It’s trickier than you might think putting together a best list after any model year passes by the automotive industry. Does a journalist include supercars alongside vehicles intended for general consumers? Is it fair to toss in electrics and hybrids in alongside gas engines? Should diesel be included when too many folks avoid driving them? Can motorcycles squeeze in and make it a Kumbaya, “all vehicles allowed” love fest?
The answer to all of those questions is a resounding, “Yes!” — because we can make our own rules around these parts. By mixing it up, every car or bike lover (and every driver) is sure to find something that appeals to him or her — and something that just might end up leaving the show room and parking in the home garage.
So, buckle up for 2013’s best cars, motorcycles and who knows what else.
Best of 2013: Year’s Top 10 Cars, Motorcycles
Crave Online Automotive Editor John Scott Lewinski drives over the rules, backs up and hits them again to list the top vehicles of 2013.
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Aston Martin Vanquish
A $280,000 supercar obviously has an unfair advantage over most of its consumer competitors, but Aston Martin remains one of the only automakers in the world that combines ultra-performance with grown-up sophistication.
The Vanquish's exhaust note alone should put this on any "best of" list.
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Mazda 6
This placement shouldn't be a surprise as the Mazda 6 appears on these kind of lists across the auto journalist spectrum this year. A beautiful redesign and a SKYACTIV engine put the 6 up there in the "Car of the Year" stratosphere.
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Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout
It was a big year for Harley-Davidson in 2013 as America's biggest motorcycle maker celebrated its 110th Anniversary with a series of international rallies.
H-D also introducd the CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) Breakout – a comfortable, powerful cruiser with a big attitude and a bigger rear tire.
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Ford Fusion Energi Hybrid
A hybrid that has the decency to look like a proper car, the Fusion Energi packs an impressive technoloy suite. And, we drove one from St. Louis to Tulsa on one tank of gas.
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Star Motorcycles Bolt
The new Bolt was a big success for Star both in the market and amongst motorcycle journalists. A city-friendly cruiser with simple, yet tough styling, the Bolt appealed to riders of any age.
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Toyota Tundra TRD Off-Road
It'd easy enough to put any Tundra make on this list – or just throw the entire line in here and call it a day. But, an opportunity to drive the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Off-Road version felt too good that it needed special recognition.
It's brutally powerful, yet more sensitive and responsive that just about any other mass market truck.
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Ducati Hyperstrada
Leave it to the iconic Italian bike builder to offer up a long distance cruiser with the aggressive spirit of a racing bike. Light and quick, the Hyperstrada also manages to provide all the amenities touring riders need.
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Lexus LS Hybrid
They're really getting it right at Lexus these days. They're eye-catching exteior styling is elegant, yet sporty – and their technology pushes the envelope in the luxury class.
That said, let's here it for the LS Hybrid appearing on the scene as a prime example of an eco-car that still loves being a prime driving experience.
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Dodge Journey
There will be plenty of readers and fellow journalists who'll wonder how this SUV made the cut. But, it's here because one drive proves the Journey is a strong competitior of more better known rides like the Explorer or Highlander. It deserves a little recognition.
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Icon Aircraft Special-Edition A5 Light Sport Concept
I know what you're saying: "This is a plane, doufus. If it has wheels at all, it wants to put them away as soon as it's moving."
Still, I say we've been promised flying cars for decades, and this entry from Icon Aircraft might be as close as we've come so far.
