Top 10 Consumer Reports Cars of 2010
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Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions you can make, so choosing the right vehicle is a big deal. Whether you want a fun and frugal hatchback that looks like it came off the drawing board or a powerful V-8 that can turn heads and burn rubber on the highway, this list of our top cars has something for everyone. Each of these cars performed well in Consumer Reports tests when they were new and have stood the test of time, retaining their quality and value even after eclipsing 100,000 miles.
The Honda Civic EX is a 10Best winner with an impressive track record and excellent reliability ratings. It’s also available with a suite of safety features that includes automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Honda has a long history of building safe and comfortable family sedans, and the Civic EX continues that tradition.
In the world of luxury sedans, few can match the BMW 7 Series’ skillful balance of performance and comfort. Its competition is stiff, but the latest generation of this benchmark model hasn’t lost any of its edge. The latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS favor buttery ride comfort over agile handling, while the Genesis G90 offers a more upscale approach that still doesn’t quite match the 7 Series’ skillful blend of power and steering.
As SUVs and crossovers take over the market, traditional sedans are being left behind. But the 2024 Toyota Prius remains a formidable rival thanks to its spaciousness, fuel efficiency, and user-friendly technology. Its battery-electric counterpart, the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, has also earned high marks in our testing, combining electric propulsion with Toyota’s proven reliability to deliver a great driving experience.
The sleek and daringly styled Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 buck current trends with their lightweight, naturally aspirated, and manually shifted designs. During our 10Best tests, they often felt as quick as much more powerful and expensive rivals. With lithe handling, faithful steering, and plenty of feedback, these little sports cars encourage you to push harder.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want the feel of a sporty coupe, our pick is the 2024 Toyota Corolla LE. It’s a 10Best winner that boasts a comprehensive set of standard safety features including forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Plus, the Corolla’s user-friendly 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps you connected to your favorite apps and media.
Twenty years ago, when we first named the Toyota Prius a 10Best winner, it was hailed for its geek-chic styling married to superb fuel economy. Its follow-up redesign hasn’t transformed the Prius into a sports car, but its improved body rigidity and acceleration mean it’s no longer a numb embarrassment when pushed hard on a racetrack. The reworked car is also now the fuel-efficiency champ that overlooked wallflowers dream of owning.