2017 has brought us lots of surprises in the automobile industry. Below are the outstanding candidates who made it to our list of best cars in 2017(in alphabetical order).
1. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Giulia has always been a head turner ever since its release. More than a year has passed, even though there are still some minor FCA common problems, Alfa Romeo Giulia has become a competitive rival for the German luxury sports car with its outstanding engine, transmission and steering adjustments. Both the base model equipped with the 280 2.0T engine and the Quadrifoglio which can directly compete with M3 / C63 are worth considering.
- Engine: 2.0T / 280-hp / Turbo I-4
- Engine Option: 2.9T / 505-hp / Turbo V-6
- Drivetrain: front engine, RWD / AWD
- Transmission: 8AT
- 0-60 mph: 3.9 - 5.1 seconds
- Boro Recommendation Index: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
2. Audi A5/S5 Coupe/Sportback
Ten years have passed since the release of Audi has finally introduced the Sportback four-door hatchback model to the North America market.previous generation of Audi A5 and S5 models.
Compared to the two-door model, the four-door coupe seems more practical. A lot of college student buyers always love Audi’s sense of technology. Attractive features such as LED matrix headlights, full LCD dashboard, driving assistance, active safety are all available in the option lists.
- Engine: 2.0T / 252-hp / Turbo I-4
- Engine Option: 3.0T / 354-hp / Turbo V-6
- Drivetrain: front engine, AWD
- Transmission: 7 DSG, 8AT
- 0-60 mph: 4.4 - 5.8 seconds
- Boro Recommendation Index: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
3. BMW 5 Series
When the 7 Series was released in 2016, the market started to have high expectation for the new 5 Series. The new BMW 5 Series is now available in North America market for almost a year. Some people may argue that the 5 Series is too big for college students and a 3 Series would be enough. However, the 3 series has not had much updates for years and the interior design seems outdated. From that perspective, the 5 series is still the best choice for BWM fans in North America, especially if you choose to finance one and pay by installments. (check out Boro auto loan for international students here) For those of you who have a higher budget, you could also consider the very first generation all-wheel-drive M5.
- Engine: 2.0T / 248-hp / Turbo I-4
- Engine Option: 3.0T / 335-hp / Turbo I-6; 4.4T / 456-hp / Twin Turbo V-8
- Drivetrain: front engine, RWD / AWD
- Transmission: 8AT
- 0-60 mph: 3.0 - 6.0 seconds
- Boro Recommendation Index: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
4. Honda Accord
The previous generation Accord has retained its essence of comfort and reliability. The latest generation of Accord is more aligned with German automobile style. Honda has put a lot of efforts into this model: the hatchback style, the 2.0T high-power turbo engine based on Civic Type-R, and Honda’s latest technology such as the industry-leading 10AT gearbox. It not only meets the needs for daily commute but is also a good alternative for those loyal customers who are unable to buy a Type-R.
- Engine: 1.5T / 192-hp / Turbo I-4
- Engine Option: 2.0T / 252-hp / Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain: front engine, FWD
- Transmission: 6MT / CVT / 10AT
- 0-60 mph: 5.6 - 7.6 seconds
- Boro Recommendation Index: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
5. Honda Civic Si/Type-R
The tenth generation of Civic has been listed for almost two years, however the hatchback model was not imported from UK until the end of 2016. In 2017, we finally got to see the long-awaited American Si version and the first Hatchback Type-R version landed on the U.S. Considering that it is almost impossible to order a Type-R without paying a premium markup, the Si model is also a good option for FF performance cars.
- Engine: 1.5T / 174 - 205-hp / Turbo I-4
- Engine Option: 2.0T / 306-hp / Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain: front engine, FWD
- Transmission: 6MT / CVT
- 0-60 mph: 4.7-8.6 seconds
- Boro Recommendation Index: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
6. Infiniti Q60
We’ve been waiting quite a while for the new Q60. Its latest self-developed engine is the only V6 twin-turbo engine that exceeds the BMW B58 engine within the same price range. However, if you only want to buy the base 2.0T version, you might also consider entry-level Lexus or BMW. After all, the Q60 is still using the old Mercedes engine and the 7-speed gearbox.
- Engine: 2.0T / 208-hp / Turbo I-4
- Engine Option: 3.0T / 300-400-hp / Turbo V-6
- Drivetrain: front engine, RWD / AWD
- Transmission: 7AT
- 0-60 mph: 4.5-6.0 seconds
- Boro Recommendation Index: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
7. Lexus LC
It has been 12 years and Lexus finally launched the top tier two-door GT flagship luxury sports car. The model is equipped with many Lexus R&D technology: rear steering, 10AT gearbox, carbon fiber composite body parts, the very sophisticated and futuristic appearance. We assume that within the same budget line, a lot of people would choose Lexus LC over the Nissan GT-R.
- Engine: 5.0L / 471-hp / NA V-8
- Engine Option: 3.5L V-6 Hybrid 354-hp
- Drivetrain: front engine, RWD
- Transmission: 10AT; 4AT + CVT
- 0-60 mph: 4.8-5.3 seconds
- Boro Recommendation Index: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
8. Porsche 718
As Porsche's first 2.0T four-cylinder entry-level performance models, Porsche 718 comes with a lower starting price and decent performance. If people who drive BRZ / 86 / Miata are more identified as Japanese brand fans, then this 718 is more catering to German automaker followers. However, its sound insulation, comfort level and space performance, in fact, is quite similar to a BRZ/86. If you are looking for a car for daily use as well as traveling around, a Macan might be more practical.
- Engine: 2.0T / 300-hp / Turbo H-4
- Engine Option: 2.5T / 350-hp / Turbo H-4
- Drivetrain: Mid-engine, RWD
- Transmission: 6MT / 7DCT
- 0-60 mph: 3.4 - 4.8 seconds
- Boro Recommendation Index: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
9. Toyota Camry
The epic rivalry between Honda Accord and Toyota Camry has been going on for years. Both cars are at the top of the best-selling list. Based on a new global platform, the new Camry finally adopts a sportier design, as well as better fuel consumption and handling performance. The highlighted Toyota Safety Sense Package is also added to this generation. If you are looking for a daily commuter car with reliability and slow depreciation, Camry is definitely one of the top choices.
- Engine: 2.5L / 203-206hp / NA I-4
- Engine Option: 3.5L / 301-hp / NA V-6
- Drivetrain: front engine, FWD
- Transmission: 8AT
- 0-60 mph: 5.5 - 8.2 seconds
- Boro Recommendation Index: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
10. Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 is eye-catching not only in the traditional automobile industry but also in the technology industry. The model 3 finally started its delivery after a long delay in 2017. However, the production problem still exists and has been pushing back the availability. So you may have to wait until Senior year in college or Ph.D. graduation for your delivery.
2017 is the last year that federal government has, With the latest Tesla electric motors and battery packs which can deliver a driving range of 215 miles on one single charge and a 0-to-60 time of 5.6 seconds, the starting price seems pretty friendly to majority consumers, which is only $ 35,000. But the extra add-ons and options may eventually push the price towards $50,000. Also the subsidies for electronic cars.
- Engine: 235 hp electric
- Engine Option: 325 hp dual electric
- Drivetrain: RWD / AWD
- Transmission: 1A
- 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
- Boro Recommendation Index: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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