What Were the Best Selling Cars for 2017 in the United States?

  • Jason Unrau

Total vehicle sales in 2017 were strong, but not strong enough to surpass the record-setting sales in 2016. That ends a seven-year run of annual sales records. What’s a little more concerning is what’s happening in the passenger car market. Of the top 10 best selling cars of 2017, only three increased their sales numbers. Seven were either stagnant or fell sharply.

You’ve already heard that SUVs and trucks are dominating vehicle sales right now. And yes, it’s reducing the number of cars sold in the U.S. Nonetheless, these top 10 best selling cars of 2017 aren’t going away anytime soon.

10. Chevrolet Malibu: 185,857 units sold

The Chevrolet Malibu was revamped just a couple years ago in the 2016 model year. It’s Chevrolet’s midsize sedan offering, and it’s pretty snazzy for a domestic car. Its interior can be rather upscale and it has new driver-assistive features in this generation.

Perhaps the change in the engine lineup hurt the Malibu’s sales. It has a turbocharged 1.5-liter, a turbocharged 2.0-liter, and a 1.8-liter hybrid powertrain as the only options. That’s unfamiliar to domestic car buyers, and could be the reason the Malibu slumped 18.4 percent compared with 2016, dropping to just 185,857 cars sold compared with the previous year’s 227,881.

9. Subaru Outback: 188,886

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/subaru-outback.jpg" id="12231" class="right"]

It seems people love the Subaru lineup, particularly the functionality of the Subaru Outback. It’s had steadily increasing sales in recent years despite being a vehicle that doesn’t look that special. It’s solely a wagon, which is also an unusual segment. Still, here it is on the best selling cars list.

The Outback has extremely reliable engines, offered in either a 173-horsepower 2.5-liter or a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter BOXER engine. Most notably, every Outback comes standard with Symmetrical AWD. For 2017, the Outback is up in sales by 3.3 percent, from 182,898 in 2016 to 188,886 in 2017.

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

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Nissan Altima Redesign Leaves You Saying “Altima Who?”
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
Commuter
name: Ford type: Make
name: Fusion type: Model

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%2017 Toyota Corolla: It’s Got Style, Features and Value
Commuter
name: Corolla type: Model
name: Toyota type: Make

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

Top 10 Fastest Cars Under $100K for 2018

  • Jason Unrau

Sure, there are a handful of cars faster than these, but they are mostly vehicles we will never get the opportunity to drive. That doesn't mean scorching speed is out of our hands, as this list of the fastest cars under 100K proves.

Our list also includes cars that are available in the American market, because 'Merica. And last but not least, we're talking about the fastest cars under 100K, not the quickest. That means it's not acceleration that matters but top speed.

So now that we've got all that out of the way, here are the fastest cars under 100K for the 2018 model year.

2018 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Long revered as one of the top performance cars for the price, the Corvette continues to assert dominance in 2018. The Corvette Z06 package is a 650-horsepower behemoth thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that delivers a 0-to-60 in under 3 seconds.

But since we’re talking fast and not quick, acceleration doesn’t matter. The 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 qualifies with a top speed of…well, we’re not sure. All they’re telling us is "in excess of 200mph." So we do know it's one of the fastest cars under 100K. You can get it with a starting price of under $80,000.

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/alfaromeogiulia.jpg" id="12207" class="right"]

You’ve heard a lot in 2017 about Alfa Romeo, and that’s because they’ve made themselves interesting. The 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (or QF) is a balls-out, hard-running luxury sports sedan from the Italian side of FCA. It’s got all the goodies inside for a comfy ride, but it’s what’s under the hood that matters most.

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A twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 pushes 505 horsepower and 441 lb-ft of torque. Sounding like a cross between a tuner and a supercar, the Giulia QF unwinds quickly and tops out at 191 miles per hour. It starts at just $72,000.

