Consumer Guide's® Editors' Picks

Consumer Guide has been publishing automotive books since 1967. During that time, Consumer Guide has become the source for authoritative, objective new- and used-car reviews. Because of its history, unbiased character, and expert editorial staff, Consumer Guide is considered to be one of the most respected and dependable automotive information sources for consumers nationwide.

Our 10 full-time editors put more than 100 years of automotive expertise into each and every new- and used-vehicle review. The reviews are crafted using input from four or more editors, each imparting unique life experiences and technical knowledge to create unbiased and professional evaluations. Over the course of a year, each editor drives approximately 200 new cars and trucks, keeping current with the latest products, trends, and features.

Each year, Consumer Guide's team of experts selects the best overall values in 17 classes, ranging from inexpensive compact cars to premium luxury SUVs. These awards factor in a vehicle's price, features, and accommodations, as well its performance during test drives. Consumer Guide's awards are not based solely on objective ratings. Rather, they reflect overall value for the money, and are intended to help consumers make confident purchases.

Consumer Guide® Automotive Best Buy
This is Consumer Guide's highest accolade. A vehicle with a Best Buy award represents the very best balance of attributes within its class.

       

       

Consumer Guide® Automotive Recommended
Vehicles that merit serious consideration as great values, but fall short of the class leaders in value or appeal to a slightly narrower audience, are given the Recommended award.

Consumer Guide® Automotive One To Watch
Each year, automakers introduce scores of new or significantly redesigned vehicles. Some have new names, most don't. One to Watch recognition helps new-car shoppers identify these brand-new vehicles.

Consumer Guide® Automotive Smart Buy
A Smart Buy is a good vehicle with a generous factory incentive. Consumer Guide would normally suggest shoppers first consider a Best Buy or Recommended pick, but some Smart Buys may be hard for savvy consumers to ignore.

Consumer Guide's focus is to make car shopping easier for consumers. Vehicles are rated in 10 categories. The categories include acceleration, fuel economy, ride quality, steering and handling, quietness, controls and interior materials, passenger room and comfort, cargo room, and value versus other vehicles in the model class. These ratings help determine which vehicles merit Best Buy, Recommended, or Smart Buy status.

Consumer Guide's ratings are unique in that they allows consumers to cross-shop between classes and evaluate vehicles based on merits rather than faults. Consumer Guide editors assess vehicles as if they were driving the car or truck as part of their everyday life, creating a review that can be used by consumers to make a worry-free purchase.