Vehicle Performance, Safety, Reliability: Does Your Car Make the Consumer Reports List of Top Picks in 2010?

Feb. 23, 2010— -- Every year, prospective car buyers look to Consumer Reports magazine for its reviews of new vehicles.

The magazine makes its selections of best cars in various categories based on the models' performance, reliability and safety.

This year, the best overall car was the Lexus LS 460L. Due to reports of faulty acceleration, two of last year's picks -- the Toyota Highlander and RAV4 SUV -- were not considered.

The magazine tested more than 280 vehicles, and revealed its top picks today on "Good Morning America." Here are its selections:

Category: Small sedan

Top pick: Hyundai Elantra SE ($18,695)

Why: This is the Elantra SE's third time on the list. The magazine says the vehicle is a "solid, all-around car" that's relatively comfortable, quiet, and roomy. The Elantra SE was found to provide good fuel economy and plenty of features for the money. The SE comes with standard electronic stability control (ESC), a critical safety feature that's absent on other small cars, including the lower-end Elantras.

Category: Family sedan

Top pick: Nissan Altima ($23,970 to $30,335).

Why: This car has been a top-rated family sedan for a couple of years, but lacked ESC. The 2010 model comes with ESC standard and improved gas mileage. The Altima offers comfort and performance, the magazine said, adding that the car got some of the best fuel economy in its class: 26 miles per gallon (mpg) overall in four-cylinder models and 24 mpg with a V6.

Category: Sporty car

Top Pick: Volkswagen GTI ($27,504)

Why: Updated for 2010, this car is the sport version of the Volkswagen Golf, which itself was formerly called the Rabbit. The magazine says the GTI is "exhilarating to drive," noting that it handled well, accelerated readily and had responsive steering. The GTI also was found to be practical and to have a well-finished interior and good fuel economy (27 mpg).

Category: Small SUV

Top Pick: Subaru Forester ($20,972 to $28,860)

Why: Consumer Reports said the Forester provided "one of the most carlike driving experiences" of any SUV, adding that the vehicle combines handling with comfort. Passengers in this vehicle have a spacious cabin, with a roomy rear seat and excellent visibility. The 2.5X provides an "impressive" 22 mpg overall with an automatic, 24 mpg with a manual, the magazine noted.