Current Post Tags
Corvette: 5
Porsche: 10
Ford: 10
Chevrolet: 10
Mercedes-Benz: 10
Mustang: 5
Dodge: 10
Tesla: 10
Model S: 5
Cadillac: 10
Shelby: 5
911: 5
AMG: 5
Challenger: 5
Hellcat: 5
Jaguar: 10
F-type: 5
Alfa Romeo: 10
Performance: 6
C Class: 5
Giulia: 5
CTS: 5

Points: 17.6665 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%The Best Sports Cars Under $100K
Performance
name: 911 type: Model
name: AMG type: Type
name: Challenger type: Model
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Corvette type: Model
name: Dodge type: Make
name: Ford type: Make
name: Mercedes-Benz type: Make
name: Mustang type: Model
name: Porsche type: Make
name: Shelby type: Model

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Ford Mustang Gets a 10-Speed Transmission
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name: Ford type: Make
name: Mustang type: Model

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Challenger GT AWD & Hellcat Widebody Coming
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name: Dodge type: Make

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Alfa Romeo Giulia: Italian Luxury Sports Sedan at Its Finest
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name: Alfa Romeo type: Make
name: Giulia type: Model

No Hands: Which Cars Have the Most Driverless Features?

  • Steven Symes

Everyone seems to be talking about the best self driving cars these days. What many people don’t get is that driverless features come in different levels, depending on how little drivers need to do. We’re not quite to the point where you can take a nap while your car drives you to work, but that might not be in the too distant future. In the meantime, vehicles on the market right now have an increasing amount of driverless equipment. That means less stress for you, especially in high-traffic commutes.

If you want to have the latest and greatest for better protection on the road, or you just like being the first to have new technologies, you have several vehicles to consider. Each of the following cars comes with plenty of driverless features, so you can live in the future now.

Audi A8

This flagship full-size sedan will of course pack plenty of cutting-edge tech, including autonomous equipment galore. Among the impressive list of semi-autonomous features is Traffic Jam Pilot. This system will take care of steering at speeds up to 35 mph. You must be on a limited-access (that means with exit and entrance ramps), divided highway, among other requirements.

Traffic Jam Pilot is a game changer. It’s the first Level 3 autonomous feature offered to the public. More are coming, but Audi has reached this milestone first. Just remember, you as the driver will still have to take over at a moment’s notice sometimes, so no napping. But the Audi A8 is definitely one of the best self driving cars.

Tesla Model X

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/tesla-model-x.jpg" id="12148" class="right"]

Too many people think Teslas can drive themselves without any driver help today, because the term Autopilot is a little deceptive. While drivers do need to be attentive at the wheel of a Model X, this all-electric SUV features impressive autonomous tech that can simplify your life.

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For starters, the Model X is bristling with 12 ultrasonic sensors and 8 cameras. Using feedback from those, the vehicle can manage steering and automatically stopping in some situations. Tesla CEO Elon Musk says all the hardware necessary for Level 5 autonomous driving is already onboard, only the software needs to be downloaded wirelessly. That could be several years down the road, but there’s no guarantee on a timeline.

Current Post Tags
Mercedes-Benz: 10
Nissan: 10
Tesla: 10
Audi: 10
Model X: 5
Cadillac: 10
A8: 5
Luxury: 6
Volvo: 10
E Class: 5
Leaf: 5
XC60: 5
CT6: 5

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Cadillac CT6 Super Cruise Feature Prepares Us for a Driverless Reality
Luxury
name: Cadillac type: Make
name: CT6 type: Model

Points: 13.5000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%E400 Coupe Reminds You What Mercedes Has Always Done Best
Luxury
name: E Class type: Model
name: Mercedes-Benz type: Make

Points: 12.6667 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%New Lineup of Volvo SUVs and Wagons Come in All Shapes and Sizes
Luxury
name: Volvo type: Make
name: XC60 type: Model

Points: 11.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Cadillac XT4: The General’s Luxury Compact Crossover
Luxury
name: Cadillac type: Make

The 15 Best Commuter Cars Will Make Your Day a Little Better

  • Jason Unrau

First thing in the morning, you drag your unshaven face into the driver’s seat and creep through traffic toward the office. When you punch out at the end of your shift, you haul your sorry self back into your car and drive home on autopilot, fueled by caffeine. You need some excitement in your drive, a car that will make you pay attention and keep your eyes open. You need one of the best commuter cars of 2017 to liven up your workday.

