Family cars are typically used as four-wheeled appliances, as tools designed to perform a wide variety of tasks with minimum hassle. However, boring they need not be. In the midsize and large car segments, the Nissan Altima and Hyundai Azera are the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study (APEAL)^SM award recipients.

Midsize segment: 2007 Nissan Altima :

When redesigning an important product, many new-vehicle manufacturers will make it bigger, longer, lower, and wider. In the Altima’s case, Nissan actually altered the interior dimensions more than the

Midsize Premium MAV Segment

Highest Ranked: 2005 Lexus GX
It may rank at the top of its segment in dependability after three years, but know that the 2005 Lexus GX 470 is a true off-roader, spiffed up with lots of luxurious leather and real wood trim. Inside, the GX is comfortable and clearly upscale. However, it drives like the boulder-bashing truck that it is, and

Critical Knowledge:

• Completely redesigned for 2011
• Lighter and more fuel efficient
• Longer wheelbase increases interior room
• Gasoline, diesel and hybrid powerplants (market specific)
• New all

Sporty cars typically have it all—design, performance and a positive image. That makes top-ranking achievement in this category particularly special. In the sporty car segments, the Volkswagen GTI, Porsche Cayman, Ford Mustang, and BMW 6 Series are the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study (APEAL)^SM award recipients.

Compact Sporty Car segment: 2007 Volkswagen GTI :

Volkswagen introduced the first GTI in America in 1983. A modified Rabbit with a fuel-injected engine and stiffened suspension, the GTI was the original “hot hatch” and the car that kicked