MotorWeek, the leading automotive magazine show on television, has announced the latest recipients of its prestigious Driver’s Choice Awards. The annual award is regarded by many drivers and enthusiasts as the ultimate list of the best picks in the automotive industry across a variety of lifestyle needs. This year, over 150 new cars, trucks and SUVs were tested by a team of judges composed of producers, writers and crew of the show. MotorWeek selected the best of the best from among the various market segments. The vehicles were subjected to grueling tests which focused on key features of superior performance, technology, practicality and dollar value
The winners were honored at the ongoing 2006 Chicago Auto Show. The big winner this year is the Honda Civic, winning accolades both in the Best Small Car segment and the coveted Best of the Year award. The Honda Civic emerged as the best because of its proven reliability, form and function, exceptional engineering and top-notch design and styling. Other big winners include the Honda Odyssey as best minivan, Hyundai Sonata as best family sedan and the Pontiac Solstice as the best convertible. The Honda Odyssey, Ford Mustang, and the Ford F-150 were repeat winners in the minivan, performance car and pickup truck categories respectively.
The Ford Explorer and the Mercury Mountaineer, both from Ford Motor Corp. tied as the best family SUV. Toyota’s RAV4 and Highlander Hybrid were honored as the best small SUV and best eco-friendly respectively. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe and Ferrari F430 were the winners of the best dream machine award. A special category was introduced this year to give readers of the Jane magazine a top pick for its female readers. The BMW 3-Series was selected as the Best Jane Car. The vehicle is also this year’s best sport sedan.
Here’s the list of the 2006 Driver’s Choice Awards Winners.
Best of the Year: Honda Civic
Best Small Car: Honda Civic
Best Family Sedan: Hyundai Sonata
Best Minivan: Honda Odyssey
Best Convertible: Pontiac Solstice
Best Luxury Sedan: Infiniti M
Best Sport Sedan: BMW 3-Series
Best Performance Car: Ford Mustang
Best Small SUV: Toyota RAV4
Best Family SUV: Ford Explorer; Mercury Mountaineer
Best Pickup Truck: Ford F-150
Best Eco-Friendly: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Best Dream Machine: Chevrolet Corvette Z06; Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe; Ferrari F430
Special Category – Most Jane Car: BMW 3-Series