I look forward to this event everywhere. Sometimes I forget why some vehicles are in a particular category, but maybe somebody can help me.
City Car - Shouldn't the Spark be here instead? It's one of those Micro cars designed for the city.
Small Car less than 21k - Not sure why the Rio LX is competing with some of the other cars in this class, using the LX trim, it doesn't even have A/C, but it costs $5000 less than the Mazda3? I assume it's the only Rio you could get, but I would choose the Rio in the class.
Small Car more than 21k - I assume the Mazda3 Skyactiv Sport is with Auto, because it is only $21200 with auto, if you go manual it's less than $21k. I would choose the Mazda, not just because I am biased, but like many I prefer the handling, steering, seats, cargo room, and fuel economy compared to the Elantra GT
Family Car less than 30k - Haven't test driven any of the new redesigned family sedans. Never can I remember so many full redesigns in one year, the Accord, the Altima, the Fusion, where is the Camry in the lineup? Surely, you couldn't leave it out America's best selling family sedan over the Lancer? I would still pick the Accord.
Family Car more than 30k - What is the Chevrolet Malibu doing here? Only the fully loaded LTZ model belongs here, if you have a fully loaded Accord, Fusion, or Altima it would be in this category as well? Makes no sense. Pricing for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco starts at $27,940 (1LT) and includes dual zone climate control as standard equipment. Pricing for the 2013 Malibu starts at $24,995 for the base LS, $26,325 for the 1LT (with manual climate control), $27,915 for the 2LT, $29,160 for the 2LT Eco and $32,540 for the 2.0L-equipped LTZ.
It doesn't make it sound fair to the consumers who rely on your extensive testing. Best Family Car less than 30k - but not include the new Malibu or Camry. Two cars that were newly designed this year, and a more worthy than the Lancer for the category!
Luxury Car - Thats a little vague, every other category gives you less than, or more than. I would recommend less than 40k category, and more than 40k. How can you compare a Buick Verano to the Lexus GS? If I had to pick the Cadillac ATS.
Sport Cars under 50k - The Subaru BRZ
Sports Cars more than 50k - I understand why these cars are here, the Black Edition of the Porsche for example is a special trim that adds performance and other things, same as the ZL1, etc. If I had the money, the Porsche.
Prestige - No question, the M5, it's timeless.
CUV less than 35k - the Mazda CX-5, although most will choose the CR-V, but I think they are both great.
CUV more than 35k - I have a little more trouble here. The GMC Terrain Denali is only a trim package, adding chrome rims, step bars, different seats, wood inserts, nothing redesigned, I thought it had to be all new to make it, or significantly refreshed. I guess the Traverse is here because the 3.6L engine now has Direct Injection, and adds 6hp. WOW! Big Refresh! Also the Hyundai Sante Fe Sport and Ford Escape belong in the CUV less than 35k category. As per the First Drive:
Santa Fe 2.4L FWD: $26,499
Santa Fe 2.4L Premium FWD: $28,299
Santa Fe 2.4L Premium AWD: $30,299
Santa Fe 2.4L Luxury AWD: $33,899
Santa Fe 2.0T Premium FWD: $30,499
Santa Fe 2.0T Premium AWD: $32,499
Santa Fe 2.0T SE AWD: $35,299
Santa Fe 2.0T Limited AWD: $38,499
6 of the available trims are less than 35k, with one over by $300!
Escape S FWD: $21,499
Escape SE FWD: $26,899
Escape SE AWD: $29,099
Escape SEL FWD: $31,599
Escape SEL AWD: $33,799
Escape Titanium AWD: $37,499
7 of the available trims are less than 35k. Not really fair to compare a Hyundai/Ford against the Lexus RX350. I would pick the RDX here.
