Consumer Reports: Top Auto Picks for 2003

The best models in 10 categories BEST CAR TESTED BMW 530i The 530i sports sedan achieved the highest overall score of any vehicle Consumer Reports has tested. It combines excellent handling and exceptional comfort with advanced safety features, responsive performance, and exquisite fit and finish. Priced at about $46,000, it effectively combines sportiness and luxury, something few vehicles can match.

Every year, about 45 to 50 vehicles are put through Consumer Reports’ rigorous testing procedure, the most comprehensive of any American publication. From the nearly 160 vehicles for which we currently have test scores, CR’s auto experts have chosen the following vehicles as the best in their categories. In addition to excelling in our testing, each model has demonstrated average or better reliability and, if crash-tested, has performed at least adequately.

Compared with last year’s Annual Auto Issue, there are several new models in our Top Picks list. They are the Chevrolet Avalanche, the redesigned Honda Accord, the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Honda Pilot, and the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix twins. This is a testament to how autos, in general, are continuing to improve. On the other hand, the BMW 330i dropped off our list because its reliability fell below average, according to our latest reader survey. In addition to the Top Picks highlighted here, several categories have noteworthy runners-up listed, with different strengths or driving characteristics. The model that’s right for you will depend on your needs and driving style. To compare the overall scores of all tested models, see New-vehicle Ratings by category (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers).

FUN TO DRIVE Subaru Impreza WRX Available as a wagon or sedan, the rally-car-inspired WRX (about $24,500) proves that you don’t have to pay a lot for a car that’s sporty and fun to drive. The WRX combines brisk acceleration, agile handling, and a relatively comfortable ride with everyday practicality. If you’re willing to spend more, the Honda S2000 ($33,000) and Porsche Boxster (about $49,000) roadsters are pure, uncompromising sports cars with strong engines and very agile handling.

FAMILY SEDAN Honda Accord (4cyl.)/Volkswagen Passat (V6) Redesigned for 2003, the Accord ($21,000 to $23,000) edged out the Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, and Mazda6 as our top pick in the competitive four-cylinder family-sedan class. The Accord, above, right, provides an excellent balance of comfort, agility, roominess, performance, and affordability. Among V6 models, the Passat ($30,000), below, right, remains the top pick for the fifth straight year. It delivers an impressive balance of comfort, sportiness, luxury, and safety. The Camry is also a high-rated sedan with either engine.

SMALL SEDAN Honda Civic EX The Civic sedan handles crisply, delivers very good fuel economy, and has a responsive, refined powertrain, all for around $18,000, well equipped. The roomy interior features a well-designed control layout and excellent fit and finish. A good alternative is the Toyota Corolla ($17,000), which provides a roomy, quiet interior, comfortable ride, and responsive handling.

DRIVING GREEN Honda Civic Hybrid This new gasoline/electric hybrid is a roomy, five-passenger sedan with a comfortable ride. Equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it performs much like a regular Civic, but averaged a thrifty 36 mpg overall in CR tests. The Toyota Prius is another good hybrid with a roomy interior and comfortable ride, but it’s not quite as agile as the Civic. The Prius averaged 41 mpg overall. Both cost about $21,000.

AFFORDABLE VERSATILITY Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix Virtual twins, these tall wagons (about $20,000) are versatile alternatives to a small SUV. Both are based on the Toyota Corolla and offer a roomy, flexible interior, competent ride and handling, optional all-wheel drive, and good fuel economy for their class. The Vibe is shown at right.

SMALL SUV Toyota RAV4 The RAV4 (about $23,500) is small on the outside, but has a flexible, efficiently designed interior. The cabin is well laid out and the split rear seat lets you fold and remove each half separately. The RAV4 also provides nimble handling, excellent brakes, good fuel economy, and an effective all-wheel-drive system.

MIDSIZED SUV Honda Pilot The refined, quiet, and comfortable Pilot ($31,000) features eight-passenger seating; a flexible, impeccably finished interior; and a smooth, powerful V6 that’s economical for its class. If you don’t need the extra passenger space--and size--of the Pilot, the five-passenger Toyota Highlander is a very good alternative at $33,000.

PICKUP TRUCK Chevrolet Avalanche With its folding midgate between the cargo bed and cabin, this full-sized crew-cab pickup ($33,000 to $37,000) provides extra versatility. It rides well and offers a smooth, powerful V8, in addition to seating for five (with the midgate raised). If you don’t need a full-sized rear seat, the Toyota Tundra (about $31,000) is a good alternative with a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, and a smooth, powerful V8.

MINIVAN Honda Odyssey The Odyssey ($27,000, well equipped) remains the standard among minivans. It has a roomy cabin, strong powertrain, responsive handling, and a composed ride. The versatile interior features spacious second- and third-row rear seats. In addition, the third-row bench folds into the floor and out of the way when you don’t need it.