Consumer Reports 2009 Best New Car Picks

Shopping for a new car? Make sure you check out the Consumer Reports 2009 Top Picks.

In the latest issue of Consumer Reports, the magazine published its annual best car list. In total more than 300 models were tested and 10 new models were chosen as the top picks in 10 categories based on road test score, vehicle reliability, and safety. They are:

• Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Avalanche for being “one of the most versatile and comfortable pickups.” Price: $36,000 to $47,000
• Fun to Drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata for being “a true sports car at a reasonable price.” Price: $22,000 to $29,000
• Small SUV: Toyota RAV4 for providing “agile handling, a roomy and quiet interior, a comfortable ride, and an optional third-row seat.” Price: $23,000 to $30,000.
• Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander for providing “a comfortable and quiet ride, a nicely finished interior, three rows of seats, and decent fuel economy for its class.” Price: $26,000 to $41,000.
• Small Sedan: Hyundai Elantra SE for being a “comfortable, roomy small car that provides good fuel economy, a quiet and nicely finished interior, and plenty of features for the money.” Price: $18,695.
• Upscale Sedan: Infiniti G37 for its “very lively powertrain, agile handling, a comfortable ride, and a nicely appointed interior.” Price: $33,000 to $36,000.
• Family Sedan: Honda Accord for its “easy to live with and enjoyable to drive.” Price: $21,000 to $31,000.
• Green Car: Toyota Prius for the “model’s 44 overall mpg” Price: $22,000 to $24,000.
• Minivan: Toyota Sienna for offering “a spacious, versatile, and comfortable way to carry up to eight people.” Price: $26,000 to $38,000.
• Best overall vehicle: Lexus LS 460 for providing “a luxurious, uncompromising driving environment, with a supremely comfortable ride and a roomy, well-finished, and exceptionally quiet interior.” Price: $64,000 to $77,000.

Also on its website, Consumer Reports listed best and worst cars based on overall test scores. The best is Lexus LS 460L and the worst is Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. And, not surprisingly, you will find a lot of cars made by GM and Chrysler at the bottom of the list. No wonder they almost go out of business.

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