For some, it has nothing to do with excitement on the commute. It only has to do with functionality and fuel efficiency. So we have something for you too. But for those of us who need to feel our pulse pound every so often, there’s plenty of commuter cars for you to choose from.

2017 Tesla Model S

It’s unfair to compare the Tesla Model S to anything, really. It’s a gorgeous sedan that is driver-focused, making it the best commuter car at the moment. True, it has a thrilling 691-horsepower electric motor available, and that’s fun for the commute. The massive center stack has an entertainment screen with navigation as large as a fold-out map and can perform virtually any smartphone features you can think of.

As a full-electric car, the Model S has a range of up to 225 miles per charge, depending on the setup you choose. Its price starts at a paltry $70,000 for the 70 kWh battery, rear-wheel drive model and goes up from there. You’ll never need to stop for gas, though. Next year, you can expect the Tesla Model 3 to bump the Model S from the list of best commuter cars.

2017 Ford C-Max

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FordC-Max-min.jpg" id="9776" class="right"]

It’s like a Ford Focus, but better. The 2017 Ford C-Max comes in two variants – the C-Max Hybrid and the C-Max Energi. The Energi can run on straight electric power for around 18 miles before the gas engine kicks in to assist. Both have regenerative braking to put power back in the battery. And there are some cool features like SYNC 3, a hands-free power liftgate, and SmartGauge with EcoGuide (you have to see it).

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The real deal about the C-Max is in its fuel efficiency. The Hybrid models are rated at 38 mpg highway and 42 mpg city, while the Energi achieves an EPA rating equivalent of 104 mpg city and 87 mpg highway. You can get into the C-Max Hybrid for around $24,000 and about $30k for the C-Max Energi.

Current Post Tags
Ford: 10
Chevrolet: 10
Hyundai: 10
Subaru: 10
Nissan: 10
Volkswagen: 10
Honda: 10
Toyota: 10
Kia: 10
Tesla: 10
Acura: 10
Lexus: 10
Mazda 3: 10
Commuter: 5

Points: 15.3333 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Battle of the Hatchbacks: Chevy Cruze vs Honda Civic vs Mazda3
Commuter
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Honda type: Make
name: Mazda 3 type: Model

Points: 12.9999 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Efficient and Stylish: These Are the 10 Best Compact Cars
Commuter
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Ford type: Make
name: Honda type: Make
name: Hyundai type: Make
name: Kia type: Make
name: Mazda 3 type: Model
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Subaru type: Make
name: Toyota type: Make
name: Volkswagen type: Make

Points: 12.0002 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%10 Bestselling Cars of 2016
Commuter
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Ford type: Make
name: Honda type: Make
name: Hyundai type: Make
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Toyota type: Make

Points: 12.0002 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%What Were the Best Selling Cars for 2017 in the United States?
Commuter
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Ford type: Make
name: Honda type: Make
name: Hyundai type: Make
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Subaru type: Make
name: Toyota type: Make

Top 10 Car News Stories of 2017

  • Jason Unrau

For the automotive industry, 2017 was an improvement over 2016 as far as car news stories go. There were fewer massive debacles than last year, no new fuel cheats were found (that we know of), and famous people found a way to not die in a car. While there’s turmoil around the world in other senses, let’s call 2017 a success in the car biz.

So, let’s get on with it. Let’s take a look at the top 10 car news stories of 2017.

Tesla Model 3 Release

Last year, we heard the Tesla Model 3 was coming as a mainstream electric car mid-2017. It became a reality in the third quarter. But, instead of flooding the car market with electric cars after taking hundreds of thousands of deposits, Tesla stumbled out of the starting gate.

Production was much, much slower than expected and thousands of anxiously awaiting people who left a Model 3 deposit found their delivery times pushed back by months. Toward the end of 2017, production started ramping up.

Tesla continues to bleed money profusely, but Elon Musk doesn’t seem too concerned. Instead, he turned the focus to new models coming down the pipe like the Roadster, Tesla semi, and a Tesla pickup truck.

