2011 Cars
Auto Buyer's Guide
from Men's Health
Posted Date: May 23, 2011
Looking for a fresh set of wheels? Our editors break down the best 2011 models, from A to ZDX. No haggling required
AUDI A3:
Luxury, on a budget. The A3 has the refinement of bigger Audis but at a
sub-$30,000 buy-in. It’s put together with typical Germanic precision,
and on the road it’s nimble and peppy. While those words are usually
backhanded compliments—shorthand for barely adequate—in this case
they’re legit. The car handles marvelously and is light enough that it
makes the most use of its 200 horsepower. Starting at $27,270; audiusa.com
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AUDI S5:
The last five years have seen a surge in two-door coupes, and Audi’s
entry into the field is as fantastic a piece of automotive design as it
is automotive engineering. It’s balanced better than its four-door
cousin, the A4, because the engine sits behind the front axle, as
opposed to directly over it. And a big engine it is—the 4.2 liter V8
produces 350 horsepower. It’s a terrific grand-tourer. Starting at
$53,650; audiusa.com
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PORSCHE BOXTER:
Porsche’s entry-level sports car is only “entry-level” by 911's high
standards. By any definition, the Boxster is a terrific car, made even
more so in this new Spyder configuration. The distinctive top-down look
has classic race-car lines and permits a top speed of 166 mph. And how
about that gas mileage? The 320hp engine scores a terrific 27 mpg
highway with the manual transmission. Starting at $61,800; porsche.com
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BMW 335i:
The 335i is BMW’s stealth rocket—while comparatively tame in design,
its twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder engine is mind-blowingly fast. It
has the classic BMW fit and finish, along with all the advanced
technology that defines the brand, both in the dash and under the hood.
Yes, $40,000+ is steep for a sedan, but you’ll forget that the next time
you toast the tuner kids at the stoplight. Starting at $44,050; bmwusa.com
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BMW 5-Series:
BMW’s newest generation represents a shift back to the classic BMW
design. They’re full-sized sedans with plenty of room for grown-ups in
the back. Their efficient engines and 8-speed automatic transmissions
boost power without compromising fuel economy, and tech goodies range
from standard backup cameras to the manual transmission option, which is
rare in big cars, and which we love. Starting at $50,100; bmwusa.com
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CADILLAC CTS-V:
Cadillac currently has the sharpest, most intriguing designs of any
U.S. manufacturer, and its CTS-V Coupe is the most menacing of the
bunch. Throw in a mind-numbingly good 556 hp, 6.2 liter V8 engine,
enhanced Brembo brakes, a track-tuned suspension, and big 19-inch
multispoke wheels, and you have a rocket ship that will shoot your to 60
mph in less that four seconds. Starting at $63,465; cadillac.com
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ACURA TSX Sport Wagon:
We love station wagons—they’re just as versatile as SUV’s without all
the drag. We love “sport” station wagons even more. They’re faster.
Hence our enthusiasm for Acura’s 201hp, 30 mpg TSX Sport Wagon. It’s got
60 cubic feet of cargo volume, all the luxury Acura is known for, and
is supremely affordable. (Well, for a luxury car …) Starting at $30,960;
acura.com
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CHEVY CAMARO:
Of all the retro revivals to come along in the last decade, the Camaro
is by far the most faithful interpretation, and also simply the coolest.
The car oozes testosterone from every pore, and none of its trim
levels—a sometimes bewildering selection—are compromises. The entry
level V6 gives you 300 hp and the V8 about 425. Either way, you’ll be
happy. Starts at $22,680; chevrolet.com
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CHEVY SILVERADO:
The country’s first two-mode hybrid pickup has been a long time coming.
At low speeds, the truck can operate using electric power alone
(briefly) and a combination of engine/electric power; at high speeds,
the electric motor provides an assist to the engine. Because of that it
cranks out a respectable 20 mpg city and 23 highway. And yes, it’ll tow
your boat. Starts at $38,340; chevrolet.com
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HONDA ODYSSEY:
There’s no way around it: If you need a minivan, you need a minivan.
