Gallery Archives - Page 14 of 19

The Best Hatchbacks of 2017 Are Ready for the Weekend

The Mercedes-Benz E-class is one of the best hatchbacks of 2017

Jason Unrau
February 24, 2017

Pages: 1 2

Your opinion of station wagons could be tainted by thoughts of woodgrain. It’s understandable – that defined a classic era of family vacations, trips to the beach, or holidays on the way to Grandma’s house in a cream-colored Ford Country Squire. But a rear-facing seat is no longer the norm and wagons are a different breed.

Like station wagons, what you think of hatchbacks could be flawed. You may think it’s a poor man’s car, for someone who can’t afford the whole thing. Or you might get flashbacks of your high school days, driving a Pinto.

The hatchbacks and wagons in today’s market are something else altogether. It’s an impressive grouping of utilitarian and funky vehicles, designed to make driving enjoyable and functional. And according to J.D. Power, these are the best five hatchbacks of 2017 in terms of reliability, in no particular order.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon

Up front, it’s all business. The familiar front grille with sleek, sloped hood are just like the E-Class sedan. Around back, the E-Class Wagon shows its true colors. The E-Class makes station wagons sexy, if that’s possible. The long cabin looks all-natural, unlike other cars that seem to have an extra appendage grafted on.

Powered by its 329-hp biturbo V6 and a nine-speed transmission, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon is as fun to drive as it is attractive. And 4MATIC AWD is standard equipment, keeping you and all your passengers safe.

With seating for seven – wait, what? It’s true, the E-Class Wagon stows two extra passengers in a third row. And in typical station wagon fashion, it’s rear-facing. That’s a throwback to an era most millennials won’t remember.

Kia Soul

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Kia-Soul.jpg" id="7186"]

The Kia Soul is a bargain with an entry price of just over $16,000. But what’s neat about this hatchback is that it’s not…boring? In every sense, the Kia Soul takes your attention away from its utilitarian purpose. Instead, your focus is on its squarish, boxy shape that feels like a teeny tiny SUV. This Kia has soul.

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The Kia Soul runs the gamut of options too. You can choose to keep it simple with the 130-horsepower, manual-transmission base package. You can wave jazz hands from the Soul with either the 161-hp or 201-hp engine also, with your choice of seven-speed dual-clutch auto, six speed auto, or 6-speed manual gearbox.

Current Post Tags
Mercedes-Benz: 10
Kia: 10
BMW: 10
Soul: 10
Audi: 10
Commuter: 5
Forte: 10
E Class: 10

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%2017 Kia Forte Review: It’s an Effective Facelift
Commuter
name: Forte type: Model
name: Kia type: Make

Points: 17.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Kia Forte Earns an IIHS Top Safety Plus Rating
name: Forte type: Model
name: Kia type: Make

Points: 17.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%2017 Kia Soul: If You Can Get Past the Looks, There’s a Funky SUV
name: Kia type: Make
name: Soul type: Model

Points: 12.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Kia Cadenza: This 2018 Full-Size Sedan Is Sure To Satisfy
Commuter
name: Kia type: Make

Shop Wisely: 10 Trucks and Cars with Best Resale Value

The Subaru WRX is one of the cars with best resale value

Jason Unrau
February 22, 2017

Pages: 1 2 3 4

You know it all too well. When you buy a new vehicle, it depreciates as soon as you drive it off the lot. Often in the first year of ownership, your brand spanking new car can drop to just 60 percent of what you paid. Buying a car isn’t an investment.

But that doesn’t mean you have to lose a ton of money when you buy a car. Kelley Blue Book, perhaps the most renowned automotive valuation company out there, has done their research. And according to KBB, here are the top 10 vehicles to buy if you’re concerned about resale value.

10. Subaru WRX

The ONLY car on the list is the Subaru WRX. Every other vehicle is a truck or SUV. But the Subaru earns its place with its cult-like following. As one of the most impressive AWD cars available, the Subaru WRX is sought after by safety-conscious drivers and tuner enthusiasts alike. A unique interior and the impressive Boxer engine, not to mention the acclaimed WRX STi, are top features.

The Subaru WRX is forecast to retain 55.2 percent of its value after 36 months and 45.4 percent after 60 months.

9. GMC Canyon

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/GMC-Canyon-1.jpg" id="7158"]

Truth be told, this shouldn’t be a surprise. The latest incarnation of the Canyon brings sexy back to the business-class lineup. The gorgeous front grille is the nicest in the segment, and the Canyon is an honest-to-goodness truck, not a weak-sauce SUV variant. Want it in diesel? Yup, it’s got that too.

Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2017 Can Go the Distance

The Fiat 500 is one of the most fuel-efficient cars of 2017

Jason Unrau
February 21, 2017

Pages: 1 2 3 4

We’ve ranked the top 10 most fuel-efficient cars of 2017 in North America. There are certainly others that achieve better economy in the electric-powered and hybrid markets, true. But since those are niche markets, they’ve been excluded for the time being.

10. Fiat 500

Imagine you want something that’s efficient yet stylish. You want a car that doesn’t look like or act like all the others. Maybe something Italian. Well, on your way for spaghetti al forno at Luigi’s, grab a Fiat 500. Its four-cylinder 1.4-liter engine has 101 horsepower. In a tiny two-door, that’s not so bad.

However, the list is about fuel economy, and the Fiat 500 does all right for itself. 34 miles per gallon is its overall EPA-rated performance. That factors in its 31 mpg city efficiency and 38 mpg on the highway. That all happens with a starting price tag around $15,000. Also check out the Abarth edition for an amped-up ride.

9. smart fortwo

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/smart-fortwo.jpg" id="7125"]

Contain your excitement (I know, it’s hard). The smart fortwo has an enthralling 89 horsepower from its turbocharged 3-cylinder 0.9-liter engine. And yes, this is all sarcastic.

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Still, for someone who wants great fuel economy with a relatively low purchase price, the sart fortwo fits the bill. Starting just over the $14,000-dollar mark, the smart fortwo wrangles ninth place with 34 mpg overall. That comes from 31 city mpg and 39 highway mpg.

Current Post Tags
Ford: 10
Chevrolet: 10
Fiat: 10
Hyundai: 10
Nissan: 10
Honda: 10
Toyota: 10
Spark: 10
Civic: 10
Mitsubishi: 10
Versa: 10
Fiesta: 10
Elantra: 10
Commuter: 5
500: 10
Mirage: 10
Fit: 10
Yaris: 10

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Nissan Versa Note: Don’t Be Fooled, It Has Space and Features to Spare
Commuter
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Versa type: Model

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Civic Type R Prototype An Aggressive Preview
Commuter
name: Civic type: Model
name: Honda type: Make

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Toyota Yaris: Does Reliability Outweigh All the Negatives?
Commuter
name: Toyota type: Make
name: Yaris type: Model

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%2017 Honda Civic Review: Solid, and the Hatch Is Back
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name: Civic type: Model
name: Honda type: Make

Easy on the Wallet: These Are the Cheapest Cars of 2017

The Chevrolet Sonic is one of the cheapest cars of 2017

Jason Unrau
February 17, 2017

Pages: 1 2 3 4

The days are long gone of finding a new car for less than $10,000. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a new car for close to that amount, complete with a new car warranty and that intoxicating new car smell.

Maybe one of these 10 will find their way into your driveway, but don’t set your expectations too high. No matter which way you slice it, you’re looking at the cheapest cars of 2017.

10. Chevrolet Sonic LS Sedan

With a price tag of $16,020, the Chevy Sonic finds itself the 10th cheapest car of 2017. And at that price, it’s surprisingly a great value. Inside, you’ll find a decent assortment of features, from a 7-inch infotainment display and air conditioning to 4G LTE Wi-Fi and a rearview camera.

The Chevy Sonic LS sedan is quite roomy inside, especially compared to most of the models in this list. With trunk space (gasp!) and elbow room for four people, the Sonic sedan might be a good car to consider. Its 1.8-liter Ecotec four-cylinder is peppy enough, and a bit of fun to drive with a six-speed manual.

9. Fiat 500 Pop

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/fiat-500-Pop.jpg" id="7083"]

Thirty dollars cheaper than the Sonic is the Fiat 500 Pop, ringing in at $15,990. Reminiscent of the BMW Isetta Steve Urkel drove, the Fiat 500 Pop has "cute" exotic appeal. You can’t get another Italian car in these parts for anywhere close to that price, and it’s well equipped to boot. Alloy wheels and chrome accents are great, as are the Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen and Alpine Premium Audio System.

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Let’s call the Fiat 500 Pop what it is: a two-plus-two seater. No one will be in the backseat except in dire circumstances or an extremely short person is driving. Yet with the rear seats folded down, cargo space is ample. The 1.4-liter MultiAir engine has 98 horsepower, but that seems efficient for a car this size.