Trump’s Tariffs

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/5440392565_4634fb9d24_b.jpg" id="12119" class="right"]

The orange-skinned president is no stranger to the automotive industry, making headlines and stirring up doodoo. After backing down on cross-border tariffs early in the year, Trump followed it up by boldly saying he wants all cars sold in North America to contain 85 percent NAFTA-sourced parts, and at least 50 percent from the US.

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Doing so would either raise car prices by thousands of dollars in tariffs on cars that don’t meet the criteria, or it would raise car prices because production costs in the US are higher. NAFTA is still in negotiations, and 2018 will see the result of the talks.

Current Post Tags
News: 2
Lamborghini: 10
Dodge: 10
Honda: 10
Tesla: 10
Ridgeline: 15
Electric: 5
Recall: 16
Model 3: 15
Demon: 15
Self-Driving Cars: 5
Urus: 15

Points: 24.0000 Recency: -8.0 -1.0%Highly Anticipated Tesla Model 3 Ready This Friday
News
name: Electric type: Type
name: Model 3 type: Model
name: Tesla type: Make

Points: 20.2500 Recency: -8.0 -1.0%First Round of Tesla Model 3 Electric Cars Delivered to Customers
News
name: Electric type: Type
name: Model 3 type: Model
name: Tesla type: Make

Points: 19.0000 Recency: -8.0 -1.0%Honda Just Stormed the Midsize Truck Market
News
name: Honda type: Make
name: Ridgeline type: Model

Points: 17.0000 Recency: -8.0 -1.0%Tesla Model 3 Unveiled, 150,000 Advance Orders Immediately Placed
name: Model 3 type: Model
name: Tesla type: Make

The 7 Best Luxury SUVs for 2018 Mix Comfort and Capability

  • Jason Unrau

The sales numbers for 2017 are a trend. More people are choosing SUVs than passenger cars or sedans than ever. That’s partly due to low gas prices, but it also says a lot about versatility. Americans want a vehicle that can do whatever they want, has the cargo space they need to haul virtually anything, and the performance to be an inspired ride. You’ll also find that luxury car buyers are now trying to find the best luxury SUV to replace their sedan.

And if you’re looking for the best luxury SUV for 2018, there are some familiar names you should consider, and a couple that you might not be expecting.

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Is an Alfa Romeo even a blip on your radar? It should be. The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is coming to America in the next few months. As one of the fastest SUVs, it’s setting a new precedent for performance among the best luxury SUVs. The 505-horsepower Stelvio QF accelerates from 0 to 60mph in under 4 seconds and tops out at 177mph. It also set a new Nürburgring record for production SUVs at 7 minutes 51 seconds.

It’s more than just fast – it’s luxurious too. Stunning leather with contrast stitching, carbon fiber Recaro seats, and a race-inspired driver’s area scream high-end function and form. It offers adaptive cruise control, an infrared windshield, and premium driver-assistive and power features in a sexy little package.

2018 Jaguar F-Pace

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/jaguar-f-pace.jpg" id="12112" class="right"]

Jaguar has been an old man’s brand for decades, but recent models are swaying toward a mainstream brand. The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace is a luxury SUV that helps bring a more youthful generation into the fold. The exterior is athletic and fun-loving, having just the right shapeliness to draw attention from all ages, all without forgetting its heritage and familiar grille.

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Options included for the F-Pace are a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 380 horsepower, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60mph in 5.8 seconds and topping out at 150mph, and standard-equipment AWD. On the inside, a head-up display, full-color instrument display, configurable interior mood lighting, a gaping panoramic roof, and 20-way adjustable heated and cooled leather seats are available.

