AAA Auto Experts Reveal 2010 “Top Picks”

Phoenix, Ariz., February 18, 2010. From a futuristic sedan that is “roomy and loaded with value” to a roadster that “drives like a dream,” consumers have a variety of worthwhile options when selecting their next vehicle, according to AAA auto experts.  The auto club recently released its fifth annual “Top Picks” list, which identifies the best vehicles on the market across 16 categories.

The 2010 list names the classic Ford Mustang GT as the best convertible priced under $35,000, rating the muscle car icon as “the class of the pony car resurgence.”  After an eight-year hiatus, the newly re-designed Chevrolet Camaro claimed the coveted “Cool Car” title, and while it may be “too boxy for some tastes,” the funky but attractive Kia Soul excelled as the best sedan under $15,000.

“The 2010 Top Picks list narrows down the best vehicles currently on the market,” said Jim Prueter, senior vice president and auto expert for AAA Arizona. “We evaluate vehicles based on comfort, convenience, safety, fuel economy, ride, handling and how well the vehicle delivers on its intended functions and capabilities.”

AAA Arizona’s Top Picks for 2010 include:

• Sedan/Coupe under $15,000: Kia Soul

• Sedan/Coupe between $15-25,000: Mini Clubman     

• Sedan/Coupe between $25-35,000: Infiniti G37*

• Sedan/Coupe between $35-50,000: Audi A5/S5 *

• Sedan/Coupe over $50,000: Jaguar XF-R

• Convertible under $35,000: Ford Mustang GT

• Convertible over $35,000: BMW Z4

• SUV under $25,000: Subaru Outback

• SUV between $25-35,000: Ford Flex*

• SUV between $35-50,000: Audi Q5

• SUV over $50,000: Lexus LX 570 *

• Truck Compact/Mid-Size: Nissan Frontier *

• Truck Full-Size: Dodge Ram*

• Hybrid: Ford Fusion    

• Minivan: Toyota Sienna*

• Cool Car: Chevrolet Camaro

(* Denotes repeat Top Picks from 2009)

“Our goal for this list is to help consumers sort through their vehicle options and find the perfect vehicle for their budget and needs,” Prueter said. “While we only select one vehicle per category, it’s important to note that in most cases, we could have easily picked two or three models to be recognized.”

The selection process for Top Picks is based on how well a vehicle performs compared to how experts expect it should. A convertible, for example, is expected to have exceptional handling and equipped for a level of performance an enthusiast would expect. Likewise, an SUV is expected to have features that allow for room and function, such as seats that are easy to fold down and cargo space.

AAA Arizona’s Top Picks are announced in the March/April edition of Highroads, AAA Arizona’s bi-monthly member magazine delivered to about 475,000 households in Arizona. Complete reviews of AAA 2010 Top Picks can be found here.

To be eligible for list consideration, Top Picks must be available for sale to the public no later than March 1, 2010.

Vehicles selected for the list are reviewed by AAA Arizona auto experts Jim Prueter and Becky Antioco, who have a combined 22 years of experience in test driving and reviewing vehicles. The two test drive and review approximately 100 vehicles each year.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.

NOTE: The names of the vehicles in the above Top Picks list are hyperlinks to high resolution images for download. To arrange interviews with an auto expert, please contact AAA Public Affairs.