If you’re in the market for a new car, I’ll bet you’re feeling overwhelmed. With so many makes and models to choose from, and every ad claiming they’re offering the very best, how do you know what to choose? Maybe you’re one of those people who is loyal to a certain brand, like GM or Ford, and you only stick to it. You know what size you’re looking for too, so that helps. For example, a family of six is going to require that third row, so sedans are simply out of the question. We also know you want a rear back up camera for the safety of those around you.
For those of you who want to choose the best of the best, there is Consumer Reports and their handy list of the top vehicles of 2014. Included in the list is every category of car to help you choose the best of the best, no matter what your needs are.
Best Compact
If you’re looking for something small, look no further than the Subaru Impreza. It packs a lot of attractive features into an affordable package, like all-wheel-drive and superior fuel economy. Consumer Reports testers enjoy driving the car – it handles well and drives smoothly, and features a spacious, comfortable interior (that includes the backseat). Choose between hatchback and sedan models to suit your needs and tastes. Bells and whistles include navigation system complete with backup camera.
Best Midsize Sedan
A frequent fixture on this list is the 4-cylinder Honda Accord. It offers 30 mpg/40mpg highway, quite impressive indeed – it’s as economical as a Honda Fit subcompact! It offers room for the whole family for a reasonable price. Testers thought it handled wonderfully, but thought it could be a bit more comfortable.
Best Small SUV
If that third row isn’t necessary, look no further than the Subaru Forester. It’s been totally redesigned – it makes the most of the space inside, and offers greater visibility with bigger windows and doors. In fact, it provides the best visibility of all vehicles in this class. The rear seats offers the most space of any other small SUV, and although it may not drive the most smoothly, it offers 26 mpg/35 mpg highway, the best in its class.
Best Midsize SUV
The Hyundai Santa Fe takes this category, offering plenty of space, quiet and comfortable ride, and an ample cargo area. The third row seat offered in the back is nice, but a bit small – it’s perfect for the kids. It features a 290-horsepower V6 engine that equates to 20 overall mpg.
Best Minivan
If you’re a soccer mom or just need more seats, Consumer Reports advises you to look no further than the Honda Odyssey. It has been a top performer for quite some time, and it’s easy to see why – it offers room for eight, comfortable rear seats that can be reconfigured in just about any way you can think of. It’s easy to secure your child seats into this van, and the storage options seem endless. It offers you great fuel economy and a quiet ride.
Best Hybrid
It’s not surprising Toyota Prius earned this honor – they were green when green wasn’t cool! The Prius has claimed this title from Consumer Reports for the past 11 years. It’s affordable and the best in its class in terms of fuel economy – 44 mpg. It offers ample room for passengers and cargo.
Best Overall
Okay, so you probably don’t have the $90,000 to shell out on this one, but it earned the best overall title – the Tesla Model S. It handles impeccably, maneuvers like no other, and even offers room for a small third row seat. It’s a technological powerhouse – most functions are controlled by a 17-inch touch screen, features keyless operation, zero-emission, and even internet access. It will go for 225 miles after a 5-hour charge, making it the best of all electric cars. That is, if you can live with the price tag.
If you do need a wireless backup camera for a car that doesn’t come with an integrated version, make sure to call us today. We have a great wireless back up camera option for every vehicle – just ask!