Consumer Reports names Top Picks for 2009
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Lexus Champion
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From: CA
Consumer Reports names Top Picks for 2009
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...p-picks-ov.htm
Pickup truck. Chevrolet Avalanche
Fun to drive. Mazda Miata
Small SUV. Toyota RAV4
Small sedan. Hyundai Elantra SE
Green car. Toyota Prius
Minivan. Toyota Sienna
Upscale sedan. Infiniti G37
Midsize SUV. Toyota Highlander
Family sedan. Honda Accord
Best overall vehicle. Lexus LS 460
Top picks
Best models of the year in 10 categories
Of the more than 300 vehicles we've recently tested, our Top Picks are the best all-around choices in their categories. This year's list includes two new models: The Toyota Highlander is our new pick for midsized SUVs, unseating the Hyundai Santa Fe. And thanks to improved reliability, the Chevrolet Avalanche replaced the Chevrolet Silverado as our choice for pickups. See full Ratings, reliability and data on all Top Picks in our model overviews.
How we choose
Top Picks must meet our criteria in three areas:
Road tests
Vehicles must rank at or near the top of their categories in our overall road-test score, which includes more than 50 individual tests and evaluations.
Reliability
Each must have an average or better predicted-reliability Rating, which is based on the problems Consumer Reports subscribers reported for more than 1.4 million vehicles in our latest Annual Auto Survey.
Safety
Top Picks must perform adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or the insurance industry. (For some models, we do not have enough crash-test data to assign an overall safety Rating.) In addition, each must offer electronic stability control (ESC), a proven lifesaving safety feature, as standard equipment or as a readily available option.
Best models of the year in 10 categories
Of the more than 300 vehicles we've recently tested, our Top Picks are the best all-around choices in their categories. This year's list includes two new models: The Toyota Highlander is our new pick for midsized SUVs, unseating the Hyundai Santa Fe. And thanks to improved reliability, the Chevrolet Avalanche replaced the Chevrolet Silverado as our choice for pickups. See full Ratings, reliability and data on all Top Picks in our model overviews.
How we choose
Top Picks must meet our criteria in three areas:
Road tests
Vehicles must rank at or near the top of their categories in our overall road-test score, which includes more than 50 individual tests and evaluations.
Reliability
Each must have an average or better predicted-reliability Rating, which is based on the problems Consumer Reports subscribers reported for more than 1.4 million vehicles in our latest Annual Auto Survey.
Safety
Top Picks must perform adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or the insurance industry. (For some models, we do not have enough crash-test data to assign an overall safety Rating.) In addition, each must offer electronic stability control (ESC), a proven lifesaving safety feature, as standard equipment or as a readily available option.
Fun to drive. Mazda Miata
Small SUV. Toyota RAV4
Small sedan. Hyundai Elantra SE
Green car. Toyota Prius
Minivan. Toyota Sienna
Upscale sedan. Infiniti G37
Midsize SUV. Toyota Highlander
Family sedan. Honda Accord
Best overall vehicle. Lexus LS 460
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,222
Likes: 220
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I think the main reason they picked the Chevy Avalance as the best truck is their fascination with that removable panel behind the seats that turns it into an open-bed all the way forward/back. It's a neat device for versatility, but cuts into body solidness some, even though it is, like most large trucks, a body-on-frame vehicle.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,222
Likes: 220
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
It's hard to argue with the LS460 pick as best overall vehicle. Though it is too complex, electronically, for my tastes, and has too many systems on the dash to monitor, I don't think I've ever driven a better combination of handling, ride, refinement, comfort, power, reliability and superb noise isolation. The only thing the LS series lacked, up to recently, was AWD traction, and that has now been addressed on new models.
The Mercedes S550 probably equals it from an engineering/comfort standpoint, but, of course, lacks the LS460's reliability.
The Acura RL has superb build quality/solidness, a rich interior, AWD traction, and a reasonable amount of power (it is another one of my favorite luxury cars), but it can't quite equal the LS460's refinement.
The Mercedes S550 probably equals it from an engineering/comfort standpoint, but, of course, lacks the LS460's reliability.
The Acura RL has superb build quality/solidness, a rich interior, AWD traction, and a reasonable amount of power (it is another one of my favorite luxury cars), but it can't quite equal the LS460's refinement.
Last edited by mmarshall; Mar 4, 2009 at 05:14 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,222
Likes: 220
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
CR is not in the buisness of testing exotic or racing cars. Vehicles are judged on CR's idea of overall vehicle competence, reliability, crash tests, and appeal to the average car buyer. I happen to agree with much of their philosophy myself (not all of it).
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
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From: tech capital
I tend to use CR reports for reliability data only, it's some of the best in the business. I do look at their performance data sometimes. And they can really help you select a cool LCD TV.
There are better sources for performance and safety information.
There are better sources for performance and safety information.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,025
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From: MIchigan
Keep in mind, the big difference from CR and the magazines is that they actually purchase their cars from the dealer. The cars are not given to then a demo or tester models.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,222
Likes: 220
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I agree. I also use CR primarily for reliability info, but a lot of their other data is interesting, too.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,883
Likes: 1
From: Coral Springs, Fl
I don't know, that's a tough one. The Elantra is a very nice economical sedan. Not as sporty as the Civic, yet, surely not as "phrumpy" as the Corolla.