AAA Arizona Announces Top Vehicle Picks for 2009
Phoenix, Ariz., March 2, 2009 – From a “geeky-looking” but affordable sedan that can serve many in this economy – to an “exotic supercar with rocket-sled-like” thrust that handles like it is “painted on the road,” budgeting consumers and auto enthusiasts alike have many options when selecting their next car, according to AAA Arizona’s Top Picks for 2009.
In its fourth annual Top Picks list, the auto club offers consumers guidance in selecting their next new vehicle. The recently released list once again features the classic Chevrolet Corvette as the best convertible priced above $35,000, rating the classic icon as “wickedly fun” to drive. The Nissan GT-R was awarded the coveted “Cool Car” title, thanks to its thrust and handling on the road. And while a little geeky to look at, the Honda Fit excelled as an affordable sedan that had all the luxuries and handling many families are looking for in this economy.
“We saw some impressive improvements this year in some of the classiest cars on the road,” said Jim Prueter, senior vice president of insurance and business development for AAA Arizona. “This list narrows down to some of the best vehicles out there, based on safety, fuel economy, features, drive and build quality, comfort, convenience – and of course appearance.”
AAA Arizona’s Top Picks for 2009:
- Sedan/Coupe under $15,000: Honda Fit
- Sedan/Coupe between $15-25,000: Mazda6
- Sedan/Coupe between $25-35,000: Infiniti G37
- Sedan/Coupe between $35-50,000: Audi A5/s5 *
- Sedan/Coupe over $50,000: Audi A8/s8 *
- Convertible under $35,000: Volkswagen Eos
- Convertible over $35,000: Chevrolet Corvette *
- SUV under $25,000: Subaru Forester
- SUV between $25-35,000: Ford Flex
- SUV between $35-50,000: Land Rover LR3
- SUV over $50,000: Lexus LX 570 *
- Truck Compact/Mid-Size: Nissan Frontier *
- Truck Full-Size: Dodge Ram
- Hybrid: Toyota Prius
- Minivan: Toyota Sienna
- Cool Car: Nissan GT-R
(* Denotes repeat top picks from 2008)
“Our goal for this list is to help consumers sort through their growing options, and find the perfect new car for their price range and desires,” Prueter said.
The selection process for Top Picks is based on how well a vehicle performs compared to how experts expect it should. A convertible, for example, would be expected to have exceptional handling and equipped for a level of performance an enthusiast would expect. Likewise, an SUV would be expected to have features that allow for room and function, such as seats that are easy to fold down and cargo space.
AAA Arizona’s Top Picks are announced in the March/April edition of Highroads, AAA Arizona’s bi-monthly member magazine delivered to about 475,000 households in Arizona. Complete reviews of 2009 Top Picks can be found at www.AAAAZ.com. To be eligible for list consideration, Top Picks must be available for sale to the public no later than March 1, 2009.
Vehicles selected for the list are reviewed by AAA Arizona auto experts Jim Prueter and Becky Antioco, who have a combined 22 years of experience in test driving and reviewing vehicles. The two test drive and review approximately 100 vehicles each year.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.
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NOTE: Images of vehicles on the Top Picks list are available. To obtain, and arrange interviews with an auto expert, please contact AAA Public Affairs. |
