Auto Extreme

Best Kept Secret for 2007 – “Suzuki SX4″ – Suzuki, maker of last year’s “Best Kept Secret” (the Grand Vitara) is at it again with the new SX4 hatchback.

It’s the least expensive car on the market that comes with standard all-wheel drive, but chances are you haven’t heard about it. That’s too bad, because this frisky little five-door is a nice piece of work and a compelling alternative to the status quo – especially in northern climates.

Small car shoppers who battle bad weather would be wise to drop by the local Suzuki dealer for a test drive in the impressive SX4.

Best Family Car – “Honda Odyssey” – After reviewing the list of sedans, SUVs, and minivans with top-notch safety scores and a base price under $30,000, selecting the Honda Odyssey as the best family car for 2007 was easy. Safe, comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and available with a range of impressive features, there’s an Odyssey to fit the needs of almost any family.

SUV of the Year – “Hyundai Santa Fe” – Our unanimous choice for midsize SUV was also our run-away winner for SUV of the Year, and it makes clear sense: It’s not often when a vehicle comes around that’s virtually flawless.

From the grown-up new design to the near-luxury interior with room for seven – and the cool blue-lit cupholders – the Santa Fe is an excellent purchase.

2007 Car of the Year – “BMW 3 Series Coupe” – An emotional choice, the stunning BMW 3 Series Coupe is utterly composed at any velocity and contains space for four in a cabin equal parts luxury and business.

Regardless of engine choice, the 3 Coupe is fun to drive, and is an outright blast equipped with the 335i’s turbocharged engine. No car outclasses its competition like this one, making it our choice for Car of the Year.

Most Stylish New Car for 2007 – “Saturn Sky” – Proof positive that GM’s Saturn division is undergoing a renaissance of sorts, exemplified by the Aura sedan, the new Outlook SUV, and the Pontiac Solstice-based Sky roadster. By sculpting this Most Stylish New Car for 2007, Saturn designers chiseled away the old stereotype that domestics can’t do style.

2007 Truck of the Year and Most Improved Vehicle – “Toyota Tundra” – Toyota takes aim at the full size truck market with the big new Tundra, thanks to its functional and innovative interior, powertrain choices and more. The Tundra simply out-muscles the competition.

Best Car for Teen Drivers – “Honda Civic” – Teens want to drive something sporty that won’t embarrass them, and parents want teenagers to drive something safe and inexpensive.

The Honda Civic meets all those criteria better than anything on the market today. Fun to drive, a performance tuner favorite, loaded with safety equipment, and boasting excellent crash-test scores, the Honda Civic is also known for near-bulletproof reliability.

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Winners in additional categories:

Best New Luxury SUV - Acura MDX

Best New Small SUV - Honda CR-V

Best New Small Car - Nissan Versa

Best New Midsize Car - Toyota Camry

Best New Large SUV - Chevrolet Tahoe

Best New Minivan - Hyundai Entourage

Best New Midsize SUV - Hyundai Santa Fe

2007 Hybrid of the Year - Toyota Camry Hybrid

Most Fun New Car for 2007 - BMW 3 Series Coupe

Best New Luxury Car Under $40,000 - Lexus ES 350

Best Non-Hybrid for the Environment - Honda Civic

Best New Convertible Under $75,000 - Volkswagen Eos

Best New Performance Car Under $40,000 - Volkswagen GTI

Best New Performance Car Under $75,000 - BMW Z4 M Coupe

Best New Luxury Car Under $75,000 - Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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