Consumer Reports March 2006

Starting on page 50 of the March 2006 issue of Consumer Reports, they review several sedans, including the VW Passat, Ford Fusion, Huundai Sonata, Chevy Impala and the Dodge Charger. The usual top sedans that aren't reviewed but nevertheless are top picks are there (Camry and Accord) with their usual Recommended Models check mark and Excellent reliability rating. But if you look way down the list to number 32 (also with the check mark and Excellent reliability rating) you'll see the Prius as a family sedan under $25,000. I love that, they actually recognize that the Prius is a sedan and not a subcompact. Further evidence that you would compare the Prius to the Camry and not to the Corolla. I think that that's a great affirmation of what we've been saying all along, even though they do have a quick pick comment "but it's not a family sedan, it's an alternative."

 

What's your definition of a subcompact then? Hmmm, I'm looking at the list again and I don't see Corolla, Civic, Escort, Saturn SL or Geo listed so it would seem that this category doesn't include subcompacts or compacts relative to the article. I think it's safe to presume that when Consumer Reports calls it a family sedan that they don't consider it a subcompact. Wouldn't you agree?