Surprises on "Underrated Cars of 2012" List Include Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet Models

Online, June 26, 2012 (Newswire.com) - TotalCarScore.com has released their list of Underrated Cars of 2012. These are cars that do not generally come to mind first when thinking of great cars, but perform just as well or better, even if not immediately commanding the same respect. "These cars and SUVs not only earn impressive Total Car Scores, they actually score better than many nameplates long considered best in class," said Karl Brauer, editor-in-chief of TotalCarScore.com.

Chevrolet doesn't have a reputation for making quality small cars, but the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a standout. It ranked better in Total Car Score ratings than common favorites like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta.

Fuel economy, roomy cabin, and upscale feel for the price also earned the 2012 Cruze recognition as Best Compact Car for the Money from U.S. News and World Report. Consumer Guide called it a "well-rounded compact sedan that easily holds its own with the best entries in this class," saying that the challenge of the Cruze will be overcoming preconceived ideas buyers have about the Chevy brand. The Cruze also won the "2012 Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The second vehicle from Chevrolet on the list is the 2012 Traverse. "That the Chevrolet Traverse ranks better than all other large SUVs, including the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, is impressive in and of itself," Brauer said. "But add in that this model is four years old, with a highly updated version just around the corner, and it's clear Chevrolet knows how to build an enduring SUV."

The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse ranks 1 out of 23 Affordable Midsize SUVs on U.S. News and World Report, based on reviews, test drives, analysis of reliability and safety data. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Chevrolet Traverse a 2012 Top Safety Pick for its top scores of "Good" in front, side, rear and rollover tests.

Cadillac is represented twice on the list, first with the 2012 Cadillac CTS. The CTS, available in coupe, sedan and sport wagon models, was also named to Car and Driver's 2011 10 Best list, where it was recognized for its "psychedelic power" and "organ-shifting g-forces." The interior in the CTS was also well-received for its modern styling, luxurious materials and easy-to-use electronics.

"Ask anyone to name a great entry-luxury sedan and you'll likely hear names like 'Audi A4' or 'BMW 3 Series' or 'Mercedes-Benz C-Class,' said Brauer of Total Car Score. "And while those cars continue to be excellent vehicles, the industry likes the 2012 Cadillac CTS even more, giving it the highest Total Car Score in the Entry Luxury Sedan category."

The other Cadillac on the list is the 2012 Cadillac SRX, a midsized crossover SUV. The SRX has been around since 2004 with little buzz, due to an engine that was neither powerful nor fun to drive. "That all changes for 2012, with a new 3.6-liter V6 that finally does the Caddy proud," said Brauer. "It now outranks Audi's Q5, BMW's X3 and Mercedes-Benz's GLK to lead the Entry Luxury Crossover category."

The federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2012 Cadillac SRX a highest-possible five-star overall rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names the 2012 SRX a Top Safety Pick for its top scores in front, side, roof strength and rear crash tests.

Buick entered the list with the 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The biggest change for the 2012 model is the addition of the optional eAssist semi-electric engine, which has comparable power to the 2011 but increased fuel economy. The Buick LaCrosse also earned praise for its comfortable, luxurious interior and new technology capabilities. U.S. News and World Report ranked it 3 out of 7 Affordable Large Cars, and it earned highest ratings in IIHS and NHTSA tests.

"The large sedan category has become quite competitive in recent years, with models like the Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon vying for the top spot," Brauer said. "But that honor goes to a newcomer you may not know, the Buick LaCrosse. Both the standard LaCrosse and its hybrid variant take the top spots."

Don Ledford Automotive in Cleveland is proud to offer these Cadillac and Buick models, and will soon debut our new Chevrolet dealership as well. For more information or a test drive, visit us online or in person near Chattanooga, TN.