Is It A Good Deal ?

Consumer Reports has named four new models to its Top Picks list for 2008-the Hyundai Elantra SE and Hyundai Santa Fe as top choices for small sedans and midsized SUVs, respectively; the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado as the top choice for pickup truck; and the Lexus LS 460L as the best luxury sedan.

Here, by category, are the issue’s best performers. Changes from last year’s Top Picks list are noted:

• SMALL SEDAN: Hyundai Elantra SE. The Hyundai Elantra SE ($18,000) is a well-rounded small car that provides good fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and an interior that’s quiet, roomy, and well-equipped. The SE also has standard electronic stability control, a proven safety feature that’s absent on many other small cars. The Honda Civic EX and Mazda3 scored almost as well and are more fun to drive, but lack ESC on more affordable versions. (Last year’s Top Pick for Small Sedan was the Honda Civic.)

• MIDSIZED SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe. Redesigned for 2007, the much-improved Santa Fe ($22,000 to $31,000) edged out the Honda Pilot in CR’s tests. It provides a quiet and roomy interior, excellent fit and finish, a refined powertrain, a relatively good ride, and an optional third-row seat. Standard ESC helps provide secure handling. (Last year’s Top Pick for Midsized SUV was the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.)

• PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab. The redesigned Silverado ($27,000 to $39,000)
is considerably improved. It achieves a nice balance between work attributes and livability, including a
generous payload rating, a comfortable ride, improved interior quality and steering feel, and easy access. ESC
is standard on all crew-cab models. The GMC Sierra is virtually identical to the Silverado. The redesigned
Toyota Tundra outscored the Silverado in CR’s tests, but first-year reliability of the 4WD, V8 version was
below average.

• LUXURY SEDAN: Lexus LS 460L. With a score of 99 out of 100 in CR’s road test, the LS 460L ($77,000)
is CR’s highest-rated vehicle. It provides a no-compromise environment of comfort and roominess, coupled
with an isolating quietness. It also delivers quick acceleration and relatively good fuel economy. While it’s
brimming with electronic amenities, its controls are easy to use. (Last year’s Top Pick for Luxury Sedan was
the Infiniti M35.)

• FAMILY SEDAN: Honda Accord. The Accord ($22,000 to $31,000), redesigned for 2008, is a well-
rounded roomy sedan with a comfortable ride, agile handling, and smooth, refined powertrains. Electronic
stability control is standard on all models, and crash-test results are impressive. Although the Nissan Altima
edged out the Accord in CR’s ratings, most affordable versions of the Altima lack ESC, a requirement to be a
Top Pick. (This is the sixth consecutive year that the Accord was named a Top Pick for Family Sedan.)

• UPSCALE SEDAN: Infiniti G35. The G35 ($33,000 to $35,000) successfully blends sportiness and luxury.
Available in rear- or all-wheel drive, it has an exuberant powertrain, agile handling, and a well-crafted
interior. (This is the second consecutive year the G35 was named Top Pick for Upscale Sedan.)

• FUN TO DRIVE: Mazda MX-5 Miata. The MX-5 ($27,000) won drivers over with its balanced handling,
quick and precise steering, and crisp-shifting six-speed manual transmission. It virtually tied the Porsche
Boxster in CR’s test scoring, but it’s roughly half the price. The manual top can be lowered and raised with
one hand from the driver’s seat, making open motoring a snap. (Unchanged from last year.)

• SMALL SUV: Toyota RAV4. The impressive RAV4 ($23,000 to $30,000) is versatile, comfortable, and
roomy enough for a small third-row seat. The spirited V6 version accelerates quickly (the same as a Mazda
Miata from 0 to 60 mph), yet delivers an excellent 22 mpg overall. The four-cylinder version gets 23 mpg, the
best of any nonhybrid SUV CR has tested. (Unchanged from last year.)

• MINIVAN: Toyota Sienna. The Sienna ($24,000 to $37,000) is CR’s pick for the second year in a row. Its
spacious, quiet, and refined interior is on par with some luxury sedans and its V6 engine is powerful and fuel
efficient. It is also the only minivan available with all-wheel drive. The Honda Odyssey, on the other hand, is
more agile and fun to drive.

• GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius. The gas/electric Prius hybrid ($24,000) retains its lock on this category for the
fifth straight year. Despite a wave of new hybrid models, the Prius’ 44 mpg overall is still the best CR has
measured in any five-passenger car. The interior is roomy and versatile, and the Prius has been very reliable.

Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org