AutoPacific announced its 17th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) to identify the most satisfying cars on the market and help educate consumers before they buy.

Owner satisfaction is objectively measured by AutoPacific’s VSA with 51 vehicle attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance. These awards are based on the results of responses from over 52,000 new vehicle owners.

2013’s most satisfying brands include: Cadillac, Top Premium Brand and Buick, Top Popular Brand. The Cadillac SRX Luxury Crossover SUV is the vehicle registering highest overall satisfaction. The Lexus LS460 is the car with the highest overall satisfaction score.

These awards are meant to make the decision process easier for vehicle buyers as they search different brands and models. 2013 resulted in 294 models and 33 brands from which consumers can search for a vehicle.

Top performers for 2013 are:

Highest Satisfaction Premium Brand: Cadillac

Highest Satisfaction Popular Brand: Buick

PASSENGER CARS:

Luxury Car: Lexus LS460

Aspirational Luxury Car: Hyundai Genesis

Luxury Mid-Size Car: Lexus ES

Large Car: Toyota Avalon

Mid-Size Car: Kia Optima

Premium Compact Car: Acura ILX

Compact Car: Nissan Sentra

Economy Car: Chevrolet Sonic

Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette

Sporty Car: Hyundai Veloster/Dodge Challenger

Hybrid Car/EV: Toyota Avalon Hybrid

LIGHT TRUCKS:

Heavy Duty Pickup: Chevrolet Silverado HD 

Light Duty Pickup: Ford F-150

Luxury/Large SUV: Infiniti QX56

Mid-Size SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Luxury Crossover SUV: Cadillac SRX

Large Crossover SUV: Ford Flex

Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: Toyota Highlander

Mid-Size Crossover SUV: Masda CX-5

Compact Crossover SUV: Kia Sportage

Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country

Hybrid/EV Crossover SUV: Lexus RX450h

Car insurance premiums are one of the biggest expenses for car drivers, especially those younger in age. Risk factors that are evaluated by insurers are now more favorable to drivers that want to reduce their premiums.

Here are some tips that can help reduce your car insurance premiums:

Go Telematic
Many individuals probably haven’t heard of this technology that is described as a ‘black box’ which records everything your car does. Specifically, the black box records when your car is used, for how long, how you accelerate/brake, and what roads you drive on. GPS and motion sensors collaborate in this technology to monitor factors relating to how you drive such as: your driving style, if you regularly speed, and it you drive at times associated with accidents. This information is transferred to the driver’s insurer through the mobile phone network.

How does this technology help reduce insurance premiums? This device has the ability to save the best young drivers 50-70% of their policies, however, the average for most is 12.5%. On the other hand, bad drivers may observe an increase in their premiums.

In Car Cameras
Several insurers are testing in car cameras to monitor bad driving and while this may be invasive, it could result in an average of a 15% discount. This method is one of the simplest ways to save money on premiums.

Take an Advanced Driving Test
Advanced driving tests can be critical in order for young drivers to receive a reasonably priced insurance policy. For example, the intermediate level of BTEC can reduce premiums by about 10%. Furthermore, the Pass Plus driving test may result n a discount of 5-7%. Although these are fairly low discounts, many young drivers will take what they can with today’s insurance prices.

Opt for a Smaller Car
One of the best ways to reduce the costs of insurance is to buy a car with a less powerful engine. The recent gender equality changes make this an even more pressing issue when referring to insurance costs.

Technology is constantly changing and individuals are doing whatever they can to keep up with the latest trends. The smartphones and other personal electronics that we can’t live without are making their way into our vehicles.

Here are the top 10 vehicles that advance the art of in-cabin technology:

Best Overall: Audi A8 (From $72,200)
Audi truly delivers an astounding display of technology in their biggest car. This vehicle features onboard WiFi and allows up to eight devices to hook up to the network using a high-speed LTE connection. Also included in this luxurious vehicle is a media interface with Google Earth real-world navigation graphics and Google Voice Local Search.

Most Engaging: For Focus Electric (From $39,200)
This car features technology that collaborates with the MyFord mobile app on your smartphone. Communication between the car and smartphone updates the state of the battery charge, locates the car and nearby charging stations, aids in route planning, presets interior temperatures, and generates driving efficiency profiles.

Best All Electric: Tesla Model S (From $94,000)
Tesla’s all-electric sedan includes an enormous 17-inch central touchscreen in its dash that permits access to the car’s functions, as well as a full connection to the Internet. Video display is even capable while the car is in use!

Best For Mom: Infiniti JX35 (From $41,250)
“Infiniti Connection” technology allows information to spread throughout the vehicle to smartphones through a specific app. Information is also synced with Google calendar to allow information to be accessible through this car’s central information screen. An optional feature is the “Around View Monitor” that creates a 360-degree image of what is surrounding the vehicle.

Best Road Tripper: Honda Odyssey (From $28,675)
An HDMI port is offered in this vehicle which allows video-streaming devices to be played on its overhead 16.2-inch display that can be turned into a split viewing screen. The car also enables passengers to power these devices with its 115-volt two-prong plug.

Best Family Sedan: Toyota Avalon (From $30,990)
Applications can display data from smartphones on a large screen in the Avalon’s dash with Toyota’s Entune suite of onboard apps. The best feature is a specific spot for a smartphone that consists of a grippy rubberized surface.

Best Luxury Sedan: Lexus LS 460 (From $71,990)
Lexus’ biggest sedan has a 12.3-inch LCD screen that has the capability of displaying navigation and entertainment systems at the same time. Smartphone applications can also be displayed on this screen, while using the LS 460’s joystick-style controller to use the apps without distracting the driver.

Best Value: Scion tC (From $19,480)
The Scion tC is not the most advanced, but it allows for Bluetooth audio, HD Radio and iPod integration through USB. The standard dual-DIN rack helps to keep the car more organized with providing a designated spot for all the gadgets.

Best Workhorse: Ford Super Duty (From $29,875)
These pickups include center consoles with the ability to store laptops or hanging files, as well as charge any device. Users have the option of the configurable LCD Productivity Screen on the dashboard that monitors fuel economy, towing performance and drivetrain operation.

Most Controversial: Cadillac ATS (From $33,095)
Cadillac User Experience media interface essentially works like an iPad and connects to a smartphone through Bluetooth. This technology is built around the vehicle’s LCD touchscreen in the middle of the dash.