Current Post Tags
Tesla: 10
BMW: 10
Audi: 10
Model X: 5
Lincoln: 10
Jaguar: 10
Alfa Romeo: 10
Luxury: 6
Q7: 5
Navigator: 5
F-Pace: 5
X6: 5
Stelvio: 5
Comfort: 8

Points: 11.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%BMW Gives i3 a Facelift and a New Performance Variant
Luxury
name: BMW type: Make

Points: 11.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Tesla Model 3 Unveiled, 150,000 Advance Orders Immediately Placed
Luxury
name: Tesla type: Make

Points: 11.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Tesla Motors: Still A Media Darling?
Luxury
name: Tesla type: Make

Points: 11.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Driven: 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring
Luxury
name: Lincoln type: Make

Get Amped About These 9 Current and Coming Electric and Hybrid Sports Cars

  • Jason Unrau

Elon Musk’s announcement about the Tesla Roadster got the electrons flowing about high-performance electric and hybrid sports cars. Who wouldn’t get all weak in the knees about an EV that can do more than 250 miles per hour and accelerate to 60 mph in under two seconds? But what everyone seems to forget is that there are already several other high-powered electric and hybrid sports cars, and they are ones that don’t seem to have issues getting to production.

Here's a list of the best electric and hybrid sports cars available right now or coming soon.

Acura NSX

Perhaps the easiest-to-own supercar in terms of dollars and cents, the second-gen Acura NSX is all that and a bag of potato chips. The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive hybrid sports car makes a total of 576 horsepower when the electric front twin-motor units are taken into account. That’s good enough for 191 mph and the Road & Track Performance Car of the Year award.

However, you’re not getting anywhere on electric energy alone. Although it uses electric motors to become an all-wheel-drive, stick-to-the-track racecar, the Acura NSX will probably fall short compared with other fully electric models. It starts at $157,800.

BMW i8

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BMWi_i8_lightbox_15.jpg" id="12090" class="right"]

The 2017 BMW i8 is one of the most unique hybrid sports cars. It’s one of the only cars to use pretentious gull wing-style door openings, but because it’s a Bimmer, it works. The i8 focuses more on sustainability than performance alone. It depends more on electric power, has regenerative breaking, and offers recycled materials in the cabin.

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Don’t be mistaken, performance is still there. A TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder is the basis of the gas-powered side, making 228 horsepower. The eDrive component is 129 horsepower on its own, for a combined 357 in an all-wheel-drive capacity. The BMW i8 stops the 0-to-60 clock in 4.2 seconds and demands just $143,400 to get started.

Current Post Tags
Porsche: 10
Ferrari: 10
Mclaren: 10
Hybrid: 5
Tesla: 10
BMW: 10
Acura: 10
NSX: 5
Lexus: 10
Electric: 5
I8: 5
Jaguar: 10
918: 5
Laferrari: 5
Performance: 6
LC: 5
EV: 5
Electric Cars: 5

Points: 17.2500 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%As If the i8 Wasn’t Impressive Enough, Now There’s a Roadster
Performance
name: BMW type: Make
name: Electric type: Type
name: EV type: Type
name: Hybrid type: Type
name: I8 type: Model

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%BMW i8: The Most Fun You’ll Ever Have With 3 Cylinders
Performance
name: BMW type: Make
name: I8 type: Model

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Should You Buy a Tesla?
Performance
name: Electric type: Type
name: Tesla type: Make

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Porsche Mission E and Cayman EV Show Big Electric Ambitions
Performance
name: Electric type: Type
name: Electric Cars type: Type
name: EV type: Type
name: Hybrid type: Type
name: Porsche type: Make

Best Shooting Brakes: Sleek, Sporty and Not Station Wagons

  • Steven Symes

Surprisingly, shooting brakes can be somewhat controversial. First, some people think a shooting brake is just a station wagon. Google’s dictionary thinks so, and even some enthusiasts agree.

The origin of the name comes from England, back around 1900. It was supposed to be a vehicle that hauled people and gear for a hunting excursion. Coincidentally, the cars that evolved from the horse-drawn shooting brake wagons all had two doors.

Later, these vehicles became sleek and sporty by nature. You can get into the technical nature of dimensions between the different pillars, and how a shooting brake isn’t a two-door hatchback, but likely you have a basic understanding of shooting brakes.

