Most Read Car Reviews of 2014
Published: December 30th, 2014
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We covered everything new and exciting to hit the streets in 2014, and now it’s time to see which cars you, our readers, found most interesting. Based on your clicks, here are the ten most popular reviews from 2014.
Kicking things off is our look at a new sport truck, the 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor. “The EcoBoost V6 is an absolute darling; it’s smooth and responsive, delivering V8-levels of performance with slightly lower fuel consumption,” said Associate Editor Craig Cole. “In typical Ford fashion it’s tuned for torque, and as a result puts out bucket loads of twist.” The Tremor was one final special edition released by Ford before the company rolled out the new 2015 F-150. Check out our Tremor review to see if we liked it.
Our review of the redesigned 2014 Mini Cooper hits the ninth spot on our most popular list. “These dimensional enhancements are supposed to make the car more comfortable and functional; though it feels a little insincere because this MINI isn’t so mini anymore,” said Craig Cole. “It looks noticeably larger when you stand next to it. But putting the tape measure away here are some numbers you’ll actually care about.” Hit the link to read all about the changes that came to the Mini Cooper.
The resurgence of the diesel-powered half-ton pickup proved to be a popular read this year, with our review of the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel fitting into the eighth spot on the list. “The return of diesel power to the half-ton pickup truck comes at a time in the truck industry when it seems like if you’re not innovating, you are losing sales,” said News Editor Stephen Elmer. “Look at the GM half-tons, which have been widely criticized for being too conservative. They have been giving up market share ever since their arrival and Ram has been waiting in the wings to pickup its competitors losses and rightfully so.” Click this link to find out all of the details on the Ram EcoDiesel.
Our first drive review of the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI clocks into the seventh position. “The 2015 redesign focused on three key areas: steering response, maximizing rear tire grip and enabling a flat ride. Subaru’s engineers worked hard to minimize the delay from a driver’s steering input to moment that the car actually begins to make a turn,” writes Road Test Editor Mike Schlee. A new look and a revised interior are also part of the new package. Check out the review to see what we think about the revised Subaru sports car.
Another Subaru reviews makes it into the top-end of this list in the sixth position, the 2015 Outback. “The brand bills it as a “go anywhere, do anything” vehicle and that’s a reputation that past models lived up to. But with a continuously-variable transmission, is the Outback going soft? Nope. With 8.7-inches of ground clearance, there aren’t many vehicles that can boast more space from earth to undercarriage,” said Managing Editor Luke Vandezande. We had the chance to crash around the beautiful Canadian province of Newfoundland in the new Outback, to truly put it’s off-road capability to the test. Click here to see the full write up on the new Outback.
Everyone knows hard workers are sexy, and our 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter review proves it. Sitting in the fifth position, we took the diesel-powered Sprinter for a week-long test drive to discover what makes it so capable. “But don’t let the numbers fool you; this engine is very capable for its size. Available in any wheelbase or roof height configuration, we were able to sample a short wheelbase, high-roof cargo van. Thanks to the twin-turbocharger set-up, turbo lag is virtually non-existent off the line and a decent amount of grunt is felt while accelerating to city speeds,” said Mike Schlee. Click the link to read all of our thoughts on this German workhorse.
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itting in the number four spot, we have Stephen Elmer’s look at the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD. “Engine and transmission choices carry over from the old trucks, which isn’t a bad thing,” said Elmer. “Chevrolet arranged a head-to-head comparison in the hills of Arizona against both a Cummins-powered Ram h eavy duty and a Ford Super Duty with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke and GM’s HD ran away from the other two while climbing up a six-percent grade.” Interested in big trucks? Read our review to find out about GM’s new Heavy Duty trucks.
Our look at the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class proved to be quite popular, ranking in the third position. “Mercedes-Benz has really stepped up its game in designing interiors,” said Craig Cole. “The current C-Class’ cabin is serviceable, though hardly stellar. Fortunately the 2015 iteration completely changes things for the better. Round vents ensure climate-controlled air is placed precisely where it’s needed, artfully designed seat controls are mounted on the doors for easy access, optional open-pore ash-wood trim invites inquisitive digits to feel its exposed grain and elegantly stitched leather runs across the doors and dash. Nearly everything in the 2015 C-Class interior is thoughtfully crafted to luxury standards, but there is one glaring exception.” What could that be? Click this link to find out.
The monstrous Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat roared its way into our hearts this year, and uur review of the car slots into the second position on our list. “Blowing the lid off the horsepower wars, Dodge has shoved a ferocious 6.2-liter supercharged V8 under hood that makes an insane 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque,” said Mike Schlee. “That is more power than a Lamborghini Aventador and a lot more than Chrysler’s halo car: the Viper.” But how well does the 707-hp beast handle? Click on this link to find out in our review.
Finally, the most popular review of the year. Craig Cole’s look at the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland attracted the most eyeballs on AutoGuide in 2014. “That’s not to say the folks in Auburn Hills don’t build some sumptuous, top-shelf vehicles,” said Craig Cole. “One of the nicest in their entire stable is trail rated and wears a Jeep badge. Yes, the Grand Cherokee Overland 4×4 is a pure-bred premium sport utility vehicle that can bash rocks like an excavator in a granite quarry yet still take you and your spouse out for an elegant night at the opera. It’s the best of both worlds in one vehicle.” Click this link to find out why this review was our most popular of 2014.
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