Source:Consumer reports
Most-improved models
Among the approximately 70 vehicles we tested in the past year, a few that were redesigned for 2005 impressed and sometimes surprised us with how much they'd improved over their previous versions. Here's a rundown of the ones that stand out the most.
Nissan Frontier and Xterra
The redesign of Nissan's compact pickup and small SUV transformed them from being among the worst in their classes to among the best. Both received substantial improvements in acceleration, ride, quietness, comfort, handling, fit and finish, and overall refinement. Fuel economy improved, as well.
Kia Sportage
The previous-generation Kia Sportage was crude and unpleasant to drive, with clumsy handling, cheap interior trim, and one of the most punishing rides we have ever experienced. In contrast, the redesigned Sportage makes it (and its near-twin, the Hyundai Tucson) one of the quietest and most comfortable small SUVs on the market. Antilock brakes, stability control, and side- and head-protection air bags are now standard.
Infiniti M35/45
Infiniti's previous M model was unimpressive, with its cramped interior and stiff ride. The redesigned M35 we tested, however, excelled in almost every way and is now our highest-rated sedan. The interior is roomy and comfortable, with outstanding fit and finish. The V6 is powerful and refined, and the ride is very compliant. The sedan has the handling and braking of a sports car.
Mercedes-Benz SLK
Despite its retractable hardtop, which made the car very quiet for a convertible, the previous-generation SLK roadster was always a bit ordinary to drive, with vague steering and a clumsy shifter. The redesigned SLK is much more fun behind the wheel, with precise steering, a better shifter, compliant ride, and dramatically improved acceleration and agility.
Cadillac STS
Cadillac's front-wheel-drive Seville offered little reason to choose it over its roomier sibling, the DeVille, or competitors from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However, its replacement, the capable STS, provides agile handling with a taut, supple, controlled ride, making it almost as rewarding to drive as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Infiniti M35.
Most-disappointing car models
New or redesigned vehicles are judged not only by how well they stack up against the current competition, but also against the previous generation. Following are recently tested models that haven't lived up to expectations.
BMW 530i
The previous-generation 530i was a near-ideal blend of sportiness, comfort, and luxury, and our top-rated car for two years. When it was redesigned for 2004, however, the 530i failed to meet those high standards. Despite a strong powertrain and slightly roomier rear seat, its handling is less agile. And the unintuitive, distracting iDrive multifunction control system detracts from the overall driving experience.
Volkswagen Touareg
Because Volkswagen was a late entry to the SUV race, the company should have had plenty of time to make sure the Touareg was a top competitor, like VW models in other segments. While luxurious and capable off-road, it scored only midpack in its category. Controls are complicated, it offers no more interior room than a Passat wagon, and it's overweight, which takes its toll on acceleration and fuel economy.
Chevrolet Colorado
Its predecessor, the S-10 pickup, was no class leader, but it was competitive in its category. Although newly designed, the Colorado lags behind its competition by not offering a V6 engine. The substantial structural shake is distracting, and interior fit and finish, subpar.
Jeep Liberty CRD
The gasoline-powered Liberty is a decent small SUV, although its V6 engine gets poor fuel economy (15 mpg overall). Offering a diesel engine in the Liberty seemed promising, especially if it were as refined as other diesels we've driven recently. But the diesel-powered Liberty CRD is noisy and slow, and gets only 18 mpg overall.
Lexus GS300
Redesigned for 2006, the GS hasn't kept up with the competition, making it a rare miss for Lexus. It's recommended and rated very good in our testing, but it finished 11th of the 13 luxury sedans we've tested in the $33,000 to $55,000 price range. The GS is quiet and refined, and has mostly intuitive controls. But the handling lacks agility, steering is short on feedback, and the cabin is tight. It's a reasonably comfortable sedan in a class of more dynamic and capable competitors.