Our brilliant benefactors at Consumer Reports have released their annual auto issue, and if Toyota was allowed to brag about it, they’d be tooting their horns over the fact that they took five of the top spots out of 10 categories. The April issue is jam-packed with car ratings for the discerning consumer, but companies aren’t allowed to use those scores for commercial use. Sorry!

Toyota is the first brand to earn so many spots in nearly a decade, says Consumer Reports. Honda pulled off that feat in 2003, but doesn’t have a single entry on the top picks list this year.

“Every year the competition grows tighter; in recent years as many as nine different brands have taken the top spots. Combined with the improved Camry, Toyota’s ability to maintain a competitive lead among hybrids and SUVs is a big factor in its strong presence on this year’s list,” said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports’ automotive editor.

The Top Picks by category:

Family sedan: Toyota Camry Hybrid ($29,052).
Sporty car: Ford Mustang ($28,880 to $43,880).
Small SUV: Toyota RAV4 ($24,405 to $30,328).
Affordable family sedan: Hyundai Sonata ($21,800).
Family hauler: Toyota Sienna V6 ($35,810).
Sports sedan: Infiniti G ($34,225 to $37,225).
Green car: Toyota Prius ($26,750 to $28,217).
Small car: Subaru Impreza ($21,345).
Pickup truck: Chevrolet Avalanche ($47,435).
Family SUV: Toyota Highlander ($38,578 to $47,255).

Of course, subscribers have access to the full Ratings for the more than 275 vehicles recently tested by Consumer Reports. For more details, check out the April issue highlights.

2012 Annual Auto Issue: Consumer Reports names its 2012 Top Picks [Consumer Reports]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.