2011 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards: Luxury Mid-Size Car

AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) are based on 73,000 surveys completed by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States in the first half of 2011.

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.

This year's AutoPacific IVA  Luxury Mid-Size Car winner is the 2011 Lincoln MKZ.

Read on to see the entire list of category candidates and how they scored.

*NOTE: Results for 2010 Model Year Vehicles are Included in the 2011 Model Year Research Because of Availability. Scores Are Shown Where Sample Sizes Allow

#1 Luxury Mid-Size Car: 2011 Lincoln MKZ

Rank: #1

Score: 1254

The 2011 Lincoln 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. 

#2 Luxury Mid-Size Car: 2011 Lexus ES

Rank: #2

Score: 1238

The 2011 Lexus ES has been called the Camry of the luxury world, and that’s no insult. One of the best-selling Lexus models, the ES is ultra-reliable, provides a comfortable and predictable driving experience and has been engineered to pamper without blowing up your budget. The Lexus ES is a fine example of affordable premium design that feels like a million bucks.

#3 Luxury Mid-Size Car: 2011 Nissan Maxima

Rank: #3

Score: 1202

The 2011 Nissan Maxima is worth noting for its responsive handling and willing chassis design, two factors that make it more of a driver’s car than any other sedan on this list. The Maxima also benefits from Nissan’s advanced continuously-variable automatic transmission technology, with the availability of paddle-shifted “virtual” gears adding a sporty dimension to the four-door automobile.

#4 Luxury Mid-Size Car: 2011 Acura TSX

Rank: #4

Score: 1144

Like most Acura offerings, the 2011 Acura TSX is a high tech showcase, with features such as a noise-canceling stereo system, voice-controlled navigation and a digital music storage system all available with the sedan. Buyers can choose between either a four or six-cylinder power plant under the hood, and a new Sport Wagon adds significant practicality to the TSX lineup for the current model year.