Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Consumer Reports says...Cars, who needs em?


Time for the annual Carfest!
2011 Top Car Picks
(by size/category):
  • Honda Fit (budget)
  • Hyundai Elantra (small)
  • Nissan Altima (family)
  • Toyota RAV4 (small SUV)
  • Toyota Prius (green)
  • Kia Sorento (family SUV)
  • Ford Mustang (sporty)
  • Infiniti G37 (sporty sedan)
  • Toyota Sienna (family hauler)
  • Chevrolet Avalanche (truck)

Here's the Overall Ratings:
Road Test, BEST - Lexus LS 460L   VS   WORST - Jeep Wrangler (yes, I drive one)
Fuel Economy, BEST - Toyota Prius   VS   WORST - Cadillac Escalade
Owner Expenses, BEST - Honda Fit   VS   WORST - Mercedes-Benz SL550
Visibility, BEST - Subaru Forester   VS   WORST - Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
BEST Under $20,000 - Honda Fit
Most Enjoyable to Drive:
Sedans - Mazda3, Mazda6s, BMW 3, Buick LaCrosse CXS, Infiniti M37
SUVs - Nissan Juke, Infiniti EX35
Sporty - VW GTI, Ford Mustang, BMW 135i
(what no trucks?)

Automakers Ranked:
(based on the average of several recent road tests)
1. Honda, 2. Subaru, 3. Toyota, 4. Volvo, 5. Ford*, 6. Hyundai, 7. Mazda, 8. Nissan, 9. Volkswagen, 10. Mercedes-Benz, 11. BMW, 12. GM, 13. Chrysler
*Most Improved!

Some old cars are better than comparable new ones
2008 Reliable Models:
Acura RDX, Acura TSX, Ford Fusion, Honda CR-V, Honda Fit, Infiniti FX35, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Pilot, Volvo S60

Other Car-related Ratings:
Top Rated Tires: Cars - Michelin HydroEdge, Primacy, Pilot Exalto; SUVs - General Grabber HTS, Pirelli Scorpion ATR
Best GPS: Garmin Nuvi 765T & 3790T

(from Consumer Reports, April 2011)

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