Consumer Reports has unveiled its list of top automotive picks for 2013.
Each year, Consumer Reports engineers clock hundreds of thousands of miles as they put vehicles through all kinds of different tests – both on the road and in the garage.
Among the dozens of tests, it is important to know how well a car can handle any emergency situation in respect to acceleration, braking and reliability. Owners help by reporting their experiences with 1.2 million vehicles to Consumer Reports.
"The European vehicles traditionally don't have very good reliability and that actually held them off the top pick list," said Jake Fisher of Consumer Reports.
But this year two European vehicles made the list, including the Audi A6 as the top pick luxury car.
"It's a very comfortable car. It's got an amazing interior, nice ride, and agile handling," said Fisher.
The BMW 328I is the top pick sports sedan.
"It's always been a really sporty, fun-to-drive car. But now with a new two-liter, turbo-charged engine, it's actually very efficient, too,” said Fisher.
Phil Edmonston is the author of the 43rd edition of the Lemon-Aid guide. He says if you're looking for a good, cheap, reliable vehicle, think Honda.
"The smallest car, most economical, without any problems is the Honda Fit. Honda, generally they make good cars, not the Civic this year, they've redesigned it and they've got some redesign problems that doesn't make it as good a car as it used to be," said Edmondston.
Like Consumer Reports, Edmonston also likes the newly redesigned Honda Accord and the Mazda 3.
"Mazda 3 is supposed to have been a senior citizen car, all the kids hijacked it, making it what they call tuners, they love it, it's perky engine, it's a great little car," said Edmonston.
Consumer Reports also raves about the CRV, ranking it number one in the small SUV class. And the Honda Odyssey has regained Consumer Reports top pick minivan distinction.
When it comes to sports cars, the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S lead the pack. These nearly identical vehicles, co-developed by Toyota and Subaru are fun to drive, with sticker prices that are tough to beat.
If you're shopping for a new truck, Edmonston recommends the Chrysler Ram with the diesel engine.
And despite growing competition, the Toyota Prius remains the top pick green car, a distinction it's held for 10 years running.
Before you buy a new car, Edmonston recommends checking out the website www.safercar.gov. It’s an American site that reports recalls, safety bulletins and consumer complaints.
