Every time I see an award given to a car or truck, I tend to think, “Why is this car so special?” Often times, only a handful of people drive them for more than an hour before they proclaim they know which one is best. Hummm, that’s dubious at best in my book.
Let me explain: I work with a group of writers who not only factor in test data and gut feelings – they do it WAY above sea level. We’ve got it all: snow covered roads in the hills, high speed highways along the plains, alpine back roads at high altitude, severe off road areas and a large city center (Denver). Our weather conditions are tumultuous at best and our thin air challenges even forced induction vehicles.
If you can make it here…
So, when it came time to choose these vehicles, we voted up some of the best vehicles in their class. Remember: many of us (including yours-truly) drove these vehicles for at least one week AND evaluated many of them at various press events. Our choices are not made lightly.
The 2011 RMAP Vehicle of the year awards were presented at the 2011 Denver Auto Show on March 30th 2011.
Here are the 2011 Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) vehicles of the year:
2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe – The sharp looking CTS Coupe was an emotional choice for me and a few other journalists. It’s not about overall comfort as the rear seats are cramped. It’s not about logic as a four-door CTS makes more sense. It wasn’t even a performance choice as the CTS Coupe is on a level playing field with many rivals.
The Cadillac CTS Coupe made me, and many other drivers, feel special. It rewards you by creating a scene and a sense of style long forgotten. There is a sense of occasion that no other vehicle in its bracket can surpass.
It’s fun to drive too.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – I thought the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee should have won the whole enchilada. I mean, it is amazing off road and has the best ride in its class. 
Roman and I took one up some nasty terrain and it did remarkably well. I like the fact that even the bare bones version doesn’t feel cheap.
In a day when most folks are pleased as punch with mere all wheel drive (AWD), Jeep rewards the faithful with serious off road ability. I’ve driven these Jeeps in nastiness that only vehicles like the Wrangler, Land Rover and the Ram Power Wagon could hope to traverse. It never let me down. Even the base model is damn impressive.
Until 2012, I will say that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best Rocky Mountain vehicles built – period.
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – I was never a fan of full size pickup trucks. To me, smaller pickup trucks like Tacomas and Frontiers were more than adequate. But, when you see the overall statistics on the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, it’s impressive. 
It pulls up to 17,800 lbs – which is next to ridiculous. Throw a tow rope around the moon, you might be able to pull it out of orbit with the Chevy Silverado 2500HD.
I liked it because it was surprisingly easy to drive every day. I spent a week doing the commuter thing and I was stunned how easy this monster was to pilot and park. Sure, it’s not a luxurious ride – but it’s not punishing either.
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a gentle giant indeed.
2011 Ford Fiesta – The funny thing with the 2011 Ford Fiesta is: I lost a car vs. car 
challenge against two other cars while at the helm of a Fiesta and I still loved it. Everything is well put together and everything is well thought out. It doesn’t ever feel like a cheap, small car. Performance is sprightly and economy is extremely good.
I like the fact that the Ford Fiesta is so frugal and affordable that, for most of its lifespan, it will give you greater return on your investment than most hybrids.
The overall design, both internally and externally, is superb. Sure, there’s not a ton of room in back – but it makes up for it in performance, ride and equipment. Simply put, for your economy dollar, there are very few cars that can truly compete with the 2011 Ford Fiesta.
2011 Hyundai Sonata – Nobody and I mean NOBODY expected a car like this from Hyundai. Sure, they have been building competitive cars for quite a while. All of the competition for Germany, Japan and the U.S. was already scratching their collective heads at Hyundai’s success when the new Sonata came out.
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata looks futuristic, it has a hybrid, a performance turbo and a regular version. The included amenities are outstanding and the prices are very compelling. It rides well and is very competitive in the handling department.
Not only is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata a winner – it’s a game changer!
I could go on and on, but I’ll leave the final thought for all of our winners to TFLCar.com’s ‘Fearless Leader’ and RMAP President: “The members of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press drove this year’s winning vehicles on some of the most beautiful and challenging roads in America.” said RMAP President Roman Mica. “We tested the cars at sea level to over 14,000 feet on some of the biggest mountains in North America and came away sincerely impressed by how well the winners handle the varied terrain of the Rocky Mountain West.” – – Roman Mica
TFLCar.com has video on each and every vehicle selected in this year’s RMAP vehicle of the year awards. Don’t believe me? Look below!
Hyundai Sonata Vs – – –
Ford Fiesta Vs – – –
Cadillac CTS Coupe
Jeep Grand Cherokee On and Off Road
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap3QsRGzMy8
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