STS, C6, Equinox win Edmunds "Most Wanted" awards

[Buick61]

Edmunds.com

Every year, the Edmunds.com editors gather to ponder that eternal question, "What cars or trucks would we most want to park in our garage?" For the 2005 model year our editors have once again scoured the entire automotive spectrum looking for their favorite vehicles. What they've came up with are the Edmunds.com Editors' Most Wanted cars and trucks for 2005.

Most Wanted Sedan under $45,000

Winner: Cadillac STS

Never much of a threat to the dominance of its German counterparts, the redesigned STS now has all the tools necessary to compete on the world stage. The switch to rear-wheel drive, along with a stronger, stiffer and lighter chassis, gives the STS the feel of a much smaller, more agile sedan. And whether you stick with the standard 255-hp V6 or go for the top-of-the-line 320-hp V8, the STS delivers more than enough power to have some fun. Gadgets galore are offered in the cabin with everything from active cruise control to a 15-speaker Bose 5.1 audio system, but unlike some of its competitors, the STS integrates its high-tech hardware without resorting to overly complicated controls. Couple such attention to detail with a high level of style, comfort and performance and it's easy to see why the STS is a sedan that satisfies on all fronts.

Most Wanted Coupe Under $45,000

Winner: Chevrolet Corvette

The sixth-generation Corvette made its debut this year with an all-new body style, retooled suspension and an even larger version of its tried-and-true small-block V8. Available as either a coupe or convertible, the C6 uses the same underlying structure as its predecessor, the C5, to bring the Corvette into the 21st century. Ride and handling is more consistent on this latest edition of Chevy's iconic sports car than it has been in years' past, sacrificing none of the car's characteristic high performance. At the heart of the C6 is the LS2 V8 that produces a remarkable 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. With that much power on tap, the C6 is able to keep up with just about any of the world's most exotic sports cars. Available options include three different suspension packages, Magnetic Ride Control, plus a Z51 package with upgraded brakes. Regardless of how it's equipped, this is undoubtedly one of the best Corvettes ever.

Most Wanted SUV Under $25,000

Winner: Chevrolet Equinox

Midsize in dimensions but compact in price, the attractive Equinox is one car-based SUV that families will want to put on their shopping lists. Its greatest asset is its roomy and comfortable interior, which offers a fair amount of supple materials along with tasteful aluminum accents. The front and rear seats are equally accommodating, thanks to the backseat's 8 inches of fore/aft travel and reclining back cushions. A standard V6 provides ample power in just about any situation while returning respectable mileage. And the softly tuned suspension delivers a smooth ride that's perfect for long road trips. Best of all, the Equinox comes with a starting price in the low-$20Ks.

Most Wanted SUV Under $45,000:

Honorable Mention: Cadillac SRX

Other domestic branded winners:

Most Significant Vehicle of the Year: Chrysler 300
Sedan Under $25,000: Chrysler 300
Wagon Under $25,000: Dodge Magnum
Coupe Under $25,000: Ford Mustang
Compact Truck: Dodge Dakota
Exotics: Ford GT


Link

[vanshmack]

Originally Posted by Buick61

Seems like Chrysler and General Motors are doing well for themselves. Even the Ram earned an honorable mention.

Ford doesnt seem to be able to make any compelling vehicles outside of retro sports cars.

ALL Ford products are compelling and superior to their GM and Chrysler counterparts...just ask LW!

[BigAls87Z28]

Very awesome!
Anyone who doesnt get excited when they see a C6 Corvette doesnt have a pulse.

[HEVguy]

Congrats GM! It seems GM and Chrysler did well in this. And IMO, Mustang deserves its spot also.

Any "Civic" type category? I'd like to see what beat out the Cobalt, because it seems to me that should have made the list also.

[tgagneguam]

Honestly, I'm surprised that the Domestics ruled the roost. Pleasantly surprised, but surprised, nonetheless.

