Part 1 of an 11-part series.
Every late fall when auto manufacturers begin to steadily promote their new offerings, the major car publications quickly follow suit. They all try to outdo each other by selecting the best cars (and trucks) of the year.
It doesn't make a lot of sense, but long before the new calendar year arrives (and long before a lot of consumers have driven new cars), we're told what various car experts think are the best.
It's been this way for as long as I can remember. And certainly it's all tied into the relationships between manufacturers and publications, although those relationships are not likely a keen topic around the proverbial "water cooler."
Nevertheless, it's the way it works. And since I've only been a car reviewer since 2002, what do I know?
Still, a year of perspective seems like a good thing.
In 2007, I test drove about 40 vehicles — economy to luxury, coupes to super-sized sport utility vehicles. Friends own some of the vehicles. There's plenty of industry buzz during a full year. In shors, word gets around.
With all of this in mind and as the auto reviewer and auto blogger I'm debuting the Best Car of the Year list for Know More Media — for 2007.
The 10-part (11 including the introduction) series, listed in alphabetical order, includes one vehicle per post. The list is subjective, of course, and is based on criteria ranging from innovation to driving performance, versatility to a unique driving experience that warrants special attention.
The Automill.com selections for Best Car of the Year, actually includes nine cars and one truck. The list: Cadillac SRX, Honda CR-V, Honda Fit, Honda Ridgeline, Hyundai Elantra, Lincoln MKZ, Mini-Cooper, Saab 9-3, Saturn Aura and Volkswagen Eos.
I've chosen the Honda Fit as Best of the Best for 2007. Considering its value, it may be the best vehicle I've ever driven. The reviews follow in the next 10 blogs:
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