand.

AutoPacific surveyed 42,000 owners to rate new vehicles “by how closely they come to their ideal,” using 15 categories, such as power and acceleration, interior lighting and storage, and seating visibility and comfort.

"After owning and operating a vehicle for some time, consumers often identify shortcomings and ideas about what they would like to change about their vehicle," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific.

The Suzuki Kizashi was the top-rated car.

AutoPacific identified 27 Ideal Vehicle Award categories. The winners included 16 American brands, while European automakers won in six categories and Japanese automakers topped five segments.

“Surprisingly, no Korean brands scored segment wins,” the company said.

AutoPacific said owners picked the large-crossover/SUV segment as their favorite, “beating out last year's leading category -- large car.”

“American buyers continue to value large, comfortable vehicles suitable for suburban driving and longer-distance highway cruising,” AutoPacific said.