Thirty-five vehicles and eight companion models received Best Buy ratings from Consumers Digest for the 2012 model year. The ratings, published in Consumers Digest’s December issue and available at ConsumersDigest.com, span 12 categories: Subcompacts, Compacts, Family Cars, Luxury Cars, Sporty Cars, Small Pickups, Full-size Pickups, Minivans, Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs, Full-size/Luxury SUVs and Hybrids. The Best Buys are based on behind-the-wheel assessment, safety ratings, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities. 2012 Automotive Best Buy selections:
3 Subcompacts: Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, MINI Cooper/Cooper Clubman
3 Compacts: Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Kia Soul
7 Family Cars: Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Lincoln MKZ
4 Luxury Cars: Acura TL, Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Hyundai Genesis Sedan
4 Sporty Cars: Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang
2 Full-size Pickups: Ford F-150, Ram 1500
1 Small Pickup: Toyota Tacoma
4 Minivans: Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Volkswagen Routan
4 Compact SUVs: Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Kia Sorento, Kia Sportage
5 Midsize SUVs: Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot
3 Full-size/Luxury SUVs: Dodge Durango, Infiniti QX56, Jeep Grand Cherokee
3 Hybrids: Ford Fusion Hybrid, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Lexus RX 450h 