[Gixx]

How does Toyota sell so many vehicles?

[BigAls87Z28]

Toyota sells because they are just appliances that people need to get back and forth. They make just your generic cars, and people just drive them. No style, no flare, no desire. I dont understand how some people can look at a Camry and go, "oo, now thats a cool car."

[dawtcalm]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

Toyota sells because they are just appliances that people need to get back and forth. They make just your generic cars, and people just drive them. No style, no flare, no desire. I dont understand how some people can look at a Camry and go, "oo, now thats a cool car."

Exactly, the AVERAGE person doesn't know much about cars and doesn't care about style or substance. And the average person is a much larger section of the population then the "knoledgeable" group. Toyota is for them....

Now for the people that know the difference between HP & ft/lb, can recognize the new mustang is a "retro" style, and can identify cars in night time just by their lamp array: The STS, Hummer, C6, Mustang, S2000 , WRX etc. etc. is for these people!

[BigAls87Z28]

ahahah "can identify cars in the night time just by their lamp array"

awesome!
I do wish that American was more enthusiastic about cars like they were in the 50's and 60's. Im not saying V8 RWD cars, but cars with some style. I think that the 70's killed America's love for cars, and the 80's further drove it hope. We have only just recently started to recover.

[bakerna]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

ahahah "can identify cars in the night time just by their lamp array"

awesome!
I do wish that American was more enthusiastic about cars like they were in the 50's and 60's. Im not saying V8 RWD cars, but cars with some style. I think that the 70's killed America's love for cars, and the 80's further drove it hope. We have only just recently started to recover.

I think the 70's killed America's love for American cars...that was a fuel crisis and most American vehicles were V8/I6 monsters that got horrible fuel efficiency. Civics and Accords started taking over and it's not until recently that domestic vehicles have been able to make a decent comeback. It's taken a while and they are far from done but I think that domestic manufacturers are wiser and learning from their mistakes now.

[Boi350Sierra]

Yeah congrats to GM and diamler. Ford lost to much appeal with the buyers. I think the Mustang and Cobalt are to late of entries to be on the list. Domestic's are gonna have Imports running for their money. These big improvements domestic's are making are only gonna get better. So watch you back imports. This only shows that Domectics have a big plan ahead. Toyota=Boring

[OzoneGTX]

The Mustang is on the list, it's under "Coupe under $25k"

[GM_Guy81]

wow, great news!!!

[HEVguy]

Originally Posted by Buick61

Yes, "Sedan under $15K"

The Mazda3 won and the Civic earned an honorable mention.

Thanks Buick61

The Cobalt is definitely up against some stiff competition, but from what I've read on the Mazda3, that deserves the top spot. Whether the Cobalt is good enough that it should have edged out the Civic, I guess only time will tell. Nonetheless, I think Chevy has a very good competitor in a highly competitive segment.

Oh, and LW... the Bonneville, the Buick Park Avenue, the Corvette, and the full-sized Chevrolet/GMC vans??????????????? That is an odd line up for you to praise! I knew that you loved the Vettes, but hearing you say the rest of those vehicles are great (which they are nice and pretty competitive in their segment IMO, but for you to praise seems to be saying they are excellent, class leading, works-of-art) is a little suprising to me. You are either a lot older than I thought, or a lot more of a red-neck or somethin that I hadn't seen in your comments before.

[jro4566]

Great news! This should turn even more people to look at GM and hopefully my aunt too. I've had some relatives visiting from New Jersey this week and one of my aunts is buying a new SUV. She's thinking of getting an MDX, Pilot, 4RUNNER, or Highlander - yup, all import-branded vehicles, but also an SRX base and Mountaineer were on her list too. I tried to talk her into getting an Envoy or 9-7X but she's done here research online and she told me, "Don't those cars have a bad crash rating, and I've read that the materials are quite bad." What am I to say? But she did like the SRX, even though it'll probably have no options.

Back to the point, way to go GM!