The Best Cars of 2018

Overview

The best cars are those that can deliver on every front—value, safety, practicality, fuel economy, driving dynamics and owner satisfaction. In the automotive world, this can mean anything from a dependable family sedan to a sleek sports car. It might also refer to a hybrid, an SUV or even a convertible. But in the end, it’s all about what you and your car need most.

Whether you’re in the market for a brand-new vehicle or just want to sift through our ratings, this list of the best cars offers a good starting point. We’ve ranked the cars that offer the greatest combination of all-around excellence, based on dozens of tests in our comprehensive evaluation process.

We’ve highlighted the top cars in each category below, with links to their individual reviews and test results. You can also sort the list by our 10Best Overall Winners, which include the cars that we deem to be the absolute best in their class.

Honda Accord

If there were a Mount Rushmore of the most enduring cars, the Honda Accord would surely make the cut. It’s won our 10Best award a remarkable 38 times since our awards program launched in 1983, the most of any model on record. The Accord’s legacy is a testament to smart engineering, a clear-eyed vision of what a great car needs to be and how to achieve it.

Nissan Altima

The Altima is a midsize sedan that packs a punch. It’s quick off the line, handles well, has a spacious back seat and returns respectable fuel economy estimates. We particularly appreciate the Altima’s solid build quality, excellent reliability and high owner satisfaction score.

Volkswagen Golf/Civic

The 2024 Golf and Civic have a newfound oomph, thanks to updates that sharpen both driving dynamics and interior design. They’re a perfect fit for anyone looking for an economical commuter that’s fun to drive and practical enough for everyday use. The Golf and Civic are available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides plenty of power, plus a manual transmission option for performance enthusiasts.

Audi A4/A6/Q5/RS Models

The German automaker combines luxury, technology and sports-car handling with a premium experience. Its upscale interiors and advanced driver-assistance features set it apart, as do its acclaimed owner satisfaction ratings and strong test scores.

Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86

As the SUV-ification of the auto industry continues unabated and mega-horsepower EVs become the new hotness in the high-performance space, the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are welcome counterpoints. These compact, light, naturally aspirated and manually shifted sports cars encourage drivers to push harder with lithe handling and faithful steering that inspires trust.

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

It’s hard to imagine a car with as much oomph and personality as the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, which is why it earned a spot on our 10Best list. This super-sexy, V-8-powered sedan is the kind of car that’ll make your friends jealous. It’s the most powerful car to ever earn our Top 10 designation, and it’s an absolute joy to drive.