Kiplinger Announces Best in Class Vehicles for 2011

Kiplinger is a publication best known for its financially savvy consumers. Part of its coverage includes an active automotive staff that compiles an automotive guide shepherded by associate editor Jessica Anderson. As part of its coverage, Kiplinger announces an annual Best in Class vehicles.

The list is weighted towards Japanese manufacturers, with six of the 11 spots going to them. Germans make up the four next spots and the sole domestic vehicle among the Best in Class Vehicles is the Chevrolet Suburban which, rumor has it, Noah drove on his way to building the Ark.

To determine its 11 Best in Class Vehicles for 2011, Kiplinger selects vehicles that top its rankings for performance, value and safety in each of 11 categories -- and get high marks for driving impressions during the publication’s own road tests. Plus, all 11 Best in Class winners have earned Best in Class or Best New Model plaudits in previous model years, according to the Kiplinger website.

Here are the winners:

• Best in Class Under $20,000: 2011 Volkswagen Golf
• Best in Class $20,000-$25,000: 2011 Toyota Prius
• Best in Class $25,000-$30,000 - 2011 Honda Accord
• Best in Class $30,000-$45,000: 2011 BMW 335d
• Best in Class Over $45,000: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Best in Class Sports: 2011 Porsche Boxster
• Best in Class Small Crossovers: 2011 Subaru Forester
• Best in Class Large and Midsize Crossovers: 2011 Mazda CX-9
• Best in Class Truck-based SUVs: 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
• Best in Class Minivans: 2011 Honda Odyssey
• Best in Class Wagons: 2011 Subaru Outback

One plus to Kiplinger’s coverage is it does not accept free travel and lodging from automotive manufacturers for new vehicle announcements. That makes its Best in Class Vehicles for 2011 a little purer.