Consumer Reports Addresses Japanese Domination By Creating 2013 American Top Picks

Following annual tradition, we present the 2013 American Top Picks—the best choices for the car buyer who wants to buy from an American brand.

While this year's "official" Top Pick list includes no models from domestic brands, it does have several vehicles built in the United States. But we recognize that many shoppers favor a model from the Detroit 3 automakers, regardless of where it is manufactured.

A couple flag-waving American models that made this list last year, lost eligibility for 2013: the Ford Mustang GT and the Chevrolet Avalanche. Unfortunately, the GT's reliability fell below average and the Avalanche has been discontinued. The Top Pick pickup truck category also took a break this year since we haven't tested the extensively updated Ram 1500 (formerly known as "Dodge") or the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra. Crowning a Top Pick truck without having tested those two just wouldn't cut it.



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cidflekken - 3/7/2013 4:16:18 PM

+2 Boost

Wow, newer Cadillac ATS couldn't take away that title from the aged CTS.

Agent009 - 3/7/2013 4:23:18 PM

+5 Boost

Wow! Just like a participation ribbon your 3rd grader brings home

“Dad I got this for finishing fifth in the 100 meter race!”

“Great Son! How many people were in the race?”

“Only five!”

bfghemicuda - 3/7/2013 5:09:33 PM

+4 Boost

Because the Chrysler 300 is an American Car. Just because Fiat owns them dosn't mean Chrysler vehicles are now Italian vehicles. Did they Call Chryslers German when Diamler owned them?

Durango - 3/8/2013 10:27:52 AM

+3 Boost

bfghemicuda is right, Even though Fiat owns Chrysler dosen't mean that the Chrysler is a Faiat or an Italian car. Chrysler is still Chrysler.

bfghemicuda - 3/8/2013 10:30:56 AM

+2 Boost

Thats correct and no one ever called the Chrysler 300 a Mercedes.

ParadoX - 3/7/2013 4:59:01 PM

+4 Boost

I think cars made by Honda and Toyota should be on that list, they do make them here after all.

Henanamani1 - 3/7/2013 5:51:24 PM

-1 Boost

Wow! No Lexus GS, ES? No Ford Fusion?

85bmw745i - 3/7/2013 7:09:15 PM

0 Boost

To make that list, the cars should have to be built here and be an american brand. Guess that only leaves Chrysler with the Avenger/Shrysler 200, which are the worst in their respective segments. Chevy Spark and Sonic wouldn't make the cut either.

docholiday - 3/8/2013 10:41:29 AM

+1 Boost

The Avenger and 200 were two of the vehicles that were not on the top of the priority list of re-vamp. What needs to be observed is the vehicles that were CG,Durango,300, Ram etc. are signs of the quality and direction that Sergio has demanded. The Avenger most likely will be discontinued [possible replacement w/barracuda depending on its status with SRT] and the next 200 looks amazing.

MrEE - 3/7/2013 7:24:52 PM

+2 Boost

CR "Creating 2013 American Top Picks"
Everyone gets to have a winner.

vdiv - 3/8/2013 9:35:55 AM

+1 Boost

"That leaves us with the considerably more expensive—and much lower scoring—Chevrolet Volt. On the plus side, the Volt has been very reliable, owners love them, and you can get cheap lease rates."

Huh?! Which is it? Considerably more expensive or cheap lease rates? Much lower scoring or very reliable, and owners love them? One that meets/exceeds EPA efficiency ratings and can run entirely on electricity produced by 100% renewables (kinda important for a "Green Car") or one that consistently and substantially fails the ratings and runs entirely on gasoline?

Someone forgot about another American-designed and made car, the Tesla Motors Model S. Didn't even consider it?

Oh yeah, that's right, this is Consumer Reports we're talking about, the "only" place to get car-buying advice.

vdiv - 3/8/2013 10:32:46 AM

+2 Boost

The Toyota Prius and the Honda Accord PHEV are not considered American-made.

vdiv - 3/8/2013 1:12:31 PM

+2 Boost

Because Toyota and Honda are car conglomerates based in Japan. Their executive boards are in Japan. Their profits go to Japan. All car companies globally source parts and labor.

nguyenvuminh - 3/8/2013 11:01:37 AM

+3 Boost

Pretty sad to see a separate category for American cars, regardless of how you want to define "American". I agree with 009's analogy above.

Soakee - 3/12/2013 7:57:28 AM

+1 Boost

Maybe there should be some clarification for those who really can't understand this fact. Honda and Toyota are JAPANESE! Simply because they make cars here does NOT make them domestic (American).