Current Post Tags
Ford: 10
Chevrolet: 10
Hyundai: 10
Nissan: 10
Kia: 10
Spark: 10
Mitsubishi: 10
Rio: 10
Versa: 10
Accent: 10
Smart: 10
Fortwo: 10
Sonic: 10
Fiesta: 10
Commuter: 5
Mirage: 10

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%New Inexpensive Cars in America
Commuter
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Fiesta type: Model
name: Ford type: Make
name: Fortwo type: Model
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Smart type: Make
name: Sonic type: Model
name: Versa type: Model

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Redesigned Kia Rio Proves Cheap Doesn’t Mean Chintzy
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name: Kia type: Make
name: Rio type: Model

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%The New Hyundai Accent Goes Beyond Entry-Level Quality
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name: Accent type: Model
name: Hyundai type: Make

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Nissan Versa Note: Don’t Be Fooled, It Has Space and Features to Spare
Commuter
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Versa type: Model

Bestselling Trucks of 2016 Bring a Big Haul

The Nissan Titan was one of the bestselling trucks of 2016

Jason Unrau
February 15, 2017

Pages: 1 2 3 4

In 2016, truck sales soared even higher on low-priced fuel at the pumps. Midsize trucks made a strong comeback, and full-size trucks didn’t slow down on the heels of last year’s nearly 10 percent growth. And to make things even more competitive, the Honda Ridgeline and redesigned Nissan Titan spurred on the truck market.

Without further ado, here are the bestselling trucks of 2016, rated by number of sales.

11. Nissan Titan

This truck is fresh. What a spectacular specimen. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out in person, you might want to make it a priority. Choose from a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive model, the entry-level Titan S or the decked-out Titan XD Platinum Reserve edition. One thing is for sure – this is no ordinary truck.

The gas version has the 5.6-liter V-8 with 390 rock-crushing horsepower. Or, choose the XD with 5-liter Cummins diesel engine with 310 horsepower and an astounding 555 lb-ft of torque. This Titan is just that – a titan. For 2016, 21,880 Nissan Titans went into service, up 80.2 percent from the previous 12 months.

10. Honda Ridgeline

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Honda-Ridgeline.jpg" id="7032"]

Enter the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. Gone are the flying buttresses on the box sides and in with the more reserved trucklike appearance. Yet, beneath the new subdued looks, the Ridgeline still has the endearing qualities of its past generation. And it has a few new ones, too.

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You’ll still love the in-bed trunk and the dual-action tailgate. You’ll be familiar with the i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive system. And the spacious interior for SUV owners who occasionally need a truck – that’s still standard equipment. You’ll get optional truck bed lights and an in-bed inverter, and a whole host of interior amenities. The Ridgeline broke into 2016’s sales with 23,667 vehicles sold.

Current Post Tags
Ford: 8
Chevrolet: 8
GMC: 8
Silverado: 15
Sierra: 15
Nissan: 8
Honda: 8
Toyota: 8
Colorado: 15
Canyon: 15
Titan: 15
Tacoma: 15
Ridgeline: 15
Diesel: 5
Frontier: 15
Truck/SUV: 9
F-Series: 15
Tundra: 15
Duramax: 5

Points: 26.0001 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Truck Throw Down: Colorado vs. Tacoma vs. Frontier
Truck/SUV
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Colorado type: Model
name: Frontier type: Model
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Tacoma type: Model
name: Toyota type: Make

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%2017 Nissan Titan Platinum Reserve: Despite Fancy Name, It’s Still a Good Truck
Truck/SUV
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Titan type: Model

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name: Colorado type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%The Titan XD: Not Your Hunting Truck, but It Could Be
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name: Titan type: Model

Get In the Bestselling Luxury Cars of 2016

The Lexus RX was one of the bestselling luxury cars of 2016

Jason Unrau
February 13, 2017

Pages: 1 2 3 4

Luxury vehicles are a small yet indicative sales group, as the list of bestselling luxury cars of 2016 shows. When luxury car sales are strong, it typically indicates the automotive industry is doing well. And for 2016, it’s mostly an upswing.

It’s the premium brands that we speak of here. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Audi – even Acura. The members of this list take vehicle ownership beyond just transportation. They’re about getting there in style and enjoying the ride. Here are the top 10 bestselling luxury cars of 2016.

