5 Great Cars In 5 Popular Segments

The automotive market is more expansive than it’s ever been, and there is a vehicle for just about every possible taste and need. Whether you’re looking to save a few bucks or want a car that can tackle the most arduous of tasks with ease, there is definitely something out there if you know where to look. Here are just a few of the best options in some of the most popular car classifications:

Economy

Affordability is a key consideration when it comes to buying a new car. In terms of low price of purchase, the Kia Forte and Nissan Versa are among the most affordable sedans. Being smaller and lighter, they manage some of the best miles per gallon figures. This means that they are not only cheap to buy but also cheap to own. The Toyota Corolla is a slightly pricier option but it still boasts excellent mpg, along with high levels of practicality, comfort, and safety. All of this combines to make it one of the best-selling cars in the USA.

Luxury

At the other end of the spectrum are the primo-luxury vehicles. A lot of well-known names occupy this segment, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Porsche. These are some of the best-looking and -feeling cars out there. Perfectly balancing [erformance, comfort, and technology, the BMW 8 Series is an amazing four-door coupe with 523 horsepower and a blistering 3.7-second 0-60 mph sprint time. Naturally, it’s on the pricier side, closing in on six figures, even in base model guise.

Fun 

If you want performance without the price tag, the Ford Mustang is a true classic. A fifth-generation Ford Mustang will save you a few bucks extra and it still feels just as fiery in comparison to the modern variant. The new models aren’t quite as chunky and muscular are their predecessors, but they still have that traditional pony car vibe. That being said, if you want similarly traditional V8 power, you will have to shell out a bit more money, as the base Mustang is now powered by a turbocharged four-pot developing 310 hp. Luckily, it still gives buyers the option of a manual transmission, though an automatic is also offered.

Off-road 

Many drivers get just as much enjoyment off the road as on it, which is where off-road warriors like the Jeep Wrangler JK come in. From its 3rd-gen guise through to today, this SUV has barely changed. It still has the aggressive, blocky design that makes it so popular, along with a removable roof and doors. The more modern version has a stronger V6 engine as standard, though there is a turbo-four on offer if the abysmal fuel economy of the six-cylinder worries you. While you do have to opt for the most expensive Rubicon trim if you want the absolute best out of the Wrangler, every model is eminently capable of tackling difficult terrain. Just don’t expect the Jeep to feel half as composed or comfortable on the road. 

Family Adventure

If you want to share the excitement of the outdoors with the family, a full-size pickup truck with an extended cab is definitely on way to go about it. These are some of the hardiest vehicles ever made, which is why the second-gen Toyota Tacoma continues to draw attention in used markets, despite being years behind the current version. It was a cheap truck already, relatively speaking, and it retains its dependability even at a reduced secondhand price. Aside from loads of cargo space in the bed, it boasts useable rear seats with the Double Can and excellent safety ratings.

Some honorable mentions

These are far from being the only good options, and some of them aren’t even the best in their fields. They all offer great value, though, which is why they continue to sell well, both new and used. In terms of affordable commuters, the Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, and Toyota Yaris are all great choices. As for luxury, the Mercedes S-Class is on par with the aforementioned 8 Series, but the Genesis G80 is definitely worth considering if you want all the advantages of these premium brands but want to save a little money.

For affordable fun, the Dodge Charger or Challenger are similar American muscle cars with a modern twist, while the Honda Civic Si or Mazda Miata MX-5 are highly engaging yet remarkably cheap options. But if it’s your family you’re thinking about, nothing beats a crossover or SUV. The Toyota RAV4, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona are some well-rounded compacts, while Jeep Grand Cherokee and Genesis GV80 are great midsize SUVs that lead the way into the premium market.