2011 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards: 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.

Midsize cars represent the default car choice for many shoppers.  Cars like the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion offer plenty of space, good fuel economy and performance, and plenty of comfort and technology at accessible prices.  In many ways, the Midsize Car represents the heart of the auto market.

This year's AutoPacific IVA Mid-Size Car winner is the 2011 Subaru Legacy.

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 Mid-Size Car: 2011 Subaru Legacy

Rank: #1

Score: 1226

The Legacy is the top rated Mid-Size Car based on owner ratings of changes they want in the car in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research.  As the class winner, 2011 Subaru Legacy owners want very little change in their car, but there are a few exceptions.  About 30% want more infotainment technology and power.  Legacy owners like the size of their car, its ride and seat comfort.  For these owners, it interior roominess is about ideal.  The Legacy came in well ahead of the second place Subaru Outback. 

#2 Mid-Size Car: 2011 Subaru Outback

Rank: #2

Score: 1209

The 2011 Subaru Outback is almost more of a crossover than a car at this point in the game, but whatever the definition there’s no denying that the vehicle’s tall roofline and full-time all-wheel drive make it a strong contender as a practical people mover. Subaru’s phenomenal growth over the past several years has been driven in part by the introduction of excellent products like the Outback.

#3 Mid-Size Car: 2011 Chrysler 200

Rank: #3

Score: 1208

The 2011 Chrysler 200 represents a big step forward for the domestic brand in the mid-size segment. A re-thinking of the disappointing Chrysler Sebring, the 200 has seen an extensive number of changes made to its platform, interior, styling and drivetrain in order to make it much more competitive.

#4 Mid-Size Car: 2011 Suzuki Kizashi

Rank: #4

Score: 1192

Suzuki is a brand that doesn’t often spring to mind when considering a mid-size car, but the Japanese automaker aims to change that with the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi. This formidable – and affordable – four-door sedan is a solid performer and helps to expand the Suzuki lineup past the entry-level compacts it is most often associated with.

#5 Mid-Size Car: 2011 Dodge Avenger

Rank: #5

Score: 1182

The 2011 Dodge Avenger hasn’t gained as much street cred from the improvements made to the mid-size sedan as its more upscale Chrysler 200 cousin has. That being said, the Avenger isn’t a bad choice – it’s just up against a lot of much more interesting and evolved competitors, all fighting for the same slice of the pie.

#6 Mid-Size Car: 2011 Mitsubishi Galant

Rank: #6

Score: 1105

The 2011 Mitsubishi Galant is outclassed in almost every category except price. Without having been significantly redesigned in close to a decade, the Galant is playing catch-up to almost every other automobile on the market. Don’t be tempted by it’s list of standard features – the Galant just can’t hold its own in a segment that has passed it by.