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Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004

Recent visitors to Edmunds.com cast their votes for the 2004 Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicle Awards. This was the third year in a row we asked for feedback from our users, and we appreciate all those Edmunds.com users who took the time to wade through our survey and pick their favorite cars and trucks for the 2004 model year. How do your choices compare with those of our survey participants or those of Edmunds.com's editors (2004 Editors' Most Wanted)? Was your pick for Most Significant Vehicle of the Year the same as ours? The results are in! Read on to learn the winners in 30 vehicle segments.

Most Significant Vehicle of the Year | Sedans | Convertibles | SUVs | Trucks | Vans | Coupes & Performance Cars | Wagons | Exotics

Most Significant Vehicle of the Year: Toyota Prius

We spoke and you didn't listen, but that's sort of the whole point right? Although our editors picked Nissan's Titan as the Most Significant Vehicle for 2004, the consumer vote was a landslide victory for the Toyota Prius. It won nearly twice as many votes as the next closest competitor notching the second victory by a hybrid (the Honda Insight was the first) in this prestigious category.

The overwhelming win wasn't exactly a surprise, however, as the Prius puts together an incredible package of performance, efficiency and practicality. It has enough technology to make the space shuttle envious yet it doesn't take a PhD in computer science to use it. Add to the fact that it starts at a sticker price of around $20,000 and the significance of the Prius isn't hard to grasp.

Not every consumer disagreed with our editors as the Nissan Titan did manage to score a second-place tie with the Mazda RX-8. With its powerful standard V8, competitive size and innovative features, the Titan is certainly a truck that will have an impact on the full-size truck market. The rejuvenation of Mazda's legendary sports car was undoubtedly a significant event for enthusiasts especially considering that its dramatic new design incorporates a level of functionality never before seen in a sports car.

A surprising fourth place was turned in by the Acura TL. Always considered a strong entry in the class, this year's redesign turned it into a serious player in a segment that has been traditionally dominated by European entries. BMW and Audi take note, Acura is coming on quick.


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Sedans

Sedan Under $15,000: Mazda 3

It looks like there's a new favorite in town as the Mazda 3 took the win with 47 percent of the vote. Its sharp styling and "zoom zoom" handling made it a favorite among our editors earlier in the year and now it looks as though the public likes it equally as much. Sliding to a distant second place was the Honda Civic (17 percent), a perennial favorite that continues to impress. The Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus tied for the next two spots with 8 percent a piece while the Dodge Neon (6 percent), Hyundai Elantra (4 percent) and Nissan Sentra (3 percent) filled out the next three spots.


Sedan Under $25,000: Honda Accord

Not much changed in this hotly contested category as the Honda Accord racked up another impressive win with 23 percent of the votes. Second place went to the Mazda 6 with 16 percent of the votes while the Volkswagen Passat and Subaru Impreza pulled down a solid 13 percent and 10 percent of the vote, respectively. There was a four-way tie for fifth (5 percent) that included the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius and Volvo S40. The Chevrolet Malibu and Volkswagen Jetta were the only other two sedans that garnered significant amounts of votes with 3 percent and 2 percent, respectively.


Sedan Under $35,000: Acura TL

Acura finally gave its TL sedan a serious dose of style and it looks to have paid off as the all-new sedan pulled down 22 percent of the votes to take first place. Infiniti's G35 came in a close second with 17 percent while the BMW 3 Series slipped another place this year to third (13 percent). The next four spots included the Audi A4 (9 percent), Saab 9-3 (7 percent), Acura TSX (5 percent) and Cadillac CTS (5 percent).


Sedan Under $45,000: BMW 5 Series

Although its all-new look may be controversial, that didn't stop BMW's 5 Series from running away with this category once again. With 52 percent of the vote cast in its favor, no other competitor even comes close. Audi's A6 was a distant second with 16 percent of the votes while the Lexus GS 300 came in a surprising third with 11 percent. Rounding out the top five were the Jaguar S-Type (7 percent) and Infiniti M45 (5 percent).


