The demise of the automobile was indeed gravely exaggerated, and proper cars made a little bit of a comeback in 2015.
The automotive world took a few steps back from rush to the electric, hybrid void in 2015, reintroducing true performance cars alongside consumer rides that offer responsible mpg via a proper engine. The result was a pool of quality vehicles that defied me to pick 10 top entrants.
Also: 2016 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible: Inspiring Aspiration
From all the 2015 mades and models I covered over the last 12 months, it was understandably difficult to pull out the 10 stars. Part of that challenge stems from the fact that technology and modern engineering are bringing all sorts of vehicles closer to together in features, performance, mileage, etc.
Sure, a $300,000 Bentley is still vastly superior to a $16,000 Scion. But, they’re intended for different buyers and both target those purchasers accurately. Both are reliable and controlled by remarkably similar driver assisting technology. That makes driving easier and reviewing cars more difficult.
Finally, the trap for compiling any “Best of” for cars, SUVs, trucks, etc., is to rush straight over to the hottest, fastest, most luxurious machines. I’m only a red blooded man. It’s in my genes. But, there’s much to be said for those vehicles engineers work exhaustively to build for average consumers. I made sure some ripe fruit from those labors made its way into this list, too.
In no particular order, here are the best cars reviewed on these virtual pages in 2015.
Best of 2015: The Cars of the Year
From elite hyper cars to loyal crossovers, the best vehicles of 2015 offered something to the aspirational to the practical.
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2015 Aston Martin Rapide S
A car that perfectly combines luxury and startling performance, the 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S is perfect specimen of what makes this company's work special in the car world.
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2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
An absolute, eye to eye American challenger to any Ferrari or Porsche, the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is also maybe the first supercar in which the automatic transmission outperforms any manual shifter.
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2015 Lexus RC F
The 2015 Lexus RC F weathered some criticism from a few critics who thought it was too heavy and underpowered, but they don't get it. This exceedingly tight, technologically advanced machine is fun to drive on or off track.
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2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat
An affordable, defiant alternative to any foreign supercar, the massively powerful 2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat manages engine noise that would scare off Godzilla.
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2015 Jaguar F-Type Convertible
The F-Type series already took home a stack of awards since it arrived on the scene, and the 2015 Jaguar F-Type Convertible added a view of the sky to a modern classic.
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2015 GMC Canyon
The new trucks models from GMC were a quick success. The 2015 GMC Canyon is easy to drive, capable and featured packed.
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2015 Cadillac SRX
The crossover market remains maybe the most competitive segment in the automotive industry. The 2015 Cadillac SRX entered that market with a mix of luxury and aggression.
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2015 MINI Countryman
No, it's not mini. Not even close. But, the 2015 MINI Countryman is a crossover that maintains a hearty helping of style.
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2015 Acura TLX
The theory behind the 2015 Acura TLX is simple. To compete with the more established mid-rasnge luxury cars, throw in the kitchen sink of feature packages.
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2015 Hyundai Genesis
It's a gutsy car in a competitive segment, but the 2015 Hyundai Genesis takes on Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus by maxing out both features and comfort.