Categories
Auto News Automotive Auctions Awards Challenger Dodge

Cars.com Names Dodge Challenger Car of the Year

2011-Dodge-Challenger-Cars.com-Car-of-the-Year

Cars.com, the online classifieds resource for buying and selling new and used cars, announced the Dodge Challenger as the winner of its annual Shoppers’ Choice award.  Finalists for the award were selected based on shoppers’ actions on the site that indicated interest in new vehicles, including searching for vehicles, sending inquiries to dealers on availability and most importantly, filling out a positive review of their vehicle. The Challenger took home the title after grabbing the most votes from Cars.com Facebook fans in the final round of the competition.

We assume the large number of family sedans and SUVs in the top ten help skew the results in the Challenger’s favor. The first generation Challenger was produced from 1970-1974 as Dodge’s answer for the red hot Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro pony cars. The current model debuted in 2008 and has never enjoyed the sales success of  either the Mustang or Camaro. It has often been maligned for its weight and larger size.

However, Cars.com editor-in-chief, Patrick Olsen sees it differently,  “The Dodge Challenger’s win proves, once again, that our Cars.com shoppers know what makes a great vehicle. The Challenger’s classic muscle car styling, refined handling and spacious interior make this an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a fun and surprisingly practical car.”

The 10 finalists for the Cars.com Shoppers’ Choice award were (in alphabetical order):

  • Audi Q5
  • Dodge Challenger
  • GMC Terrain
  • Honda Accord
  • Honda Pilot
  • Kia Soul
  • Ram 1500
  • Subaru Outback
  • Toyota Highlander
  • Toyota Sienna

Finalists were selected based on shopping behavior from August 2010 through July 2011. Online voting ran from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30 on the Cars.com Facebook page. The winning vehicle was announced today at Cars.com’s Best of the Year awards show in Detroit.

Leave a Reply