Not everyone enjoys the looks of a true shooting brake. Apparently, automakers think Americans abhor them, because we essentially have none here. Europeans, on the other hand, must be the biggest fans. If you do like this style, what follows are the best shooting brakes.

Ferrari FF

Not too long ago, the concept of a Ferrari shooting brake would’ve been enough to stir the faithful into a frenzy. That will help you understand the outrage when the Italian automaker unveiled the 612 Scaglietti’s replacement.

For a shooting brake, the Ferrari FF is one of the more attractive examples out there. Even better, it combines all-wheel drive with a potent V-12. You get great driving enjoyment, and can throw in the bags for a fun weekend getaway.

Today, this shining example of a shooting brake lives on in the GTC4Lusso, which also is hated by purists.

Lotus Elite

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Lotus_Elite_Brentwood_1976.jpg" id="12077" class="right"]

Not only is this a shooting brake, it could provide the right template for the future Lotus SUV. True to form, the Brits incorporated lightness and simplicity in the design of this vehicle. That means you could take it to the track and surprise quite a few people. So, you get a practical car that’s super fun to drive, which is a big win.

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Some people really hate the way the Elite looks. I get it. But some people really hate the way the Lambo Countach looks. Something about this car reminds me of the Lancia Stratos, and that’s always a positive association. But yeah, this one’s kind of an ugly duck.

Current Post Tags
Corvette: 5
Ferrari: 10
BMW: 10
Lotus: 10
Aston Martin: 10
Luxury: 6
Hatchback: 5
Volvo: 10
Shooting Brake: 5

Points: 11.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%New Lineup of Volvo SUVs and Wagons Come in All Shapes and Sizes
Luxury
name: Volvo type: Make

Points: 11.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Is the BMW X2 a New Breed of Car or Another Compact Crossover?
Luxury
name: BMW type: Make

Points: 11.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%2019 BMW M850i Review: Rocket Coupe
Luxury
name: BMW type: Make

Points: 11.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Test Drive: 2020 Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered
Luxury
name: Volvo type: Make

Looking for the Most Reliable F150 Engine? The Answer Might Surprise You

  • Jason Unrau

Fix Or Repair Daily. First On Race Day. Found On Road Dead. Fast Only Rolling Downhill. Everyone has an opinion of Ford vehicles, and the engine always seems to be the brunt of the joke. If you are looking for the most reliable F150 engine, know that the engine quality has been pretty good through the years, except for a few blips on the radar.

When you are looking for a Ford truck, the powertrain is certainly going to make a difference in how much you enjoy your pickup. The Ford F-Series has been the best selling pickup for 25 years and counting, and that is largely due to dependability. So, when you are looking for the most reliable F150 engine, remember that nearly all are battle-tested.

If you are a Ford owner and you have had a problem with one of the most reliable F150 engine options indicated, do not put my head on a pike. Every bunch is going to have its stinkers.

2004-2008 Triton 5.4L Has the Most Complaints

One of Ford’s most popular engines has been the 5.4-liter V8. But in the 2007 and 2008 model years, it has shown up with an astounding number of complaints on CarComplaints.com.

For 2007 model years alone, 49 engine knocking complaints and 24 broken spark plug issues are recorded. 2008 is not much better, with the now-famous 5.4-liter Triton V8 chewing up cam phasers and breaking spark plugs off in the head. In many cases, the engine has been replaced, a process that includes pulling the cab off the chassis. Be extremely wary about the 5.4-liter Triton V8 in these years.

2009-2010 Triton 5.4L

The 5.4-liter V8 improved in 2009, fixing the cam phaser issues and all but eliminating the spark plug problems. With 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque, the Triton 5.4L is one of the most reliable F150 engines. Minor problems were still present like crank angle sensor issues and the occasional spark plug broken off in the head, but few repairs were as expensive as the previous years.

Alas, it would not last. For the 2011 model year, Ford wiped the 5.4-liter V8 from the F150’s production.

3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6

New for the 2011 model year, Ford introduces the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the Ford F150 engine lineup. It seemed like a brilliant idea, combining fuel efficiency with twin-turbo power. But the initial model year was anything but stellar.

