BMW 530i and Subaru Impreza WRX are Among Consumer Reports' New Top Picks for 2002

YONKERS, N.Y.--March 12, 2002-- The BMW 530i out-pointed three other European sedans including the previously top-rated Mercedes-Benz E320 in performance tests conducted at Consumer Reports' Auto Test facility in East Haddam, Connecticut. The Subaru Impreza WRX replaces the Honda S2000 as the top-rated vehicle in the fun-to-drive category.

The Toyota Highlander out-scored its near--and more costly--relative, the Lexus RX300, to become Consumer Reports' Top Pick for midsized sport-utility vehicles.

The 2002 model cars, trucks, and SUVs selected by Consumer Reports as Top Picks are best in their respective categories, based on CR's own extensive testing of emergency handling, acceleration, braking, fuel economy, comfort, convenience, and more. To earn the distinction, they must also be at least average in reliability, based on CR's annual subscriber survey.

``Consumer Reports purchased and tested 49 vehicles--sedans, sports cars, luxury cars, pickups, sport-utility vehicles and minivans--during the past year to find the best of the best. A team of automotive engineers put each of these vehicles through dozens of performance tests and survey experts pored over reliability data before we selected our Top Picks for 2002,'' said David Champion, the director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test facility. ``Our goal is to provide consumers with the information they need on both performance and reliability to make an informed decision.''

The April Auto Issue ($4.95) goes on sale March 19th through June 19th and is generally available where magazines are sold. It may also be ordered online at www.ConsumerReports.org/newcars.

The Top Picks report can be accessed free online at www.ConsumerReports.org. Here, by category, are the issue's top choices:

Best Car Tested. The BMW 530i (about $46,000) combines excellent handling with exceptional comfort, advanced safety, responsive performance, and exquisite fit and finish. Fun to Drive. The Subaru Impreza WRX is a practical, reasonably priced car (about $24,000) that combines brisk acceleration, very agile handling, and a comfortable ride. It's available as a sedan or wagon. Also notable: the Honda S2000 two-seat roadster, which offers power, pinpoint handling, and tenacious tire grip. It's about $33,000. Family Sedan or Wagon. The Volkswagen Passat excels as a sedan or wagon, four-cylinder or V6. It handles with agility and provides a comfortable, well-controlled ride. The interior is especially well-crafted. The four-cylinder sedan is about $24,000; the V6, $28,000. Add $1,000 for a wagon, $1,500 for all-wheel drive. The Passat barely edged past the newly redesigned Toyota Camry to take the top spot in this category. Small Car. The Honda Civic EX, redesigned for 2001, is about $18,000 well-equipped. It handles crisply and has a responsive powertrain, good fuel economy, and a roomy interior for its class. Driving Green. The hybrid gasoline/electric Toyota Prius (about $20,500) is a small, five-passenger sedan with a usefully large interior, comfortable ride, and secure handling. It averaged 41 mpg overall in CR's tests. Upscale Sports Sedan. The BMW 330i (about $40,000) is a state-of-the-art rear-drive sedan that's a nearly ideal blend of sportiness, comfort, luxury, and safety. Small SUV. The Toyota RAV4 (about $23,600) is small outside but flexible inside. It handles nimbly and has an efficient all-wheel-drive system. Midsized SUV. With its smooth V6, the car-based Toyota Highlander (about $30,000 well-equipped) is refined, quiet, and comfortable. It's as good as the Lexus RX300, but cheaper. If you need to seat seven, consider the excellent Acura MDX (about $37,000). Pickup Truck. The Toyota Tundra (about $29,000) has become our performance benchmark for full-sized pickups. It rides well, handles capably, and offers a smooth, powerful V8. The cabin is quiet and well-built. Minivan. The Honda Odyssey (roughly $27,000) has a roomy cabin, responsive handling, a strong powertrain, and a versatile interior. The handy third-row seat folds into the floor when you don't need it.