Sedan Over $45,000: Audi A8

There was no runaway favorite in this category, but when the final votes were tallied, Audi's A8 flagship came out on top with 18 percent of the votes. Nipping at its heels was the always strong Lexus LS 430 (17 percent) and controversial, but still popular, BMW 7 Series (16 percent). Not far behind were two entries from Mercedes-Benz, the S-Class (15 percent) and E-Class (12 percent) and Jaguar's revamped XJ (9 percent).


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Convertibles

Convertible Under $25,000: Mazda MX-5 Miata

With the addition of a turbocharged Mazdaspeed version, there was little doubt that the Miata would come out on top. With 36 percent of the vote, its standing as the most popular and affordable convertible on the market was reaffirmed once again. Next up was the Ford Mustang (22 percent) followed by the Toyota MR2 Spyder (17 percent) and Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet (12 percent). Rounding out the category were the drop tops from Chrysler and Mitsubishi that managed to snag 7 percent of the vote each.


Convertible Under $35,000: Honda S2000

After losing out to BMW's revamped Z4 last year, the Honda S2000 narrowly edged its way back to the winner's podium with 33 percent of the vote. Even more surprising was the fact that the Z4 wasn't the car that gave the Honda a run for its money. That distinction belongs to Nissan's 350Z drop top that just barely missed out on the top spot with 32 percent of the vote. A solid 22 percent still found the Z4 attractive while Audi's TT rounded out the category with 13 percent of the vote.


Convertible Under $45,000: BMW 3 Series

With no new models to shake things up, this category was once again topped by BMW's 3 Series convertible (30 percent). Although not as fast as the second-place finisher, the Porsche Boxster (27 percent), the 3 Series combines performance and luxury in a way that's hard to beat. The next two spots saw a tie between the Mercedes-Benz SLK and Audi's A4 Cabrio. Rounding out the list was the Saab 9-3 (9 percent), Ford Thunderbird (6 percent) and Volvo C70 (4 percent).


Convertible Over $45,000: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The cars in this category haven't changed much, but apparently consumers' feelings toward them have. After finishing second to the Porsche 911 last year, the Mercedes-Benz SL pulled out a win this time around with 26 percent of the vote. The venerable Porsche wasn't far behind with 23 percent while Cadillac's sleek SLR pulled down a solid 17 percent. Other vote-getters included the Lexus SC 430 (12 percent) and Chevrolet Corvette (9 percent).

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SUVs

Compact SUV Under $25,000: Honda CR-V

Honda's well-rounded CR-V continued its reign in the compact SUV category, winning for the third year in a row with 18 percent of the vote. But the competition is catching up in the eyes of consumers, as Subaru's Forester finished a close second with 16 percent. Coming in third were the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute twins (an honorable mention on the Editors' Most Wanted list) with 12 percent, followed by the Toyota RAV4 (10 percent), Jeep Liberty (9 percent), Honda Element (9 percent), Land Rover Freelander (7 percent) and our top pick, the Kia Sorento (6 percent). Rounding out the ranks were the Jeep Wrangler (5 percent), Hyundai Santa Fe (4 percent), Mitsubishi Outlander (2 percent) and the Chevrolet Tracker and Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara twins (1 percent apiece).


Midsize SUV Under $35,000: Infiniti FX35

Consumers have their own ideas about what makes a good moderately priced SUV. Whereas we chose the family-oriented Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer twins as our top pick, our readers sought out the Infiniti FX35's attainable blend of performance and luxury (15 percent of the vote). Close behind the FX35 was the versatile Honda Pilot (an honorable mention on Editors' Most Wanted ), which also earned a 15-percent share of consumers' votes. There could only be one winner, though, so the Infiniti prevailed by all of 14 votes. Other notable contenders included the Lexus RX 330 (12 percent), Toyota 4Runner (10 percent), Volvo XC90 (9 percent), Nissan Murano (7 percent), the Explorer/Mountaineer (5 percent), Toyota Highlander (4 percent), Dodge Durango (4 percent) and the Chevrolet Trail Blazer/GMC Envoy twins (3 percent).


