DETROIT – The muscular Dodge Challenger is a fan favorite on Cars.com.
For the second year in a row, the car wins the website’s Shoppers’ Choice Award presented during the North American International Auto Show here.
The Challenger was among 10 finalists that were selected based on new-car shoppers’ actions on Cars.com. Those include searching through listings, filling out consumer reviews and contacting dealers for more information. Fans voted on Cars.com’s Facebook page to determine the ultimate winner.
“There is no doubt car shoppers love the Challenger,” says Patrick Olsen, Cars.com’s editor-in-chief. “This 2-door coupe has an unmistakable design that attracts a wide array of drivers.
“We think the Challenger is a great car, and certainly a unique one, and clearly has a very impressive fan base,” he says.
The vehicle is a modern version of the Challenger muscle car of the 1960s. The current model is available with V-6 and V-8 engines. Chrysler’s Dodge brand sold 43,119 Challengers last year, a 9% increase over 2011, according to WardsAuto data.
The car’s overall market share is 0.6%. It competes in the middle-specialty segment against the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, both of which far outsell it.
The Shoppers’ Choice finalists included the Dodge Durango, Ford Edge, Ford Mustang, Honda Odyssey, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Kia Sportage, Toyota Highlander and Toyota Prius.
“The competition was incredibly close, with just a few votes separating the top cars,” Olsen says.
Cars.com names the sporty Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ as joint winners of the website’s “Best of 2013.” It is the first time the award goes to co-developed vehicles.
“Nearly identical, inside and out, the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ sports cars provide a driving experience that is second to none,” Olsen says.
Subaru largely developed the vehicle’s engine, while Toyota handled design duties.
Runners-up for the Best-Of award are the BMW 3 Series sedan, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Ram 1500 pickup and the Toyota Prius c hybrid vehicle.
“We test a wide array of cars that meet the needs of all different lifestyles and needs, and our group of nominees reflects that diversity,” Olsen says.
Cars.com also names its Lifestyle Award winners for this year. They are: the Ford F-150 pickup for “Work Truck of the Year,” Ford Mustang for “Play Car of the Year,” Honda Odyssey minivan for “Family Car of the Year,” and Toyota Prius hybrid for “Eco-Friendly Car of the year.”
