Consumer Reports 2007 Top Picks: American Style

Since the Consumer Reports 2007 top picks ended up being all Japanese makes, they complied a list for the “All-American” buyer that will buy nothing but an American made car (don’t know why, but that’s besides the point). Check out the All-American list after the jump.

The list below features the highest-rated, American-branded vehicles in their category that received a Consumer Reports recommendation.

Fun to drive: Cadillac CTS-V
Small sedan: Ford Focus ZX4 SES
Family sedan: Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan
Upscale sedan: Lincoln MXZ
Luxury sedan: Cadillac DTS
Small SUV: Pontiac Torrent
Midsized SUV: Ford Freestyle
Minivan: (None apply)
Budget car: Ford Focus ZX3
Green car: (None apply)
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Westside7th - 3/14/2007 3:38:31 PM

+3 Boost

The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids aren't green?

DieselRules - 3/14/2007 11:40:26 PM

+3 Boost

Consumer Reports has never been considered accurate in terms of car evaluations. I've used their recommendations to buy a vaccuum cleaner, but when it comes to cars your local Girl Guide Cookie vendor probably knows more than many of the CR staff.

Will_ - 3/14/2007 3:47:13 PM

+2 Boost

What about the Corvette?

EL34 - 3/14/2007 3:54:36 PM

+2 Boost

Consumer Reports could care less.

DieselRules - 3/14/2007 11:36:20 PM

+2 Boost

Original Focus was German.
Newer focus = Mazda 3 (don't know where its assembled)
Fusion = Mazda 6
Best selling Minivan is Dodge: Made in Canada (as are all police cars: Impalas and Crown Vics)

Rupert - 3/14/2007 5:29:03 PM

-3 Boost

American style?
Doesn't exist.

S4cabriofoxone - 3/14/2007 5:54:19 PM

+4 Boost

Ooh... that's pushing it.

Corvette? GT? Cadillac lineup? Sky? Solstice? Mustang? I could go on...

Rupert - 3/15/2007 10:40:48 AM

0 Boost

Oh I'm kidding.
but S4, note quite a few of the cars you mentioned are just old designs, retro-style. I just can't think of when the States have made a truly elegant car since the 1960's Lincoln Continental. They make some good looking cars, but the bread and butter cars are severely lacking in style (cough mercury buick cough), and even Cadillac's newer (good) designs have rough edges that could be improved.
But in general terms, the US doesn't have a great rep style wise. Name an American clothes designer or artist, and there are 10 European ones. But those are just cultural differences, Italy, France and Spain all embrace design and art, America embraces engineering.

GS450h - 3/15/2007 12:20:01 PM

+4 Boost

Rupert,

While the US might not have the best looking cars right now I think it's wrong to generalize on that basis that the US doesn't have a great reputation style wise. The U.S. has the most influential country in setting the style for pop culture worldwide through its music and movies. I bet you have a pair of Jeans (U.S invention). Harley Davidson cruisers have been copied by every other motorcycle manufacturer. And there a plenty of American style icons that are admired and immitated throughout the world...Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Andy Warhol, Frank Lloyd Wright etc...

Rupert - 3/15/2007 1:47:00 PM

0 Boost

Well Levi Strauss was German, but I'm talking about style. Pop Culture, yes, America rules strong, but I think in terms of fashion and style Europe is ahead.
You say Ralph Lauren, I say Dior, Versace, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
When I think of an American Style, nothing really comes to mind. It literally doesn't exist. Think about a Japanese Style or Italian Style, they are distinctive.

Will_ - 3/15/2007 1:53:40 PM

+3 Boost

Of course fashion companies like Louis Vuitton aren't designed by AMERICANS like Marc Jacobs...

Rupert - 3/15/2007 5:05:18 PM

0 Boost

Touche Will.

Rupert - 3/15/2007 10:42:02 AM

-1 Boost

The Saleen or Dodge do not have style. They have impact. Good looking, but not stylish.

macrocaus - 3/14/2007 6:31:48 PM

+1 Boost

lol... (none apply)

Yonder7 - 3/14/2007 6:55:49 PM

0 Boost

No Doubt , Cosumer Reports is and American Company....

XYZZ - 3/15/2007 1:55:17 AM

0 Boost

no doubt.

Agent63 - 3/15/2007 8:36:15 AM

+2 Boost

CTS-V : fun to drive but not fun to be in if you're expecting it to be a luxury saloon. Materials found in the CTS/CTS-V is very poor quality. Performance wise it's there but not the products fine finishing. It's far behind the build quality of an Audi S, BMW M, Mercedes AMG, or a Lexus.