Liberty, Challenger top ‘ideal’ vehicle list

Two Chrysler Group LLC vehicles are on AutoPacific's 2009 Ideal Vehicle 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.

"We are very pleased that the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Challenger have won high praise from their owners," Doug Betts, Senior Vice President - Quality, said. "In fact, this is the second year in a row the Jeep Liberty has earned this honor. 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.

The Jeep Liberty earned top honors in the mid-size sport-utility vehicle category for the second year in a row. It also was recognized 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 4×4 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, an automotive marketing research and product-consulting firm that has provided automotive analysis to carmakers since 1986, 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.