10 Cars Owners Love
Consumer Reports recently compiled a list of the top 10 most satisfying cars based on survey responses from over 300,000 owners of 2022 model year sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks. CR ranked the vehicles based on the percentage of owners who responded “definitely yes” to the question of whether they would buy the same vehicle if given a choice. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why these cars made the list and what sets them apart.
10. 2023 Dodge Challenger
Starting at number 10 is the Dodge Challenger, a brawny muscle car that has been around for thirteen years. The Challenger continues to be one of Fiat Chrysler’s best-selling vehicles due to its performance and looks. The car has undergone numerous updates over the years, including new engines, lights, facelifts, and new interiors. Dodge, as a brand, has a strong customer base, especially in the world of the Challenger. It is highly likely that a current Challenger owner may have owned a few older Challenger models in the past. Therefore, it is no surprise that 86% of owners said they would buy the same car again.
9. 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster takes the 9th spot on the list. Even though it produces one-half to one-third less horsepower than the Corvette or Challenger, it proves that there’s more to a fun sports car than just lots of power. According to the CR survey, 86% of drivers said they would definitely make the same decision if they could do it all over again. Owners rated high for driving experience and value for the money. Consumer Report also shows the highest reliability rating for this sports car.
8. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid takes the 8th spot with 87% of owners saying they would buy the same SUV again if given a choice. Its satisfaction score is 17 points better than the RAV4 Hybrid’s and a whopping 27 points ahead of the conventional RAV4’s. Owners loved the Prime plug-in hybrid’s generous 42-mile electric-only driving range, performance, and comfort. This is the second straight year the RAV4 Prime has featured on CR’s most satisfying car list.
7. Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 sports cars are twins under the skin, taking the 7th spot on the list. Both cars have the same fundamental two-door body style, front-engine design, and rear-wheel-drive, but with slightly unique styling elements that set them apart. Both the 86 and BRZ share the same mechanical layout and each is powered by an identical 2.4-liter direct-injection BOXER engine delivering 228 horsepower and equipped with either a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters or 6-speed manual transmission. Owners are highly satisfied with the driving, handling, and appearance in and out. Most feel they are worth the price, with 88% saying they have no regrets buying a Subaru BRZ or Toyota 86 sports car.
6. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
The 6th spot goes to the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, marking a new era for the Korean automaker. The electric crossover represents a truly modern addition to the EV market. Though the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version doesn’t have a best-in-class driving range, it checks off the EV boxes for many. Owners loved the punchy acceleration, agile sports-sedan-like handling, reasonably comfortable ride, and generous interior room. Plus, this tall hatchback employs an 800-volt architecture that allows for rapid DC fast-charging in select public venues, which can reduce charging times on long trips. 88% of owners responded “definitely yes” to the question of whether they would buy the same vehicle if they had to do it all over again.
5. 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid
The 5th spot goes to the Ford Maverick Hybrid, which is blazing a new trail in the pickup truck segment. The Maverick melds the utility and driving experience of a pickup with the everyday suitability of a world-class economy car, giving drivers exactly the vehicle they need for all but the most extreme use cases. It’s spacious, quiet, comfortable, economical, sturdy, and not even short on technology. So it’s no surprise this truck scored 88% on owner satisfaction.
4. 2023 Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T takes the 4th spot on the list. It was the first fully electric pickup truck to arrive in the US, highly capable, and has a host of unique features. The 835-horsepower truck can accelerate with the ferociousness of a supercar, crawl over boulders with the tenacity of a Jeep Wrangler, cut through corners better than many SUVs, and tow a trailer of up to 11,000 pounds. Owners love this pickup so much, it got near-perfect scores on the owner satisfaction survey for driving, handling, comfort, and appearance. 88% of owners said they would definitely buy this truck again.
3. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride takes the 3rd spot on the list. Since its US debut, the Telluride has enjoyed great popularity among SUV fans. This midsize SUV is rugged-looking, packed with features, and spacious like a minivan. Sure, the Telluride doesn’t offer the most thrilling ride or get the best gas mileage. But its V6 harnesses 291 hp, and the ride is smooth and composed. It handles body roll like a champ, tows up to 5,000 pounds, and tackles rough terrain when equipped with all-wheel drive. 88% of owners responded that they would definitely buy the Telluride if they could do it all over again. Owners primarily loved how it looks, drives, and the convenience features.
2. Porsche 911
Taking the 2nd spot on the list is the Porsche 911, a classic sports car with incredible performance. According to Consumer Reports, 90% of the owners said they don’t regret buying the Porsche 911. CR survey shows 100 out of 100 owner satisfaction scores for driving, handling, and styling. Owners also rated the sports car high for comfort. The only category it scored low was the value for the money. But it’s worth noting that the Porsche 911 is also in the top three of vehicles that depreciate the least over a five-year period, according to iSeeCars, a car research firm.
1. Chevrolet Corvette
At the pinnacle of the list is the Chevrolet Corvette, a highly coveted sports car that provides a supercar-level performance at a significantly lower price point. The Corvette is an embodiment of American pride and tradition, with its powertrain and legacy making it a highly desirable vehicle in the eyes of car enthusiasts. Consumer Reports’ survey shows that 94% of customers would purchase the Chevy Corvette again, which is a testament to its excellence. The Corvette’s styling is one of its most remarkable features and is not limited to a specific generation of the car. The Corvette’s handling is impressive, making it a dream car for many. It has always been a fast car, with the ability to go from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. The driving experience and styling of the Corvette are highly rated, with owners giving it a perfect score of 100 out of 100. The Corvette Stingray, with its starting price of $65,000, is also highly rated for its comfort and value. Overall, the Corvette is a highly sought-after car that provides an unparalleled driving experience at a fraction of the cost of other supercars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are the top 10 most satisfying cars according to Consumer Reports. The cars on the list are diverse, ranging from muscle cars to electric crossovers, and from pickup trucks to sports cars. However, they all have one thing in common – they exceed their promises and satisfy their owners in every way. These cars give their owners exactly what they want.
