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Consumers Digest Congratulates the 2010 Automotive Best Buy Award Winners.
Of the many new vehicles unveiled every model year, only a select group meets the quality standards and delivers the exceptional value required by the editors of Consumers Digest to be awarded an Automotive Best Buy. More Details at Consumersdigest.com.
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Nissan Versa
List: $10,990-$16,300
Wrapped in no-frills utilitarian styling, the Versa sedan is touted as being the lowest price car that is sold in the United States, although that price gets you only a barren base sedan, with crank-up windows and no radio. That's no matter, because other versions remain reasonably priced and perform up to our expectations. A tall roofline provides surprisingly spacious interior room. Hatchback versions are our top choice because of their added versatility. A feeble but frugal 107-hp, 1.6-liter engine propels the base sedan, but the hatchbacks and higher-trim-level sedans come with a 1.8-liter version that delivers 122 horses. Either way, the Versa isn't exactly built for speed. Transmission choices include five- and six-speed manuals, a four-speed automatic and a gearless continuously variable transmission (CVT). Various high-tech gizmos are optional on top SL models, although you should be forewarned that a fully fitted model can cost nearly twice as much as that lowest price Versa. The Versa has been a Consumers Digest Best Buy 4 years in a row. |
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Nissan 370Z
List: $29,930-$39,130
Nissan's tempting two-seat coupe-and-convertible combo recently was redesigned and renamed the 370Z by virtue of a larger 3.7-liter V6 engine. This powerplant delivers an entertaining 332 hp and comes mated to a slick-shifting, close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission, which we found does a terrific job of channeling all of that muscle to the rear wheels. A seven-speed automatic is available for those who are clutch-averse. Either gearbox can be fitted with the SynchroRev Match system, which automatically adjusts engine speed when it changes gears to provide smoother shifts. Although it is slightly shorter and wider than before, the Z retains its classic styling cues inside and out. High-speed cornering remains crisp and exact, and allows just the right amount of wheel slippage before the stability-control system intervenes. Unfortunately, the car's taut suspension made us feel every bump in the road. A higher performance NISMO version is aimed at the so-called "tuner" crowd. * 2009 PRICES. 2010 PRICES NOT ANNOUNCED AT PRESS TIME. |
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Nissan Rogue
List: $20,220-$23,010
Nissan's compact Rogue emphasizes the "sport" in sport-utility vehicle. For starters, it looks racier than much of the competition because of its sculpted exterior lines, which sweep gracefully toward a broad-shouldered rear-end treatment. A well-designed cockpit-like interior looks as if it belongs in a sports coupe. The Rogue rides on a four-wheel independent suspension that's tuned to allow more-enthusiastic cornering than the traditional box-on-wheels delivers. Stability control is standard, and an optional sophisticated all-wheel-drive system helps to improve the car's road-holding abilities. The only available powertrain mates a responsive and reasonably fuel-efficient 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a gearless continuously variable transmission (CVT). A wealth of comfort and convenience systems are offered for gadget lovers, but they drive up the cost considerably. Excerpted for Nissan North America with Permission by Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, Copyrighted © 2009 |
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