FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Cadillac CTS Earns Top Spot on Total Car Score’s Top 10 American Cars

Total Car Score ranks best domestic cars to celebrate Fourth of July; Detroit rebound evident in results.

by Staff
June 28, 2012
3 min to read


LOS ANGELES — Total Car Score, an automotive ranking and comparison website, announced today the 10 Best American Cars for 2012. This year's top spot goes to the 2012 Cadillac CTS luxury sedan.

As the nation prepares to mark Independence Day, Total Car Score's list of the 10 Best American Cars reflects the strength and quality of the domestic auto industry. The rankings represent nearly every category of car, including luxury sedans, SUVs, crossovers and large wagons.

Ad Loading...

"The Detroit Big 3 have quickly rebounded to produce some of the highest rated cars on the market, and America clearly hasn't lost its grip on the large SUV or high-performance sedan segments,” said Karl Brauer, editor in chief and CEO of Total Car Score. “All three manufacturers made the Top 10 list with at least one 'tuner' version of their mainstream sedans, confirming Detroit muscle is alive and well.”

Aside from the Cadillac earning the top spot with its CTS luxury sedan, General Motors also captured six of the Top 10 spots with hits from Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and a total of three Cadillac models. Ford's Taurus SHO and Flex represent the Blue Oval's best, while two versions of Chrysler's venerable 300 sedans confirm its continued appeal.

"It's worth noting that while no compact domestic models made the list, Ford's 2012 Focus was less than half a point behind the 300 SRT8,” Brauer noted. “With a growing emphasis on small cars and high fuel efficiency, it's likely we'll see a domestic economy car in next year's Top 10 Best American Cars list."

Total Car Score allows car buyers and enthusiasts alike to compare vehicles quickly and easily across all automotive segments. The "Total Car Score" is one comprehensive number assigned to a vehicle that represents an overall industry assessment from major automotive authorities. All vehicles are model-year 2012 with at least five source ratings that comprise the Total Car Score.

1. Cadillac CTS

Total Car Score: 86.49

A superb Total Car Score for the 2012 Cadillac CTS shows just how appealing this American entry luxury car is. Another telling illustration is when reviewers compare it favorably to European rivals, who used to have this segment sewn up.



2. Buick LaCrosse

Total Car Score: 85.01

The 2012 Buick Lacrosse has the highest Total Car Scores in the Large Sedan Category. It is the car charged with taking the brand's old school image in a more youthful direction. Reviewers praised the Lacrosse for its quiet ride, responsive handling, strong V6 engine and available all-wheel-drive.



3. Chevrolet Traverse

Total Car Score: 84.87

The Traverse's most obvious attraction is its sizable eight-passenger interior, which features an uncommonly adult-friendly third-row seat. Less obvious but no less important is the relatively smooth ride and nimble handling that puts old school truck-based SUVs to shame.



4. Ford Flex

Total Car Score: 84.44

Though its distinctive looks may not appeal to everyone, it's hard to argue with the top-flight Total Car Score racked up by the 2012 Ford Flex. The long list of positives cited by reviewers starts with the Flex's roomy, comfortable interior and excellent crash test ratings.



5. GMC Acadia

Total Car Score: 84.18

Located in the sweet spot between traditional truck-based SUVs and minivans, the 2012 GMC Acadia has received enough positive reviews to earn itself a high Total Car Score in the very competitive Large SUV & Crossover segment.



6. Cadillac CTS-V

Total Car Score: 83.65



7. Chrysler 300

Total Car Score: 83.29



8. Ford Taurus SHO

Total Car Score: 83.22



9. Cadillac SRX

Total Car Score: 83.01



10. Chrysler 300 SRT-8

Total Car Score: 82.59

 

More F&I

Cover image for a BOK Financial report titled “Timing the market: How avoiding volatility entirely can hurt long-term reinsurance program performance.” The image shows several road construction barricades with flashing amber warning lights lined up in a nighttime work zone. Beneath the image, red text explains that avoiding volatility can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long-term surplus growth. The BOK Financial logo appears at the bottom right.
SponsoredMay 8, 2026

Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance

For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.

Read More →
Ryan Ruff, The 90/10 Rule, Automotive Training Academy, Sales Series
F&IMay 6, 2026

The 90/10 Rule

In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.

Read More →
Photo of essential oil diffuser on desk next to laptop
F&IMay 4, 2026

Your Office Is Talking

What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
"Effective training ensures the customer’s needs remain at the heart of everything we do. When that is the focus, both sales and profits naturally improve." by Rick McCormick with F&I and Showroom logo and picture of Rick McCormick
F&IMay 1, 2026

F&I Training Fundamentals

How can auto dealerships help F&I managers fulfill their vital role in the most effective ways? Industry expert Rick McCormick shares his insights on the best ways to train these professionals and help them maintain good habits.

Read More →
Photo of car tire and the tread mark it left in snow
F&Iby Hannah MitchellApril 29, 2026

Not Just Any Tire Will Do

More consumers and businesses are opting for all-season options for various reasons as safety, sustainability and convenience push practical change.

Read More →
Photo of robot holding a laptop
F&Iby Hannah MitchellApril 27, 2026

How AI Will Drive the Next Wave of Innovation in Finance & Insurance

It’s time to take the next digital step to free F&I managers to handle the most challenging aspects of customer meetings.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of notepad and pen next to computer keyboard on desktop
F&IApril 13, 2026

Control in Sales Is an Illusion

Some of it should be given to the customer, but that doesn’t mean the F&I office relinquishes the process. In fact, a different approach both builds trust and boosts sales.

Read More →
Photo of external keyboard on office deak next to window
F&IApril 7, 2026

The Limited Warranty Game

Bringing it in-house benefits the dealership and its customers.

Read More →
Woman in casual clothing sitting at a desk
F&Iby Rick McCormickMarch 31, 2026

Curb The Confusion

Talk to F&I customers like you’d talk to a friend, without industry lingo or sales-like questions, and use hard proof to show, not tell, them about a need.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of man's hand on laptop computer keyboard with blank screen
F&IMarch 16, 2026

There Is Always one More Product

Helping F&I customers understand complementary offerings is likely to lead to more sales, based on the success of a high-performing practitioner of the philosophy.

Read More →