For the first time in nine years, all of the top picks in Consumer Reports' annual vehicle guide are made by Japanese automakers.

The Honda Civic is the magazine's top small sedan, while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the top mid-sized sport utility vehicle.

Vehicles from Nissan and Subaru were also recognized among the 10 categories outlined in the magazine's April issue.

Asian brands also fared best in the magazine's survey of vehicle reliability.

Toyota's Lexus brand was first, followed by Honda and the actual Toyota nameplate.

Ford's Mercury brand was the only North American product to crack reliability's top 10.

Honda had the most winners, snagging top picks in five of the 10 categories.

Consumer Reports named its top picks based on road and track tests, as well as evaluations of comfort, convenience, fuel economy and crash protection.

The magazine says more than 200 vehicles were tested.

(AP)