AAA Arizona - 2011 Automotive Top Picks

Join & Renew | My Online Account | News & Safety | AAA Offices | Contact Us

Home › Automotive › 2011 Top Picks

AAA’s Top Picks 2011
By Jim Prueter

Well here it is, the time of year to once again present the 2011 edition of AAA’s Top Picks. Our pool of nominations for this year consisted of all new cars, cars that were not available or driven for our 2010 competition, and those vehicles that received significant updates. There were, however, some 2011 model vehicles that did not get in our hands in time to be included in the competition.

All considered vehicles must have been on sale in January 2011, and for the first time we decided all vehicles must fall under a base-price cap of $75,000. We use the vehicles’ base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and our judging criteria includes general areas like comfort, convenience, safety, fuel economy, ride, handling, build quality and how well the vehicle delivers on its intended functions and capabilities.

We also consider subjective factors like appearance, how fun it is to drive, bargain price, and how hard or easy it was to return the vehicle after our week-long test drive. These factors can undoubtedly move a vehicle closer to the top of the class.

None of our class winners were ultimately perfect, and in many instances we could have easily picked more than one model as a winner.

We’d like to hear what you think of our selections, so drop us a line at highroads@arizona.aaa.com and let us know how we did.

Cool Car

Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet

What's Your Rating?

What a concept! The world's first all-wheel-drive crossover convertible. A convertible version of Nissan's Murano crossover, it blends the sophistication of a sedan with the utility of a sport utility vehicle, and, of course, driving a convertible is always fun. The two-door will only be available in one trim level; it will be loaded with equipment, and will ride on 20-inch wheels.

FUEL ECONOMY: Not yet rated
SAFETY RATING: Not rated
» Full review coming soon

Sedan/Coupe

Under $15,000
Kia Soul

What's Your Rating?

The Soul repeats as a top pick for 2011. We not only love its funky looks, it's practical as well. It's hard to fault much of anything about the Soul, which remains virtually unchanged from last year's model. When you add in the 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, 30-mpg fuel economy and the fact that it is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick, we think the Soul is the best new car you can buy for under $15,000.

FUEL ECONOMY: 26/31 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: NHTSA – 5 Stars; IIHS – Good and Top Safety Pick
» See full review

$15,000 to $25,000

Hyundai Sonata

What's Your Rating?

This new vehicle is loaded with excellent choices for its price range. Its gorgeous redesign makes Sonata best-in-class attractive. With a roomy high-quality interior, a commendable EPA highway rating of 35 mpg, an IIHS Top Safety Pick, a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, and a huge amount of driving enjoyment and comfort, Sonata is simply a great car for the money.

FUEL ECONOMY: 24/35 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: NHTSA – 5 Stars; IIHS – Good and Top Safety Pick
» See full review

$25,000 to $35,000

Infiniti G37

What's Your Rating?

This is the 3rd consecutive AAA Top Pick win for the G37. With an engaging driving experience, sharp handling, powerful 328 horsepower V6, and loaded with standard features, this premium-brand, entry-level luxury sports sedan has what most consumers are looking for.

FUEL ECONOMY: 19/27 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: NHTSA – 5 Stars; IIHS – Good
» See full review

$35,000 to $50,000

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

What's Your Rating?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is an all-around superb sedan that offers excellent quality, comfortable seating for four adults, top-notch interior and a refined driving experience. There's a wide variety of body styles and engine choices to fit consumers' particular wants and needs.

FUEL ECONOMY: 17/24 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: NHTSA – Not rated; IIHS – Good
» See full review

Over $50,000

Jaguar XJ

What's Your Rating?

What a fantastic looking automobile! Nothing else in this price class even comes close. While it isn't perfect, all of the competition seems well past its freshness date by comparison. With an all-aluminum body, wildly spacious interior, high-level luxury and beyond sensational driving, the all-new XJ is simply brilliant.

FUEL ECONOMY: 17/21 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: Not rated
» See full review

Convertible

Under $35,000
Mazda MX-5 Miata

What's Your Rating?

Spend any amount of time behind the wheel of the MX-5 Miata and you'll want to run out and buy one. Nothing else comes close on the bang-for-the-buck scale. An impressive combination of quick acceleration, thrilling handling, low curb weight, gorgeous looks and surprising affordability makes this vehicle stand out. Available in either a soft or excellent folding-hardtop versions, it's easy to see why it's been one of the world's most beloved roadsters for more than two decades.

FUEL ECONOMY: 22/28 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: Not rated
» See full review

Over $35,000
Porsche Boxster

What's Your Rating?

Virtually a toss-up with the roomier Chevrolet Corvette, the Boxster ekes out the Top Pick choice. Yes, the manual top is a pain in the keister to operate, and the cabin is tight for taller drivers, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying sports car at any price. Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, the raw performance, steering, handling, luxurious finish and comfortable seats render it a great sports car.

