Yahoo Autos Best and Worst Cars of 2015
At the 327-acre Consumer Reports test track, we subject every vehicle we buy to a battery of more than 50 rigorous instrumented tests and other evaluations. Our expert assessment then continues for thousands of miles on the open road, where staff members will drive for months to ensure that our experiences match those of the consumer.
By the time we’ve finished living with our cars, we have an excellent sense of which will stand up to years of screeched tires, scorched brakes, and spilled juice boxes. Some vehicles prove popular among the staff even after we’re done testing, and some languish. Among this past year’s new releases, below are the vehicles that earned our praise, and our scorn—the best and worst cars of 2015. Click on the model names below to read the complete road tests.
Also, see the road tests for the disappointing Chevrolet Trax and Jeep Renegade.
Best cars of 2015
Volkswagen Golf
From the moment the Golf’s doors close with that reassuring thunk, this German hatchback exudes a quality feel that you don’t find in your typical econobox. The new 1.8-liter turbo engine delivers effortless power and 28 mpg. Despite its compact size, the Golf provides the ride, handling, and quietness of a more expensive car. Topping the well-trimmed interior is an intuitive infotainment system. The North American Car of the Year jury—of which Consumer Reports is a member—named the Golf its 2015 winner.
Volkswagen GTI
With its 2.0-liter, 210-hp turbo engine, the GTI is deliriously fun to drive. Using the Golf’s basic bones, the GTI adds 40 more snarling horsepower, 18-inch wheels, and a suspension that carves corners without pummeling you like competitors such as the Subaru WRX. The interior is very well finished, with above-class materials and comfortable, supportive seats. Starting at $24,785, this “hot hatch” is something of a bargain. Like the Golf, we eagerly await the GTI’s reliability data from our annual survey.
Ford F-150
Even though Ford’s new full-sized pickup finished third to Chevrolet and Ram in our Ratings, this truck’s redesign is a major evolution. The F-150 shed 700 pounds of body weight by using aluminum instead of steel, and the stunning new 2.7-liter, V6 turbo engine yields 17 mpg overall while still delivering 325 hp and 375 pound-feet of torque. This is an encouraging sign of where trucks can go.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The three-pointed star has given a serious challenge to the BMW 3 Series as the perennial champion of the compact luxury sedan segment. The Mercedes’ opulent interior styling and rich materials deliver a more luxurious feel than the BMW. Yet the C300 is just as engaging to drive as its Bavarian rival, with a gratifying balance of cushy ride and agile handling.
Porsche Macan
The Macan feels like a taller, broader Porsche 911; it has all of the practicality of a compact SUV but retains that sports-car performance. With acceleration, handling, and braking that puts most sports sedans to shame, the Macan is easily the most thrilling SUV we’ve tested—while still delivering a measure of utility, civility, and luxury. Pricing starts at $50,000, but typically equipped, a Macan lands in the mid-$60,000s.
Subaru Legacy
Most family sedans are bland pieces of machinery. But the Legacy injects some personality into a great all-around sedan, with roominess, functionality, and a reasonable price. It effectively blends a comfortable ride, responsive handling, all-wheel drive, a roomy and quiet interior, great visibility, intuitive controls, and commendable fuel economy.