Honda has you covered: their sharp, futuristic redesign, out this year,
offers plenty of cool, innovative features, including underfloor storage
and a cool 16.2-inch DVD screen that can permits split-screen viewing
of two separate movies. It can seat 8 adults, and of course, Honda
quality is standard. Do it, dad! Starting at $27,800; honda.com
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CHEVY VOLT:
The much-anticipated Volt, an electric car with an on-board gas engine
that charges the battery, compromises neither range nor practicality for
fuel efficiency. If you drive less than 35 miles a day and plug it in
at night, you can run on electricity all the time. When you need to go
further, the engine's there to save the day. It’s practical, fun, and oh
so cool. Starting at $32,780; chevrolet.com
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FORD FIESTA:
The Fiesta is a classic example of Ford's European products outshining
their American counterparts. So Ford finally caved in and brought the
European version here. Good thing they did, too, because this is a
sensational car—brisk handling and power, and a groovy design. With a
full raft of amenities and connectivity options, it’s also one of the
best values around, too. Starting at $15,120; ford.com
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FORD EDGE:
Crossovers began as clunky, insecure mishmashes of cars and SUV’s, but
they’ve evolved into their own legitimate class of car—essentially
elevated station wagons. And the Edge is by far the most respectable of
the bunch. It’s sport, stable in the turns, and roomy enough for
families. Plus, it benefits from Ford’s recently revitalized design
language that’s crisp, modern, and manly. Starting at $27,450; ford.com
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NISSAN JUKE:
The Juke caught us by surprise. We expected to hate it, but turned out
loving it. The stylish mini-crossover comes with either front-wheel
drive or all-wheel-drive and scoots to 60 mph in a startlingly brisk 6.8
seconds. The car tapers dramatically at the rear, which usually ticks
us off because it cuts into cargo space. But in this case, it works.
It’s a winner. Starting at $19,340; nissanusa.com
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FORD F150:
Pickup trucks were hit hard by the recession, but they’re bouncing back
thanks to smart design and modernizations of emissions and stability
systems. The XLT uses Ford’s EcoBoost engine to boost city/highway
mileage by 5 mpg. Plus, it truly feels like there’s a monster V8 barking
under the hood. Nice. Starting at $26,115; ford.com
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HONDA FIT:
If you want a compact, this is a terrific option. The Fit’s brilliant
interior reconfiguration ability—its seats fold every which way—means it
has more cargo space than most SUV’s. It’s also one of the most stylish
compacts on the road, with a design that promises to age far better
than most. And hey, you can’t argue with 33 mpg (combined) and 10 coup
holders. Starting at $15,100; honda.com
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HONDA PILOT:
Honda always has clever ways of packaging their vehicles, and the Pilot
is among the cleverest. A mid-sized SUV that can seat 8 is
monumental—even if the three in the third row are better off as
children. And the fact that the third row vanishes into the floor for
the maximum cargo space seals the deal for us. Yet another bonus: it has
solid off-road credibility, which can be rare in mid-sized SUV’s.
Starting $28,045; honda.com
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JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE:
Fold modern, upscale design with proven off-road chops, and you have a
perfect car for guys. The Grand Cherokee, which lost its way in recent
years, roars back with stellar performance and a Jeep’s overall newfound
dedication to reliability. You also now can reap the benefits of all
modern accoutrements—from keyless operation and backup cameras to remote
starting and park-assist. Starting at $30,995; jeep.com
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MINI COOPER CLUBMAN S:
There aren’t many small cars that truly let guys keep their dignity.
Somehow, the Mini Cooper Clubman not only does that, but it makes you
look cool along the way. A slightly stretched Mini, the Clubman provides
usable cargo space and all the high-concept styling cues that lend this
micro-car a miraculous gravitas. Plus, it’s sheer fun in the twisties.
Starting $25,500; miniusa.com
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NISSAN 370Z:
The 370Z, a significant re-engineering of the already highly regarded
350Z, offers a 350 hp V6 engine and, in the manual transmission, the
world’s first synchronized downshift rev-matching system, which
basically means your downshifts happen smoother and faster. It couples
high innovation with Nissan’s famed reliability and economy. Starting at
$31,200; nissanusa.com
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TOYOTA FJ CRUISER:
There are few off-road SUV’s that can be considered true design
triumphs. Range Rover is one, and the FJ Cruiser joins it. Inspired by
the original 1960’s FJ, the Cruiser is a capable off-roader and a clever
packaging of quirky features, from its unconventional two-tone body
paneling to its suicide doors to its three-blade windshield washer
system. Starting $25,290; toyota.com
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VOLKSWAGEN GTI:
Somehow, the GTI occupies the perfect space between youth and
maturity—younger drivers groove on it, and guys in their 30s and 40s
won’t look silly behind the wheel. That’s a rare, significant
achievement. But no matter what demo you fall in, you’ll have plenty of
fun in this fast, fuel-efficient, economical, and award-winning little
coupe. Opt for the four-door version if you need more space. Starting at
$23,695; vw.com
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VOLKSWAGEN CC SPORT:
Though based on the Passat, the CC is longer, lower, and wider than its
sibling. Its sophisticated design and unconventional two-tone leather
interior give it a sharp edge. It’s the kind of car that valets will
park at the front the restaurant—so not only will it make you look good,
but it will impress her, as well. Starting at $28,515; vw.com
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VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI :
Diesel fuel is an important “bridge” technology—something that will
help limit our gas consumption in the short term. VW’s TDI uses the new,
low-sulfer “clean” diesel, better than your parents' old oil-burners.
Its high-torque engine will get you off the line quickly and return 30
mpg city and 42 highway. The redesigned Jetta looks smart and handled
nicely for an economy car. Starting at $24,995; vw.com
MORE INFO
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