Scheduling conflicts meant that only three of our five finalists for the MA BCTB 2024 award could make it to the track. The track cars were the Z06, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, and the Acura Integra Type S. Left on the sidelines were the BMW M2 and Lucid Air Sapphire.

But track testing isn’t the only consideration for the Best Car To Buy award. Value, price (those two things can indeed be separate), on-road livability, and overall fun factor also play into the mix. And when those criteria were considered, the Acura Integra Type S made a strong showing, but came up just short.

The following is a breakdown of what we learned about our finalists by driving them on the track at Atlanta Motorsports Park, comparing them head-to-head, and in individual loans and other track time for the cars that couldn’t make it to our testing program.

Winner: Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The Z06 shows how special the C8 Corvette can be. It not only has an exotic mid-engine design, but it also boasts a special flat-plane crank, 8,600-rpm screamer of an engine. It launches the car from 0-60 mph in a scant 2.6 seconds and its high-pitched howl tickled our eardrums while doing it. “The biggest issue with the C8 is you can tell the chassis is designed for more power. This engine fixes that issue,” said Senior Producer Joel Feder.

Senior Editor Bengt Halvorson noted that the engine doesn’t have a lot of immediate torque and you need to keep the revs up to get the most out of it. That’s easy because the V-8 is teamed with a telepathic 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that shoots the car forward with each stab of the throttle and crisp gear change. 

The ’Vette’s low-slung stance, right-now steering response, flat cornering attitude, and accessible performance gave our staff confidence and had us shaking our heads in amazement after each stint. “With each lap I pushed harder. Go faster, you can do more. And I didn’t come close to the max of what it could do,” said Senior Editor Robert Duffer.

While we didn’t record lap times, it's no surprise the Corvette put up the fastest figures at a couple of key points on the track: 123 mph at the end of the front straight, and 81 mph at the apex of the carousel made up by turns 13, 14, and 15.

There was more room to grow for both figures, too, especially for the top speed at the end of the straight. Pinning the throttle through 16 would have likely added 10 mph by the end of the straight, but that would create a hard weight shift in the turn 16 transition onto the straight that can sometimes create a disconcerting slide. We avoided going that hard in that spot and that cost some top speed.

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We liked the Z06 on the road, too. “Tour mode dials up a really nice ride. I was shocked at how good the ride was,” noted Halvorson. That’s great for the Z06’s everyday driver credentials, given it’s the Corvette with the firmest tuning.

Our lone complaint involved the brakes, and the gripe was mostly mine. Every Corvette has a brake-by-wire system that simulates feel. While our Z06 had the optional carbon-ceramic brakes with more than enough stopping power for multiple days of track time, it lacked initial feel and required getting used to the bite point of the pedal travel. On at least two occasions, I braked too late for turn 2, the first of two ess corners because the pedal felt wooden on initial application. The problem was probably exacerbated by coming out of the Mustang Dark Horse, which has a higher pedal and more initial bite. However, each time, I quickly got used to the Corvette’s brakes and had no more issues for the rest of each session.

2nd: Acura Integra Type S

We suspected that the Integra Type S would have the track capability of the Honda Civic Type R that won last year’s award, but Acura was promoting it as a more mature street car than the Honda. There was no track component to the media drive, either, but the Type S has all of the performance equipment of the Type R, minus the Recaro bucket seats. We worried that it might not have the cooling for track duty, but aside from brake smoke after its first track session, the Type S held up well. Not only that, but it did better than expected.

The Type S had a big disadvantage against the Mustang in performance equipment, but it performed almost as well. Its 2.0-liter turbo-4 makes 320 hp. It’s a torque-rich engine that needs to stay over 2,200 rpm for best power, but that’s no issue on a racetrack, where power is ready upon corner exit and pulls well on the straights. Best of all, the power is accessed through a lovely 6-speed manual transmission with short, positive throws and an easy-to-modulate clutch. Despite a 180-hp deficit, the Type S was only 4 mph slower at the end of the front straight than the Mustang.

