Dodge Charger, Ford Flex Among Best-Loved Vehicles, New Survey Says

SAN DIEGO, California – The Dodge Charger, Ford Flex and Toyota Prius are among the “most-loved vehicles,” according to a new survey of 44,000 vehicle owners, said research firm Strategic Vision.

The vehicles were divided by segment and rated by new-car shoppers in the “Customer Love Index.”

“Many of the winners from this year bring something unique and exciting to the table that may not appeal to everyone, but is certainly loved by those who buy them,” Strategic Vision said in a statement.

The Charger took home honors in the full-size car segment, while the Flex dominated the midsize crossover segment.

The Prius and Toyota Camry Hybrid shared honors in the midsize hybrid segment.

The Porsche Macan had the highest Customer Love Index in the industry among qualifying models, with consumers selecting it as the “best model” overall and the best luxury crossover vehicle.

Subaru shined in the midsize car segments, walking away with the top prize in the midsize car segment for the Subaru WRX and the “midsize multifunction car” segment for the Subaru Outback.

The Chevrolet Corvette dominated rivals in the premium coupe segment.

Other winners include the Jeep Renegade in the entry SUV segment, the Dodge Durango in the midsize SUV segment and the GMC Yukon XL in the full-size utility segment.

Despite its ongoing troubles with the diesel-emissions crisis, Volkswagen Group of America was named the “best full-line corporation.”

VW “consistently delivers vehicle experiences customers love,” Strategic Vision said, noting “the results are based on feedback from people who bought their new vehicle before September 2015.”

Volkswagen’s woes began on September 18.

“When trust is violated, love is diminished,” the researchers said. “The good news for VW is that they will be working from a position where customers have initially loved their experience.”

Edmunds says: Love is a critical part of the buying equation, so this unusual list should help car shoppers seeking an emotional experience.