Best and Worst New Cars of Detroit 2012

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Every year, the North American International Auto Show hands out a slew of awards honoring some of the best cars of the past year, but one of the biggest draws remains the new-model unveilings — and the subsequent lauding and smearing by the media.

Automotive News’ Mark Rechtin recently sounded off on the best and the worst of the Detroit show’s 2012 reveals. Here’s just a few of his picks.

Hit: Ford Fusion

Ford’s (NYSE:F) mid-size sedan — also the sixth best-selling car of 2011 — earned the Eyes on Design award at this show. Rechtin applauds the greenhouse and center console but warns about a narrow trunk opening.

Miss: Honda Accord Coupe

The Honda (NYSE:HMC) Accord dropped to ninth in sales last year, and the future isn’t looking better. Rechtin’s thoughts: “Take a current Accord, mash it with the Mitsubishi Galant, add over-blown fog-light cutouts.”

Hit: Toyota NS4

Toyota (NYSE:TM) adds another hybrid to its ranks, and Rechtin favors its technological advances in telematics and glass.

Miss: Dodge Dart

Chrysler is hoping a revival of Dodge’s Dart brand will help the company’s own resurgence. However, any review that invokes the Neon name in comparison doesn’t bode well.

Hit: Acura NSX

Honda’s upscale brand, Acura, was “the star of the show” in Rechtin’s eyes. His commentary: “This two-seat hybrid sports car blew folks away. Journalists aren’t supposed to applaud, but there were whoops and hollers when the wraps came off.”

A full list of Rechtin’s hits and misses can be found at Automotive News.


Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2012/01/best-and-worst-new-cars-of-detroit-2012/.

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