Poise was the Type S strength that allowed it to challenge the Mustang. “Everyone who got into the Integra, within one lap you were confident and at ease with it,” said Editorial Director Marty Padgett. It tackled corners with confidence, taking a nice set and staying balanced despite the fact that the front wheels had to both turn and power the car on corner exit—a traction balancing act that feels natural in the Type S.

An example of that poise came in the apex of turn 15, where I was able to carry the same 77 mph as the Mustang, despite the Mustang’s stickier tires. Good suspension tuning and carrying about 700 fewer pounds will do that. Sport+ mode was needed to loosen the stability control for the turn 16 transition to the front straight. Sport mode clamped down on the power at that point likely due to a short loss of traction, but Sport+ mode let it loose and enabled more speed at the end of the straight.

The Type S is an easy commuter car on the road, with an agreeable ride and tame power—but also one that thrills you unexpectedly on a track. “For everything that car can do off of a track, for it to perform like that on a track was remarkable,” said Duffer.

As for those brakes, we worried we’d have to go easy on the Type S after Feder got them smoking in his first session. Well, we didn’t and they didn’t fade through three hours of track driving. With 13.8-inch front rotors and 4-piston Brembo calipers up front and 12.0-inch rear rotors with single-slot calipers, they’re not all that big, but they’re effective. Still, I’d want track pads and high-temp brake fluid for longer track days.

In the end, the Type S made a strong case for itself, especially given its fairly reasonable pricing of about $52,000. However, the performance gap between it and the Z06 was just too much to overcome.

3rd: BMW M2

Timing prevented the M2 from making it to our track day, as BMW was having a large media testing program the same week and needed all the available M2s for that event. Too bad, as it would have likely represented itself well at Atlanta Motorsports Park. However, three of our editors got to drive it earlier in the year at Road America, both on the big track and a gokart track that doubles as an autocross course. A fourth whipped it around the Tail of the Dragon for good measure.

The M2 follows the recent formula for new M cars: It’s bigger, heavier, firmer, and faster around a track. By the numbers it’s better, but it’s lost a little something from the last-generation car that won the Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2017 award. That car felt like an old-school BMW while the other M models were already employing the bigger-and-more-powerful strategy. It was lighter and tuned a little softer, with some well controlled body lean that provided feel in corners.

BMW packs 3.0 liters of wonderful turbocharged inline-6 under the hood of the M2. It spins out 453 hp, up 88 horses from the 2017 model. The power can flow to the rear wheels through a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission that’s not quite as tight as the Honda manual, or a very responsive 8-speed automatic.

Man, that power is ready, willing, and able. The 0-60 mph times are 4.1 seconds with the manual, and 3.9 seconds with the automatic. The M2 launches hard, builds speed quickly, and accelerates with gusto out of turns. “The M2 was fast as snot around Road America,” exclaimed Feder.

But at more than 3,800 pounds, it’s almost 400 pounds heavier than the 2017 model. BMW counteracts that with firmer suspension tuning that does its best to tame the weight. Compared to several much lighter vehicles on the autocross, the M2 required a stronger stab of the brakes to arrest the speed for corners, and it needed to be wrangled through them rather than taking a quick set and carving a precise line. 

The fact that the M2 was able to not only compete in an autocross but beat most of the other lighter cars was a testament to adept suspension tuning. It manages to remain approachable. “Like the Integra, you get into the M2 and you immediately understand what that car is capable of and you can use 90% of it almost right away,” said Padgett. 

It has more power and quicker track times, but we prefer the lighter, more friendly everyday nature of the M2’s successor, and without back-to-back track time the Z06 simply made a greater impression.

4th: Lucid Air Sapphire

Logistics also prevented the Lucid Air Sapphire from making it to our track day. Lucid said there were only two test cars in the country, and the car they had for us was in for service. We figured it was out of the competition, but when Feder and I got into one a few weeks later in Los Angeles it earned its way back in.