FUEL ECONOMY: 20/29 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: Not Rated
» See full review

SUV/Crossover

Under $25,000
Chevrolet Equinox

What's Your Rating?

We love driving this vehicle. Premium looking inside and out, the stylish Equinox is comfortable, roomy and available in an array of trim levels, powertrains and optional features. Even the four-cylinder engine feels strong and ride and build quality is impressive. Considering its price, fuel economy, safety ratings and stylish good looks, we think the Equinox should be on most crossover buyers' must-drive list.

FUEL ECONOMY: 22/32 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: NHTSA – 4 Stars; IIHS - Good
» See full review

$25,000 to $35,000
Jeep Grand Cherokee

What's Your Rating?

Completely redesigned for 2011, the Grand Cherokee corrects all that was wrong in its predecessor, especially the interior. It's bigger, more powerful, more fuel-efficient and has a lower price. Its on-road nimbleness is nothing short of terrific, while its off-road prowess is simply unmatched by the competition. There's plenty to love about the all-new Grand Cherokee.

FUEL ECONOMY: 16/23 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: NHTSA – 4 Stars; IIHS – Good
» See full review

$35,000 to $50,000
Porsche Cayenne

What's Your Rating?

Completely redesigned for 2011, the Cayenne is simply the best SUV we've driven at any price. Available in four models including a first-ever hybrid, Cayenne is one of the best-looking vehicles, inside and out, on the market today. Nothing else we've driven returns the satisfying driving dynamics we found in the Cayenne. If you can afford it, it will definitely not disappoint.

FUEL ECONOMY: 15/22 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: Not rated
» See full review

Over $50,000
Infiniti QX56

What's Your Rating?

Infiniti's enormous QX56 has been completely redesigned for 2011, and as a result completely outdates and outclasses other luxury SUV offerings. If the objective is to drown you in luxury, pleasure and seduction, consider it mission accomplished. The QX56 is undeniably the new class leader in the luxury SUV segment.

FUEL ECONOMY: 14/20 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: Not rated
» See full review

Truck

Compact/Mid-Sized
Nissan Frontier

What's Your Rating?

For the 5th consecutive year Frontier earns the AAA Top Pick award in this class. Virtually unchanged from 2010, Frontier is still our favorite based on its strong and smooth performance, advanced off-road systems, and tough on-the-job capabilities. There's big horsepower under the hood, improved ride and handling, and plenty of room for driver and passengers.

FUEL ECONOMY: 19/23 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: NHTSA – 5-stars; IIHS – Good
» See full review

Full-Size
Ford F-Series

What's Your Rating?

With all new engines and transmissions for the 2011 F-Series, Ford moves to the top of our list in this category. Add improved noise isolation, an improved ride, luxury-like car features and better fuel economy, and the F-Series is thoroughly satisfying and much more fun to drive.

FUEL ECONOMY: 16/23 – City/Highway (3.7-liter V6)
SAFETY RATING: NHTSA – Not rated; IIHS - Good
» See full review

Hybrid

Chevrolet Volt

What's Your Rating?

This is what a fuel efficiency vehicle should be. Neither a hybrid car nor an electric car, Chevrolet calls it an extended-range electric vehicle. An electric motor powers it for up to the first 50 miles of driving then switches to a gasoline-powered generator to provide more eclectic power for the motor. Our only complaint is its hefty price, which starts at $40,280.

FUEL ECONOMY: Not yet rated
SAFETY RATING: Not rated
» See full review

Minivan

Honda Odyssey

What's Your Rating?

Redesigned for 2011, Honda Odyssey is everything a minivan should be. Incredibly quiet, smooth, roomy and comfortable, it's bigger than you think. We don't much care for the new looks, but for the money, Odyssey is tough to beat. If you're not turned off by the minivan stigma, Odyssey should be your first stop when shopping.

FUEL ECONOMY: 19/28 – City/Highway
SAFETY RATING: Not rated
» See full review

WANT MORE INFO?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates vehicles for crash-test worthiness on a 1 to 5 scale, 5 being the highest possible rating.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) bestows ratings of Poor, Marginal, Acceptable or Good.

Visit safercar.gov or iihs.org for more information on safety ratings.

DO YOU HAVE A TOP PICK?
Here is your chance to tell us what vehicle you would choose. No need to pick in every category, but if there’s a vehicle you think should have been on our AAA Top Picks list, drop us a line at highroads@arizona.aaa.com. We’ll publish the most popular picks in the Bumper to Bumper section of the next issue of Highroads.

Jim Prueter is an automotive and travel journalist for Highroads® magazine.

AAA Emergency Road Service AAA will assist anytime, day or night. Call 1-800-AAA HELP or
» Order Road Service online!
» Learn about the benefits of AAA Road Service.

AAA DMV Service Online access to the A.D.O.T Motor Vehicle Division.
» Vehicle Registration
» Personal plates
» Change of address
» Voter registration
» See full list of services

Ask Randy... What is the
effect on the expected car battery's life in the Arizona heat?
» See full article.