For years, General Motors has been trying, and failing, to build a car that could compete with BMW's 3-series. The ATS is this year's fighter and has been scoring very well in road tests. Unlike other automakers, GM tends to get judged against itself -- how much better a new model is vs. the one it replaces -- rather than the competition. With all that in mind, the ATS is clearly "the best Cadillac ever."
The sophisticated design of the Fusion has made it a popular favorite since it was uncovered at the Detroit auto show last January. Ford CEO Alan Mulally is now a Motown legend, and the Fusion is considered the pinnacle of his One Ford strategy. All the reviews aren't in yet, but picking Fusion would be seen as a valedictory for Mulally's tenure at Ford.
Enthusiasts at heart, Car of the Year jurors like to flaunt their inner boy racer by giving a boost to sports cars. The Chevrolet Corvette was a winner in 1998, and both the Pontiac Solstice and Nissan 350Z were voted finalists in the past. The Subaru and the Scion have received glowing reviews, but since they were jointly developed and are essentially the same car under the skin, they will likely split the vote.
Year after year, BMWs populate more "Best Car" lists than any other manufacturer, and the 3-series is the gold standard of compact sport sedans. But this year's version has received only faint praise for its lack of breakthrough innovation, and jurors will be looking for other manufacturers to elevate to the pantheon.
The last few years have been difficult for Honda, and industry observers are watching for signs of a turnaround. The Accord has never made it to the winner's circle, but jurors do like Hondas. This year's iteration, however, is more evolutionary than revolutionary, so it may be too soon to return Honda to its former stature.
Usually a dark horse in Car of the Year competitions, the Altima was a winner in 2002, and this year Nissan has produced its strongest entry in a decade. If gas prices stay high, Altima's 37 mpg highway rating could be a deciding factor, but the could also be it failing. The car gets downgraded by hot-shoe jurors who find its fuel-sipping CVT transmission, which contributes to its high gas mileage, too lazy for driving pleasure.
A landmark for Ford's surviving luxury brand, the MKZ is the first product of Lincoln's latest renaissance. Its design and underpinning are widely praised, yet voters will be reluctant to add to the MKZ's accolades without seeing widespread market acceptance -- difficult to gauge for this late-in-the-year launch.
The Malibu has been taking its lumps in both the business and enthusiast press, criticized for inadequate fuel economy, a cramped interior, and poor value. Surprisingly, it beat out an Acura, a BMW, a Cadillac, a Lexus, and two electric vehicles for a spot on the short list. Don't expect to see it go any further.
Usually a dark horse in Car of the Year competitions, the Altima was a winner in 2002, and this year Nissan has produced its strongest entry in a decade. If gas prices stay high, Altima's 37 mpg highway rating could be a deciding factor, but the could also be it failing. The car gets downgraded by hot-shoe jurors who find its fuel-sipping CVT transmission, which contributes to its high gas mileage, too lazy for driving pleasure.
A landmark for Ford's surviving luxury brand, the MKZ is the first product of Lincoln's latest renaissance. Its design and underpinning are widely praised, yet voters will be reluctant to add to the MKZ's accolades without seeing widespread market acceptance -- difficult to gauge for this late-in-the-year launch.
The Malibu has been taking its lumps in both the business and enthusiast press, criticized for inadequate fuel economy, a cramped interior, and poor value. Surprisingly, it beat out an Acura, a BMW, a Cadillac, a Lexus, and two electric vehicles for a spot on the short list. Don't expect to see it go any further.
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