We took the car out on the famed Angeles Crest Highway and came away not only taken with the ungodly power but also the handling.

First, the power. The Air Sapphire has a 3-motor powertrain that makes a max of 1,234 hp. That figure is different by mode. Run it in the Sapphire mode and you get 1,121 hp. The full 1,234 hp is available in a sub mode of Track mode called Drag Strip, which indicates that full power is only available a quarter-mile at a time or so. Track also has a Hot Lap mode that unleashes 1,003 hp and an Endurance at mode that scales it back to 767 hp.

We ran the car in Sapphire mode, and Jesus H. Christ in a chicken basket, is this thing powerful! Describing the acceleration as pinning occupants back in their seats seems quaint with this much power. The Air Sapphire’s power hits like the school bully pinning you up against your locker, giving you a shot to the solar plexus, and stealing your lunch money, but then getting a kiss from Stacy’s mom to make it all better. It’s scary, exhilarating, and satisfying all at once. The numbers back me up: 0-60 mph in 1.89 seconds, 8.95 seconds in the quarter-mile, and a top speed of 205 mph. Electric power is here to stay.

With its 118-kwh battery pack, this beast weighs in at 5,336 pounds, but it has sport sedan moves to handle with the best of them. The low-set weight of the battery helps, but the real accomplishment is the tuning of a fairly simple suspension. It has double wishbones up front and a multi-link setup in the rear with adaptive dampers. No air suspension, no active anti-roll bars, no rear-wheel steering, just adept suspension tuning.

The Air Sapphire danced through the twists and turns of Angeles Crest. It turned in sharply thanks to 13:1 steering that communicated what was happening at the wheels. The car took a quick set and maintained a neutral attitude through corners, and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires provided excellent grip. While stabs of the throttle scared the bejeezus out of us with corners fast approaching, massive carbon-ceramic brakes scrubbed the speed quickly and never complained.

Power was also controllable mid-corner, as it didn’t hit hard like it can when the car is driving in a straight line. That made maintenance throttle easy to modulate and never upset the car’s balance.

We’d love to get this thing out on a track, but a Lucid engineer told us it could handle three or four laps on a 3-mile track before it would need a charge and a 60-80-minute cool down. With that in mind, we might have gotten four or possibly five runs out of it, while the gas cars could go time and time again.

All things considered, however, the Air Sapphire puts its name up there with the BMW M5, Mercedes AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, and Porsche Panamera as one of the best big sport sedans on the market.

So what’s the problem? A quarter of a million dollars is the problem. That’s how much the Air Sapphire costs, and given that it can beat any supercar in a straight line makes that almost seem worth the price. However, it just doesn’t have that kind of cachet. Plus, you can get much of the Air Sapphire’s performance from a Tesla Model S Plaid for around $100,000. Our winner, the Corvette Z06, is pricey too, but it starts at less than half the price of the Air Sapphire and it looks the part of an exotic.

5th: Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Your author drove the Mustang Dark Horse at Charlotte Motor Speedway and loved it. Another editor had a week-long loan and came away with the same impressions. Then we got it out to Atlanta Motorsports Park, and it fell on its face.

All five of our editors felt the Dark Horse’s handling was sloppy. While the steering was sharp, it seemed like it sat an inch or more too high and therefore leaned too much in corners. Worse than that, the magnetic dampers, which we usually love, did a poor job of damping body motions, letting the car flop over instead of helping the suspension take a set to let the car carve corners, especially in the rear. “This car felt like an Obama-era Mustang, before they started to add the body structure they needed to make the suspension do what they always wanted it to do,” said Padgett.

