Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

Category winners

We reveal the best and worst cars in 10 categories - from reliability to running costs - as voted for by you

Is your car reliable? How does it fare when it comes to running costs? Or is your car's performance a bigger priority for you? We've crunched the numbers to name the best and worst cars across a total of 10 categories.

This year for the first time we've split build quality and reliability into separate categories to give an even better picture of the cars you can trust. And following the success of the new technology category last year, we've also asked owners to rate the usefulness, ease of use, reliability, innovation and value for money of their car's gadgets.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Scroll down to see the winners and losers in each category.

Best for reliability

Kicking off our category countdown is the reliability results. So which car can you depend on?

PositionMakeModel%
1ToyotaYaris MkIII98.40%
2SubaruForester MkIII97.96%
3HondaJazz MkII97.87%
    
Last placeLand RoverRange Rover MkIII83.31%

Best for in-car tech

You tell us just how well all the bells and whistles work in your car, and whether they're good value.

PositionMakeModel%
1SkodaYeti89.44%
2LexusIS MkII88.87%
3RenaultScenic/G Scenic MkII88.23%
    
Last placePorscheBoxster MkII75.66%

Best for running costs

How hard are you hit in the pocket by your car? These results reveal all on mpg and other costs.

PositionMakeModel%
1VauxhallAgila MkII90.34%
2ToyotaiQ89.81%
3ToyotaYaris MkIII89.60%
    
Last placeLand RoverRange Rover MkIII59.34%

Best for performance

It's no surprise that sports cars dominate this part of our results, but there are some shocks mixed in.

PositionMakeModel%
1JaguarXK/R MkII99.60%
2Porsche911 99798.45%
3PorscheBoxster MkII96.19%
    
Last placeHondaJazz MkI75.97%

Best for braking

A car needs to stop as well as it goes, and here you tell us which model is a hit coming to a halt.

PositionMakeModel%
1Porsche911 99796.83%
2JaguarXK/R MkII96.33%
3PorscheCayman MkI95.20%
    
Last placeHondaAccord MkVII80.20%

Best for ride quality

The UK's smoothest operator has a comfortable lead in an area where homegrown cars lead the way.

PositionMakeModel%
1Land RoverDiscovery 496.09%
2JaguarXJ MkV93.33%
3Land RoverRange Rover Evoque91.61%
    
Last placeHondaCivic MkVIII68.40%

Best for build quality

Solid construction inside and out is vital to ensure a car can withstand the rigours of everyday use.

PositionMakeModel%
1SkodaYeti96.25%
2LexusIS MkII95.45%
3BMW5 Series MkVI94.48%
    
Last placeFordGalaxy MkIII80.29%

Best for ease of driving

Which cars are a joy to drive? And which are a chore? Your rankings tell us all we need to know.

PositionMakeModel%
1Land RoverDiscovery 498.16%
2SkodaYeti97.77%
3JaguarXK/R MkII96.80%
    
Last placeVauxhallInsignia87.16%

Best for handling

Porsche takes the top three spots in this thrilling category, but there are a few surprises.

PositionMakeModel%
1PorscheCayman MkI99.60%
2Porsche911 99798.83%
3PorscheBoxster MkII98.41%
    
Last placeVolvoV70 MkII77.78%

Best for practicality

You name the cars that make the best use of space, whether you're carrying people, luggage or both.

PositionMakeModel%
1SkodaSuperb MkII98.75%
2Land RoverDiscovery 498.16%
3SkodaRoomster97.89%
    
Last placeJaguarXK/R MkII65.60%

See the results for previous years…

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,674 off RRP*Used from £8,995
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,800 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,372
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £15,920
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag
Dacia £15k EV design render

Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag

Dacia's new model will be developed in double-quick time, and it'll be built in Europe to avoid China tariffs
News
24 Jul 2025
Renault will “stick to the plan” as it hits number 2 in Europe
Renault 5 - front static

Renault will “stick to the plan” as it hits number 2 in Europe

Renault has no plans to fight Volkswagen for sales supremacy, despite huge growth in EV sales due to new Renault 5
News
23 Jul 2025
New MG IM6 review: the EV to finally tame Tesla
MG IM6 - front

New MG IM6 review: the EV to finally tame Tesla

The new MG IM6 boasts a dual-motor set-up with an astonishing 741bhp
Road tests
23 Jul 2025