But CR's car ratings also factor in how real people who drive the car every day feel about their purchase.
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"Along with our professional car testing, we survey car owners to get their real-world experiences: How satisfied are they with their car? Did the car meet their expectations and would they buy the same car again?" said CR's auto expert Nick Kurczewski.
So after tallying over a half a million responses, which vehicles are carrying the most satisfied drivers?
Nearly 90 percent of Toyota Prius owners would buy their hybrid again, putting it at the top of all compact cars. Owners say the car is great value for the money.
The Mazda CX-5 was the top compact SUV. Eighty-two percent would buy it again, saying they love how it drives and how it looks.
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The Honda Odyssey was the favorite minivan, with 88 percent of owners saying they would buy it again, citing its comfort, styling and driving.
For luxury cars, Lincoln's new Continental wowed its owners, with 91 percent saying they would give their luxury sedan another go. They told CR they were happy with the driving and comfort level in its spacious cabin.
The Ford F-350 took the top truck spot and made its buyers happy this year, with nine out of 10 owners saying they would buy their truck again. Customers were particularly pleased with the driving experience and rugged styling of this heavy-duty pickup.
Consumer Reports factors the data from owner satisfaction survey into a vehicle's overall car ratings.