Best New Cars for 2010

February 23, 2010

Chevrolet Traverse Every year in its annual Auto Issue, Consumer Reports magazine publishes its new-car test and survey results. Based on those results, it picks the best of the best, based on value, safety, reliability, fuel economy, comfort, roominess, performance, and many other factors. The new issue (April) will be on news stands soon.

The overall best car this year is the Lexus LS 460L. It is rated 99 out of a possible 100, which is outstanding.

Other top rated makes and models are as follows:

Best Sports Sedan – Infiniti G37

Best Family Hauler (wagon, minivan, microvan) – Mazda Mazda5

Best Pickup Truck – Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Best Green Car – Toyota Prius

Best Family SUV – Chevrolet Traverse

Best Fuel Economy – Toyota Prius, Smart ForTwo, Honda Insight

Best Overall Safety – Kia Soul (small car), Acura TL (family & upscale car), Honda CR-V (small SUV), Acura MDX (midsize SUV)

Best Roadtest – Lexus LS 460L, Infiniti M35 X, BMW 135i

Best Cars Under $20,000 – Ford Focus SES, Honda Civic LX, Honda Fit

Of course, the magazine has the full details of each car’s evaluation and test results. You can also get the same information (for a small fee) on the magazine’s website at consumerreports.org. Anyone who is thinking of buying a new car should always consult CR data before making a decision. Not only will you learn which cars had the best results, but you will also discover which cars had the worst results.