Business & Tech

Cars: Consumer Reports' Top 10 American Cars For 2013

No American-made autos made the magazine's Top 10 list for 2013, so it created a second list of just cars made in the USA. Read on ...

When Consumer Reports released its annual list of the top 10 cars on Monday, there were no American-made cars included on the list.

Consumer Reports says the 10 models that won awards are the very best among the 280 or so they've tested, reports AOL Autos. They are ranked on how they fared on the CR road test, how they ranked in the magazine's annual reliability study, and how they measured up in government and insurance industry crash-testing.

After releasing its picks for the Top 10 cars, the publication released a separate list, made up of the best American cars in each category.

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AOL Autos has compiled the list, below, by category.

Budget Car - Chevrolet Sonic LT

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MSRP: $16,925
Invoice: $16,248
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg City, 35 mpg Highway

Buy it locally: Carter Chevrolet of Manchester, O'Neill's Chevrolet Buick in Avon, Davidson Chevrolet in Collinsville, or Gengras Chevrolet in East Hartford.

Well equipped at an agreeable starting price, the Chevrolet Sonic LT is a solid choice for people shopping for a small sedan. It's sporty, looks great and has an impressively quiet interior, which gives the car a more premium feel.

Compact Car - Ford Focus SE

MSRP: $18,200
Invoice: $16,972
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg City, 36 mpg Highway

Buy it locally: Bill Selig Ford in Windsor, Morande Ford in Berlin, Monaco Ford in Glastonbury, Crowley Ford Lincoln in Plainville, or Hoffman Ford Lincoln in East Hartford.

The latest iteration of the Ford Focus has been successful due to its sleek design, driving dynamics and fuel economy. Available in a wide variety of configurations, the Focus offers a lot of versatility as well.

Midsize Sedan - Ford Fusion Hybrid

MSRP: $27,200 - $32,100
Invoice: $25,092 - $29,612
Fuel Economy: 47 mpg City, 47 mpg Highway

Buy it locally: Bill Selig Ford in Windsor, Morande Ford in Berlin, Monaco Ford in Glastonbury, Crowley Ford Lincoln in Plainville, or Hoffman Ford Lincoln in East Hartford.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid was the highest-scoring midsize sedan in the Consumer Reports study, although the car is simply too new to have reliability rankings. This car is fantastic looking and comes with a luxurious feel and great fuel economy.

Green Car - Ford C-Max Hybrid

MSRP: $25,200 - $28,365
Invoice: $23,499 - $26,451
Fuel Economy: 47 mpg City, 47 mpg Highway

Buy it locally: Bill Selig Ford in Windsor, Morande Ford in Berlin, Monaco Ford in Glastonbury, Crowley Ford Lincoln in Plainville, or Hoffman Ford Lincoln in East Hartford.

New for 2013, the C-Max looks to compete with the Toyota Prius -- the king of hybrids here in the U.S. The C-Max has a lot going for it: sportier looks, a more engaging drive and nice interior. There is a problem, though: The C-Max is under fire for having unattainable fuel economy numbers.

Small SUV - Ford Escape Titanium

MSRP: $30,370
Invoice: $28,321
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 30 mpg Highway

Buy it locally: Bill Selig Ford in Windsor, Morande Ford in Berlin, Monaco Ford in Glastonbury, Crowley Ford Lincoln in Plainville, or Hoffman Ford Lincoln in East Hartford.

The 2013 Ford Escape had a rough start with several recalls, but is still the best American small SUV, according to Consumer Reports. Handsome, versatile and, with the Titanium trim, loaded with features, it's a pretty great choice for the CUV crowd now that its recall woes seem to be in the past.

Midsize SUV - Chevrolet Traverse

MSRP: $30,510 - $42,425
Invoice: $29,290 - $39,880
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg City, 24 mpg Highway

Buy it locally: Carter Chevrolet of Manchester, O'Neill's Chevrolet Buick in Avon, Davidson Chevrolet in Collinsville, or Gengras Chevrolet in East Hartford.

The Chevrolet Traverse got the nod from Consumer Reports as the best American midsize SUV. It underwent a fairly quiet refresh for 2013, giving it a new, more modern look. This SUV is quiet versatile and comes with loads of cargo and passenger room.

Sports Sedan - Cadillac CTS

MSRP: $38,905 - $51,650
Invoice: $36,765 - $48,293
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg City, 27 mpg Highway

The CTS is showing its age a little bit, but that doesn't mean it's any less competent as a sporty sedan. With great handling, a well-appointed interior and a sleek design, the CTS continues to be a favorite from the Big 3.

Luxury Car - Chrysler 300

MSRP: $30,145 - $48,250
Invoice: $28,983 - $46,591
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg City, 31 mpg Highway

Buy it locally: Mitchell Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Simsbury, Papa's Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in New Britain, Crowley Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM in Bristol, or Gengras Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM in East Hartford.

Consumer Reports gave the award for the top American luxury car to the Chrysler 300. We like this choice. The 300 comes with a great interior including UConnect, one of the best Infotainment systems on the market — and a bold exterior.

Sports Car - Chevrolet Corvette Z06

MSRP: $75,600
Invoice: $68,796
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg City, 24 mpg Highway

Buy it locally: Carter Chevrolet of Manchester, O'Neill's Chevrolet Buick in Avon, Davidson Chevrolet in Collinsville, or Gengras Chevrolet in East Hartford.

The new C7 Corvette, which was released at this year's Detroit Auto Show, snagged headlines and the attention of car fans worldwide. The previous generation is still on sale, though, and Consumer Reports likes the Z06 version of this classic American sports machine.

Minivan - Chrysler Town & Country

MSRP: $30,530 - $40,745
Invoice: $29,227 - $38,625
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg City, 25 mpg Highway

Buy it locally: Mitchell Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Simsbury, Papa's Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in New Britain, Crowley Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM in Bristol, or Gengras Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM in East Hartford.

Considering the other American automakers don't offer a minivan, the Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan basically get this pick by default. All in all, though, they are great family vehicles, with comfy interiors and super high levels of versatility.


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