This year, our seasoned staff of auto critics compiled a list of every new or substantially revised vehicle and assigned them to their respective categories, which were based on factors such as segment and price. Vehicles that were not driven by at least one staff member prior to final voting on Nov. 17, 2006 were disqualified, as were those that went on sale before February 2006 or after February 2007. However, contenders for the Best Car for the Environment, Best Family Car, and Best Car for Teen Drivers awards were not limited by sales dates or model year. Each staff member voted for the vehicle they’d most often recommend, with winners determined by a simple majority.