Yearly car model test drives and reviews spanning a decade and a half, culminating in a personal purchase recommendation from a seasoned expert.
In the latest episode of Car Help Corner on YouTube, host Shari Prymak, with 15 years of experience testing and reviewing new cars, shared her top recommendations for various vehicle categories.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid was named as the best SUV, praised for its spaciousness, safety enhancements, and cost-effectiveness. The CR-V features a proven 3rd-generation hybrid system, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient SUV.
In the compact car category, the Mazda 3 emerged as the host's pick. The expert highlighted its reliability, quality build, and low cost of ownership, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a compact car. The Mazda 3 is available in both hatchback and sedan body styles, offering options for different preferences.
The host also praised the Mazda 3 for its performance, equipped with a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, and options for turbo, AWD, and a 6-speed manual transmission.
For those in the market for a minivan, the Toyota Sienna was the host's top pick. The Sienna was praised for its roominess, AWD and Hybrid drivetrain, and fuel efficiency, making it a practical and efficient choice for families.
In the mid-sized car category, the Toyota Camry was the host's pick, praised for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and unbeatable value. The Camry features an impressive 232 hp engine, offering a balance of power and efficiency.
For those seeking a luxury car, the host recommended the Lexus IS. The IS was praised for its naturally aspirated V6 engine, reliable and long-lasting transmissions, and proven power performance levels.
In the electric vehicle category, the host's pick was the BMW i4. The i4 was described as a regular BMW 4 Series that happens to be electric, offering the same driving experience with the added benefit of zero emissions.
For those seeking a sports car, the host recommended the Mazda MX5 as the best affordable option, and the Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 as the best not-so-affordable option. The 718 GTS 4.0 was praised for its level of fun to drive, high-performance, naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine, six-speed manual gearbox, old school style analog feel, and availability compared to the popular GT3 and RS models.
The host also recommended the Lexus LC-500 for those seeking a luxury GT car. The LC-500 was praised for its high-performance, naturally aspirated V8 engine, six-speed manual gearbox, and Rolls-Royce level interior without the excessive price tag.
For daily driving, the host would consider the BMW i4, and for those seeking a luxury CUV, the Kia EV9 was recently awarded the top vehicle in this category by the Texas Auto Writers Association.
These recommendations from Shari Prymak provide valuable insights for consumers seeking reliable, well-designed, and cost-effective vehicles in various categories. For more categories and specific details, it is recommended to watch the full "15 Years of Testing New Cars, Here’s What I Would Buy" episode referenced in the summary.
In the sphere of luxurious vehicles, Shari Prymak recommended the Lexus IS, applauding its naturally aspirated V6 engine and reliable, long-lasting transmissions. For enthusiasts of sports cars, she proposed the Mazda MX-5 as the best affordable option and the Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 for those who are not price-sensitive, praising the latter's high-performance, old school style, and exceptional driving experience.
