The Best of the Best: Top 10 Lists of Automobiles by U.S. News & World Report

Here are The Best of the Best: Top 10 Lists of Automobiles by U.S. News & World Report:

10. 2005-2008 Ford Mustang – All Models

It was a close call between the Mustang and the Camaro, but our panel of experts chose the Ford for its looks and power its the Best of the Best. The redesigned sixth-generation came out in 2004, riding on a solid rear axle. This provided truly great power from a V8 engine with a low center of gravity. It’s a real sports car that also appeals to muscle car fans, judges said. Plus it’s got classic pony car style dating back four decades to 1964 – when it first became an American icon – although the modern version is larger, engineered more for high speeds than street racing as previous generations were known for doing. “It’s not as raw as some other Automobiles,” Edmunds.com editor Joe Wiesenfelder said. “But it works.”

9. 2009-Present Porsche Boxster/Cayman

When the Boxster and the Cayman arrived in dealerships, Edmunds’ Wiesenfelder said, “It literally blew people’s doors off.” That’s because of its great performance and classic styling that has earned accolades from around the world. It features a six-cylinder flat engine mounted in a mid-engine configuration — ahead of the rear axle for better balance. Autobytel.com senior analyst Michelle Krebs explains it this way: “In many ways, it’s kind of like an updated version of the vintage British roadsters with their spartan interiors and exhilarating driving dynamics.”

8. 2009-Present Chevrolet Corvette – All Models

The Chevy Corvette goes back to 1953 and has been a staple of American muscle for generations. This modern version, however, really shines with its amazing handling and performance at price far less than European sports cars like Porsches and Ferraris. “It’s got great power and an awesome chassis,” Wiesenfelder said. “It can handle racing abuse.” AutoTrader.com executive analyst Michelle Krebs added: “This car is the embodiment of sporty American luxury (performance) with fine interior appointments such as suede seats.”

7. 2007-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X – All Models

Calling it anything but understated would be a stretch. The Evo is one of the most practical Automobiles on this list, with room for five passengers and enough storage space to pack three days worth of luggage. Plus it has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can put out 291 horsepower — speed that will get you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a scant 4.5 seconds or less, according to AutoTrader’s Krebs. “The Evo is a performance bargain,” she said. “For less than $35k you get an all-wheel drive family sedan with sports car performance.”

6. 2000-2007 Nissan 350Z – All Models

If affordability was part of our criteria, the classic 1965 Ford Mustang might top this list — but not performance. We also considered the Corvette Z06, but that car must be purchased used because it’s not currently in production. The Nissan 350Z, meanwhile, has remained unchanged since its introduction in 2000 and can still be found brand new for an affordable price. “It looks great inside and out,” Wiesenfelder said. It also comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that will make you feel like you’re piloting something even more expensive than it is (starting MSRP $28K).

5. 2007-Present Mercedes-Benz SLK350 – All Models

When was the last time you saw one of these on the road? The original Mercedes SL became an icon back in the 1950s when Hollywood legend James Dean was killed in a crash while driving his. The latest version is a modern interpretation of that classic, featuring a sturdy retractable hard top that can fold into the trunk in just 22 seconds. Maybe it’s not the fastest car on our list — though it still will get you from 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds – but for sheer style and panache it can’t be beat, Wiesenfelder said. “It has presence,” he added.

4. 2009-Present Porsche 911 – All Models

Imagine taking your favorite sports car, putting bigger wheels and tires on it, adding more horsepower and then offering all the creature comforts of home inside. That would be this vehicle: supercar performance (0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds) with the comfort and luxury of a luxury car. “The 911 is an amazing car,” Wiesenfelder said. “It’s so comfortable, but it can still take you to your autocross track day.” The only downside: the sticker price – $80,000 and higher – which is why we couldn’t place it higher on this list. “But if you want the best balance between comfort and performance, then nothing else comes close,” Krebs added.

3. 2010-Present Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – All Models

This bad boy will go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds thanks to its supercharged V8 engine that puts out 638 horsepower. And in a nod to our budget-hyphenated world, in an interview with AutoTrader.com, Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter said: “The ZR1 is the most powerful production car GM has ever built, but it still delivers 29 mpg on the highway.” When you take all that (price and performance) into consideration, this car was too hard to ignore.

2. 2009-Present Audi R8 – All Models

It’s true that we’ve seen Automobiles perform better during track day events than we did during basic testing for this list — like the Dodge Viper and its beastly V10 engine (and 0 to 60 times of less than 4 seconds). But if you’re looking for a sexy European experience that can still perform, then you want this Audi – the only car on the list to sport a V8 engine. The R8’s base price is $114,900 and it will get you from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds (with its top speed maxing out at 196 mph).

1. The Winner: 2007-Present Lamborghini Gallardo – All Models

It may not be practical for most of us to experience life behind the wheel of one of these babies — which starts at about $180,000 — but few Automobiles are as fast or as gorgeous as this Italian powerhouse, Krebs said. It features a mid-mounted V10 engine (making 500 horsepower) that lets you reach 60 miles per hour in a mere 3.7 seconds, according to the manufacturer’s Web site. You can’t put a price on style, but if you could, it would be $180,000.

Conclusion:

Wiesenfelder summed up his thoughts when he said: “Any of these Automobiles will turn heads when you drive by.” And if that’s your goal and you have the cash to back it up, any one of them will work. Just don’t be surprised if a cop pulls you over for speeding.