General Motors might be struggling in the North American car market, but it is still managing to impress the automotive media that hands out awards at the Detroit auto show.

For the second year in a row, the No. 1 U.S. automaker took the North American Car of the Year award with its Chevrolet Malibu (pictured above), while Mazda’s CX-9 SUV took truck honors. It was the 15th year for the awards, which are chosen by 45 U.S. and Canadian auto journalists.

Road & Track has said the Malibu sports European flair, while Car and Driver calls it a “no-excuses mainstream domestic sedan.”

Last year, GM’s Saturn Aura won the car award, while its Chevy Silverado won the truck award.

GM, in fact, crowded out many of the other automakers as its vehicles took up four of the six finalist spots. Trailing the Malibu were GM’s Cadillac CTS and the Honda Accord. Mazda’s CX-9 beat out GM’s Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and Buick Enclave.

Of course, opinions vary as Robb Report magazine, which focuses on the luxury end of the market, recently said its car of the year was Volkswagen’s Audi R8.

(Photo: Reuters)