Top Picks 2011

The best models of the year in 10 categories

Six new models made our Top Picks list this year, representing a diverse selection from Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. No automaker dominates; the 10 picks come from six manufacturers and eight brands, which reflects the increasing competitiveness within today's auto market. Toyota is the only brand with more than one model.

Our Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories. They are chosen from the more than 270 vehicles we've recently tested and must meet our criteria in three areas:

Road test
Each must rank at or near the top of its category in overall test score, which ...

Best & worst cars

Not all cars are created equal, and we have the data to prove it. Of course, numbers can tell a variety of tales and we understand every consumer has different priorities. To that end, we have compiled a series of best and worst lists to highlight performance in a wide variety of categories. These lists can be an excellent tool for filtering down your purchase considerations or for stocking up on vehicular trivia.

Start with the lists at the bottom of this article, and then explore topics from the left-hand navigation.

Create your own custom lists based on the factors you find most interesting by using our interactive Car Selector tool (available to subscribers). ...