Consumer Guide(R) Automotive Announces 2006 Best Buys

Annual Listing Spotlights the Best Overall Values in 16 Model Categories

LINCOLNWOOD, Ill., Sept. 21 -- Consumer Guide(R) Automotive, the definitive source of new- and used-car reviews, today announced its annual listing of Best Buy and Recommended vehicles. These cars and trucks represent the best overall values in 16 model categories, and should strongly be considered by potential car buyers. Best Buy awards for 2006 range from the Honda Civic, with a base price of under $14,400, to the nearly $70,000 Audi A8.

Consumer Guide(R) Automotive has published authoritative, consumer-oriented reviews of new and used cars since 1967. Its staff of 20 includes 10 full-time automotive editors with more than 150 years combined experience. When judging automobiles, the editors evaluate price, features, performance, and accommodations in addition to test-driving each vehicle.

"We drive these vehicles as their owners would, on highway trips, in stop-and-go city driving, for weekend shopping," Consumer Guide(R) Automotive Publisher Frank Peiler said. "That helps us arrive at real world conclusions about them. We also take into account such factors as reliability records, fuel economy, and resale value before we announce a Best Buy or Recommended award."

Respected for its experience and objectivity, Consumer Guide(R) Automotive's staff test drives more than 200 new vehicles annually. It divides the automotive market into 16 classes based on vehicle type, size, and price. The segments cover the hundreds of cars, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks on sale in the U.S.

From these, Consumer Guide(R) Automotive has selected 45 models as 2006 Best Buys -- the publication's highest accolade. A Best Buy represents the finest balance of attributes within its class.

In addition to the Civic and A8, returning standouts include the Cadillac SRX, Chrysler 300, Ford F-150, Honda Odyssey, Mazda 3, and Toyota Camry. New Best Buys for '06 include the BMW 3-Series, Ford Five Hundred and Mustang, Infiniti M, Mercury Mariner and Montego, and Toyota Avalon.

Vehicles that also represent outstanding values, but fall just short of Best Buy status, receive a Recommended award. Consumer Guide(R) Automotive's 2006 Recommended list contains 45 vehicles. New among them are the Cadillac DTS, Chevrolet Cobalt, Honda Ridgeline, Kia Sportage, Lexus ES 330, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and R-Class, and Pontiac GTO.

"Whether you're considering a family car, luxury sedan, workhorse pickup, or versatile sport-utility vehicle, we're confident our Best Buy and Recommended awards represent the very best value for your money," Peiler said. "We do the work so you can zero in on the right vehicle with the right equipment at the right price."

The complete Consumer Guide(R) Automotive 2005 Best Buy and Recommended listing is available at HERE .

Complete reviews of these and hundreds of other new and used vehicles, including the latest retail and dealer-invoice prices, are available at http://auto.consumerguide.com/ and at newsstands and bookstores in the Consumer Guide(R) Car & Truck Test monthly magazine.