1. Lexus RX

Big changes happened in the top 3, and the result is a new champion. The Lexus RX rose mightily to take the title from the BMW 3-Series in 2016. The sexy looks are the first draw to the Lexus RX but by no means the least. Ravishing performance come from the 3.5-liter V-6 and Active Torque Control AWD. Or, choose the stellar Lexus RX hybrid for quiet, ultra-efficient transportation.

Copious amounts of elegance are found inside along with technologies beyond expectation. Mark Levinson Audio, Heads-Up Display, and a wide-screen multimedia center are all draws to the Lexus RX. In fact, it drew in 109,435 purchasers in 2016, up 8.8 percent from 2015.

2. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Mercedes-Benz-C-Class.jpg" id="6983"]

The more traditional approach to luxury cars is still in firm grasp by Mercedes-Benz. The C-Class sedan offers a whole range of luxury models, from entry level to AMG packages. And in their approach, you’ll find an economical hybrid to a 503-horsepower pavement killer.

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Perhaps the classiest automaker in the mainstream lineup, Mercedes equips the C-Class well even at the lower end. Available Heads-Up Display, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and AIRMATIC air ride suspension can adorn your luxury sedan, enhancing your experience to new heights. 77,167 new C-Class cars were bought in 2016, down 10 percent from 2015, yet claiming second place from the tumbling 3-Series Bimmers.

Current Post Tags
Mercedes-Benz: 10
BMW: 10
Acura: 10
MDX: 5
Lexus: 10
Audi: 10
GLE: 5
RX-2: 5
Luxury: 6
Q5: 5
C Class: 5
E Class: 5
RDX: 5
NX: 5
ES: 5
3-Series: 5

Points: 17.3335 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%The Top 10 Most Popular Luxury Cars Are Keeping It Classy
Luxury
name: 3-Series type: Model
name: Acura type: Make
name: Audi type: Make
name: BMW type: Make
name: C Class type: Type
name: E Class type: Model
name: ES type: Model
name: Lexus type: Make
name: Mercedes-Benz type: Make

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Luxury
name: Audi type: Make
name: Q5 type: Model

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%2019 Acura RDX: Sports Crossover or Putting on a Show?
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name: Acura type: Make
name: RDX type: Model

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name: MDX type: Model

Climb In The Bestselling Minivans of 2016

The Mazda5 was one of the bestselling minivans of 2016

Jason Unrau
February 7, 2017

Pages: 1 2 3

The past year has been very good to the family-hauler segment, as the list of bestselling minivans of 2016 will attest. If you thought that surging SUV sales meant minivans were on the outs, you’d be mistaken. In 2016, overall minivan sales climbed higher, clawing up 6.3 percent over the 2015 numbers.

There is no shortage of buyers in the minivan camp, but competition is dwindling. Only eight models were sold in 2016, including the Mazda 5 that has been struck from the American lineup. Still, competition is tight. How do the numbers stack up?

8. Mazda 5

It was good while it lasted, but was never a top competitor in the United States. The Mazda 5 isn’t your luxurious spaceship of a vehicle but an excellent runabout for the family. Its powertrain is reportedly fun to drive, but the numbers are sadly lacking. Only 157 horsepower from its 2.5-liter engine could have contributed to limited sales.

The Mazda 5 is still sold north of the border to Canucks. In the U.S., though, sales ended in early 2016. Only 375 Mazda 5s were sold in 2016. That’s not a huge loss – just 8,609 were retailed in 2015 for a full sales year.

7. Nissan Quest

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Nissan-Quest.jpg" id="6956"]

The Nissan lineup has an obligatory minivan but it’s not one of their bestsellers. It’s not that the Nissan Quest is a bad vehicle – on the contrary! It’s pretty sharp and has great things going for it. Even the base model has Intelligent Key, a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, and a rather attractive albeit unusual exterior.

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That’s not enough to compete in the small segment, though. The Nissan Quest just doesn’t stack up with its interior quality or options. And for its price, it should. In 2016, the Nissan Quest sold 11,115 vehicles, up less than 100 units from the previous year. One might expect a change of direction from Nissan.

