Consumer Reports Top Picks 2008

It's the time of year that savvy auto buyers look forward to. Consumer Reports has named its automotive Top Picks for 2008, and there were a few surprises. Four new or redesigned models made its top 10 lists, and this was the first time that a South Korean automaker made the Top 10 -- two of Hyundai's models were picked best overall in their categories.
Next Slide: Domestic Makes the Grade

This year's Consumer Reports list also marked the first time since 2005 that a U.S. model, in this case the Chevrolet Silverado, made the list. Historically, Consumers ReportsÔøΩ annual top 10 list has been a mix of Asian, European and American models, but for the past two years, the top 10 list has been exclusively the province of Japanese models.

Next Slide: New Models Make the List

MSRP: $13,625 - $16,325
An economical compact car, the Elantra strikes a nice balance between eye-catching exterior design, interior roominess and a generous array of safety features that come standard. It's powered by a 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and comes in both the GLS and SE trim levels. CR liked its fuel economy, comfortable ride, and quiet, spacious interior -- not to mention its standard-equipment electronic stability control.

MSRP: $17,500 - $38,860
The Silverado 1500 was redesigned for '08, which CR said "considerably improved" the vehicle, and that the Silverado attained "nice balance between work attributes and livability, including a generous payload rating, a comfortable ride, improved interior quality and steering feel, and easy access." The 1500 offers four engines and is available in a wide range of sizes.

MSRP: $20,360 - $28,310
Redesigned for '08, the Honda Accord has long been a stellar performer, so this is hardly a new honor for the model. It can be ordered as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan, and offers a choice between a 2.4-liter 190-hp four-cylinder engine or the 3.5-liter 268-hp V6. CR effused about the AccordÔøΩs roominess, ride comfort, nimble handling, refined power train, standard-equipment electronic stability control and impressive crash-test results.

MSRP: $20,585 - $26,760
A zippy convertible roadster, the MX-5 uses a 2.0-liter, inline four cylinder engine and comes in two power levels: 166 hp for the manual transmission and 158 hp for the automatic. CR test drivers gave it high marks for its "balanced handling, quick and precise steering, and crisp-shifting six-speed manual transmission." CR also noted that the MX-5 "virtually tied the Porsche Boxster in CRÔøΩs test scoring, but it's roughly half the price."

MSRP: $24,340 - $37,665
Roomy and comfy, the Toyota Sienna is CRÔøΩs top pick in this category for the second year in a row. It comes in several trim lines, and offers two optional second-row seating configurations for maximum flexibility. The266-hp 3.5-liter V6 delivers the power youÔøΩll need for a big vehicle like this. CR noted that the SiennaÔøΩs ÔøΩspacious, quiet, and refined interior is on par with some luxury sedansÔøΩ and that itÔøΩs the only mini that offers all-wheel-drive.