LOS ANGELES — Subaru and Toyota were the big winners in the annual car ratings from Consumer Reports.
The magazine, which influences auto-buying choices with its well-regarded car tests and reviews, said Subaru won the top score of all automakers, helped by recent redesigns of its Impreza, Legacy and Outback models. The 2012 Impreza is Consumer Reports’ top pick among small sedans.
In a different measure, however, Toyota models represented half of the magazine’s top picks by vehicle category, the first automaker to score that many models among the best-rated vehicles in nearly a decade.
The redesigned Toyota Camry hybrid and Highlander sport utility vehicle edged out rival models as Consumer Reports’ choices for top family sedan and family SUV, respectively.
In the magazine’s tests, the Camry hybrid delivered 38 miles per gallon in overall fuel economy — the best in class and as good as what it described as smaller and less versatile hybrids. But fuel economy experienced in Consumer Reports’ test was still less than the 43 mpg that Toyota claimed for the hybrid in its advertising.
“GM and Chrysler are building nicer cars with each redesign. Still, their scores are dragged down by several older designs that score low in Consumer Reports testing or have reliability issues,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center. “As more new products are introduced, their fortunes could change if they can improve their overall reliability.” Los Angeles Times
Consumer reports’ top rides
Affordable family sedan: Hyundai Sonata
Small car: Subaru Impreza
Green car: Toyota Prius
Sports car: Ford Mustang
Sports sedan: Infiniti G
Family sedan: Toyota Camry Hybrid
Small SUV: Toyota RAV4
Family hauler: Toyota Sienna V6
Pickup: Chevrolet Avalanche
Family SUV: Toyota Highlander
