This
year is slipping away from us, and thus, it’s time to announce the Vincent’s
Auto Reviews Top New Car Picks of 2014. Each category represents an automobile
segment in the United States. Without further ado, we are excited to announce our
top picks for 2014:
Subcompact Car: Ford Fiesta: When the Ford Fiesta
was first announced in the United States in 2011, it caused quite a stir. Aimed
at younger buyers or buyers who wanted excellent fuel economy ratings, the
Fiesta has sold well since its introduction. But for 2014, an all-new Fiesta
was introduced. Now with the ST model, Ford has officially gotten back into the
“Hot-Hatch” game in the United States. With updated technology features,
sophisticated styling, and your choice of sedan or hatchback models, the Fiesta
offers a plethora of features for a low price. The Fiesta is one of the best
compact introductions of 2014.
Compact Car: Dodge Dart: When Dodge introduced its
compact Neon back in 1995; it was a viable replacement for its aging Shadow
series of cars. But, in 2007, Dodge replaced the Neon with the Caliber
hatchback. But even a performance-oriented SRT4 model couldn’t improve sales
for the Caliber. In 2012, Dodge finally retired the Caliber, and for 2013,
introduced its first compact sedan since 2005: the Dart. Bringing back the
classic Dart namesake, the all-new compact sedan is built on an Alfa Romeo-based
chassis, and offers some of the best technology and performance features in its
class, not to an EPA-estimated 41 MPG fuel economy rating for the Aero model
with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Dart is aerodynamic and mimics the
styling of its larger Charger sibling. And it got even better for 2014: Dodge
introduced a performance-oriented GT model, offering even more aggressive
styling and a sportier driving feel. For compact car shoppers, the Dart is most
certainly worth a look.
Midsized Car: Mazda 6: The Mazda 6 was first introduced
in 2003, though it was overshadowed by its competitors like the Nissan Altima,
Toyota Camry, and even the Ford Fusion. In 2009, Mazda redesigned its midsized
sedan, giving it a sporty look inside and out, as well as more power and
performance features. For 2014, though, Mazda takes it a step further by once
again redesigning its bestseller. With an all-new, aerodynamically-designed
exterior, more technology features, and SkyActiv
technology returning a shocking EPA-estimated 38 MPG highway fuel economy
rating, it’s no surprise that the 6 is still a bestseller.
Full-Sized Car: Chevrolet Impala: Up until the
mid-1990s, the Chevrolet Impala was the “go-to” car for plenty of space, power,
and driving excitement. But starting in 2000, the Impala switched to a
front-wheel-drive platform from rear-wheel-drive, and its styling blended right
in with its competitors. In 2006, Chevrolet attempted to give the Impala a more
updated design, though the Impala mostly had appealed to rental fleets in
recent years. For 2014, Chevrolet is looking to change that game with the
introduction of its all-new Impala. Though still a front-wheel-drive vehicle,
the latest Impala still offers some of the most advanced technology, safety,
and performance features in its class. And they are right on target: the Impala
is selling excellently, and the full-sized sedan is alive again.
Subcompact SUV: Fiat 500L: Fiat shocked the world
when it introduced its first five-door 500, dubbed the 500L. “L” stands for “Living”,
emphasizing on space and being fun-to-drive. Offering some of the retro-like
styling, same performance features, and recognizable 500 DNA, the all-new 500L
is one popular vehicle. Move over, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, and Scion xB: the
500L is stealing your spotlight.
Compact SUV: Hyundai Tucson: When the
second-generation Hyundai Tucson was introduced back in 2011, it immediately
became a popular seller. For 2014, it received a mid-cycle restyling, with a
revised front end, new exterior lighting, and improved audio systems. For a low
price, you get more standard features than what you would get when you purchase
one of the Tucson’s competitors, and it just looks sporty. And you can’t beat
Hyundai’s class-leading 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty. No wonder the Tucson
still continues to excel in the compact SUV marketplace.
Midsized SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand
Cherokee has been around since 1993, and it had always been a bestseller up
until 2005, when it lost its American Motors Corporation (AMC) DNA, and gained
DNA from Daimler-Benz Corporation. In 2011, Jeep redesigned the Grand Cherokee,
which is now in its fourth generation, and it immediately became a bestseller
once again. And for 2014, Jeep has given its bestseller and flagship vehicle a
mid-cycle restyling, with new exterior styling, technology features, and power
trains. For those who want the best fuel economy out of a midsized
almost-luxury SUV, there’s the EcoDiesel engine, developed in an alliance with
Fiat SPA. Despite its high starting MSRP, the Grand Cherokee still sells well,
and still attracts loyal Jeep owners with its luxuriousness and upscale feel.
Full-Sized SUV: Nissan Armada: When you think
full-sized SUV, Nissan doesn’t generally come to mind. Nissan’s Armada has been
around since it was first introduced as the Pathfinder Armada back in 2004, and
it’s very much been unchanged since then. That doesn’t prevent it from selling
in large numbers, though, based on the fact that it is based upon the Titan
large pickup truck platform. With plenty of luxury and technology features,
plus a reliable 5.6L V8 engine, the Armada is an excellent deal for buyers who
wish not to pay the high prices of the Armada’s competitors, like the Chevrolet
Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and GMC Yukon.
Minivan: Chrysler Town and Country: The Chrysler
Town and Country continues to be a family favorite and the preferred choice for
minivan buyers. With standard features like leather seating surfaces, a rear
seat DVD entertainment system, the innovative exclusive Stow ‘N’ Go foldable
second-row and third-row seating system, a touch-screen audio system with
SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, and much more, the Town and Country
offers the best value in a minivan.
Regular Van: RAM ProMaster: When Dodge discontinued
its full-sized RAM Vans in 2003, Dodge fans were saddened. The Mercedes
Benz-based Sprinter vans were far more expensive than the vans they replaced,
and even though they were very reliable, thanks to a Mercedes-Benz turbocharged
diesel engine, full-sized van buyers generally turned to the American-made
Chevrolet Express/GMC Savannah and Ford Econoline Series (the latter was discontinued
for 2015, replaced by the Transit Series of full-sized vans). For 2014, the RAM
brand reintroduced a full-sized van based on the Fiat Ducato Series. And it’s
sold well since its introduction. Offered in cargo van, window van, cab-and-chassis,
and cutaway van styles and many different wheelbases and roof heights, there’s
a ProMaster for every buyer.
Pickup Truck: RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 has been a
bestseller ever since it was introduced in the early 1980s. The latest
incarnation of the RAM 1500 takes everything to a whole new level. With
class-exclusive features such as an in-bed storage system, the largest
touch-screen display available in a pickup truck, a diesel V6 engine, and an
eight-speed automatic transmission standard across the lineup, it’s no wonder
that the RAM 1500 continues to excel. The RAM 1500 is the best full-sized
pickup truck sold today.
-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews
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