SUVs From Subaru, Mercedes Highlight AAA's Top Car List
22 December 1997
SUVs From Subaru, Mercedes Highlight AAA's Top Car List
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- In the increasingly competitive sport
utility vehicle market, the Subaru Forester and Mercedes ML 320 stand out from
the crowd, according to AAA's annual list of the best new vehicles.
AAA expanded its annual Top Car Awards this year to include sport utility
vehicles, with awards going to the Forester as the best SUV priced less than
$25,000 and to the ML 320 for SUVs priced more than $25,000. The Top Car
Awards also include a category for minivans, with the Chrysler Town and
Country earning the top spot.
Picked best in their price class for passenger cars were the Chevrolet
Cavalier, under $12,500; Toyota Corolla $12,500-$15,000; Oldsmobile Cutlass,
$15,000-$20,000; Dodge Intrepid, $20,000-$25,000; Toyota Avalon, $25,000-
$30,000; Volvo V70 Wagon AWD, $30,000-$35,000; Lincoln Town Car, $35,000-
$40,000; Lexus GS 400, $40,000-$50,000; and BMW 750 iL, more than $50,000.
The rankings are based on comprehensive reviews appearing in AAA's 1998
Autograph Book(TM) -- an annual evaluation of new vehicles. The book features
ratings of more than 180 vehicles ranging from sport cars to minivans.
Vehicles are awarded up to 10 points in each of 20 categories, including
workmanship, safety, passenger environment and value.
The highest scoring car in this year's book of reviews is the BMW 750 iL
with 173 points. The Chevrolet Cavalier is the only repeat selection from
last year's Top Car list, earning the honor in its price category for an
unprecedented fourth consecutive year.
"While there are many good vehicles available to today's motorist, the Top
Car Award winners offer the best balance of performance, quality and value,"
said Dave Van Sickle, editor of the Autograph Book.
To evaluate vehicles for the Autograph Book, AAA experts test vehicles
under every day driving conditions. Reviews include vehicle specifications,
option package information, prices and photographs of vehicle interiors and
exteriors. The book also provides general advice on buying a new car.
"The Autograph Book is designed to be a helpful starting point in the
search for a new car," said Van Sickle. "It provides valuable information
that can help a consumer narrow the list of vehicles they want to test drive."
The 1997 Autograph Book is available in book stores and at participating
AAA club offices. The cover price is $12.95.
AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 97 clubs with more than
1,000 offices providing 40 million members in the U.S. and Canada with travel,
insurance, financial and auto-related services.
SOURCE American Automobile Association
