Consumers Digest Names 2010 Best Buys

November 05, 2009

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DEERFIELD, Ill. — Earlier this week, Consumers Digest released its 2010 automotive Best Buys, which honored 36 vehicles and 12 companion models.

The honors recognized vehicles across 10 segments and were based on behind-the-wheel assessment, safety ratings, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities.

Essentially, they spotlight "which 2010 vehicles offer the most value for the money."

The following, by category, were this year's Best Buys:

—Small Cars: Honda Fit, Kia Soul, Mazda3, Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla.

—Family Cars: Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan and Toyota Camry.

—Luxury Cars: Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS, Hyundai Genesis sedan and Lincoln MKS.

—Sporty Cars: Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, MINI Cooper/Cooper Clubman and Nissan 370Z.

—Pickups: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra 1500

—Minivans: Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona and Volkswagen Routan.

—Compact SUV: Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner and Nissan Rogue.

—Midsize SUV: Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia and Mazda CX-7.

—Full-size/Luxury SUV: Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Volvo XC60.

—Hybrid: Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid and Toyota Prius.

"We really feel for the people across the country who are suffering through some tough times financially," commented Randy Weber, Consumers Digest's publisher.

"We also know that some of them will have to purchase a new vehicle soon, and we hope that they take advantage of the work we have done on their behalf so that they get the most value possible out of their purchase," he added.

Breaking the Best Buys down by automaker, Big 3 brands accounted for 31 models, up from 24 a year ago. Asian automakers had 14 models make the list, down from 22.

In other good news for domestics, seven brands saw their representation on the list increase, all of which were from the Big 3.

Chevrolet and Ford each had seven, while Mercury had three. Buick, Cadillac and Lincoln each had two.

In conclusion, Weber noted: "Few purchases are more important, or require more research, than buying a new vehicle. Our analyses underscore our commitment to ensure that consumers are as satisfied with their auto purchase years after making it as they were on the day they drove off the lot."

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