Consumer Reports' 10 best cars of 2014

Calling all car fanatics: Here’s a list of the models that topped our ratings in 2014. These cars are winners; they out-scored and out-gunned all competitors. To get to be the cream of the crop, they stopped shorter, ran faster, fit people comfortably, and squeezed in a few more miles between fill ups.

Consumer Reports buys cars anonymously (no freebies from manufacturers!) and puts each through more than 50 tests at our 327-acre test facility in Connecticut. Bottom line: No one tests cars like Consumer Reports.

The list is dominated by German makes—top scorers for comfort, handling, ride and driving satisfaction. Surprises? General Motors makes a strong showing with two models on our list. And there’s one that simply “electrified” us.

Ladies and gentlemen, here are the best cars of 2014, counting from 10th place to 1st. Drumroll, please.

10. Infiniti Q70

Base MSRP price range: $49,850 - $67,050

The Q70 is the lone Japanese car to make our top 10. It earns its spot through a combination of agile handling, firm-yet-compliant ride, and strong powertrain. Our tested Q70 was very quick, with its 330-hp, 3.7-liter V6 and smooth seven-speed automatic dashing off 0-60 mph sprints in 5.8 seconds and returning a decent 21 mpg overall. We also tested the hybrid version, which was slightly quicker and delivered 25 mpg overall, but its transition between electric and gas mode was too abrupt and discredited some of the car’s overall refinement. Interior quality is top-notch, and the rear seat is roomy. You can even get an extended-length L version should you want to stretch your legs further.

9. Audi A6/A7

Base MSRP price range: $44,800 - $75,500 / $65,900 - $106,500

The A6 and A7 share the same platform—and get the same score—hence sharing a spot on this top 10 list. Both are outstanding vehicles, giving shoppers a tempting choice between sedan (A6) and hatchback body styles (A7), as well as a variety of four-cylinder, V6, V8, and turbodiesel powertrains. We tested both a V6-powered A6 and a turbodiesel A7; both provided smooth and acceleration. As you’d expect, the A7 won the fuel economy contest with 28 mpg overall. (The A6 got 22.) Both also supply a hushed, nicely finished cabin with all-day-comfort seats. The A6 is engaging to drive with nimble handling and quick, communicative steering. The A7 has hatchback versatility and sleeker styling. Another feather in both of their caps: They tied in our owner satisfaction survey, with 84 percent of our A6/A7 drivers saying they’d buy it again.

8. Chevrolet Impala

Base MSRP price range: $27,060 - $40,660

The Impala has the distinction of being the least expensive car on our list. Base price is just around $27,000, and, with a bunch of options, the car tops out near $40,000. The interior is roomy, comfortable, and quiet. The most surprising thing about the Impala is how enjoyable it is to drive. The available 3.6-liter V6 is punchy. Handling is very responsive, and the steering feel is more like a German car than an old-school Detroit cruiser. It even rides like a luxury sedan, feeling cushy yet controlled. The full-featured cabin stays very quiet, with a sumptuous backseat and a huge trunk. First-year reliability for the redesigned Impala has been average for the V6 (not so much for the four-cylinder model). The V6 is the one we like most, anyway. And we really like this car.

7. Audi A8

Base MSRP price range: $77,400 - $137,900

Expensive and exclusive, the A8 is Audi’s flagship sedan. It’s also one of the sportiest luxury sedans we've tested. The A8 carries a price premium (our tested model rang up at more than $91,000), but it provides smooth and effortless acceleration, with commendable 21 mpg overall—even with all-wheel drive. The big car holds the road tenaciously, with crisp handling. Inside you’ll find a wonderful interior ambience made of high-quality materials and fine craftsmanship. The exceptionally comfortable and supportive front seats have a variety of massage settings. All-in-all, we’d love this car on a cross-country road trip. Or really any excuse to get behind the wheel.

6. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Base MSRP price range: $54,000 - $64,000

This is the seventh generation of the fantastic plastic all-American sports car, and it’s safe to say that the Corvette keeps getting better. The styling is head-turning sharp and GM finally upgraded the interior. The heart of this beast, of course, is the magnificent 6.2-liter V8 producing 455 hp. Acceleration is blistering: 0-60-mph in just 4.3 seconds, with a throaty exhaust soundtrack. Handling is pinpoint, making this the most agile Corvette we’ve ever tested. With the adjustable driving modes, the car can be a civilized cruiser or track-ready race car. We’re not sure anyone needs even more power, but a 650-hp Z06 version is also available. Keeping traditions alive, you can choose from coupe or convertible body styles, and automatic and manual transmissions.