Phoenix, Ariz., Feb. 24, 2011 – Whether you’re in the market for a minivan, a drop-top, or a green machine, AAA’s auto authorities have made their recommendations for you. In its sixth annual Top Picks list, the auto club’s experts have narrowed down the best of the best in every car category this year to help guide consumers shopping for their next new ride.

The newly released 2011 list lauded a number of vehicles as the pinnacle of their ranks, including the winner for best minivan, the Honda Odyssey, which was described as “everything a minivan should be.” The Porsche Boxster eked out a win against the Chevy Corvette with its “steering, handling” and “luxurious finish” for the title of best convertible over $35,000. And after its debut on the market in December, the Chevrolet Volt earned the honor of the greenest of the green vehicles this year.

“The 2011 Top Picks list represents the best new vehicles across the board that are on the market today,” said Jim Prueter, auto reviewer and club spokesman for AAA Arizona. “We evaluate vehicles based on comfort, convenience, safety, fuel economy, ride, handling and how well the vehicle delivers on its intended functions and capabilities.”

AAA Arizona’s Top Picks for 2011 include:

• Sedan/Coupe under $15,000: Kia Soul*
• Sedan/Coupe between $15-25,000: Hyundai Sonata
• Sedan/Coupe between $25-35,000: Infiniti G37**
• Sedan/Coupe between $35-50,000: Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Sedan/Coupe over $50,000: Jaguar XJ
• Convertible under $35,000: Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Convertible over $35,000: Porsche Boxster
• SUV under $25,000: Chevrolet Equinox
• SUV between $25-35,000: Jeep Grand Cherokee
• SUV between $35-50,000: Porsche Cayenne
• SUV over $50,000: Infiniti QX56
• Truck Compact/Mid-Size: Nissan Frontier***
• Truck Full-Size: Ford F-Series
• Hybrid: Chevrolet Volt
• Minivan: Honda Odyssey
• Cool Car: Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet

(* Denotes second consecutive year, ** Denotes third consecutive year, *** Denotes fifth consecutive year)

“With this list, we hope to help consumers recognize some of the leading models out there on those ever-expanding lots so they can choose the right car for them,” said Prueter. “However, it’s important to remember that while we only pick one vehicle as a leader per class, there were many instances in which we could have easily picked more than one model as a winner.”

The Top Picks are selected based on how well the vehicle performs in relation to what a car of its kind is expected to deliver. Therefore, a convertible should deliver superior power with precise handling, whereas a sedan is expected to feature a comfortable, spacious interior and a smooth ride.

AAA Arizona’s Top Picks are announced in the March/April edition of Highroads, the club’s bi-monthly member magazine delivered to about 475,000 households in Arizona. Complete reviews of 2011 Top Picks can be found on the AAA Automotive website.

To be eligible for list consideration, Top Picks must be available for sale to the public no later than March 2011, and the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price must be below $75,000.

Vehicles selected for the list are reviewed by AAA Arizona auto expert Jim Prueter, who has more than 15 years of experience in test driving and reviewing vehicles. Prueter test drives and reviews nearly 100 vehicles each year.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services more than 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, auto repair, discounts and financial services to AAA members.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.