The survey, which was conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, rated Honda, as well as Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet, Toyota, Hyundai and Chrysler. 1,700 consumers, representing a nationally representative sample of adults with at least one vehicle in their household, were interviewed via phone calls, and asked to share their perceptions of customer service and quality commitment.

Honda scored at the top – overwhelmingly so – in both categories, scoring 71% and 73% respectively, with Ford and Nissan in the second and third positions. In fifth place (surprisingly high, considering the woes the Japanese automaker has been going through) was Toyota, with Hyundai and Chrysler trailing the others by a large margin.

Here’s an image of the actual survey results:

This year, a new test was added – the roof test. While the results of this test caused a lower number of vehicles to be granted overall Top Safety Pick status, more and more new vehicles are being tested for roof strength, and numbers will eventually balance out. Other tests vehicles must pass include front, side, and rear crash tests. As well, electronic stability control systems are now required.

Among this years Top Safety Picks are the 2010 Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes-Benz e-Class. There were no American brands represented in the top ten this year.

Granted, the Lexus line has not suffered from the braking and acceleration issues present on models branded directly with the Toyota name, but what really gives pause here is the message the selection sends in the middle of a recession with unemployment hovering around 10% nationally and exceeding that figure regionally and by socioeconomic class. The LS 460L has an MSRP of $76,572.

Sure, it’s a great vehicle, scoring 99 out of 100 on the survey’s rating scale. Sure, the description on the survey page talks about a luxury sedan that “pampers passengers with a comfortable ride and luxurious driving environment.” Sure, you can get a spiffy, optional self-parking system. Yeah, it has a 380hp V8 and gets 21 miles to the gallon overall. Oh, and there’s a hybrid version.

But the truth of the matter?

The vast majority of Americans will probably never be able to afford a car like this again — if they ever could. This is a best overall pick that speaks to the bygone days of credit fueled excess that landed us where we are — in national and international financial hot water. Is this really the best message to send to Americans who just want a reliable, fuel-efficient, affordable car?

Yes, you can drill down through the list and find that the Hyundai Elantra SE at $18,695 was named the top Small Sedan, but clearly reviewers still have their eyes on luxury in a land of famine. Shame on you, Consumer Reports. Stick the Lexus models over in the pie-in-the-sky dreamer list where they belong and find a car all of us can realistically hope to own. Showcase that car and you encourage carmakers to put their creativity and their excellence where it solidly belongs — in cars that operate cleanly and efficiently and are affordable.

So, the three finalists for Car of the Year were:

- Hyundai Genesis
- Ford Flex
- Volkswagen Jetta TDI (a diesel)

And the three for the truck nod were:

- Ford F-150
- Dodge RAM
- Mercedes-Benz ML320 BueTEC (also a diesel)

Without a doubt, the Genesis is a big step in the right direction for Korean automaker Hyundai in its quest to grab a share of the “upscale” market while trying to hang on to its reputation for affordability. The V6 version of the Genesis opens at $32,000 and reviewers consistently say it drives like a Lexus or Mercedes-Benz. (Exactly the goal Hyundai set for itself from the beginning with this model.)

As for the F-150, really, what is there to say about a truck that has been the best selling model in America for 27 years? Not even a recession, plummeting auto sales, and $4 gasoline did this one in. For 2009 the F-150 is more angular and has a flatter nose while sporting a lighter chassis for better fuel economy and even higher safety ratings. (It’s the Top Safety Pick with the Insurance Institue for Highway Safety.)

While lots of people are not in the market for new wheels at the moment, when that does become possible again — hopefully sooner than later — these models are six to consider.

The V6 has 3.8-liter V6 putting out 290 hp. It should get 18 mpg around town and 17 out on the highway. The V8 uses a 4.6-liter, 32-valve engine putting out 375 hp. Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city and 25 highway.

Price wise the Genesis is a good competitor for the Chrysler 300 or the Pontiac G8, but when the engineers were working on its design they were looking at the Lexus GS, Mercedes E-Class, and Infiniti M. The whole idea was luxury paired with value and the results are impressive.

- electronic stability contol
- SM NavTraffic
- adaptive headlights
- radar-based active cruise control
- Lexicon audio (17 speakers, 500-watts)
- electronic active head restraints
- leather-wrapped, dash, door panels, console lid
- heated and cooled seats
- steering wheel wrapped in ultraviolet reflective leather to keep it cool
- ultrasonic sensors (8) front and rear for parking in close quarters
- power rear sunshade
- automatic electronic parking brake
- proximity key
- push button start
- eight airbags (side, roof, and curtain)

And that doesn’t even consider all the available options. The Genesis is luxury for the rest of us and well worth a test drive come July.