Top10 cars of 2006

Severus · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 08:07 PM

Fun to drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata ($21,000 to $27,000) won drivers over with its balanced handling, quick and precise steering, and crisp-shifting six-speed manual transmission—all available at a reasonable price. The manual top can be lowered and raised with one hand from the driver's seat, making open motoring a snap. An optional power folding hard top was introduced for 2007. If you want a fun-to-drive car with the functionality of a four-door sedan or wagon, consider the Subaru Impreza WRX.

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Small SUV: Toyota RAV4
The RAV4's 2006 redesign is a significant improvement over its predecessor, and the V6 version is the only nonhybrid SUV to earn an excellent rating in our testing. Larger than the outgoing model, the RAV4 ($23,000 to $27,000) has an interior that is versatile, comfortable, and now spacious enough for an optional but small third-row seat. Its 3.5- liter V6 is smooth and powerful, and returns good fuel economy that's only 1 mpg less than the standard four-cylinder. Handling is agile and the ride is comfortable. The newly redesigned Honda CR-V is a good runner-up.

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Small sedan: Honda Civic
The Civic ($17,000 to $23,000) was redesigned for 2006. With a relatively roomy interior, comfortable ride, smooth powertrain, and good handling, the Civic is enjoyable to drive. It also gets kudos for excellent reliability, impressive crash-test results, and good fuel economy. Models with manual and automatic transmissions returned 31 and 28 mpg overall, respectively, in our testing, and the Civic Hybrid got 37 mpg.

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Family sedan: Honda Accord
The Accord ($20,000 to $33,000) provides an excellent balance of comfort, roominess, ride, and handling. Like the Civic, it delivers very good fuel economy for its class; four-cylinder and V6 engines got 24 and 23 mpg overall in our testing, and the hybrid model got 25 mpg. Also worth considering: the Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat 3.6.

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Minivan: Toyota Sienna
For years, the Sienna and Honda Odyssey have swapped spots as CR's top-rated minivan. For 2007, the Sienna ($26,000 to $38,000) received a new powerful and efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine that now gives it the edge in our testing. Both minivans have spacious and refined interiors on par with some luxury sedans. The Sienna is quieter and is offered with all-wheel drive, while the Odyssey ($26,000 to $37,000) has more agile handling and is—dare we say—fun to drive for a minivan.

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Luxury sedan: Infiniti M35
With an excellent combination of luxury and performance, the outstanding M35 ($42,000 to $45,000) earned the highest score of any current sedan in our testing. Well equipped and comfortable, it's just as capable on a twisty two-lane road as it is cruising down the highway. Available with either rear- or all-wheel drive, the M also comes as a V8-powered M45 model for about $55,000. Also worth a look: the BMW 530i and Audi A6.

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Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The gas/electric Highlander Hybrid ($35,000 to $40,000) is an excellent overall package. It includes all the inviting attributes of the conventional Highlander plus better acceleration and moderately better fuel economy: 22 mpg. It's one of only three SUVs that have achieved an excellent overall score in our testing. The well-rounded Highlander provides a comfortable, quiet ride, excellent fit and finish, and an available but small third row. If you need a roomier third-row seat, consider the Honda Pilot.

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Budget cars: Honda Fit
Smaller than the Civic, the budget-priced Fit ($14,000 to $16,000) is the best overall in a new class of fuel-efficient subcompact cars. Not only is it fun to drive, but its compact dimensions pack an impressive amount of interior room and versatility. The rear seats can be folded flat or the cushions folded up against the backrest to create a tall floor-to-ceiling space that can accommodate bulky items. Overall fuel economy is an excellent 32 and 34 mpg with the automatic and manual transmissions, respectively. Antilock brakes and curtain air bags are standard, a rarity in this class

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Green car: Toyota Prius
The fuel-stingy, gas/electric Prius hybrid ($23,000) provides reasonable performance in addition to excellent fuel economy. Its 44 mpg overall is the best we've measured in any five-passenger vehicle. The interior is roomy enough to make it a viable alternative to a family sedan. A good alternative is the 37-mpg Honda Civic Hybrid.

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Upscale sedan: Infiniti G35
The updated G35 ($35,000 to $39,000) successfully blends sportiness and luxury. Available in rear- or all-wheel drive, it has an exuberant powertrain, agile handling, and a reasonably comfortable ride. The interior is nicely finished with much improved ergonomics. For an alternative that's very comfortable and refined, but not sporty, consider the Lexus ES350.

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Fun to drive - Mazda MX-5 Miata
Small SUV - Toyota RAV4
Small sedan - Honda Civic
Family sedan - Honda Accord
Minivan - Toyota Sienna
Luxury sedan - Infiniti M35
Midsized SUV - Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Budget cars - Honda Fit
Green car - Toyota Prius
Upscale sedan - Infiniti G35