Choosing the World Car of the Year is not an exercise to be taken lightly. It is a serious responsibility, and it was treated as such. To achieve top honours, a vehicle must first satisfy rigid eligibility criteria, then prove to a panel of international jurors that it is the best overall choice, and not just in terms of the usual criteria, such as styling, performance, handling, comfort and utility. In addition, the cars were assessed with respect to value, safety and environmental responsibility, significance, and their 'Wow!' factor, also known as emotional appeal.

Eligible Vehicles Because cars are introduced in different countries at different times, a new car must be available in a minimum number of markets before becoming eligible for World Car of the Year consideration. Specifically, the 2005 Award, it had to be on sale in a minimum of five countries spread over at least two or more continents before January 1, 2005, and it must not have been that widely available before January 1, 2004.

Juror Panel A volunteer jury of distinguished automotive journalists, representing most of the world's major automotive markets, adjudicated the vehicles. All hold significant stature within their own regions and countries, which include: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States.

Appointed for one, two, or three-year terms, to provide for both continuity and renewal of the juror panel, they were chosen to represent Asia and the Far East, Europe, North America, and a combination of the world's other major markets, in approximately equal numbers, thus providing a balance of perspective.

Process A two-level, secret-ballot voting process was developed to initially create a short-list of ten finalists; then, from those finalists, to chose the World Car of the Year. Far from a simple popularity contest, in both cases the process was intense. All of which makes the ultimate decision more meaningful.