What Makes a Great Car?
What makes a great car? A lot of factors go into deciding which car is right for you. Some vehicles are a good value while others are the epitome of excellence. Some are generalists, while others are experts in one area. Whatever you’re looking for in a car, there’s a good chance there’s a top-notch vehicle out there. Many trusted icon makers have been perfecting the art of designing cars for decades, but upstarts have caught them off guard, too.
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima has been in production since the 2014 model year, and it’s still a solid option for a midsize sedan. Its 3.5L V6 engine is a powerful beast, producing 290 horsepower. It’s also equipped with plenty of safety features, though the interior is starting to feel a bit dated. Nevertheless, it’s a worthy candidate for top car of the year status.
Kia Forte
The new Kia Forte uses the same platform as the Hyundai Elantra, which means that it’s remarkably durable. Since it has been on the market for about a decade, the car has been the subject of 11 recall campaigns. Luckily, the fixes are free to consumers, so there’s no need to worry about purchasing a faulty model. But how good is the Forte’s reliability? Let’s find out.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a midsize sedan that earns an average of 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. It comes standard with a high-tech infotainment system and plenty of driver safety features. It has a range of interior and exterior customization options including different wheels, trims and colors. Some models offer enhanced power or suspension tuning, making them even more capable than their base counterparts. A similar sedan from Volvo is another top pick for this class.
Toyota Camry
As one of the most popular midsize sedans in the world, the Toyota Camry has a lot of positive attributes, including dynamic styling, spacious cabin, and tech-laden interior. Despite its relatively low price tag, this car has received favorable safety scores from various authorities around the world. It competes with other popular midsize sedans like the Nissan Altima, Kia K5, Hyundai Sonata, and Honda Accord.
Volvo Pathfinder
A review of the new Volvo Pathfinder has uncovered some excellent characteristics. The V6 engine provides smooth gear changes and prompt downshifts. Although it lacks the towing hardware of a truck, the new Pathfinder’s ProPILOT assist is an excellent addition. This system combines adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist for comfort. Adaptive cruise control can slow you down if you’re stopped, but it’s still adequate for cruising in traffic.
