Australia's Best Cars awards are judged by Australia's leading motoring clubs - NRMA, RACV, RACT, RACQ, RAASA, RACWA and AANT - representing more than 6.3 million Members. The national awards program provided the most credible and objective new car purchasing advice available to Australian car-buyers, using a unique objective scoring system that takes into account value for money, design and function. There is also a strong consumer focus criteria, looking at issues such as servicing, insurance, warranty and the car’s on-road performance.

State motoring clubs and specialised judges assessed each car during the year, adding them to the list of established vehicles. In 2005 there were nine new winners in the 12 categories.

Judges look at all measurable aspects of each vehicle, including standard features, interior space, acceleration and braking, safety and security features, interior noise levels, pricing, depreciation, running and repair costs, and fuel consumption.

The cars, ranging from small to luxury and 4WDs, are tested on some of the country's harshest roads and measured on a range of criteria, including handling, safety, security and value.

Each vehicle is assessed and scored against at least 19 criteria and given a score ranging from five (well above average) to one (well below average) for each. ABC custom software then applies weightings - based on feedback from consumers - to produce the final scores.

2005 Winners

Best Small Car	Hyundai Getz 1.6 3-door A commitment to small car affordability is Hyundai's greatest strength and hands the Getz its award-winning edge for 2005. More information
Best Mid-Size Car under $28,000	Ford Focus CL Ford Australia has found itself with a superb new Focus at the same time that buyers are crying out for this type of versatile car. NRMA Drive Impression More information
Best Mid-Size Car over $28,000	Honda Accord Euro Buyers will relish a competent and comfortable ride, the punchy and polished match between engine and automatic transmission and a communicative front-wheel-drive handling package. NRMA car review More information
Best Large Car	Mitsubishi 380 On-road it has plenty to offer. The 380 is the smoothest, quietest Australian-made car. It also features beaut bump absorption and dutiful damping. NRMA car review More information
Best Luxury Car under $57,000	Subaru Liberty 3.0R Liberty is a free spirit on handling with communicative steering plus plenty of all-wheel-drive grip and balance. Its ride, brakes and smoothness surpass the class standard. NRMA car review More information
Best Luxury Car over $57,000	Audi A6 TDi Quattro Audi's effort in A6 design and functionality is laudable. This car demands recognition for its safety, security, comfort, ergonomics and build quality. Its space and practicality also are of a high standard. More information
Best Sports Car under $57,000	VW Golf GTI This is a safe, snug, well-built and functional hatch which doesn't forego the fun factor. The GTI is rapid yet refined. NRMA drive impression More information
Best Sports Car over $57,000	Mercedes-Benz CLK350 CLK350 owners gain user-friendly controls and underlying levels of safety. They'll also gain a car with exceptional ride and smoothness/quietness traits. More information
Best People Mover	Honda Odyssey Luxury Space for seven souls within the sleek shape is a selling point while a surplus of storage spots and an ability to alter the seating configurations is admirable. More information
Best Recreational 4WD	Ford Territory Ghia This Ford continues to shine for passenger, cargo and oddments space. And when practicality, seat comfort and driving position are rated Territory comes out on top. NRMA car review More information
Best Luxury 4WD	Lexus RX330 Sport Lexus equips its RX330 with a swag of active and passive safety features and its classy seats are comfortable and supportive. More information
Best All-terrain 4WD	Land Rover Discovery 3 SE-TDV6 Land Rover's turbo-diesel powered, seven-seat Discovery 3 SE is a rare find. It makes a mockery of its bulk with impressive cornering abilities, accurate steering and dependable grip levels. NRMA car review More information