Consumer Reports 2010 Top Picks: Prius retains Green Car pick, Chevy shines in SUV, Pickup category

Consumer Reports has released its annual list of Top Picks for the year 2010. Honda and Subaru have earned class leader status for building the best all-around vehicles for American drivers, according to the Automaker Report Cards published in Consumer Reports” 2010 Annual Auto Issue.

Tied with an overall score of 77 out of 100 points, Honda and Subaru were followed by Toyota (74), Hyundai (73) and Nissan and Volkswagen tied at (72) in overall score. Consumer Reports pointed out that recommendations for eight recalled Toyota models were temporarily suspended.

Despite going through a braking recall, the Toyota Prius retained its title as Consumer Reports Top Pick for the Green Car category. Lexus also made the list with the LS 460L taking the Top Pick for the Best Overall Car category.

Any shining moments for American automakers? Well, while Chrysler’s fared even worse than last year, GM was a bright spot taking the Top Pick for the Family SUV category with the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Top Pick for the Pickup Truck category with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Click through to see the list of Top 10 Picks.

Family Sedan: Nissan Altima
Small Sedan: Hyundai Elantra SE
Sporty Car: Volkswagen GTI
Small SUV: Subaru Forester
Best Overall Car: Lexus LS 460L
Family SUV: Chevrolet Traverse
Sports Sedan: Infiniti G37
Family Hauler: Mazda5
Green Car: Toyota Prius
Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Silverado 1500

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Consumer Reports