Recommendations for the Real World

Criteria

Best Car for the Environment finalists scored EPA ratings of at least 9.5 for pollution and 5 for greenhouse gases. Best Family Car finalists included four-door vehicles starting below $30,000 with at least four stars in every NHTSA category, no safety concerns, and Good IIHS ratings as of Nov. 5, 2007. Best Car for Teen Drivers contenders were equally safe with a base price of $25,000 or less. Small Cars offered 94 cu.ft. of passenger room or less, Midsize Cars offered 105 cu.ft. or less, Small Utilities provided 75 cu.ft. of cargo room or less, Midsize Utilities provided 75-95 cu.ft., and Large Utilities provided more than 95 cu.ft..