Current Post Tags
Nissan: 10
Mazda: 10
Minivan: 5
Dodge: 10
Grand Caravan: 10
Honda: 10
Odyssey: 10
Toyota: 10
Sienna: 10
Town and Country: 10
Kia: 10
Sedona: 10
Mazda 5: 10
Chrysler: 10
Pacifica: 10
Commuter: 5

Points: 27.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Minivan Matchup: Chrysler Pacifica vs. Honda Odyssey
Commuter
name: Chrysler type: Make
name: Honda type: Make
name: Minivan type: Type
name: Odyssey type: Model
name: Pacifica type: Model

Points: 24.5000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%How the Pacifica Is Making Chrysler Relevant Again
Commuter
name: Chrysler type: Make
name: Minivan type: Type
name: Pacifica type: Model

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%The Chrysler Pacifica Is Here To Move Your Family
name: Chrysler type: Make
name: Minivan type: Type
name: Pacifica type: Model

Points: 21.1666 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Top 10 Minivans Under $32,000
Commuter
name: Chrysler type: Make
name: Dodge type: Make
name: Grand Caravan type: Model
name: Honda type: Make
name: Kia type: Make
name: Mazda type: Make
name: Mazda 5 type: Model
name: Minivan type: Type
name: Odyssey type: Model
name: Sedona type: Model
name: Sienna type: Model
name: Town and Country type: Model
name: Toyota type: Make

Top 10 Bestselling SUVs of 2016

The Toyota Highland was a best setlling SUV in 2016

Jason Unrau
February 3, 2017

Pages: 1 2 3 4

With SUV sales skyrocketing, the best selling SUV had some stiff competition in 2016.

The year began on an uptick in SUV sales, and it’s a trend that did not slow. SUVs are quickly taking the reins as America’s favorite style of vehicle and the numbers prove it.

Year over year, SUV sales increased 8 percent from the 2015 sales numbers. Eight percent might sound like a modest number, but that equates to nearly 150,000 units over the previous year. Not too shabby, right?

And here are the top 10 bestselling SUVs of 2016.

10. Toyota Highlander

Edging out the Subaru Forester to claim 10th place is the Toyota Highlander. It’s a deserving vehicle for the top-10 bestsellers list for 2016, and the only one on the list that seats up to eight people. The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a Kelly Blue Book Best Buy Award winner, so you know it must be good value. Entune Premium Audio, Toyota Safety Sense-P, and, of course, it’s dashing good looks round out its worthiness.

In 2016, the Toyota Highlander took its competition, along with the general public, by surprise. 191,379 Toyota Highlanders were purchased in 2016, up 20.4 percent from its sales in 2015.

9. Jeep Wrangler

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/jeepwrangler.jpg" id="6928"]

America’s favorite SUV, and the most iconic SUV ever, is the Jeep Wrangler. For 2016, the Wrangler remains largely unchanged. That’s a good thing, because how do you improve on a vehicle everyone loves? I guess you sell more of them… The Jeep Wrangler can be dressed up with the Hard Rock edition or stripped down to the bare-bones Wrangler S. You’ll always get rugged 4WD.

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For 2016, the Jeep Wrangler drops 5.2 percent on sales from 2015. That’s 191,774 brand new Jeep Wranglers on the road still.

Current Post Tags
Ford: 8
Chevrolet: 8
Jeep: 8
Grand Cherokee: 15
Wrangler: 15
Nissan: 8
Honda: 8
Toyota: 8
Cherokee: 15
Escape: 15
Rogue: 15
CR-V: 15
Rav4: 15
Explorer: 15
Truck/SUV: 9
Highlander: 15
Equinox: 15

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Will the Jeep Wrangler Pickup Ever Happen?
Truck/SUV
name: Jeep type: Make
name: Wrangler type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%What We Know About the Jeep Pickup Truck Right Now
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name: Jeep type: Make
name: Wrangler type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Buying Guide
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name: Grand Cherokee type: Model
name: Jeep type: Make

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Form and Function: It’s A 2019 Toyota RAV4 Crossover Review
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name: Rav4 type: Model
name: Toyota type: Make

10 Bestselling Cars of 2016

The Hyundai Sonata was one of the bestselling cars of 2016

Jason Unrau
January 30, 2017

Pages: 1 2 3 4

The bestselling cars of 2016 may not be as surprising as other things related to last year. 2016 wasn’t the year for passenger cars. A widespread decline in sales numbers is noted due to the increased popularity of SUVs and trucks, mainly because of low fuel prices.

Yet, the market remains saturated with excellent choices for cars. These were the bestselling cars of 2016 in the United States.

10. Hyundai Sonata

Beating out the Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus, and Kia Soul for the final spot on our top-ten bestsellers of 2016 list is the Hyundai Sonata. This classy midsize sedan is a sleeper in its segment and, truth be told, I’m stumped why it doesn’t sell better. Even the base Sonata GL has heated seats, Bluetooth, rearview camera, 185 horsepower, and a great allotment of technology. You can also step up to a 245-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder if you like it a little sportier.

