DETROIT – It's getting closer. The North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center is only days away.
That means it's time to start picking the best of the best on the road
Recommended Videos
Dozens of automotive journalists have selected the Cadillac ATS, Ford Fusion and Honda Accord as the three finalists for the 2013 North American Car of the Year.
The finalists for the 2013 North American Truck of the Year are the Ford C-Max, Mazda CX-5 and Ram 1500.
The finalists were revealed in Detroit.
"We look at all of the characteristics of the car from primarily the viewpoint of the consumer," said auto analyst Dan McCosh. "I think that it's important though that we are looking at cars that are significantly new this year, this doesn't really mean that it's the best car in the whole industry."
The awards are unique in the United States because -- instead of being given by a single media outlet -- they are awarded by a coalition of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada representing magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites. The awards are financed by the jurors' dues and NACTOY does not accept advertising from automakers
"It's diverse in terms of automakers and types of vehicles, but they all reflect the drive for greater efficiency and technical advancement. It's a real good list," said Mark Phelan, the auto critic for the Detroit Free Press.
To be eligible a vehicle must be all new or substantially changed. After considering dozens of vehicles this year the jurors finally voted on 11 cars and 10 trucks.
The winners will be announced in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Last year, the 2012 North American Car of the Year was the Hyundai Elantra and the 2012 North American Truck of the Year was the Land Rover/Range Rover.
This is the 20th year of the awards.
Below are the vehicles on which the jurors voted.
North American Car of the Year:
BMW 3 Series
Cadillac ATS
Chevrolet Malibu
Dodge Dart
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord
Lincoln MKZ
Nissan Altima
Scion FR-S
Subaru BRZ
Toyota Avalon
North American Truck of the Year:
Acura RDX
Audi all road
BMW X1
Ford C-Max
Ford Escape
Hyundai Santa Fe
Infiniti JX 35
Mazda CX-5
Nissan Pathfinder
Ram 1500