2012 Mazda MX-5 SV
The picks here are based on each model being named among the leaders in at least two of the four studies cited here. They are not, then, one-time wonders. The studies where each model was a top pick are included in brackets.
CARS
Subcompact: Hyundai Accent (IQS, APEAL, CR, VDS); Honda Fit (IQS, CR).
Compact: Toyota Prius (CR, VDS); Mazda3 (CR, VDS).
Compact sport: Mazda MX-5 Miata (IQS, CR, VDS); Volkswagen Eos (IQS, CR); VW GTI (IQS, APEAL); Mini Cooper/Roadster (APEAL, CR, VDS).
Mid-size sporty: Ford Mustang (IQS, APEAL, VDS); Chevrolet Camaro (IQS, VDS).
Mid-size: Toyota Camry (IQS, CR); Hyundai Sonata (IQS, CR standout. VDS); Buick Regal (IQS, CR); Kia Optima (APEAL, CR); Honda Accord (APEAL, CR).
Large: Chrysler 300 (IQS, APEAL, CR)' Chevrolet Impala (VDS, IQS).
Compact premium sporty: Porsche Boxster (IQS, APEAL); BMW Z4 (IQS, APEAL); Nissan Z (IQS, VDS).
Mid-size premium: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (IQS, CR Top Pick); Hyundai Genesis (IQS, CR); Lexus GS (IQS, APEAL, VDS); Audi A6 (APEAL, CR, VDS).
Large premium: Lexus LS (IQS, APEAL, CR); Audi A8 (IQS, APEAL); Hyundai Equus (APEAL, CR).
Mid-size premium sport: Porsche 911 (IQS, APEAL).
Subcompact CUV: Buick Encore (IQS, APEAL).
Compact CUV: Honda CR-V (IQS, CR,VDS); Mazda CX-5 (APEAL, CR); Toyota FJ Cruiser (IQS, VDS); Toyota RAV4 (APEAL, VDS).
Compact premium CUV: Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (IQS, CR); Audi allroad (IQS, APEAL, CR); Acura RDX (IQS, CR); Audi Q5 (APEAL, CR).
Compact multi-purpose vehicle: Kia Soul (IQS, APEAL, VDS); Mazda5 (IQS, CR).
Minivan: Honda Odyssey (IQS, APEAL, CR Top Pick, VDS); Toyota Sienna (APEAL, CR, VDS).
Mid-size CUV: Nissan Murano (IQS, APEAL, CR standout); Buick Enclave (IQ, APEALS, CR standout); Honda Crosstour (APEAL, VDS).
Large CUV: Toyota Sequois (IQS, APEAL, CR standout, VDS), Chevrolet Tahoe (IQS, VDS); GMC Yukon (APEAL, VDS).
Large light-duty pickup: Chevrolet Avalanche (IQS, APEAL, VDS); Ford F-150 (APEAL, CR standout); GMC Sierra (IQS, VDS).
Large heavy-duty pickup: GMC Sierra (IQS, VDS).
Premium mid-size CUV: Porsche Cayenne (IQS, APEAL).
Large premium CUV: Mercedes-Benz GL (IQS, APEAL).