For 2008, Consumer Reports has chosen four new car models for its Top Picks list.  These are the Chevrolet Silverado for top pickup truck, Lexus LS 460L for luxury sedan, and Hyudai Santa Fe and Hyundai Elantra SE for midsized SUVs and small sedans.

This is the first time a South Korean carmaker – Hyundai- is on the list, and the only time since 2005 in which a model from the U.S. – the Chevrolet Silverado- has been represented.  Usually, Consumer Reports picks a mix of European, Japanese, and domestic car models, yet the last two years have been represented just by Japanese carmakers.

For the “green” vehicle category, the Toyota Prius won for the fifth year.  In fuel-efficiency tests for the real world, the Prius got an impressive 44mpg overall.  This is the best rating by any five-passenger cars that CR tested.

The Top Picks by Consumer Reports demonstrate the vehicle models that are the most well-rounded in their categories.  They must excel in reliability, road tests, and safety requirements.

Consumers are protecting themselves on the road more than ever by choosing safe, reliable vehicles and signing up for emergency roadside assistance.  The Top Picks List by Consumer Reports is a great way for motorists to find out about good, reliable cars.