Detroit 2009: Hyundai Genesis, Ford F-150 win North American Car and Truck of the Year
by Jonathon Ramsey on Jan 11th 2009 at 10:17AM 
Like an automotive continuation of the BCS bowls, winners were crowned for the 16th North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year awards at the Detroit Auto Show this morning. Voted on by 50 automotive journalists in various media from the U.S. and Canada (where's Mexico?), winners took home a bit of brand polish and a big lump of crystal.
The award selects "the most outstanding vehicles of the year based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar." For a shot at the title, eligible vehicles must be "all-new" or "substantially changed" from the previous model.
Taking the monogrammed plaque in the car category was the Hyundai Genesis, beating back two other finalists, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI and the Ford Flex. It's the first time a diesel has been a finalist, and it was only beat by a car that is gathering plaudits everywhere and for everything.
The truck field was narrowed down to the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, and Mercedes ML320 BlueTEC. With the highest available towing capacity, the highest payload capacity, and class-tying fuel economy -- not to mention being the best selling vehicle for more than three decades -- it's no wonder who won.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
hyundaifans.com 10:20AM (1/11/2009)
HYUNDAI, congratulations!!
Reply
Randy 7:41PM (1/11/2009)
FORD CONGRATULATIONS
Both vehicles look good! Though the Ford F150 is original and the Genesis kinda stole it's looks from Mercedes! I think it will have the "Mercedes Wanna-Be" image stuck to it! Kinda like a Mustang II was to a Mustang. I still like the Genesis... Cool name too!
But.. Hat's off to Ford for leveling the competition with the new F150 in every regard. I wasn't a fan of the grill at first but I love it now! It's shows authority with the general look.
Kumar 10:26AM (1/11/2009)
It's good to see the Genesis get this. As it becomes more acceptable for car companies to have cheap and expensive cars in the same showroom, then maybe BMW/ Benz will start bringing more reasonable offerings.
Remains to be seen, and yes, I am drunk for thinking that.
Reply
Mazda FTW! 10:59AM (1/11/2009)
The clientele for luxury products such as BMW vehicles does not want 'cheap/affordable' products. That does leave us enthusiasts with a problem but that's why I learnt buying Mazdas makes more sense given my budget and goals. 80% of the performance and features for 50% of the price.
Bob-omb 10:27AM (1/11/2009)
The Genesis really is a staggering accomplishment. The backseat feels like a leather couch, it's eerily quiet inside, and the V6 powertrain is a total beast.
I just have to wait 2 or 3 years to pick up a used one at a good price.
Reply
JB 10:30AM (1/11/2009)
Since the 50 auto journalists from the US and Canada drive more cars than I do, I'll let them choose this. It will win Canada's AJAC crown too, having already won best Luxury Under $50k.
The Genesis appears to be making a more significant impact than the critics or supporters thought.
It really is a bargain at $33k. One drive proves it.
Reply
MGBYG 10:33AM (1/11/2009)
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/2009-international-car-and-truck-of-the-year-revealed/
In the First Annual MGBYG awards:
I like the Dodge and the Hyundai Genesis
Reply
Avinash machado 11:08AM (1/11/2009)
If the Flex had gotten a few more votes, it might have won. Ford would then have double honors.
Reply
Joe 11:17AM (1/11/2009)
Hyundai/Kia created thousands jobs in US.
http://www.hmmausa.com/
Hyundai's alabama plant is one of the world most cutting edged plant.
Reply
Joe 11:21AM (1/11/2009)
Kia also build their plant in Georgia. They will created thousands jobs in US.
http://www.expansionmanagement.com/smo/articleviewer/default.asp?cmd=articledetail&articleid=19690&st=5
Reply
happy_penguin 2:13PM (1/11/2009)
You just don't stop, do you Tokyo Rose? Please just go away and stay away. No matter how many accounts you have I'll always be able to find you.
BrianW 4:49PM (1/11/2009)
Bull! They have taken away more jobs then they have created from auto makers that use a lot more American parts!
P.V. 11:37AM (1/11/2009)
Wow. I am simply amazed at how many awards the Genesis is winning. Hyundai has truly built a world-class luxury sedan, and I congratulate them for it.
Reply
dougbshepherd 1:06PM (1/11/2009)
the f-150 is a great truck but i have 2 major problems with it
the headlight design (like the super duty) makes it look ridiculous in 2wd
and the godawful commercials
Reply
dougbshepherd 1:07PM (1/11/2009)
i meant 2wd models***
Reply
tanooki2003 1:39PM (1/11/2009)
Even though I had a strong feeling it is still great to see that the Hyundai Genesis has made car of the year. Hyundai has been on the right track to redemption and success since the early 2000's. I am very proud of Hyundai for sticking to their goals even when times are tough. I totally congratulate everyone at Hyundai for their success in engineering and design, something that a lot of auto makers are falling behind in. As i have said before, Hyundai has become my favorite car manufacturer.
Maybe GM and Chrysler can learn from this car manufacturer that once upon a dark time was only a tad bit better than Yugo.
On a last note. To those hard core negative critics who thought the Challenger or Camaro would be Car Of The Year, well i think I can expect to hear them all boo and say that these people are nuts and about as bad CR...etc.
Reply
BrianW 4:49PM (1/11/2009)
"Maybe GM and Chrysler can learn from this car manufacturer that once upon a dark time was only a tad bit better than Yugo."
Sure! If they can build most their cars in a cheap country!
Their sales were down 48% in December.
tanooki2003 7:05PM (1/11/2009)
So which cave did someone finally decide to defrost you from BrianW? Hmm?
jsjs 4:44AM (1/12/2009)
brian you nitwit -
SKorea (prior to the recent devaluation of the won) isn't a "cheap" country.
Even w/ the devaluation, Seoul remains one of the most expensive cities in the world in which to live.
l3it3r 1:48PM (1/11/2009)
To all the 'BMW Buyers don't want this' people:
My step father drives an '07 750i, he was car shopping for my mother after her car met an untimely death at the hands of a Mercedes driver, and the number one car on his list was the Genesis. He drove it and loved it, however, my mom is a bit more simple minded when it comes to cars and wanted to get the new Camry instead. Anyway, the car was every bit as impressive to him as his BMW.
Reply