2009 Prius: Consumer Report Rating

Um, what am I missing, shouldn’t the Prius be in a 2-way- tie for first? There are 5 possible “quality†icons, in the form of circles. All you have to do is the circles a number value (like in an S.A.T. exam) as listed in the various categories (Reliability – Owner satisfaction – Owner Cost – Safety):

Example:
Striped circle . . . . . . 25 points
½ striped circle . . . . . 20 points
White circle . . . . . . 15 points
½ solid circle . . . . . . 10 points
Black circle . . . . . . ZERO points



That would give the Prius and the Accord 90 points while the Altima only gets 75 points. In fact the Touring Prius has the same value as the regular prius, yet it’s rated 15th (out of appx 20 or so). Apparently the Road test / touchy feely / esoteric value, unlike circle icons, give quite a big boost. Apparently the mileage value adds nothing to the formula either, or the Prius would be listed highest. Confusion abounds, can someone explain? I’ve never read the buying guide before.
As a side note, the “Best / Worst†break down, laid out from Cheapest to Expensive tells a sad tale:

BEST WORST
Under $20K
Hyundai Chevy

From $20K-$25K
Honda Chrysler

From $25K-$30K
Nisan Dodge

From $30K-$45K
Infinity Mercury


From $45K-$65K
Infinity BMW

From $65K up
Lexus BMW

I note it isn’t until cars are priced beyond $45K that European cars beat U.S. cars as poorest ratings. Are these the companies we ought to bail out? IMO, that seems kind of lame.

 

They must weigh it mighty heavy, to knock out both owner satisfaction and highest mpg. I wonder how the stiffening plate would 'sway' them (I couldn't resist)