Vehicles from U.S. automakers fell significantly in the Consumers Digest Best Buy ratings this year, as the percentage of U.S.-manufactured cars that were named Best Buys dropped from 60 percent to 53 percent.
(See the full list of Best Buy vehicles here.)
Japan and South Korea together gained a 10 percentage point increase in the number of Best Buys awarded to their vehicles, giving Asian automakers 40 percent overall, according to a press release.
The figure is the largest percentage for the Asian carmaker group since their vehicles represented 42 percent of all Best Buys for the 2009 model year.
From subcompacts to luxury cars to minivans, 45 cars in 12 categories were awarded Best Buys after being rated on driving experience, safety, performance and design. Best Buys are Consumers Digest's endorsement to the cars that offer the best value for their price.
"Value, as we see it, is based on purchase price and ownership costs relative to quality, performance and subjective factors, such as comfort and design," Randy Weber, Consumers Digest's publisher, the press release said.
For performance, the cars were rated based on starting and acceleration, shifting, steering and handling, braking, ride quality and fuel economy, said the press release. Vehicles were also evaluated for design characteristics including seating, accessories and amenities, fit and finish and cargo space.
Of the American-made vehicles, General Motors received 10 Best Buys, Ford received eight and Chrysler was given seven.
Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and Toyota Prius were the three hybrids selected as Best Buys. For family-friendly vehicles, Consumers Digest chose the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion, Ford Lincoln MKZ, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima and Mazda6.
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