You're in our driver's seat.(Have You Heard?)

OK, readers, fire off that e-mail, jam those forums, mail those letters. We know what's coming: "Consumer Reports has a bias against American cars."

We hear it about once a week, so let's set the record straight: Our staff members are as patriotic as anyone. We fully understand the desire to support our domestic auto manufacturers--General Motors, Ford, and the Chrysler division of DaimlerChrysler--and to keep jobs and wages in the U.S.

We also believe strongly in the public's right to know, freedom of information, freedom of choice, and sound consumerism. We're driven by a commitment to inform and protect you, the consumer--our only customer--with expert, independent, test- and survey-based information about cars and other products and services. Our test methods and test center, along with staff members' qualifications, have earned the respect of the auto industry and of our competitors in automotive testing and publishing.

This year all of our Top Picks are Japanese models. How did those 10 lock up the top spots? Overall, they outpointed the competition in our testing and in the reliability information we collect from hundreds of thousands of car owners.

A vehicle's country of origin plays no part in our testing and Ratings. At our auto-test track, it's the results that count, such as braking distance, fuel economy, accident-avoidance capability, comfort, and ergonomics. Statistics from more than 50 tests and evaluations feed into a vehicle's overall score.

A car that gives you trouble is no gem, no matter how well it drives, so we rely on you, ...