Earlier this week I received notification from U.S. News Autos that their Best Car for the Money awards list was published, the second year that U.S. News & World Reports had compiled their report.
Numerous Annual Awards
I’ve lost track of the number of different automotive awards given out by newspapers, magazines, and organizations, and certainly concur with the thinking of some that there are too many awards given each year. Still, when they’re highly publicized, as I’m sure that this one is and will be, then consumers will sit up and take notice.
I cannot dispute any of the winners as “value” is oftentimes subjective. The Ford Taurus won the full sized car category, but it isn’t the lowest price car in its segment. However, it is a thoroughly modern vehicle, chock full of many of the amenities people demand in their cars today including a premium sound system, SYNC navigation, lots of safety devices, and much more.
Ownership Data Tapped
To come up with its winners, U.S. News relied on 2010 total cost of ownership data provided by IntelliChoice.com. 23 vehicles won based on earning the highest marks for overall value and appeal within their respective categories.
The 2010 winners are as follows:
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Source: U.S. News Media Group
PM Workhorse Pick: 2010 Ford Transit Connect
We’re in the season where car magazines, consumer groups and bloggers are announcing their top picks for the latest models on the market. The 2010 model year is in full swing which means that the announcements are rolling out as you read this.
Subaru Outback
Last month, Motor Trend named the Subaru Outback as its pick for 2010 SUV/Truck of the Year and will declare its car winner later this month. I have a hunch on who the winner will be, but I’ll keep that guess to myself.
The 2010 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards were announced last week, the fourth year that this popular men’s publication has named cars which it believes “…represent the innovation and foresight that will keep this industry moving forward.”
The Winners
By category, the editors have chosen:
- Performance: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
- Design: Chevrolet Camaro
- Value: Kia Soul
- Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Prius
- Versatility: Subaru Outback
- Fun to Drive: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- Off-Road Ability: Ford F-150 Raptor
- Technical Innovation: Lexus Remote Touch
- Luxury: BMW 335d
- Workhorse: Ford Transit Connect
I don’t see any surprises on the list as each model or product is well known to industry insiders. Popular Mechanics (PM) says that they test more than 100 new vehicles when making their determination, driving more than 100,000 miles to find the right vehicle for the right category.
Early Releases
Given that many of the 2010 models have been out for some time, I can see how they rack up the miles so quickly. Though not featured on the list, the 2010 Mercedes GLK has been on sale since the first days of the new year. Clearly, model years are merging and blending, but the PM list is something worth looking at.
By the way, you’ll have to wait until the tenth of this month before the December issue hits news stands. PM’s top picks will be featured along with more in depth analysis and evaluations of the winners.
50 automotive writers and journalists from Canada and U.S. have voted to name their selection for the prestigious 2009 North American Car (COTY) and Truck (TOTY) of the Year awards, with the winners to be revealed in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Voting takes place early December and each juror has 25 points to distribute for car and 25 for truck nominees. No more than 10 points may be awarded to any one vehicle, and the 10-point maximum can be bestowed only once. However, the juror must award all 25 points.
This year 14 cars were nominated along with 11 trucks.
The three car finalists are:
- Ford Flex
- Hyundai Genesis
- Volkswagen Jetta TDI
The three truck finalists are:
- Ford F-150
- Dodge Ram
- Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC
To be eligible, vehicles must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model. This year the jury considered more than 50 vehicles and finally settled on 14 cars and 11 trucks that deserved to be on the ballot.
Michelle Collins, Vice Chairman Automotive at Deloitte & Touche, was responsible for counting the ballots, which jurors sent directly to the accounting firm. Only Ms. Collins will know who the winner is when the awards are announced at the NAIAS on January 11th.
Last year the North American Car of the Year was the Chevrolet Malibu and the North American Truck of the Year was the Mazda CX-9.
Who do I think will win? The Hyundai Genesis will win the COTY while the TOTY will go to the Ford F-150.
Source: North American Car & Truck of the Year
Auto News | Matt Keegan, 10 Dec 09 | 
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