Consumer Reports Top Picks - Where are the domestics?
Like last year, the Consumer Reports 2007 Top Picks are all from Japanese companies, with seven of the 10 being from Honda and Toyota. How can this be? If we're accused of having a bias, it's simply that we have one that favors good, reliable, safe cars.
The CR Top Picks aren't just based on brief driving impressions, as are many car awards. These cars are chosen from the more than 250 vehicles that we have recently tested. We use multifaceted criteria to ensure that each Pick is a well-rounded vehicle that excels in a number of areas.
Each Top Pick is a CR-recommended vehicle that has met our stringent requirements in three areas:
Testing: Each has scored at or near the top of its category in our vehicle testing.
Reliability: Each has proven average or better in reliability, based on our Annual Car Reliability Survey.
Safety: Each has performed at least adequately in overall crash protection if tested by the government or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
This analysis is conducted with the blind eye to manufacturer or country of origin. Because Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit organization, we are beholden only to our subscribers, not advertisers or industry. Our mission each year with Top Picks is to identify the models that excel in categories we think matter most to consumers.
So, where are the domestic brands?
In some cases, not far behind in our overall tests scores and competitive with reliability. But close isn’t good enough to make the list. Looking at Family Sedans, for example, the Ford Fusion SEL V6 scores very good (77 points) in our testing, has excellent predicted reliability, and excellent crash protection. But, several models tested better and a few match the crash protection rating. Ultimately, the Honda Accord claimed this class accolade. It scores excellent (89 points) in our testing, has very good predicted reliability, and excellent crash protection. The Accord is a clear standout, but the Fusion is still a car we like and endorse with our highest-level Recommendation.
For 2007, we did exclude what is the most American of categories, pickup trucks. Last year, the Honda Ridgeline claimed that honor, with higher test scores and predicted reliability than the traditional, full-sized competition. This year, the segment is revitalized with the new Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Tundra, along with updates to other models. Because we hadn't tested the freshened, and redesigned, 2007 trucks, we withdrew the category. However, we are now purchasing the competitive set and will determine which truck is king of the hill later this year.
Now, even though there are only 10 Top Picks, that doesn't mean these are our sole recommendations. In fact, there are dozens of vehicles we strongly recommend. Every consumer has a unique set of interests, needs, and budget constraints. Our tests, combined with reliability, owner satisfaction, and crash-test data, can help narrow the field down to the smart choices. Ultimately, it is in the buyers' hands to choose the right model from there; our job is to ensure they are armed with expert, unbiased information.
For those who favor buying American, it is worth noting that despite the badges on this year's Picks, several are made in the United States, including the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Toyota Sienna. (Likewise, not all American branded vehicles are made in the States. Read "What is an American car?" and "Chevys made in Japan?")
What if Top Picks were comprised of strictly American-branded vehicles? We'll further explore that scenario in a future post, "2007 Top Picks: American Style."
In the end, yes, we're biased toward good, reliable, safe cars. And we hope you are, too.
Recommended reading: "Which companies make the best cars?"
