Chrysler Leads Three Categories in AAA’s Auto Ratings for 1994

Chrysler Corp. led the American Automobile Assn.’s ratings of the best 1994 models with three of the top-ranked cars.

General Motors and Toyota had two each, said the auto club, which rated the best cars in nine price ranges. Mercedes placed one car, just above the middle of the price ranges, and BMW made the list near the upper end.

AAA reviewed 125 new car models, looking at 20 characteristics such as workmanship, comfort, acceleration, braking, fuel economy and handling.

Chrysler’s new Dodge Neon, expected to be available in early 1994, was pegged best new model under $10,000. The Dodge Intrepid ES was chosen best in the $15,000-to-$20,000 range, and the redesigned Chrysler New Yorker led the $20,000-to-$25,000 category.

GM’s picks included the Geo Prism LSi in the $10,000-to-$15,000 range and the Aurora--made by its Oldsmobile division and due on the market next spring--for $30,000 to $35,000.

Toyota’s luxury Lexus LS 400, the pick for the over-$45,000 range, scored highest of all cars with 178 points. The other selected Lexus model was the GS 300.