What one journalist told me, near the top of my impressions from the first press day at NAIAS:

"The first presentation announces the winners of the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. I figure the Silverado has a lock, and that either the Camry or Fit will win the car award, so I tour the show floor instead of attending.

"Then the Aura won, which surprises me since it has yet to come close to winning any comparison test. I later discuss the Aura's win with one of the few dozen prominent journalists who voted. His interpretation, which struck me as spot on, is that journalists felt that the Aura represents a huge step forward for Saturn, while the Camry and Fit are not large improvements for their companies.

"So, these awards don't so much indicate which car is best as which is most significant, much like Time Magazine's Person of the Year is not intended to indicate which person is the best, but which had the most impact on the world during the year."

The rest of my impressions: Noob at the Auto Show

 

It shows econoboxes can be upscale. "no compromise". Econoboxes are usually associated with low cost and cheap. Fit is the most expensive econobox, and the interior is the most expensive [looking]. This (and its engine) is why it's usually ranked #1. The car doesn't feel cheap to drive. I always love driving it, and looking at it. It's been almost a year, and I never stop getting impressed.

 

That is very dumb. that doesn't even make sense. why would COTY be considered a "best improved" type award. Of course that saturn lady was happy. She probaly felt it was too good for that car anyway.

I still think it's all bias to american cars.