Even the optional and notoriously sticky 305/30 front and 315/30 rear Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires didn’t deliver, offering no more road-holding than the Integra Type S’s Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss. According to Ford, the car even had the track alignment with more negative camber. The Dark Horse should have stuck to the pavement, but I noted the same 77 mph at the apex of turn 15 as I did in the Integra, and I had to work up to that.

Were we so far off with our initial reviews or did we get a dud? To be fair, the Dark Horse had more than 10,000 miles on the odometer, and there’s no telling how hard those miles might have been.

We did get used to the Dark Horse’s bounding motions in later track sessions and were able to get more performance out of it as the day went on. “The Mustang had to be tamed for sure,” noted Duffer. Two of our editors described it as manhandling the car through corners. When I did that, I increased my speed in 15 from 74 to 77 mph, and topped out at 114 mph at the end of the front straight. The latter wasn’t much faster than the Integra Type S. Halvorson wrangled it as well, but didn’t feel better about its responses. “I increased my threshold with each lap with the Mustang and felt a different level of disconcerting behavior,” he said.

The 114-mph top speed wasn’t impressive given the car’s 500-hp 5.0-liter V-8, though we were less impressed with our tester’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Even driving in Track mode, the transmission wasn’t always in the lowest gear to provide optimal acceleration out of corners. Its shifts were delayed, then pretty rough, and that teamed with the unsettled suspension to make the car dip backward and forward after shifts. On the street, passing maneuvers required multigear downshifts that took time to wake up the engine. 

The engine threw a code a couple of times as we drained the gas tank, and I also experienced this problem on the 24-degree banking at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The issue was fuel starvation as the gas sloshed hard to the right in the tank through 13, 14, and 15. It appears that Ford needs to better baffle the tank to make the Dark Horse more trackable.

The brakes, however, were phenomenal. Outfitted with 15.4-inch vented front rotors with Brembo 6-piston calipers and 14.0-inch vented rear rotors with 4-piston calipers, the Dark Horse provided a high pedal and great grab without a hint of fade throughout three-plus hours of track time. Padgett noted a dead spot in the pedal upon initial application, but none of our other editors noticed it. Still, no carbon-ceramics were needed to get great performance and absolute confidence out of these binders.

We reported our issues to Ford. They examined the car and found a roughly foot-long piece of wood in the suspension, though it was thin enough that it would have broken had it been in an area subjected to suspension compression. They also put it in the wind tunnel and said the aerodynamics were off. Nothing, however, explained the floppy suspension. Let’s hope this was just one bad apple that doesn’t spoil the bunch.

The Rise of Compact Power: Ram Rampage

First up is the 2024 Ram Rampage. This isn't just another compact pickup; it's a technological marvel. Equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Rampage is designed to deliver both efficiency and performance, catering to the needs of the everyday driver who desires more than just utility.

Luxury Electrified: Cadillac Celestiq

Shift gears; you will be in luxury with the 2024 Cadillac Celestiq. This all-electric sedan isn't just turning heads; it's revolutionizing luxury travel. With over 300 miles of range, it's a perfect blend of eco-friendly driving and opulent style, challenging the norms of electric luxury travel.

Adventure Unleashed: Jeep Recon

For adventure enthusiasts, the 2024 Jeep Recon is set to be a game-changer. An electric SUV that doesn't just promise but delivers versatility. Imagine a vehicle equipped with a power-folding roof and removable doors, ready for urban escapades and off-road adventures.

Under the Hood Evolution: Mercedes-AMG C63

Revolutionary changes are also happening under the hood. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 is a perfect example, replacing its V-8 engine with a hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder. This shift is not about compromising power but enhancing it, pushing a whopping 671 horsepower.

A Glimpse Beyond 2024: Chevy Corvette and BMW M5

Looking further into the future, 2025 will be a year of accelerated innovation. From the Chevy Corvette branching into SUV territory to the BMW M5 embracing plug-in hybrid technology, we're witnessing a seamless fusion of power and sustainability.

