The Best of 2014: Vincent's Auto Review's Picks

            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

Best Back-To-School Vehicles: Vincent's Auto Reviews' Picks

            As hard as it is to believe, the new school year will soon be upon us. If your teenager is going back to school, whether it be high school or college, and you want to buy them a used car, Vincent’s Auto Reviews has compiled a list of our best used car picks for back to school.

Best Subcompact Car: Kia Rio, 2006-2011: Small, thrifty, and safe, the Kia Rio is a great pick for going back to school. Plus, the industry-leading 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty means that scheduled repairs will be taken care of during the time your teen has the car. Should they need to take passengers along for the ride, the Rio, in either sedan or hatchback form, will seat five passengers comfortably.

Best Compact Car: Ford Focus, 2008-2011: A fun-to-drive, efficient, and sporty-looking little car, the Focus offers up many features to satisfy your techy teen. From Bluetooth hands-free phone and iPod integration, to SIRIUS Satellite Radio, to full voice control of the sound system, the Focus offers many features to keep your teen safe, yet still satisfied, while behind the wheel. Plus, Ford’s MyKey on later model (2010 and newer) Focus’s allows you to set parameters for your teen, such as limiting the volume of the sound system, muting the sound system until your teen buckles up, and setting a speed warning and limit. Should your teen want extra sportiness, a coupe variant, which still seats five passengers and is visibly sportier than the sedan model, is also available to purchase.

Best Midsized Car: Mazda6, 2004-2008: There’s a Mazda6 to satisfy every driver, including your teen. From a five-door wagon, to a four-door hatchback, to the traditional four-door sedan, there’s plenty to choose from. With either four-cylinder or V6 power, there’s also an engine choice for every driver. All models seat five passengers in comfort, while providing plenty of trunk or cargo room space to load up your teen’s things. While harder to find, the MazdaSpeed6 is also available to purchase.

Best Full-Sized Car: Dodge Charger V6, 2006-2010: Just because you don’t want your teenager to have a lot of power, doesn’t mean they still can’t have fun while driving. The V6-powered Charger, offering the looks of its V8-powered siblings, while offering better fuel economy and less power, the Charger is a fun-to-drive sports sedan. Bluetooth technology allows your teenager to connect their phone and take calls or stream their favorite music, while an auxiliary input jack allows them to plug in their MP3 player. Plus, if you live in a cold climate where snow may be in the forecast, all-wheel-drive can be had on the Charger, in addition to the standard rear-wheel-drive version.

Best Compact SUV: Jeep Liberty, 2002-2007: So your teenager wants a Jeep, but you don’t want them in a convertible. The Liberty is a fun-to-drive, four-door SUV that offers four-wheel-drive capabilities while still having excellent on-road manners. Offering a swing-out rear tailgate, your teenager can load cargo into their Liberty easily and without much effort, while the rear bench seat folds flat to create a larger cargo area. The Liberty is a no-brainer.

Best Midsized SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1999-2004: If your teenager wants a more traditional Jeep, the Grand Cherokee satisfies that want. Offered with six-cylinder or V8 engines, two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, and many different models, the Grand Cherokee is a solid pick. Like the Liberty, even though it doesn’t have a swing-out tailgate, loading of cargo is effortless, and the rear bench seat folds flat. Plus, your teenager can carry four additional passengers in comfort. The Grand Cherokee is a great choice for teenaged drivers.

Best Full-Sized SUV: Ford Expedition, 2003-2006: While you may not be shopping for a full-sized SUV for your teenager, the Expedition remains a great consideration. Even though it has V8 power, a fold-flat third-row seat allows for passenger-carrying capabilities when your teenager needs it or cargo-carrying capabilities when your teenager needs to carry larger items in their vehicle. Advanced safety features like side-mounted airbags and traction and stability controls keep your teenager safe while behind the wheel of the Expedition.

 Best Pickup Truck: Dodge Dakota, 2005-2011: If your teenager plays a sport or just needs to haul a lot, a pickup truck may be a great option, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a full-sized pickup truck. In fact, the Dakota offers V6 or V8 power, two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, and four doors, either in extended or crew cabs. The Dakota also seats up to six people (in crew cab form) and can be equipped with a large bed for extreme cargo carrying capabilities. The Dakota is a solid choice for your teenager.

-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews