Top Cars 2012
Consumer Reports has come out with their list of the top cars for 2012. When considering a new car, we recommend that you check out the Consumer Reports list. They are not supported by any advertising, so (theoretically) you are getting a non-biased opinion. Below is the list of cars and trucks that Consumer Reports recommends in each of 10 car and truck categories:
- Family Sedan: Toyota Camry Hybrid ($29,052)
38 miles per gallon (mpg) overall fuel economy, which is better than some smaller hybrids.
- Affordable Family Sedan: Hyundai Sonata ($21.800)
2012 Hyundai Sonata is a more affordable alternative to the Camry Hybrid
- Family SUV: Toyota Highlander (38,578 – 47,255)
Consistently ranked near the top of its class in road-test scores and above-average reliability. The V6 version gets 18 mpg and the hybrid model tops all SUVs at 27 mpg.
- Family Hauler: Toyota Sienna (V6) ($35,810)
According to Consumer Reports, the Sienna is a “versatile minivan” that can carry up to eight people. It offers “lively performance,” “decent” fuel economy, and a “comfortable” ride.”
- Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Avalanche ($47,435)
Consumer Reports recommends getting the optional backup camera to compensate for a large rear blind spot.
- Sporty Car: Ford Mustang ($28,880 – 43,880)
This sports car offers a surprising 24 MPG on its 3.7-liter V6 version and 22 mpg on the V8 version.
- Sports Sedan: Infiniti G ($34,225 – 37,225)
Consumer Reports indicates that this is the best sports sedan, based upon its “agile handling, blisterig acceleration, and comfortable, well-crafted interior.” The car has won this category for the past six years.
- Small SUV: Toyota RAV4 ($24,405 – 30,238)
23 MPG from an SUV
- Small Car: Subaru Impreza ($21,345)
27 MPG is quite impressive for an all wheel drive vehicle
- Green Car: Toyota Prius (26,750 – 28,217)
The Prius’ 44 overall mpg is the highest fuel efficiency of any five-passenger, non-plug-in vehicle the magazine has tested. The 41 mpg of the new Prius V wagon also tops its class. The car also has “excellent” crash-test results.
Each of these cars is the best in their category according to the latest information that was just released by Consumer Reports. It’s not surprising to see several Toyota models on the list. In fact, a Toyota model won five of the 10 categories. The cars and trucks on this list are reasonably priced in today’s marketplace. Most every vehicle on the list is priced between $21,000 and $45,000.
If you are in the market for a new car, you may want to look at these vehicles as your starting point. If Consumer Reports thinks that these cars are the class of their respective categories, they are definitely worth considering. While they may be priced reasonably, most people will still need to consider financing a car or truck that they are buying.
In today’s marketplace, financing a car is an incredibly good idea. There are many great financing options at some of the lowest rates in history. As with the housing market, interest rates on car loans is near all-time lows. Besides talking to the new car dealer, we suggest that you look at several different options. You may be able to find car loans that offer no money down. When you couple that with a low interest rate, and four or five years to pay, you can have yourself a very low monthly payment for your new vehicle.
If you are in the market for a new car, you should definitely investigate Consumer Reports’ list of top cars of 2012 as your starting point.
source: abcnews.com
