Consumer Reports' top car picks - Americans shut out

• Base price: FR-S $25,025 / BRZ $27,117
• Test score (out of 100): 83 - 82
• CR overall fuel economy: 30 mpg

Watch: Believe it or not... that's a Scion

The Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S were developed by Subaru in co-operation with Scion's parent company, Toyota. They're very nearly identical twins. (The FR-S is shown here.) Both have "super-sharp handling, excellent braking, and ample acceleration," according to the magazine.

Buyers had better be serious about performance, though, otherwise the "jittery ride, noisy cabins, and small rear seats," might not be worth it.

Read CNNMoney's review

The Ford Mustang, which had won this category last year, lost to the Japanese twins' more nimble performance this time. That contributed to this year's total shut-out of Detroit automakers, the first time that's happened since 2007. (The Chevrolet Avalanche won in the pick-up category last year but no trucks made the cut this year.)

NEXT: Mid-size sedan: Honda Accord