Motoramic’s Best Value of 2011: Chevrolet Equinox

When we set out to name Motoramic's Best Value of 2011, we instantly thought of this year's bumper crop of small cars: the Ford Focus, the Hyundai Elantra, the updated Mazda3. And then we dug into their prices, and after much debate decided that the best value for your dollar is the Chevrolet Equinox.

This will strike some as a dunderheaded choice. Other small "crossover" SUVs are newer; the compact car class gets better fuel economy, and the tall wagons dominating our roads win no points for style or handling prowess.

But that's not what we're awarding here. The simple question powering our award is: How much new car can someone buy on a limited budget? All of those high-profile new models in the compact and subcompact segment share one glaring weakness -- an option list that quickly inflates their sticker prices, some to within shouting distance of $30,000.

The Equinox has several strengths -- a well thought-out and comfortable cabin, a spacious hatch, almost handsome styling. Most importantly, it lacks that type of glaring deficiency or three that used to cripple new GM models: It's not a gas hog; it's safe, and its quality matches the segment. Other models can outperform the Equinox in an area or two, but none are quite as balanced.

All of which can be had in a well-equipped package around $23,000 -- and being a Chevy product, there are hundreds of dealers to shop from and bargain with. GM sells every one of these it can build because for many buyers, it's a choice that makes good financial sense. We agree.