Since 1990, AutoWeek magazine has been asking its readers to choose the best vehicles sold in America. Past polls have produced two lists – best American cars and best European cars – but two years ago the enthusiast magazine set up ten categories and let the best vehicles available in America win.
One of the biggest surprises in this year’s results is the complete absence of BMW as a top scorer in any category. The German automaker dominated the 2003 list, winning top honors in four categories. Domestic automakers were practically shut out last year, but in 2004 three of the top choices were from American brands. The Chevrolet Corvette returned as the Best Sports Car after being unseated last year by the Porsche 911. There should be a battle for this spot next year, since both the Vette and 911 will be all new for 2005
Best Sedan honors went to the all-new Chrysler 300C, the automaker’s large rear-wheel-drive sedan that features bold styling and an available 340-horsepower HEMI V8 engine. Chrysler dealers are having trouble keeping up with demand-the 300 has already had a better start than the immensely popular Chrysler PT Cruiser when it first went on sale in 2000.
Ford had owned the Best Truck category for seven years with its full-size F-150. A completely redesigned F-Series that went on sale last fall makes Ford's run eight years. With a new lineup of powertrains, the F-150 held off its closest rival, the Nissan Titan.
Two Honda vehicles finished at the top of their respective categories. The Civic won in a new category, Best First Car. The Odyssey minivan was listed as the Best People Mover for the third year.
Results of previous AutoWeek top ten were based on a paper survey mailed randomly to 1 percent of its subscribers. A few years ago the survey moved to the Internet.
– msn.com
