(February 11, 2011) CHICAGO — Delivering a practical electric car for the masses, the Chevrolet Volt eclipsed the competition to capture MotorWeek’s “Best of the Year” 2011 Drivers’ Choice Award. The honor was announced at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show by MotorWeek, television’s longest running automotive series.


“The Volt is the car all electrics and advanced electric hybrids will have to beat,” said MotorWeek host John Davis.  “The Volt takes the idea of an electric car from fantasy to total practicality, combining the latest gas-saving, plug-in technologies for an uncompromising driving experience.”

The best overall among winners in 13 categories, the Chevrolet Volt also took top honors as “Best Eco-Friendly.”

MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Awards have been presented annually since 1983.

The Ford Mustang GT was named “Best Performance Car,” while “Best Pickup” went to the Ford F-Series, both more fuel efficient, and more powerful. “Best Small Utility” for the second year running was the Chevrolet Equinox, which boasts best in class fuel economy, along with an upscale interior and a spirited driving experience.

For family haulers, Hyundai Sonata was named “Best Family Sedan” for setting new standards in comfort, safety, power and efficiency. The restyled Honda Odyssey won for “Best Minivan,” while “Best Small Car” honors went to the Volkswagen Jetta for blending American tuning with European responsiveness.

Chrysler’s duo of SUVs, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee and all-new Dodge Durango, tied as “Best Large Utility”  for delivering re-engineered, yet still rugged utilities for the modern era.

The editorial staff of MotorWeek test drives more than 150 cars, trucks and utilities each year. Drivers’ Choice Award winners are chosen following a comprehensive evaluation of factors mattering most to consumers — performance, technology, practicality and value.

Individual Winners

Best Small Car                   Volkswagen Jetta   
Best Family Sedan             Hyundai Sonata
Best Sport Sedan               BMW 5-Series
Best Luxury Sedan             Infiniti M   
Best Sport Coupe               Cadillac CTS Coupe
Best Performance Car        Ford Mustang GT
Best Small Utility                Chevrolet Equinox
Best Large Utility                Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango
Best Minivan                       Honda Odyssey
Best Pickup Truck               Ford F-Series
Best Eco-Friendly               Chevrolet Volt
Best Convertible                 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Best Dream Machine          Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible
                                            Audi R8 Spyder, Alfa Romeo 8C Spider