2011 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards: Premium 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.

Premium Mid-Size 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 Premium Mid-Size Car represents the heart of the auto market.

This year's AutoPacific IVA Premium Mid-Size Car winner is the 2011 Ford Fusion.

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 Premium Mid-Size Car: 2011 Ford Fusion

Rank: #1

Score: 1236

The 2011 Ford Fusion is the top rated Premium Mid-Size Car based on owner ratings of changes they want in their car in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research.  As the class winner, its owners indicate there is little they would change about their car, but there are notable exceptions.  Over 30% of Fusion owners want better visibility and over 25% want their car to be easier to get into and out of.  25% want more power.  Fusion owners least want to change its ride or seat comfort.  Fusion ekes out this win over the highly acclaimed, and second place in class, 2011 Hyundai Sonata.

#2 Premium Mid-Size Car: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Rank: #2

Score: 1234

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has come a long way, with the 2011 model featuring all-new body work, a fresh platform and healthy power from very efficient engine options. The Sonata now competes hard against mid-size stalwarts and is quickly becoming the inexpensive premium daily driver of choice for a wide range of buyers.

#3 Premium Mid-Size Car: 2011 Kia Optima

Rank: #4

Score: 1221

The 2011 Kia Optima shares its design details with the Sonata, but offers an edgier take in terms of styling. The Optima appeals to drivers who are looking for a more aggressive-looking premium mid-size car, and its affordable pricing and solid warranty coverage are two factors that also work in its favor.

#4 Premium Mid-Size Car: 2011 Honda Accord

Rank: #4

Score: 1216

The 2011 Honda Accord – available as both a coupe and a sedan – continues to impress mid-size buyers. Reliable, stylish and offering the choice of either a powerful V-6 or a frugal four-cylinder engine, the Accord continues to hold its own in one of the most competitive segments of the automotive industry.

#5 Premium Mid-Size Car: 2011 Mazda MAZDA6

Rank: #5

Score: 1193

Mazda builds passion and performance into each of its automobiles, and the 2011 Mazda MAZDA6 is no exception. A family car with pizzazz, the MAZDA6 responds to steering inputs without a moment’s hesitation, tempting drivers to take the long way home at the end of the day just to test out the sedan’s limits throw the twists and turns.

#6 Premium Mid-Size Car: 2011 Volkswagen CC

Rank: #6

Score: 1191

Riding the wave of the four-door Euro “coupe” craze, the 2011 Volkswagen CC is one of the more sophisticated options in the German automaker’s lineup. The CC offers a distinct alternative to standard premium mid-size sedans when it comes to looks, and although you might miss some of that rear seat room that gets sacrificed to style, you’ll love standing out from the crowd while behind the wheel.

#7 Premium Mid-Size Car: 2011 Nissan Altima

Rank: #7

Score: 1186

The 2011 Nissan Altima rewards sport-seeking drivers with an available V-6 engine that delivers copious horsepower, as well as a suspension setup that demands to be wrung out on curvy mountain roads. The Altima also offers the kind of interior room and features that premium mid-size sedan shoppers prize, making it a well-rounded and practical four-door automobile.

#8 Premium Mid-Size Car: 2011 Toyota Camry

Rank: #9

Score: 1184

The 2011 Toyota Camry is the best-selling sedan on the market, but it also has somewhat of a reputation for anonymous styling and good but not great driving characteristics. An all-around champ, the Camry is proof that being a jack of all trades doesn’t always see you rated as highly as you might like to be on these types of lists.

#9 Premium Mid-Size Car: 2011 Buick Regal

Rank: #9

Score: 1183

The 2011 Buick Regal is the face of the revitalized brand, a premium sedan that shakes Buick’s image as an also-ran and injects some Euro-sourced performance and handling into the mix. Attractive but not over-the-top styling and fuel efficient yet competent engine choices help to make the Regal the most exciting Buick to drive in decades.

#10 Premium Mid-Size Car: 2011 Buick LaCrosse

Rank: #10

Score: 1177

The 2011 Buick LaCrosse continues Buick’s renaissance. Don’t let it’s low spot on this list fool you – the LaCrosse is a competent car that offers respectable premium performance and comfort. Although not a standout, there are far worse options out there than this sedan, especially when ordered with the V-6 engine.