Cars: Consumer Reports Annual Top Picks Options

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Honda cleans up in Consumer Reports picks

Sedan, less than $20,000
Honda Civic


Consumer Reports cited the Civic's roomy interior, comfortable ride, good handling and fuel economy. The magazine also points out the Civic's standard side curtain airbags and excellent crash test scores.

The Civic replaces last year's pick in the category, the Ford Focus.

Sedan, $20,000 - $30,000
Honda Accord

The hybrid Accord offers slightly better fuel economy and quicker acceleration, but regular 4-cylider and V-6 versions are just about as good, Consumer Reports says. The magazine also noted the Accord's comfort, roominess and handling.

Sedan, $30,000 - $40,000
Acura TL

Another Honda product, the Acura TL provides a "near ideal blend of comfort, convenience and sportiness," Consumer Reports says. It's a quick car that still gets fairly good fuel mileage, the magazine said, and the interior has good fit and finish.

Luxury sedan
Infiniti M35

Available in rear- or all-wheel-drive, the M35 offers a good balance of performance, comfort and handling, Consumer Reports says. It replaces last year's pick in this category, the Lexus LS430.

Fun to drive
Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

With the WRX and its high-performance STi version, you can have a blast behind the wheel with two more doors behind your back. The WRX is an inexpensive, fun sports car with the practicality of a small sedan, the magazine says.

Small SUV/SUV, less than $30,000
Subaru Forester

Honda just barely lost out in this category. The Honda CR-V was runner-up. The car-based Forester handles and rides well, Consumer Reports says.

Mid-sized SUV/SUV more than $30,000
Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid has quick acceleration, a comfortable ride and a third-row seat. The Highlander Hybrid and the closely-related Lexus RX400h were the only SUVs to earn an overall "Excellent" score in Consumer Reports' testing. The magazine recommended the Honda Pilot as another good choice with a better third-row seat.

Minivan
Honda Odyssey

The Odyssey leads it class in agility, refinement and interior flexibility, Consumer Reports says. Electronic stability control and side curtain air bags are standard.

Green car
Toyota Prius

The Prius takes this category for the third year in a row. With a spacious interior and reasonable performance, the Prius is a good alternative to a mid-sized sedan, Consumer Reports says.

Pick-up truck
Honda Ridgeline

Redefining the pick-up truck, the car-based Ridgeline combines a comfortable ride and agile handling with good payload capacity, Consumer Reports says. There's even a weather-proof trunk hidden in the bed. The Toyota Tundra is another good choice for buyers who need a longer bed and more towing capacity.

I know most of you don't care, because I've posted something similar before, but are you guys noticing a trend? None of these cars roll off an assembly line in Mexico.