CarSeekBlog

For the third year running, Honda picked up a top rating from Consumer Reports as the builder of “the best all-around vehicles for American drivers.” That’s high commendation, especially when you consider that not one vehicle made by Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep even managed to be “recommended.” Worse than that, cars rolled out by those companies were listed as “poor performing products” with “sinking reliability results.” Ouch and double ouch.

The “best” list of manufacturers, in descending order, included:

- Honda
- Subaru
- Toyota
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen, and BMW all tied for fifth place.

Ford and GM? “At the back of the class.”

For individual purchases by class, the magazine’s Top Picks for 2009 were:

Small Sedan: Hyundai Elantra SE
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander
Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Avalanche
Best Overall Vehicle: Lexus LS 460
Family Sedan: Honda Accord
Upscale Sedan: Infiniti G37
Fun to Drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata
Small SUV: Toyota RAV4
Minivan: Toyota sienna
Green Car: Toyota Prius

Filed under: Buying Trends by Shorty