Consumers Digest Names ‘08 Best Buys
Thirty-six vehicles and 13 companion models recently received Consumer Digest's 2008 Best Buy rating.
Thirty-six vehicles and 13 companion models recently received Consumer Digest’s 2008 Best Buy rating, the magazine reports.
The Best Buys are based on behind-the-wheel testing, safety ratings, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities.
The ratings, published in the December issue of Consumer Digest, includes 10 categories.
Small Cars:
Dodge Caliber
Honda Civic
Honda Fit
Jeep Compass
Nissan Versa
Scion xB
Family Cars:
Ford Fusion
Ford Taurus
Honda Accord
Lincoln MKZ
Mercury Milan
Mercury Sable
Saturn Aura
Toyota Camry/Camry Solara
Luxury Cars:
Acura TL
Cadillac CTS
Infiniti G35
Lexus LS 460
Sporty Cars:
BMW 3-Series
Chevrolet Corvette
Ford Mustang
MINI Cooper
Pontiac Solstice
Saturn Sky
Trucks:
Chevrolet Silverado
Ford F-150
GMC Sierra
Toyota Tundra
Vans:
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Grand Caravan
Honda Odyssey
Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona
Compact SUVs:
Honda CR-V
Jeep Wrangler
Toyota RAV4
Midsize SUVs:
Buick Enclave
GMC Acadia
Mazda CX-7
Saturn Outlook
Saturn VUE
Full-Size/Luxury SUVs:
Acura MDX
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Hybrids:
Ford Escape Hybrid
Mazda Tribute Hybrid
Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Toyota Prius
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