Midsize SUV Under $45,000: Volkswagen Touareg

Editors and consumers see eye to eye when it comes to midsize SUVs in this price bracket. Our number-one and -two picks were the Volkswagen Touareg and Infiniti FX45, and consumers responded in kind, giving these upscale sport-utes 26 percent and 22 percent of the vote, respectively. However, the family-friendly Acura MDX finished only a handful of votes behind the Infiniti, forcing a tie for second place. Last year's winner in this category, the BMW X5, fell to fourth with just 16 percent overall. Trailing the BMW were the Lincoln Aviator (7 percent), Audi allroad quattro (5 percent) and the aged Mercedes-Benz M-Class (2 percent).


Midsize SUV Over $45,000: Porsche Cayenne

Although Land Rover's stylish and capable Range Rover remains our pick in this category, consumers are steadfast proponents of the fast yet multitalented Porsche Cayenne, which won for the second year in a row, picking up 38 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, our favorite Land Rover took the runner-up spot with a 29-percent showing. Third place went to the Lexus GX 470 (18 percent), which offers most of the flagship LX 470's virtues for about $10,000 less. Seems that consumers are aware of this cost-to-benefit difference, as the LX and its Toyota Land Cruiser twin brought up the bottom with 15 percent.


Large SUV Under $45,000: Cadillac SRX

There are always a few surprises in Consumers' Most Wanted voting, and one of them is the all-new Cadillac SRX, which soared past the perennial leaders in this category to pick up 31 percent of the vote. Smaller than the flagship Escalade but larger than the midsize luxury sport-utes it competes with, the SRX is a fast, agile SUV with more room for the family than its smaller frame would suggest. The burly new Nissan Armada tied with last year's winner, the Toyota Sequoia, for second place with 23 percent. From there, the votes dropped off sharply, as Ford's Expedition picked up 9 percent, while the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon twins came in at just 7 percent. The roomier Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL earned 5 percent, and the oversized Ford Excursion rounded out the list at 2 percent.


Large SUV Over $45,000: Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV

Consumers' preferences among the largest and most luxurious SUVs that patrol the streets echoed editors' this year, as the Cadillac Escalade and the extended-length Escalade ESV took top honors with 32 percent of the vote. Although the Escalade's combination of performance, comfort and outward brashness won the day, roughly a quarter of those polled had something more rugged in mind for a large, high-dollar utility vehicle — the Hummer H2 picked up 24 percent. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Lincoln Navigator fell in right behind the H2 at 22 percent apiece. The fact that a tough-as-nails, ex-military vehicle like the G-Class earned just as many votes as a luxury liner like the Navigator is proof that our site users have differing opinions on exactly what a large luxury SUV should be.

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Trucks

Compact Truck: Toyota Tacoma

When it comes to compact trucks, Toyota's Tacoma still rules. Despite its age, the Tacoma's combination of style, performance and reliability earned it another decisive victory with 32 percent of the total votes. The Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins from GM fared well in their first year bringing in 19 percent for a solid second place. The fact that the Nissan Frontier and Dodge Dakota are both being replaced next year didn't keep them from pulling down a solid stack of votes with 13 percent and 12 percent, respectively. From there on back it was a dead heat for the next three spots as the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ranger and Subaru Baja each garnered 7 percent of the votes.