For 2016, the Hyundai Sonata retailed some 199,416 units. It’s 6.5 percent fewer than 2015, but overall still much stronger than 11th place.

9. Hyundai Elantra

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/shutterstock_404062984.jpg" id="6227"]

Hyundai has two cars rounding out the top ten list. The Elantra, an economy car often thought to be a disposable vehicle in the past, is now one of the highest ranked in quality. An about-face in the company’s vision has set them on course to win awards of all kinds, from IIHS Top Safety Pick + to J.D. Power Highest in Initial Quality.

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208,319 Hyundai Elantras were sold in 2016, but the number dropped alarmingly since last year. Sales were down 13.8 percent.

Current Post Tags
Ford: 10
Chevrolet: 10
Hyundai: 10
Nissan: 10
Honda: 10
Toyota: 10
Camry: 10
Fusion: 10
Civic: 10
Corolla: 10
Altima: 10
Sentra: 10
Elantra: 10
Accord: 10
Commuter: 5
Sonata: 10
Malibu: 10

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%2017 Honda Civic Review: Solid, and the Hatch Is Back
Commuter
name: Civic type: Model
name: Honda type: Make

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Driving All Four: We Drive the 2019 Nissan Altima AWD
Commuter
name: Altima type: Model
name: Nissan type: Make

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%2017 Ford Fusion: Putting Some Kick in the Family Ride
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name: Ford type: Make
name: Fusion type: Model

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Is the All New 2018 Honda Accord Still the Midsize Sedan Gold Standard
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name: Accord type: Model
name: Honda type: Make

5 Timeless Off-Road Vehicles that Top the New Kids

A Jeep Wrangler tearing through a rut shows how it is a dependable off-road vehicle

Chris Smith
January 23, 2017

Pages: 1 2

If you take off-road vehicles seriously, you may be disappointed with the over-appointed 4x4s that sit on lots today. You are probably not happy with the sticker prices either.

For the diehard fans there are a few off-road vehicles that rely on your skill and experience rather than sensor feedback to negotiate a trail. All of these off-roaders have long histories and all pay more attention to performance than comfort and convenience.

The American Off-Road Icon: Jeep Wrangler

In 1942 when the first Jeep put tires on the ground, off-roading frequently meant dodging mortars and scrambling across open ground. The Willys-Overland quarter ton truck became the icon of American infantry. Incredibly reliable and almost indestructible, the Jeep started off as a double tough off-road mover that rewarded skilled drivers and punished those who weren't.

While the automotive industry changed, the Jeep remained true to its beginnings regardless of who was building it. In 1970 Willys came under the AMC umbrella until it ended up with Renault in the early '80s. Chrysler eventually grabbed it but under the Chrysler Daimler alliance the Jeep became German for a while.

Today Jeep is the crown jewel of the Fiat-Chrysler group bringing in sales that are keeping the other brands afloat.

Changes to the Wrangler over the years have always been minor in order to retain the vehicle's personality and capabilities. After 74 years of history the Jeep Wrangler still looks like a Jeep, behaves like a Jeep, and is one of the most popular off-road vehicles in the country.

The Russian Enigma: Lada Niva

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In 1977 the Russians were looking for a utilitarian vehicle that would allow a farmer to drive across his fields but also drive in relative comfort in the city. With the help of Fiat designers and Fiat parts they came up with what could arguably be called the first crossover, the Lada Niva.

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Russia doesn't really have a reputation for solid, reliable automobiles of any kind, so when they get one that's a hit, they don't risk messing it up by updating it. That was the case with the Lada.

It looks like a nice clean '70s SUV (except there weren't any SUVs then). It has incredible clearance, a 1.7L 83 hp 4 banger, full time four wheel drive and can do 85 mph. The interior of the 2016 is almost an exact copy of the 77 model when the term ergonomic hadn't been invented yet. Crank down windows, high and low range controls that look like they came off a Soyuz capsule, a rear deck release accessible only from the back seat, and an ash tray big enough to handle a Cuban cigar are all "features" of this bare bones off-roader.

Oh yes, then there is the price. In Russia these sell new for about $6,600. Across Europe and South America they sell for $10,000. They drive over anything, they handle wonderfully on ice, they look like they should fall apart but they don't. The Lada is an enigma.

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