Making this Top 10 list is not easy by any means. In making this list a number of factors have been considered. For 2013, there are 10 new winners in seven categories. Honda was a no-show last year, but it has picked up three slots on this year’s list with the redesigned Accord and the CR-V and Odyssey. Two European automakers return to the list; the BMW 328i and the Audi A6 are those carmakers’ first entries in our winners’ circle in 10 and 13 years, respectively. Also new are the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ sports-car twins. And the Hyundai Elantra has returned after a one-year hiatus. No pickup was chosen because GM’s and Chrysler’s full-sized models have been revamped and we haven’t yet tested them.
For Mid Sized Sedan the Honda Accord was chosen for its 2013 redesigned style, and sending this sedan to the top of its class. This new model is roomy, nice to drive, well equipped, and very fuel efficient. With its four-cylinder engine, the Accord squeezes out 30 mpg overall and 40 on the highway, which is as good as the tiny Honda Fit. Higher-trim models have safety features seldom found in this category.
This year’s sports car of the year Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ co-developed by Subaru and Toyota, which builds Scion vehicles, both are exhilarating to drive, with super-sharp handling, excellent braking, and ample acceleration.
If you have budgetary constraints the well-rounded Elantra delivers a lot for the money, and it’s one of the top-rated compact sedans. It’s roomier and more refined than a typical subcompact yet gets competitive fuel economy.
This year’s electric cars are getting the equivalent of 100 or more mpg but no current plug-in car can match the Prius hatchback for its blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability. Its 44 overall mpg is still the best we’ve measured in any five-passenger, non-plug-in vehicle.
The cool new compact car is Subaru’s Impreza 2012 redesign all-wheel-drive Impreza, sensible cars, with nimble handling and a compliant, absorbent ride that rivals some luxury sedans. Fuel economy is impressive for an AWD car.
The luxury car of the year is the redesigned Audi A6. The Audi is agile, quick, and a joy to drive with the latest high-tech features. Its potent supercharged V6 engine, super-smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, and comfortable ride add to the business-class feel.
Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester small SUV of the year includes good fuel economy, compliant ride, and outstanding reliability.
BMW 3 Series sports sedan is legendary for its handling prowess and fun-to-drive character. With its recent redesign, it has also become roomier, more luxurious, and more fuel efficient.
The Minivan of the year Honda Odyssey has earned top among family haulers. It provides a comfortable ride and a roomy, quiet, and versatile cabin.
These are the top 10 picks that have proven this year’s excellence in testing, reliability, and performance tests conducted by government or insurance industry. If you are searching for a new vehicle consider donating your car to a local charity.