Large Truck: Nissan Titan

In what has to be called a surprising upset victory, the all-new Nissan Titan edged out the redesigned Ford F-150 for top honors in this fiercely fought category. The Titan's burly V8, massive interior and innovative features helped it squeak out a victory by just 1 percent of the vote (27 percent vs. 26 percent). Such a tight margin of victory shows that Ford's revamped half-ton is still a popular pickup. With its slick interior, numerous body styles and smooth ride, there's still plenty of fight left in the Ford. Further back in the pack were the Toyota Tundra (15 percent) and Chevrolet Avalanche (11 percent), two trucks that prove there's always a market for specialty trucks. Rounding out the list were the Dodge Ram (8 percent), Cadillac EXT (7 percent) and Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra twins with 6 percent.

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Vans

Minivan: Toyota Sienna

Toyota's redesigned Sienna overtook Honda's well-rounded but aging Odyssey in editors' voting this year, and such was the case in Consumers' Most Wanted voting. Although the Sienna's 32-percent showing suggests that our site users find its split-folding, fold-flat third-row seat; eight-passenger capacity; and numerous safety and luxury features compelling reasons to choose it over the Honda, this certainly wasn't a blowout: The Odyssey held strong with 26 percent of the vote. Further down the tally was the all-new Nissan Quest, which picked up 17 percent. Fourth on the list were the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, racking up a combined total of 8 percent. The Mazda MPV and Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey twins came in at 5 percent apiece, followed by VW's old-school EuroVan at 4 percent. Rounding out the list with 2-percent totals were the Kia Sedona and GM's trio of minivans (Venture, Montana and Oldsmobile Silhouette).

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Coupes & Performance Cars

Coupe Under $15,000: Honda Civic

When it comes to inexpensive coupes, Honda's Civic looks like the only game in town. With 56 percent of the votes, the recently face-lifted two-door has size, performance and reliability that consumers are looking for. About the only other coupe that shows up on the radar is the Ford Focus as it managed to pull down a solid 28 percent of the votes. From there on back the response was minimal with the Toyota Echo (5 percent), Saturn Ion (4 percent) and Hyundai Accent (2 percent) filling the next three slots.


Coupes Under $25,000: Acura RSX/Mini Cooper (tie)

After scoring a convincing win over the Mini last year, the Acura RSX lost a few votes this time around that dropped it into a two-way tie for first place. The RSX and the Mini each pulled down 23 percent of the vote, highlighting the fact that when it comes to affordable coupes performance counts. Further on down the line came the two-door versions of Japan's popular sedans, the Honda Accord (18 percent) and the Toyota Camry (9 percent). The soon-to-be-replaced Ford Mustang still managed to snag 8 percent followed by the VW Golf (6 percent) and Hyundai Tiburon (3 percent).


Coupe Under $35,000: Infiniti G35

After a decisive win over the BMW 3 Series last year, the Infiniti G35 coupe extended its lead this time around with a solid 30 percent of the vote versus the BMW's 22 percent. Americans love their horsepower and the G35 delivers with 280 ponies under the hood along with a sleek exterior style and throaty sound that leaves enthusiasts and onlookers swooning. Mazda's new RX-8 debuted on the list with a strong third-place showing at 18 percent while the G35's cousin, the Nissan 350Z, managed a respectable 11 percent of the vote. Another newcomer, the Pontiac GTO, won 9 percent while the aging Audi TT dropped to sixth place with 5 percent. The Chrysler Crossfire (4 percent) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe (1 percent) rounded out the category.


Coupe Under $45,000: Chevrolet Corvette

With only two entrants, this is one of the more decisive categories, and like last year the Chevrolet Corvette took first place (55 percent) once again. Even with an all-new version on the way, the current Corvette still offers an incredible amount of performance and style for a fairly reasonable price. Whether you're looking for pure performance in the Z06 model or you just want to look stylish while cruising in the convertible, the Corvette delivers. The CLK coupe from Mercedes-Benz (45 percent) favors luxury over performance, but that doesn't mean it can't put a smile on your face when the road turns twisty. Its elegant interior looks the part of an upscale coupe and its available V8 provides more than enough power to get you to your destination in a hurry.