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On CarComplaints.com, the 2011 model year has 52 engine concerns related to stalling, stumbling or sluggish performance. That’s not a fantastic start.

Then, things improve dramatically. The 365-horsepower 350 lb.-ft. EcoBoost kicked its bad habits and reduced concerns to petty electrical things. It’s one of the most satisfying, powerful engines you can choose in the Ford F150.

5.0L Coyote V8

At the same time that the 3.5-liter EcoBoost came out, Ford decided to try the 5.0L Coyote engine in the F150. Why not, right? With 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque, it is a strong engine that was going in the high-performance Mustang GT, so it must be good for the F150 too.

Only a few complaints arise about the Coyote engine in the F150, with just the odd rough run and stalling issue. That’s likely because it is naturally aspirated, which contributes to the biggest concern about it. The 5.0L Coyote is thirsty, rated at just 19mpg highway and 14mpg city when equipped with the commonplace 4WD. Dependable, yes. Efficient? No.

2.7L EcoBoost V6

Competing for the most reliable F150 engine is the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. It’s not rated as the best…yet. That’s because it has only been around since the 2015 model year, so it has not proven itself reliable long-term to this point. If it does, we might have a different winner.

The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is the best of all worlds. It has sufficient power, making 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for most truck owners. It’s the best-rated engine for fuel efficiency at up to 26mpg highway and 19mpg city.

And to make it even better, there are nearly no complaints about it – nothing other than one-off problems. For someone looking for a truck three years old or newer, definitely consider one with the 2.7L EcoBoost.

4.6L V8

The 4.6-liter V8 went the way of the buffalo at the same time as the Triton 5.4L. It enjoyed a production run in various configurations from 1996 through 2010, which might be some kind of record at Ford. The reason is simple: reliability. Likely the most reliable F150 engine ever, the 4.6L V8 flew under the radar for most of its 16 years.

You do not hear much about it, despite being on the Wards 10 Best Engines list from 2005 to 2008. There are virtually zero major complaints about its dependability aside from broken spark plug issues in 2004 to 2008, like the 5.4L.

Rather, the major issue with the 4.6-liter V8 is that it is underpowered for a pickup. In 1995, it started out with just 220 horsepower, increasing to 231 in 2001 and topping out at 248 in 2006. Yet, for anyone needing a light-duty pickup, there is no question it is the most reliable F150 engine in recent years.

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Get Your Grin On with the 8 Most Fun Cars to Drive for 2018

  • Jason Unrau

There are fast cars to drive, and then there are the most fun cars to drive. There’s a big difference. Most people just assume that the more power a car makes, the more fun it is to drive. That’s certainly not a constant.

Being fun to drive has as much to do with a car’s design and nature. But having a massive power plant under the hood never hurts. And as you’ll see in the eight most fun cars to drive listed here, some have less power than that ol’ jalopy parked in your driveway.

2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda Miata is – and has always been – a purist’s car. It isn’t packed full of gadgets, electronics or unnecessary junk. It has a smallish 2.0-liter SKYACTIV 4-cylinder that makes just 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. But oh my, you’d be hard-pressed to find a car more fun to drive around a few slalom corners.

Mazda balances the 2018 MX-5 Miata considering an average driver in the seat, accomplishing 50/50 distribution. Available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto with paddle shifters, it’s a sports car lover’s delight. Plus, it’s only 2,381 pounds with the auto transmission, even less with the manual.

2018 Fiat 124 Spider

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FT018_027SPi6ar7h0kilgm9gpaqatbvtmt89.jpg" id="11915" class="right"]

No clear-cut competitor exists for the Miata other than the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. It’s the Italian version of a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car, and it’s easily one of the most fun cars to drive. Like the Miata, the soft-top two-seater is unadulterated by distractions in the cockpit. It decidedly focuses on the enjoyment on road.

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If you want to win drag races, look further down the list. But the Fiat 124 Spider is incredibly fun. You get 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from the first turbocharged 1.4-liter engine in its class. Not only is the turbo spool-up great to hear, it definitely adds to the magic.

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