Every year countless articles come out...Top ten cars froms Road and Track, Edmunds.com , Consumer Reports, etc.. And they all have valid points. However, Consumer Reports buy their vehicles so there isn't any favoritism to the manufacturer and that translates into the consumer quite nicely. Car magazines, well, sell magazines, so they pretty much don't have a choice but to promote the latest and greatest. This is where we differ.
With my clients we go over a 30 question questionnaire, before we even get started. After that is done they have a say on what they can't do without - reliability always comes up. Don't worry they won't all be Buicks, but like Consumer Reports points out, statistic wise, each year there are improvements over the last year. So, what I'm trying to say is that there will be rarely a new car that makes my list, no matter how much it has been engineered, hyped and tested.
The primary factor I have considered is reliability. However, each one of these vehicles bring something to the table.
1) Acura TL: year after year this car improves and still looks good. Handles well and is more sporty than you think. Good overall executive/younger family car. It has all the basics.
2)Infinity G35/37 Perennial engine winner by Wards (An engine/trades magazine). I met with Mark Cuban last year and the man was driving a G35, even though he is self-made billionnaire. Enough said. Google it, you won't find too much slander on this car. Two years in row, Best Car of the Year, by a couple of popular magazines.
3) Toyota Prius. I don't think that I've met a person yet that didn't like their Prius. Great gas mileage-mid 40's and very reliable. Not the greatest looker, but the next generation will be a great advancement, as far as the looks go. Like the saying goes "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder."
4)Mazda 3/Speed. Best bang for your buck. Reliable, powerful and still affordable. If you have a need for speed and a smaller savings account this is an option.
5) Porsche Boxster S, look above, if you don't have a bigger savings account. Further, it has superior handling of a Super car, with considerably good gas mileage. Great for refinements, bad for bells and whistles, but that's not what Porsche is all about. The last two years reliability has not been an issue. I guess after 10 years in the making they finally got it right. Pure fun with or without the top down.
6) Toyota Camry (not hybrid). Year after year this car comes through. A staple in the reliable car world and for some time too. Not much can be said, as everyone already knows it's the one most reliable vehicle out there. Makes my job easier.
7)Audi A3, another continual engine winner year after year, the 2.0 liter, reliable, smooth and powerful. Audi' s famous interiors and handling all in one great package. Best bang for buck, as far as refinement and fit.
Honda Fit, second year around. Great gas mileage, good handling, good interior...etc. ALL for under $15k. No brainer if you have a tight budget. Good things come in small packages.
9) Lexus LS460. ALL the bells and whistles; and then some. This vehicle is the quintessential vehicle, as far as technology, think NASA, but with comfy seats and a really great sound system. There is so much technology in this vehicle that no other car compares and further it all works well. Reliability and a plethora of features with great customer service- a system/product that has gotten them to the top.
10)BMW 335. This vehicle is the exception to the rule. I rarely recommend a vehicle on it's first year outing. However, two things, the 330 was last years model, so it had the same body/platform, but a different engine for 2007(335). It just so happens that the engine was also on Ward's best engine list. The combo worked. Here you have a great combination for refinement, power and handling, but it would also be great for a commuter or roads trips. The car is complete and solid.
Honorable mentions:
Mini Cooper (S), Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Subaru WRX/STI, Scion TC, Hyundai Azera, and the Audi RS4.
Hopefully next year for Domestics. Sorry guys.
The most reliable manufacturer, hands down, Toyota and their subsidaries. Don't take my word for it, ask your mechanic.
Lawrence Ribeiro
