Consumer Reports Names Ford Focus, Acura TL, Toyota Prius, Toyota Sienna, Tops for 2004

CONSUMER REPORTS NAMES FORD FOCUS TOP PICK
IN COMPETITIVE SMALL SEDANS CATEGORY FOR 2004

Acura TL edges out BMW 330i to become Top Pick in Upscale Sedan class;
2004 Toyota Prius takes top honors in Green Car category

YONKERS, NY - Consumer Reports announced today that it has named the Ford
Focus its Top Pick for 2004 in two categories-Small Sedan and Fun to Drive.
CR is publishing its respected list of Top Picks in the Annual April Auto
Issue, which hits newstands March 9.
CR's new Top Pick list also includes the Acura TL, which edged out the BMW
330i for top honors in the Upscale Sedan category, and the Toyota Prius
gasoline/electric hybrid, which topped the Green Car category. The Toyota
Sienna took the top spot in the Minivan group.
Consumer Reports' Top Picks are all-around high-performers that have
outpointed their competitors in CR's rigorous testing program; shown average
or better reliability in CR's own subscriber survey; and performed
adequately if crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and/or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Consumer Reports' testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any U.S.
publication; CR evaluates emergency handling, acceleration, braking, fuel
economy, comfort, convenience, and more.
The Top Pick vehicles were selected from among the 183 vehicles that have
recently been tested by Consumer Reports.
"Consumer Reports' new group of Top Picks reflects important changes in the
marketplace in performance, reliability, interior fit and finish, and
versatility," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto
Test facility in East Haddam, Connecticut. "We expect to see this trend
continue as more new vehicles hit the market and manufacturers compete ever
more aggressively."
CR's Annual April Auto Issue is on sale from March 9 through June 9. The
Auto Issue is available wherever magazines are sold and may also be ordered
online at ConsumerReports.org.
Consumer Reports' Top Picks list is available free online at
ConsumerReports.org for one month. Here, by category, are the issue's best
performers: 
*	SMALL SEDAN: Ford Focus. The Focus (about $17,000) is nimble,
relatively spacious, well laid out and fun to drive. The ride is firm,
steady, and well-controlled. Last year's Top Pick in this category was the
Honda Civic EX.
*	FAMILY SEDAN: Volkswagen Passat/Honda Accord. For the second year in
a row, the Accord and Passat share the honors in this category. The Accord
($21,000 to $23,000) is our Top Pick among four-cylinder models, the Passat
(about $30,000) among V6 versions. Both provide an excellent balance of
comfort and sporty handling. There is no change in this category from 2003.
*	UPSCALE SEDAN: Acura TL. The TL's 2004 redesign transformed the
sedan from a mid-packer to a front runner. The TL (about $33,000) provides
sporty performance, an impeccable interior, and respectable fuel economy.
The BMW 330i (about $40,500) also blends sporty performance with a refined,
comfortable driving experience. CR did not have a Top Pick in this category
last year; in 2002, the 330i was the Top Pick.
*	LUXURY CAR: Lexus LS430. The LS430 (about $70,500) has a silky
smooth V8 powertrain, spacious accommodations, easy-to-use controls, and a
plush, quiet cabin. Comprehensive safety features, excellent reliability,
and low depreciation also make this car a standout. This is a new Top Pick
category.
*	FUN TO DRIVE: Ford SVT Focus. The SVT Focus ($19,000) hatchback
blends superb cornering abilities, lively acceleration, and excellent brakes
with commendable interior space, a usable rear seat, and a tolerable ride.
Last year's Top Pick was the Subaru Impreza WRX.
*	SMALL SUV: Subaru Forester. The Forester is a good vehicle and a
good value-about $21,000 for the 2.5X. This all-wheel-drive, car-based SUV
handles with agility and rides compliantly. Braking is excellent. The Toyota
RAV4 was the Top Pick in this category last year.
*	MIDSIZED SUV: Lexus RX330. Though not cheap (about $40,000,
well-equipped), the RX330 is an excellent overall package. It blends a
smooth, responsive 230-hp, V6 and secure handling with a very comfortable
ride. There is no change in this category from 2003.
*	3-Row SUVs: Honda Pilot. The eight-passenger Pilot ($31,000) blends
the qualities of an SUV and minivan in one package. Its smooth V6 delivers
spirited performance and respectable fuel economy. A comfortable ride,
secure handling, impeccable fit and finish, and a fold-away, split third-row
seat make it an all-around excellent choice. This is a new Top Pick
category.
*	MINIVAN: Toyota Sienna. The redesigned Sienna ($28,000,
well-equipped) leads the class in comfort and safety, and is one of few
minivans to offer all-wheel drive. Other pluses include a refined,
fuel-efficient powertrain; secure handling; and a roomy, flexible interior.
The Honda Odyssey was the Top Pick in this category in 2003.
*	GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius. The second-generation Prius hybrid (about
$21,500) is quicker, more spacious and fuel-efficient than the first
version, but costs about the same. In CR's tests, the Prius averaged 44 mpg
overall. The Prius' roomy, versatile interior and good driving performance
make it a viable alternative to a conventional small or even mid-sized
sedan.