Honda's S2000 sports car scored highest in this year's Top Gear 2004 car survey, published this week. Scoring 94 out of a possible 100 points, it ranked slightly ahead of the Jaguar XJ and the Lexus IS 200. Michael McAleer reports.
The survey was even bigger than 2003, with 52,630 responses. Cars were rated for reliability, driving enjoyment and dealer service. There were 142 cars listed in the final survey.
Of the top 10 cars rated, seven were Japanese and two Czech - the Skoda Octavia in fifth place, and Fabia in ninth. Honda had the most cars in the top 10, with the CR-V and Jazz joining the S2000.
At the other end of the scale, the Mercedes M-Class came out worst in the survey. Apart from the Mercedes, the bottom 10 comprised two Fiats - the Stilo and the Bravo, three Renaults - the Megane, Espace and Laguna, two Citroëns - the Xsara and Saxo, and two Peugeots - the 206 and 307.
In terms of reliability alone, the Honda Jazz came out top in the small car segment, the Mazda 323 in compact cars, the Skoda Octavia in medium-sized cars and the Porsche 911 in super sports. The most unreliable cars were listed as the Renault Espace and Laguna.
Of the cars that owners would buy again, the Jaguar XJ and Honda S2000 topped the list, followed by the Subaru Forester and Honda Jazz. At the other end, the Fiat Bravo and Citroën Saxo trailed in last.
Finally, at the stranger end of the survey - though perhaps not that surprising, given Anglo-French relations - cars built in France came out as the smelliest when new.