TTAC's Ten Best Cars Of 2012 Nominations Are Now Open

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

It’s been a few years since TTAC has held an award ceremony for the best and worst vehicles, but 2012 marks the re-birth of two storied traditions for the site – and it’s all decided by you, the readers.

The rules and process are similar to our TWAT awards, though we’re looking for the vehicles that stand out for positive reasons. Just as it’s difficult to find a truly bad car in this marketplace, it’s also hard to find something really oustanding. Everything on the market is pretty good, but we’re looking for great.

Have at it, but don’t forget the rules listed below.

1. To qualify, a vehicle must be offered for sale as a new vehicle in the U.S. between Jan 1, 2012 and now. Where it’s built, where the company is headquartered, sales volume, price or neat swag from the manufacturer play no part in the selection process.

2. We’ll only accept nominations that give at least one legitimate reason why a vehicle qualifies for the award. It helps if you’ve had some time behind the wheel and can pass along first-hand experience.

3. Nominations that don’t include justification, just say “me too” or similarly indicate lack of mental prowess and it will simply disappear. Boom! Gone.

4. If you disagree with a particular nomination, feel free to offer an opposing view. However, TTAC’s posting policy is in full force. Anyone who flames (personally attacks) the website, its authors or fellow commentators will have their comment deleted and face a permanent posting ban.

5. Once nominations are closed, TTAC’s writing staff will gather in a secret e-conclave to select 20 finalists from the nominees. The more eloquent the nomination, the better chance it has of surviving our (let’s face it) subjective process.

6. We will submit these 20 finalists for your consideration. You may vote (via an electronic poll) for up to ten vehicles on the list which you deem worthy of a place TTAC’s Ten Best. Don’t get carried away, though. We’re going to do everything we can to prevent voting improprieties. After all, this isn’t Chicago!

7. The winners will be announced whenever we get around to it. We have nothing to give the winners but our disdain, so the winning manufacturers will find out about it like everyone else.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Jase Jase on Oct 10, 2012

    2013 Lincoln MKZ. It has a very interesting design both interior and exterior, and the hybrid version can be had for only a few thousand more than the Ford Fusion Hybrid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l5z-o-uCZ4

  • Hayden535 Hayden535 on Oct 11, 2012

    2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI. It's a diesel wagon that gets 40 mpg, handles great, and has plenty of room for a family and its stuff. Reliability reports have been better than VW averages and it can be had for well under 30k. The car is truly in a category of its own. I don't believe there is any other vehicle offering the combination of fuel economy, driving fun, and engine longevity. It's not for everyone, but it's probably a much better choice for many Americans buying 25-30mpg crossovers instead.

  • Zipper69 "At least Lincoln finally learned to do a better job of not appearing to have raided the Ford parts bin"But they differentiate by being bland and unadventurous and lacking a clear brand image.
  • Zipper69 "The worry is that vehicles could collect and share Americans' data with the Chinese government"Presumably, via your cellphone connection? Does the average Joe in the gig economy really have "data" that will change the balance of power?
  • Zipper69 Honda seem to have a comprehensive range of sedans that sell well.
  • Oberkanone How long do I have to stay in this job before I get a golden parachute?I'd lower the price of the V-Series models. Improve the quality of interiors across the entire line. I'd add a sedan larger then CT5. I'd require a financial review of Celestiq. If it's not a profit center it's gone. Styling updates in the vision of the XLR to existing models. 2+2 sports coupe woutd be added. Performance in the class of AMG GT and Porsche 911 at a price just under $100k. EV models would NOT be subsidized by ICE revenue.
  • NJRide Let Cadillac be Cadillac, but in the context of 2024. As a new XT5 owner (the Emerald Green got me to buy an old design) I would have happy preferred a Lyriq hybrid. Some who really like the Lyriq's package but don't want an EV will buy another model. Most will go elsewhere. I love the V6 and good but easy to use infotainment. But I know my next car will probably be more electrified w more tech.I don't think anyone is confusing my car for a Blazer but i agree the XT6 is too derivative. Frankly the Enclave looks more prestigious. The Escalade still has got it, though I would love to see the ESV make a comeback. I still think GM missed the boat by not making a Colorado based mini-Blazer and Escalade. I don't get the 2 sedans. I feel a slightly larger and more distinctly Cadillac sedan would sell better. They also need to advertise beyond the Lyriq. I don't feel other luxury players are exactly hitting it out of the park right now so a strengthened Cadillac could regain share.
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