DEERFIELD, Ill. -

As we near the new year, Consumer Digest revealed late last week its choices for its 2014 Automotive Best Buys.

Thirty-seven vehicles and eight companion models received Best Buy ratings from Consumers Digest for the 2014 model year.

The Japanese and Korean automakers made an impressive showing this year, combined to grab a 10 percentage point increase in the number of Best Buys that their vehicles were awarded (18) over the number of 2013-model-year recommendations that their vehicles received.

This increase means Asian automakers now dominate 40 percent of the list.

The site shared that this is the largest percentage for the group since its vehicles represented 42 percent of all Best Buys for the 2009 model year.

On the other hand, U.S. automakers share of the list fell to 53.3 percent from 60.5 percent for the 2013 model year.

That said, General Motors made a good showing, receiving 10 Best Buys.

Ford vehicles notched eight recommendations, and the Chrysler family of brands were given seven.

"Value, as we see it, is based on purchase price and ownership costs relative to quality, performance and subjective factors, such as comfort and design," said Randy Weber, Consumer Digest publisher.

The ratings span 12 vehicle segment categories, and are based on behind-the-wheel driving experience, safety ratings, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics and amenities, Consumer Digest explained.

The ratings, as follows, reflect Consumer Digest’s view of which 2014 vehicles offer exceptional all-around value for the money:

2014 Automotive Best Buys

  • 3 subcompacts: Chevrolet Sonic, Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta
  • 3 compacts: Ford Focus, Kia Soul, Mazda3
  • 7 family cars: Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion/Lincoln MKZ, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima, Mazda6
  • 4 luxury cars: Audi A6, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Chrysler 300
  • 5 sporty cars: Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Ford Mustang, Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ
  • 3 hybrids: Ford Fusion Hybrid/Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Toyota Prius
  • 3 minivans: Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey
  • 4 compact SUVs: Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5
  • 3 midsize SUVs: Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder
  • 5 full-size SUVs: Buick Enclave/Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-9
  • 3 luxury SUVs: Acura MDX, Acura RDX, Infiniti QX60
  • 2 pickups: Ford F-150 and Ram 1500