Consumers Digest Names 2015 Automotive Best Buys

DEERFIELD, Ill., Nov. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Thirty-seven vehicles and seven companion models received Best Buy ratings from Consumers Digest for the 2015 model year. The ratings, which are published in CD's December issue (on sale Nov. 1) and are available at ConsumersDigest.com, span 12 categories: Subcompacts, Compacts, Family Cars, Luxury Cars, Sporty Cars, Hybrids, Minivans, Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs, Full-Size SUVs, Luxury SUVs and Pickups. The Best Buys—based on performance assessment, safety ratings, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics and amenities—reflect CD's view of which 2015 vehicles represent exceptional values in each segment.

2015 Automotive Best Buys

Top 3 "Subcompacts": Chevrolet Sonic, Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta
Top 3 "Compacts": Ford Focus, Honda Fit, Mazda3
Top 7 "Family Cars": Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion/Lincoln MKZ, Honda Accord,  Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima
Top 4 "Luxury Cars": Audi A6, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS Sedan, Hyundai Genesis Sedan
Top 5 "Sporty Cars": Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ
Top 3 "Hybrids": Ford Fusion Hybrid/Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid
Top 3 "Minivans": Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey
Top 3 "Compact SUVs": Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester
Top 3 "Midsize SUVs": Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee
Top 5 "Full-Size SUVs": Buick Enclave/Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-9
Top 3 "Luxury SUVs": Acura MDX, Acura RDX, BMW X5
Top 2 "Pickups": Ford F-150, Ram 1500

"Each of our Best Buy recommendations represents an outstanding value," says Randy Weber, CD's publisher. "The research that supports them is thorough, comprehensive and based on extensive hands-on, real-world test-drives. We did all the homework for consumers, so they can buy with confidence."

Performance characteristics that were evaluated include starting and acceleration, shifting, steering and handling, braking, ride quality and fuel economy. Design factors that were considered include interior ergonomics, seating configuration and flexibility, accessories and amenities, fit and finish, and cargo space.

Consumers Digest's Automotive Best Buys 16-page feature presentation includes expert reviews, invoice pricing, standard features and performance traits that support the models' Best Buy recommendation in the collective opinion of CD's veteran automotive editors: Dan Carney has reviewed vehicles for Motor Trend, Popular Mechanics, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, among others, and is a former president of Washington Automotive Press Association; Susan Carpenter has reviewed vehicles for the Los Angeles Times and Orange County Register and has moderated the technology panel at the annual AltCar Expo three times; Jim Gorzelany has served Consumers Digest readers for 28 years; Marlon Hanson is president of Texas Automotive Media Association; award-winning reporter Jim Mateja reports for the Chicago Tribune and WardsAuto; Courtney Messenbaugh launched her automobile reporting career when she began test-driving vehicles for MotherProof.com; her expert reviews also have appeared on Cars.com.

Adding to the information that's contained in the Automotive Best Buys report is the expansive amount of information on the vehicles that are recommended that appears on ConsumersDigest.com in the Ultimate Auto Showroom. A complete list of standard equipment, features and specifications are included on each trim level of each Best Buy vehicle, as well as the options that are available, the pricing of those options and any special taxes that apply.

ConsumersDigest.com is also home to the publication's Auto Archive. There, visitors will see previous Consumers Digest's Automotive Best Buys. Simply stated, the editors of Consumers Digest believe that exceptional new automobiles make better used vehicles. So, if the timing isn't right for the purchase of a new vehicle and a used vehicle is the way to go, consumers are encouraged to browse the Auto Archive. They will find and compare expert reviews, standard equipment, specifications, features, options and historical pricing information on thousands of late-model vehicles. The Auto Archive's format also allows consumers to thoroughly compare up to three vehicles side by side. Another valuable option highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each vehicle that you select, which makes it easier to identify purchase priorities. Searches also can be conducted by make or vehicle segment.

Consumers Digest and ConsumersDigest.com are designed to inform and educate readers so they can buy with confidence, no matter the product or service. For 53 years, the publication has been committed to providing practical advice, factual evaluations and specific recommendations that lead consumers to exceptional values in today's complex marketplace.

SOURCE Consumers Digest