Detroit's resurgence is again evidenced, as three American automobile make it into the Consumer Reports' Top Picks list for the first time since 1998. Meanwhile, Tesla's Model S takes top honors for a second consecutive year.
The Buick Regal won Best Sports Sedan, ending the BMW 328i's two-year hold on the spot. The Chevrolet Impala won Best Large Car and the Tesla Model S held on to its Best Overall Vehicle honor for the second year in a row.
"Detroit vehicles are breaking through in new categories as Consumer Reports Top Picks," says Mark Rechtin, team leader of Consumer Reports' Cars Content Development division. "Many have come a long way in performance, technology, improved reliability."
The traditionally dominating Japanese vehicles continued to decline in prominence on Consumer Reports Top Picks list, earning the fewest honors in the roundup's 17-year history. Japanese brands occupied six spots on the list, after a run that saw the vehicles account for 70 percent of the roundup since 1997.
Though receiving only an honorable mention in Consumer Reports' Facebook poll, Tesla Motors' flagship vehicle electrified the consumer watchdog group's auto testers.
"No other car could knock the Tesla Model S off its pedestal -- this high-performance electric vehicle, made in California, is a technological tour de force wrapped in a luxury package," says Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports' auto test director. "It can travel between 180 and 225 miles per charge. Performance is exceptional, with thrilling acceleration, pinpoint handling and a roomy interior."
The remainder of Consumer Reports' Top Picks list by categories included the following vehicles. The Subaru Legacy took Best Midsized Sedan; the Subaru Impreza took Best Compact Car; the Toyota Prius took Best Green Car; The Audi A6 took Best Luxury Car; the Subaru Forester took Best Small SUV; the Toyota Highlander took Best Midsized SUV; and the Honda Odyssey took Best Minivan.
Consumer Reports' Top Picks list also recognized the best used cars, separating the winners into categories based on consumer budgets:
Under $10,000
Best Small Car: 2008 Mazda3 s
Best Sedan: 2005 Acura TL
Best SUV: 2005 Honda Pilot
Between $10,000 and $15,000
Best Small Car: 2010-2012 Kia Soul
Best Sedan: 2006-2007 Infiniti G35
Best SUV: 2005-2007 Toyota Highlander
Between $15,000 and $20,000
Best Small Car: 2010-2013 Toyota Prius
Best Sedan: 2008-2012 Honda Accord
Best SUV: 2006-2008 Lexus RX
Between $20,000 and $25,000
Best Sedan: 2012-2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Best SUV; 2011-2012 Nissan Murano
