Two Chrysler Group vehicles are on the AutoPacific 2009 Ideal Vehicle list as according to the survey released today, owners of the Jeep Liberty (bottom) and Dodge Challenger (top) say they are driving a vehicle that meets, or even exceeds, their expectations.

Two Chrysler Group LLC vehicles are on the AutoPacific 2009 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) list. According to the survey released today, owners of the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Challenger say they are driving a vehicle that meets, or even exceeds, their expectations, meaning those vehicles are perfect just the way they are. AutoPacific based its findings on a just-completed comprehensive survey of more than 25,000 consumers who purchased or leased new cars or light trucks in the period from September to December 2008.

“We are very pleased that the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Challenger have won high praise from their owners. In fact, this is the second year in a row the Jeep Liberty has earned this honour,” said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President – Quality, Chrysler Group LLC. “This study is confirmation that we understand the needs of our customers, and are designing and building vehicles that they are proud to own. Because of their positive experience, these consumers become promoters for our brands and in this difficult market, their endorsement is priceless.”

According to the survey criteria, an Ideal Vehicle is one that meets owner’s expectations for the product when they acquired it. AutoPacific asked owners to indicate their desire to change their vehicle in 15 different categories ranging from power and acceleration to safety features and storage after having owned and driven their vehicle for 90 days. The buyers who are happy with their vehicle just the way it is, the ones least likely to desire change, are driving their “ideal” vehicle.

"In today's economy, car buyers take many factors into consideration - styling, safety features, fuel economy and more," says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "IVA winners deliver the most of what consumers are really looking for in their vehicles." "While some measurements barely differentiate between the highest and lowest-ranked vehicles, the Ideal Vehicle Awards clearly show which carmakers are providing the attributes car buyers want," says Peterson. "Looking at segment wins and top overall honours, shoppers can use the IVAs as a benchmark for vehicles that are designed and built with customers just like them in mind. In fact, AutoPacific owner research also shows that IVA-winning vehicles achieve higher overall satisfaction from their owners."

The Jeep Liberty earned top honours in the Mid-Size Sport-Utility Vehicle category for the second year in a row. It was also recognised as the top rated vehicle in AutoPacific’s 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Award research last month. The Jeep Liberty has remained a leader in the mid-size SUV market since its introduction in 2002. All-new from the ground up for the 2008 model year, the Jeep Liberty continues to offer legendary Trail Rated Jeep 4x4 capability combined with a new level of on-road refinement and innovative features.

The Dodge Challenger was the top vehicle in the Sporty Car segment. The Challenger returned in 2009, nearly 40 years after the debut of the original, merging the best American muscle-car characteristics — unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and cutting-edge technology — to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations.

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing research and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm, founded in 1986, also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters and its state-of-the-art automotive research facility are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area.