FindTheBest: 2013 model cars, pickups, SUVs

Readers love lists. We love lists.

And lists of top-rated automobiles, whatever the ratings system, are among our favorites.

One of the most interesting we spotted recently is “FindTheBest” (FTB) – 2013 model vehicles in this case – at cars.findthebest.com, which promises “unbiased, data-driven, comparisons.”

“With 890 [current model] cars to choose from, we can help you find one (to meet your needs),” says the website. “A car is a huge investment, so it’s important to get the one that’s right for you.”

At the top of the FTB listing is the 2013 Subaru BRZ, followed by the BRZ Limited, the Scion FR-S, a trio of Ford Escapes – the Escape, Escape SE and Escape SEL – and the Escape Titanium (See photo). The top seven vehicles overall were rated 100 or 99 on the FTB “Smart Rating,” which ranges from 100 to 84.

FindTheBest: 2013 model cars, pickups, SUVs on this list by category are:

  • SUV/Crossover: Four 2013 Ford Escapes mentioned above, followed by three Mazda CX-5s, two Hyundai Santa Fes and two Subarus. All scored 94 points on the FTB Smart Rating scale.
  • Sedan: Ford Fusion Hybrid, which scored a 97 Smart Rating, along with six Honda Accords.
  • Hatchback: Honda Fit (3), Smart Rating of 95, along with Ford Focus (2), Volkswagen Golfs (3) and GTIs (4) in that order, all rated 94. The 2013 Chevrolet Volt was the only other non-VW on the top-20 list.
  • Coupe: Two 2013 Subaru BRZs, rated at 100 by FTB, and also the top-rated vehicles overall, followed by the 2013 Scion FR-S, four Honda Accords and three Ford Mustangs, which rated 92s.
  • Wagon: Volvos, Subarus and Volkswagens dominate this category, according to FTB, all scoring 90.
  • Pickup Truck: Honda Ridgeline (4), Chevrolet Avalanches (3) and Cadillac Escalade (3) dominated here.
  • Minivan/Van: Toyota, Volkswagen, Dodge and Honda lead the way in that order.
  • Convertible: Ford Mustangs (2), Mazda Miatas (5) and Chevrolet Camaros (4) rule the category.

Cars are “ranked higher when they excel in multiple areas, such as Performance, Safety, Fuel Efficiency, Fit & Finish and Appearance,” as well as price. Standards are defined by experts, including automotive industry publishers such as Car & Driver, Motor Trend, Popular Mechanics, Yahoo! Autos, The Car Connection, and others, according to FTB, as well as auto safety organizations.

For lots more details and analysis, visit the FindTheBest website.

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