Top 8 Cars For 2011

2011 is here and with it, a slew of hot new cars. Those on this list are all gorgeous; some deliver a great value, some solid power, and some a new paradigm.

1. Chevrolet Volt: This car is the surprise of the season. The first electric car of its kind, the Volt allows you to not worry about recharging - it's reported that the Volt can drive over a hundred miles on one gallon of gas.

2. Honda Accord: Buy new Honda or find car leasing deals on last year's, but the Honda Accord is always a winner. And options are plenty: the V6 packs plenty of punch, especially when coupled with a five-speed manual, but the V4 is a great standard option for those without the cash to spare.

3. Ford Mustang GT: This car offers major value, drivability, and power all for less than $31k. Six-speeds and a 5.0 V8 are part of the bargain.

4. Hyundai Sonata: This mid-size family sedan is a standout in a crowded class. More horsepower, better fuel ratings, and a sexier exterior than its competitors make this car less of a value and more of a steal.

5. Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing: Okay, there has to be at least one car on the list that most people can't afford. A seven speed automatic, 563 horsepower, and a host of standards - backup camera, satellite radio, power-folding mirrors, and of course the retro Gullwing style, make this a true collector's item. The price of $185,575, however, along with its $1700 gas-guzzler tax put it out of range for most of us.

6. Honda Odyssey: The minivan is reincarnated in this year's Honda. When you want to buy new Honda this Odyssey comes with an optional rear-DVD system, 16.2 inch screen, split-screen capability (so the kids don't fight if they can't agree on what to watch) and an up to the minute traffic-update navigation system.

7. Ford Explorer: This car is different from its predecessors and it shows that the SUV isn't dead. A unibody construction instead of the old body-on-frame means a lighter vehicle. 17 m.p.g in the city and 25 on the highway make this car a viable alternative for large families (7-seats).

8. Toyota Scion t C: This car is geared towards young, hip drivers. With its solid driving capabilities, good fuel economy (23/31) and snazzy interior, it's a good bet for under $20k.

This array of vehicles should give you an idea of what's available if you're looking into leasing a car, or you want to buy new Honda or Toyota cars.

Predicted Car Reliability 2011

Yearly Consumer Reports predicts the short-term reliability of motor vehicle models for the new model year. This predicted reliability is based on the infrequency of serious problems in the three preceding model years, as reported in a survey of its subscribers.

When data are lacking or insufficient for one or more model years, the predicted short-term reliability is based on fewer than the last three model years. In some instances, it is based on only one year - primarily when a model is new or newly redesigned.

By the reliability predictions for model year 2011, CR's Top Ten small cars are listed below. The list omits all models whose reliability prediction is based on only one year.

Consumer Reports' Top 10 Small Cars

    * The Toyota Yaris, a sedan or 2-door or 4-door hatchback

    * The Honda Fit, a 4-door hatchback

    * Toyota Motor Corporation's Scion xD, a 4-door hatchback

    * The Honda Civic coupe

    * The Honda Civic sedan

    * Toyota's Scion xB, a boxy wagon

    * The non-turbo Subaru Impreza, a sedan or wagon

    * The Mazda3 sedan

    * The Toyota Corolla, a sedan

    * The Hyundai Elantra wagon

CR's next 5 are also of noteworthy reliability. They are:

    * The Toyota Matrix, a wagon

    * The Mazda3 hatchback

    * The Nissan Sentra

    * The Suzuki SX4, a sedan, a 4-door hatchback or wagon

    * The Ford Focus sedan.

Of the Top 10, Toyota Motor Corporation accounts for 4, Honda Motor Company for 3, and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (Subaru), Mazda Motor Corporation, and Hyundai Motor Company each account for one.

Below are the 2010 Auto Reliability GPAs, based on last year's survey, of the above best. In most instances, the GPAs are based on more than the three most-recent model years, and may be a preferable guide for those consumers planning an intermediate- or long-term ownership.

    * Toyota Yaris/Echo: a perfect 4.00 over a 9-year data history

    * Honda Fit: 4.00 over 3 years

    * Scion xD: 4.00 over 2 years

    * Honda Civic coupe: N/A

    * Honda Civic sedan: 3.75 over 10 years

    * Scion xB: 3.78 over 5 years

    * Non-turbo Subaru wagon: 3.02 over 9 years

    * Mazda3 sedan: 3.33 over 6 years

    * Toyota Corolla: 3.81 over 10 years

    * Hyundai Elantra sedan and wagon: 2.38 over 10 years

    * Toyota Matrix: 3.40 over 7 years

    * Mazda3 hatchback: N/A

    * Nissan Sentra: 2.00 over 9 years

    * Suzuki SX4: 3.00 over 2 years

    * Ford Focus sedan: 2.38 over 10 years.

Consumer Reports' 2010 survey provides data on 1.3 million vehicles. As it queries for serious problems, it is highly regarded by many consumers who plan to purchase a used, as well as new, vehicle. Reliability ratings for used cars based on its 2010 survey will out in very late 2010 and early and mid 2011, if past publication history holds in the present.

CR's current predictions of short-term reliability for model year 2011 are based on model years 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Top New Cars for 2011

Among the numerous newly introduced cars, one of the most notably is the Volkswagen Jetta. It has been comprehensively remodeled into a new design and for once, it is rendered to compete among the many new car prices in 2011. The entry level price is expected to be tagged at as low as US$16,000. Comparatively, this price marks an apparent competition with other parallel cars like the Mazda 3, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Unlike the older design, the new 2011 model emphasizes on the horizontal grille, replacing the previous larger pattern, making it less distinct than before. Besides, it comes in several engine types and there is a new version named TDI that receives exceeding 40 MPG.

Another new model that captures the position of top new vehicles for 2011 is the BMW 5 Series. Although being a model for 2011, it has begun receiving orders as early as June 2010. Having options for different trim levels, particularly the 550i, 535i and 528i, BMW still stands tall in terms of the production and standpoint, year in and year out. However, speaking of the prices, people could be utterly shocked - entry level of the 528i model begins at US$45,425 while the 535i is tagged at US$49,600. The 550i marks a posh price of US$59,700. Nevertheless, most BMW fanatics still think these models are worth the funds because the new sporty and aggressive exterior design makes it breathtaking and eye-catching.

If your interest is deviated more into sports car, there is one which would definitely lure you into buying. With the new car prices in 2011 to be positioned in approximately the mid-US$30,000, you can expect something fashionable to kill the road. It is the Acura TSX Sports Wagon. The new model stands at a 4-cylinder, 2.4 liter 201-bhp engine. Acura has made initiatives to better the 2011 model in terms of the back - having taller and more voluminous cargo area as compared to the common trunk as well as a longer roof. Plus, the designs feature three secret compartments underneath the cargo area, for the convenience of drivers.

Being also one of the top new vehicles for 2011, Kia Sorrento emerges as a newly redesigned model having its appearance more aggressive than previous years. The headlights are more enhanced, the grille remodeled and many other minor features having altered. All versions of the Kia have items such as aux inputs, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth, tilting and telescoping steering wheels and other imperative safety aspects. Standing at prices ranging between US$20,000 to US$35,000, Kia is the next attention-grabber in the automobile industry.