Redefining Luxury Electric Travel: Cadillac, Genesis, and Lexus

Brands like Cadillac, Genesis, and Lexus are not just participating in the electric vehicle revolution but leading it. Models such as the Escalade IQ and the GV90 are set to offer unparalleled range and comfort, redefining what luxury electric travel means.

Performance and Elegance: Polestar 6

And let's remember the performance. The Polestar 6, arriving in 2026, is the epitome of this, blending elegance with an astounding 884 horsepower. This convertible is a testament to the future of high-performance vehicles.

What This Means for You

So, what does all this mean for you, the driver? It's simple. The future promises more choices, power, efficiency, and, most importantly, a more sustainable future on the roads.

While some of these developments might still be in the speculative stage, one thing is sure: the future of motoring is exciting and happening right now. And as these developments unfold, I'll be right here to bring you the latest and greatest in automotive innovation. Stay tuned!

What is the Sam’s Club Auto Program?

The Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program is a car-buying service that is offered to Sam’s Club members and connects car buyers with participating dealerships. The Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program is powered by TrueCar, which connects Sam’s Club members to 10,000 participating TrueCar certified dealers across the country.

Sam’s Club Auto Program: How Does it Work?

To purchase a car through the Sam’s Club Auto Program, you must first be a member. You can sign up for a membership on Sam’s Club website or by visiting your nearest store. Sam’s Club membership prices range from $45-$100 per year depending on your membership level. The auto buying service is available to all members. However, you don’t have to be a member to browse for deals. So if you are considering joining Sam’s Club just for the auto buying service, you can first see what kind of discount you will receive and if joining is worth it. 

Next, you can visit the Sam’s Club auto website, which is a search engine for both new and used cars. For used cars, you can search by make/model, body type, or by price. You can also narrow your search with filters for condition, mileage, and CPO. Once you enter your search criteria, you’ll have a number of used vehicles to choose from. For new cars, you select the brand you are interested in, and all the new car models for that brand will populate. You then answer questions related to drivetrain, color, trim, and package preference. 

After you select your car, you’ll see a pricing analysis that compares MSRP and TrueCar Market Average prices. You’ll then be prompted to enter your personal information including first and last name, phone number, and home address. After you enter your information, you’ll receive price offers from a TrueCar certified dealer in your area. Next, you’ll contact the dealership for a test drive and to complete the transaction. For new vehicles, you will also be eligible for any manufacturer incentives. 

Does Sam’s Club Auto Provide Additional Benefits?

You will need to notify the Sam’s Auto Club that you purchased the car within 45 days in order to receive additional benefits including 20% off auto repair expense reimbursement of up to $500 twice a year, up to two $500 auto insurance deductible reimbursements, and access to a certified auto mechanic. 

How Much Can You Save with Sam’s Club Auto?

According to the Sam’s Club website, members save an average of $3,463 off MSRP with the car-buying service. The service also offers exclusive member savings for used cars, but it does not provide an average used car price savings.

Can You Finance Through Sam’s Club Auto?

If you require financing for your vehicle, you’ll need to do this through an outside lender such as a bank or credit union, or through the dealership. Sam’s Club does not provide financing. Check out our handy guide for tips on how to get a car loan. 

Can you trade in your vehicle through Sam’s Club Auto?

The program does not include vehicle trade-ins. However, you may be able to negotiate your trade-in separately with the dealer you purchase your vehicle from. 

Can You Lease a Car Through Sam’s Club Auto?

You cannot lease a car through Sam’s Club. The Sam’s Club auto buying program is for buying new and used vehicles only.

Does Sam’s Club Offer Auto Insurance?

The Sam’s Club Auto Program does not offer insurance, nor does it partner with any insurance companies. You will need to shop around for your own insurance when buying a vehicle through Sam’s Club.

