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Hyundai vehicles make `Consumer Reports' list

The 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicle is displayed at the Chicago Auto Show in Chicago, Illinois, on Feb. 6. PHOTO: EPA

Two vehicles made by Hyundai cracked this year's Consumer Reports list of 10 "top picks," the first time that the influential publication has given such recognition to a South Korean automaker.

The Hyundai Elantra SE and Santa Fe were named best small sedan and midsize sport utility vehicle, respectively.

Nine of the 10 models honored are made by Asian companies, which have dominated the list in recent years. A General Motors pickup truck, the Chevrolet Silverado, was the first domestic vehicle to be a top pick since 2005.

David Champion, the senior director of automotive testing at Consumer Reports, which is published by the Consumers Union, said Hyundai had made "phenomenal progress" in the quality and reliability of its vehicles.

"If you look back in the early '90s they were almost like the joke of the industry," Champion said. "They offer a very, very nice, competent car with all the bells and whistles for a very reasonable price, that's going to be reliable as well."

To make the list, vehicles must perform well in road tests, be rated as reliable, score well in crash tests and, new this year, offer electronic stability control either as standard equipment or an "easily obtainable option," Champion said.

In one category, family sedans, the Nissan Altima outscored the Honda Accord but lost out to the Accord because stability control is available only on an upgraded trim level.

Toyota models won four segments -- "green" car for fuel conservation (Prius), luxury sedan (Lexus LS460L), small SUV (RAV4) and minivan (Sienna). The Nissan Infiniti G35 was named the best upscale sedan, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata was named fun to drive.
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