DowJones’ on-line MarketWatch listed its top picks for such categories as Car of the Year, Biggest Surprise, and Comeback.
The categories, *** and our comments include:
Car of the Year: Ferrari F430
This pick immediately told us that the MarketWatch reviewers were car enthusiasts. That fine with us since we are, too, but we think they should have considered other factors like price. Virtually every Ferrari is out of reach for even most well-off Americans who would like something with power, style, and a better fuel economy than in the teens.
Biggest Surprise: Hyundai Azera (pictured)
Not a shock to us at Automotive.com; we’ve been aware of Hyundai’s rise in quality for some time. Our concern with the brand is that it may replace the old Buick as the “grandparent” car, something the brand needs to avoid at all cost.
Best Sedan: Toyota Camry
We like the Camry but were actually surprised by this pick given the reviewers choice of the Ferrari. We would have thought the Honda Accord, with its more sporty character, would have been selected.
Best Family Vehicle: Mercedes R350
Uh, what’s MarketWatch’s criteria for the “average” family income? This is Toyota Sienna/Honda Odyssey/Chrysler Town & Country area.
Best Gas Sipper: Honda Fit
No argument here. The quality is dead on, too.
Proof that Detroit Ain’t Dead Yet: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The Detroit Three have released so many vehicles in the past couple of years that this was a hard category. Personally, we would have selected either the Pontiac Solstice or Saturn Sky but the latter made the list in another category (see below).
Best Uber Alles Car: Bentley Continental Flying Spur
No argument there.
Best Hardtop Convertible: Volkswagen Eos
The Mazda Miata/MX-5 will flay the Eos alive in reliability. Mark our words.
Comeback Kid: Saturn
No argument from us in this pick.
Via MarketWatch
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