Coupe Over $45,000: Porsche 911

Not much has changed when it comes to these rarified coupes as the Porsche 911 is still the high-end two-door that gets consumers excited as it took in 65 percent of the votes. With its endless array of available models and options, it would be hard not to find one to your liking. The CL coupe from Mercedes-Benz was a distant second at 23 percent while the ancient Jaguar XK still managed to garner a few votes with 12 percent.

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Wagons

Wagon Under $15,000: Scion xB

Even though it was sold only in California for the first half of the 2004 model year, Scion's practical yet entertaining xB has already become a mainstream hit with editors and consumers alike. The boxy xB picked up 42 percent of the economy wagon vote for an easy win in this category. Its more traditionally styled xA sibling has a healthy following of its own, earning 28 percent of site readers' votes for a second-place finish. With all the competition from Toyota's Scion division, last year's winner, the Suzuki Aerio, found itself a distant third with 18 percent. Bringing up the bottom was Kia's thrifty Rio Cinco wagon with 12 percent.


Wagon Under $25,000: Mazda 3

Good things come in small packages, according to our site readers, who are willing to pay more for a compact wagon that doesn't look, feel or drive like an economy car — hence the Mazda 3's first-place finish in this category with 30 percent of the vote. Last year's winner and perennial Editors' Most Wanted pick, the Volkswagen Passat, was a solid second with 25 percent. Subaru's Impreza family (WRX included) finished a distant third (11 percent). A pair of family wagons, the Subaru Legacy and the all-new Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, tied for fourth (7 percent). The ever-practical Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe twins (6 percent) and Chrysler PT Cruiser (5 percent) were fifth and sixth, respectively, followed by the Ford Focus (3 percent) and Volkswagen Jetta (3 percent). Rounding out the bottom were the Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable twins and the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback with 2 percent apiece.


Wagon Under $35,000: Audi A4/S4

Another year, another landslide victory for Audi's A4 wagon and its high-performance S4 variant (33 percent of the vote). And who can blame consumers for recognizing a good thing when they see it? Not us. This luxurious, sporty, winterproof wagon was our number-one pick in Editors' Most Wanted voting as well. The BMW 3 Series was far back in second place (19 percent), followed by the Volvo V70 (hot-rodded V70 R included) in third with 16 percent. The athletic Lexus IS 300 SportCross and the rugged Subaru Outback tied for fourth with 13 percent apiece. Bringing up the rear of the pack were the Volvo V40 (3 percent) and the six-passenger Chrysler Pacifica (3 percent).


Wagon Under $45,000: Audi A6 Avant

With BMW's 5 Series wagon on hiatus for a year, this category was wide open. Not surprisingly, when the votes were counted up Audi's A6 Avant came out on top. Although it's headed for a redesign next year, consumers still found plenty to like about the current model as it boasts all-wheel drive, a gorgeous interior and sharp handling. Known for its turbo punch, offbeat personality and spacious interior, the Saab 9-5 wagon pulled down second place while Mercedes' compact C-Class wagon line brought up the rear.

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Exotics

Exotic: Ferrari Enzo

With so many models to choose from, this category spreads out the votes pretty thin, but the Ferrari Enzo managed to snag 12 percent of the total to take first place. With 650 horsepower and a price tag to match, the Enzo is the supercar of supercars. At less than half of the Ferrari's price, the Aston Martin Vanquish (11 percent) almost seems like a bargain in second place. Porsche's 911 GT2 (9 percent) isn't quite as exotic as the first two, but its level of performance and pedigree makes it equally as attractive. In fourth place, the Ferrari 360 (7 percent) and Acura NSX (7 percent) offer similar midengine setups, but very different characters. From there on back the results included a little bit of everything from the Bentley GT (6 percent) and Maybach 62 (6 percent) to the Lamborghini Gallardo (5 percent) and Dodge Viper (5 percent).

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Your Feedback

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E-mail: editor@edmunds.com

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