VehicleVoice News: Consumer Reports Top Picks for 2007

The Consumer Reports annual auto issue has just come out, and in it they identify their Top Picks in several different segments. Their choices are based on their vehicle tests (sample size of their staff members), projected reliability based on their (huge sample) reliability survey of prior models, and an assessment of the vehicle's safety based on government crash tests.

Why Should We Care what Consumer Reports Says?

Over years of research with American car and light truck buyers, AutoPacific has asked what influenced their purchase the most? In almost every focus group or one-on-one interview we have held, Consumer Reports is mentioned. While buyers contend that Consumer Reports does not DICTATE what they buy, the consumer magazine does help them sort through the tremendous number of vehicles available today. Sometimes Consumer Reports is accused of biasing tests against vehicles they don't like (Isuzu, Suzuki, Mitsubishi), but their large sample consumer survey is hard to beat. This year, Mercedes, in a huff because they scored poorly, said something to the effect, "Our customers vote with their wallets, not with their pencils". Bad show.

Let's see if their top picks pass the reasonableness test. The VehicleVoice reaction to their selections is shown below the fold.

Fun-to-Drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata: Good pick! I like this car. It really is fun to drive, well put together, and fairly priced. I prefer the new retractable hardtop version myself, especially with their slick manual transmission. Might be nice with a 2.5L V6, but pretty sweet, just as it is.

Small SUV: Toyota RAV4: Again, a really good pick. That 3.5L V6 makes this a real runner. Personally, I'd prefer a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, but for most people the RAV4 is a more appropriate choice.

Small Sedan: Honda Civic: Again, I'd concur. Anyone considering a small sedan has to consider the Civic. Reliable, durable, responsive handing, good power and also fuel economy. What's not to like?

Editor's 2¢ Worth: While not fair at this point, a car to watch may be the all new Mitsubishi Lancer. Arguably the Lancer is styled as distinctively as the Civic and does set the stage for a revitalization of Mitsubishi. Driving a Lancer with its CVT with paddle shifters is a real treat on a winding mountain road.

Family Sedan: Honda Accord: Consumer Reports put the Accord first and gave the Camry honorable mention. I'd probably go the other way round, with Camry first and Accord second, largely based on exterior appearance, which is, admittedly, pretty subjective. CR suggests you check out the Passat 3.6L. I'd pass on that one based on projected reliability. It is fun to drive, in a Germanic sort of way, but most buyers in this segment need to put practical considerations ahead of the emotional appeal of handling and performance.

Editor's 2¢ Worth: Don't forget the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Saturn Aura, Hyundai Sonata. Frankly all of these Mid-Size sedans have evolved into excellent automobiles. Some more exciting than others. If I wanted to spend a few more bucks, I'd go with the Lincoln MKZ with AWD - America's answer to the Audi A4 Quattro.

Minivan: Toyota Sienna: There are two clear leaders in this pack, Sienna and Odyssey. CR gave the edge to Sienna this year, I'd probably give the edge to the Odyssey, but it doesn't matter - they are both winners, at least for those buying for product. Those buyers who are more price conscious might consider the Chrysler twins (Town & Country and Caravan) and the Kia Sedona, these are good value buys.

Luxury Sedan: Infiniti M35: This is a tough one. CR put the M35 on top with the BMW 530 and Audi A6 as also rans. All great cars, especially with AWD. The Audi has a spectacular interior, but a less than fully competitive reliability and resale value history. The Infiniti is probably more reliable than the BMW, which also has the liability if the iDrive system. So, once again, i have to agree with the CR guys.

Mid-Size SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid: I'm not really a Hybrid kinda guy. Too much interest in trailer tow capability I guess. For the same price, I'd prefer a Chevrolet Tahoe. Less fuel efficient, but I prefer the size, style and capability. Different stroke for different folks.

Editor's 2¢ Worth: There are so many selections in the Mid-Size SUV category that it quickly becomes confusing. 'Sack selects a Large SUV - the Tahoe - as his choice. Guess he doesn't know how to play the game. I would have gone with the Ford Edge, but I admit that Edge really hasn't been on the market long enough to develop any history, so let's save that until a later year.

Budget Cars: Honda Fit: Here again, I'd prefer the Nissan Versa. Similar price, and more vehicle - especially more interior room. Nothing really wrong with the Fit. If the shoe fits, wear it. Doesn;t fit me, however.

Green Car: Toyota Prius: Right now, I'd have to agree with CR, given the limited choice. I don't like driving a Prius. It doesn't feel satisfying to drive, and I feel conspicuous with that exterior style. I much prefer a VW TDI, but that model was recently discontinued and wont be back till the 2008 model year. Some will argue that no diesel can be green. I don't agree. With low sulfur fuel, great mileage, long life, and good recycleability, I think the case can be debated - and I much prefer to drive a TDI than a hybrid.

Upscale Sedan: Infiniti G35: Another good choice. Rear wheel or AWD, good performance, great style...and Japanese reliability/durability. I'd prefer a BMW 5-Series, but reliability/durability concerns and iDrive make that choice hard to defend.

Full-Size Pickup: N/A: Consumer reports hasn't declared their Top Pick yet...but I vote for the Chevrolet Silverado. Probably the best overall pickup I've driven, and with a model for every purse and purpose. Good style. Great package. Powertrains feel good (but could use a 6-speed auto NOW, not "soon"). New Toyota Tundra look very promising, but let's see how it does after a year of use in the big leagues.

Compact/Mid-Size Pickup: N/A: Again, CR hasn't yet announced their choice, but mine is the Toyota Tacoma. Reliable, durable, lots of variety available. Good resale. Again, what's not to like. Top sales in its segment, for good reason.

So, by and large, the Consumer reports picks are pretty reasonable. Maybe not exactly mine, but pretty close.