Honda Civic EX and Toyota RAV4 are Among New Top Picks for 2001

Honda Civic EX and Toyota RAV4 are Among the New Consumer Reports Top Picks for 2001

YONKERS, N.Y.--March 14, 2001--

Toyota Prius gas/electric hybrid makes list for best "Green" car, Honda S2000 judged "Most Fun to Drive"

Consumer Reports(R) released its "Top Picks for 2001" in its Annual April Auto Issue, selecting the seventh-generation Honda Civic EX as its top-rated small car, and the newly-redesigned Toyota RAV4 as its best small sport-utility vehicle. The Honda Civic EX out-pointed Consumer Reports' previous top pick for small sedans, the Mazda Protege, in tests conducted at the magazine's Auto Test facility in East Haddam, Connecticut. The Toyota RAV4 replaces the Subaru Forester as Consumer Reports' top-rated small SUV. The 2001 model cars, trucks, and SUVs selected by Consumer Reports as top picks are best in their respective categories, based on CR's own tests of emergency handling, acceleration, braking, fuel economy, comfort, and convenience, and more. To earn the distinction, they must also be at least average in reliability, based on CR's annual subscriber survey. "We ran cars, trucks and minivans through a battery of tough tests and were impressed by what we found--both in terms of performance and versatility," said David Champion, the director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test facility. "We rated small cars that now offer the interior room and comfort of midsize models, and tested new, car-based SUVs that can tackle rough roads and comfortably carry a family." Consumer Reports' Annual April Auto Issue goes on sale everywhere beginning March 20. The Top Picks report can be accessed free online at www.ConsumerReports.org. Here, by category, are the issue's top choices:

-- Family Sedan or Wagon. The Volkswagen Passat excels as a sedan or wagon--with either the four-cylinder engine or the more powerful V6. It's agile and offers a comfortable, well-controlled ride. The four-cylinder sedan is about $22,000; the V6, $26,000. -- Small Car. The newly-redesigned Honda Civic EX (about $18,000) handles crisply, is roomy, and has outstanding brakes, and fit and finish. -- Green Car. The hybrid gasoline/electric Toyota Prius (about $20,500) is a small, five-passenger sedan with a relatively roomy interior, comfortable ride, and secure handling. The car averaged 41 mpg overall. -- Most Fun to Drive. The Honda S2000 (about $33,000) is an uncompromised, rear-drive roadster offering power, pinpoint handling, and tenacious tire grip. CR's top pick among sporty coupes is the Toyota Celica GT-5 hatchback (about $23,000). -- Upscale Sport Sedan. The BMW 330i (about $40,000) is a state-of-the-art rear-drive sedan that's a nearly ideal blend of comfort, sportiness, luxury, and safety. -- Best Car Tested. The Mercedes-Benz E320 4matic wagon (about $54,000) has it all: a spacious interior, agility, comfort, excellent performance, and relatively frugal fuel use. -- Small SUV. The redesigned Toyota RAV4 (about $22,600) is flexible inside, handles nimbly, and has a seamless all-wheel-drive system. -- Midsized SUV. The Lexus RX300 (about $38,000) is a car-derived vehicle with all-wheel drive. It is refined, quiet, comfortable, and powered by a smooth, responsive V6 engine. -- Pickup Truck. The Toyota Tundra (about $30,000) is our benchmark among full-sized pickups. It rides well, handles capably, and offers a smooth, powerful V8. The cabin is quiet and well put together. -- Minivan. The Honda Odyssey (roughly $27,000) has a roomy cabin, responsive handling, strong powertrain, and interior flexibility. The third-row seat folds neatly into the floor when not needed.