North American Car and Truck of the Year Award Heats Up. And?

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

There was a time when TTAC had excellent access to press cars; back when we were flying under the radar. And then I mentioned the striking similarity between the Subaru B9 Tribeca’s front end and a vagina. But even when I had a first-class seat on the four-wheeled gravy train, my local supplier had trouble feeding my Jones this time of year. The seasonal drought came courtesy of the North American Car and Truck of the Year Award (NACOTY). The peer-selected jurors– many of whom never met a junket they didn’t not disclose– get first crack at week-long stints in, well, everything. This despite the fact that winning the award is no guarantee of sales success– and can someone please explain how the Chevy Malibu won the ’08 gong when it’s a mild reskin of the NACOTY award-winning Saturn Aura? In short, I’m not a big fan. While we gear-up for TTAC’s Ten Worst awards, it’s still interesting to see what all these middle-aged (plus) white men think constitutes automotive excellence. Shortlist, cars: Audi A4, BMW 1 Series, Cadillac CTS-V, Dodge Challenger, Ford Flex, Honda Fit, Hyundai Genesis, Jaguar XF, Lincoln MKS, Mazda 6, Nissan GT-R, Pontiac G8, Toyota Venza, Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Shortlist trucks: BMW X6, Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, Honda Pilot, Infiniti FX35/50, Kia Borrego, Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec, Nissan Murano, Saturn 2-Mode Hybrid, Subaru Forester, Volkswagen Tiguan.

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Windswords Windswords on Sep 21, 2008

    "Motor Trend somehow managed to shoehorn a minivan into the truck category..." In 1996 MT gave the Dodge Caravan it's COTY award, so at least back then it viewed minivans as cars instead of the EPA's outdated classification of truck.

  • SupaMan SupaMan on Sep 22, 2008

    Car: Hyundai Genesis Truck: Dodge Ram

  • Jaje Jaje on Sep 22, 2008

    It's a close run between the Hyundai Genesis and the Honda Fit. The Genesis is new and I've yet to actually physically see and play with it but it looks oh so promising. On the other hand the 1g Fit was the best small car sold in the US and the new one is even better.

  • N Number N Number on Sep 22, 2008

    My truck vote goes for the X6 (pictued) There is no other vehicle on the list that so appropriately answers the call of the working world when a heavy-duty hauling and towing machine is needed. Like the tough-as-nails Dodge Power Wagons of the 40's and 50's, the classic 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne and the Ford Super Duty of the 1990's the BMX X6 carries the utilitarian torch into the future. It is the X6's amazing durability and generous cargo proportions complimented by its un-matched four-wheel-drive system and off-road prowess that ensure its title as 2008 Truck of the Year. All hail.

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