Who Makes America's Best Cars and Trucks? Magazines Readers Cast Their Votes!

DETROIT, June 29 -- Want to know what some of the world's most influential car-magazine readers think are the best vehicles? Welcome to AutoWeek Magazine's annual "America's Best" issue. Inside this July 4, 2005 issue, our subscribers choose the hottest, sexiest, most desirable cars, trucks and SUVs in the land.

This once-a-year, up-to-the-minute online vote takes America's automotive pulse. Find out which brands and models have gotten inside the heads of AutoWeek readers. It's a good thing to know, because AutoWeek's weekly frequency draws car mavens who need the latest news every week!

  And the winners are:

  Best Exotic:  Ford GT

A new category this year, the GT is a nod to the '60s racers that won LeMans, and Ford designed it to celebrate the firm's centennial.

Best Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette

This category has been a tug of war, a back-and-forth battle between Chevrolet's Corvette and Porsche's 911 ... and Corvette takes the top spot once again.

Best Luxury Car: Audi A8

This was hotly contested. When all the votes were in, Audi's award- winning A8 sedan again came out on top as America's Best Luxury Car.

Best Sedan: BMW 3 Series

With the new 3, BMW continues its small sedan tradition of fine-looking exteriors and independent suspension tuned to mix sport and comfort. The 3 is a pleasure to drive, anywhere, anytime.

Best Coupe/Convertible: Ford Mustang

When Ford re-created the Mustang, it made no secret of wanting a car that drives like a modern muscle car with styling that blends old and new ... and they succeeded.

Best People Mover: Honda Odyssey

For the fourth straight year, the Honda Odyssey emerges victorious. That's no small feat, especially when you consider that while this year's winner is brand-new, so, too, are other carmakers' offerings.

Best SUV/Off-Road Vehicle: Porsche Cayenne

Close race in this category, but Porsche Cayenne came out on top. This thing is a beast and comes in three varieties: V6, V8 and turbo version. All handle the rigors of off-roading well.

Best Truck: Ford F-Series

The F-150 takes its eighth straight America's Best Truck win! All-new in 2004, the F-150 offers more powerful engines, more room for passengers and cargo, and standard-issue tough-looking sheetmetal that resonates with the faithful.

Best Economy Car: Mazda 3

Another repeat winner in this ultra-competitive Economy category. Readers love it because it is a great car to drive; responsive, the gearbox is snappy, and its 2.0-liter four-cylinder is powerful enough.

Be sure to visit www.autoweek.com"> for more America's Best highlights!

AutoWeek is the magazine for the ultimate car enthusiast. America's largest weekly car magazine, it delivers the latest news, truck loads of useful information and insights on new cars and trucks, vintage vehicles, motorsports, automotive trends and the people who make it all happen -- everything about "the automotive lifestyle." To subscribe, call 1.888.6954 or subscribe online http://www.autoweek.com/