Sam’s Club Auto Program Pros

Compared to going it alone, buying a car through Sam’s Club is a simple and straightforward endeavor. The hassle-free shopping experience is one of the perks of buying through Sam’s Club. All the typical steps involved with buying a car - shopping around, researching information on multiple websites, visiting different car dealerships, and so on - can be eliminated if you know what car you want. 

One of the most appealing aspects of the program is the pre-negotiated price. According to Sam’s Club, the average savings on each new car sold is $3,463. Used car shoppers can also take advantage of exclusive discounts. Along with price savings, Sam’s Club Auto Club members receive the following benefits:

• A detailed pricing analysis to see what other shoppers in your area pay for the same vehicles
• Additional Sam’s Club perks from the Sam’s Club Tire Center, which include special pricing on tires, tire installation, batteries, and other vehicle accessories 
• Free flat tire repairs, battery testing, and wiper blade repairs
• Gasoline discounts

Sam’s Club Auto Program Cons

While there are many benefits to the Sam’s Club Auto car buying program, there are also some drawbacks.

• Haggle-Free Pricing: If you’re a shopper who likes to negotiate prices, you may not be happy with the program’s no-haggle pricing. If you find a lower price elsewhere, you cannot negotiate beyond the provided price. That means that the Sam’s Club Auto price may not be the best price available.
• Limited Inventory: The program only included vehicles that are in TrueCar’s inventory, which means that you may not see all used vehicles available in your area.

Sam’s Club Auto Vs. Costco Auto

The Sam’s Club Auto and Costco Auto programs are quite similar, yet there are a few distinct differences. Sam’s Club partners with TrueCar, while Costco partners with a network of specific dealerships. Both programs help schedule test drives and offer haggle-free shopping experiences. Check out our article for more information on the Costco car buying program.

Bottom Line

For consumers who do not have the time and patience to do all the legwork associated with finding the best car deal, the Sam's Club Auto Program is a viable option. It eliminates some of the hassle of car buying, and directs you to a single car dealership. Because the need to haggle and hassle over a price is eliminated, the usual dealership pressure should be absent. You’ll either buy the car at the Sam’s Club price or go home. It’s a more relaxed car buying experience all the way around. 

That said, it’s worth your while to arm yourself with information before purchasing a car through Sam’s Club. Do a little bit of research beforehand, such as browsing listings and getting a general sense of market value for the particular car you’re interested in; a great way to do this is with pricing and deal-rating tools such as the iSeeCars price analysis, available as part of the sites free VIN check. 

Remember, it’s not all about the MSRP or the invoice price - certain models reliably sell for less than their suggested retail price, and manufacturer incentives can often drop prices dramatically. This could mean significant savings even without buying through the Sam’s Club Auto program. As with all things, it’s worth doing your homework - the more you know beforehand, the better equipped you are to find the best deal out there. And because you can see Sam’s Club prices without even being a member, you can comparison shop even without a Sam’s Club membership.

If you’re ready to start the car buying process, you can search over 4 million new and used cars with the iSeeCars.com search engine that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars VIN check report and Best Cars rankings.

More from iSeeCars:

• How Much Car Can I Afford?
• New Vs. Used Car Buying
• What Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean?

This article, How Does the Sams Club Auto Program Work?, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com.

In light of the current new and used car market, buying out your car lease might be your smartest option. How does the process work and should you buy out your car lease? We have the important answers.

How a Lease Buyout Works

If you’re leasing a vehicle, most finance companies will include a buyout option as part of your lease agreement. Your auto lease contract will state the end-of-lease purchase price based on the car’s residual value, which was estimated when you signed your lease. Leasing companies will often contact you near the end of your lease term to communicate your lease-end options, which will include either the buyout option or returning the vehicle to the dealership.

Residual Value in Today’s Market

Dealers calculate a vehicle’s residual value based on its projected depreciation, and this value is locked in at the beginning of a car’s lease. And if the start of your lease was before the current supply chain issues, your car’s lease buyout price might be well-below current market value. That means that at the end of the lease contract you could purchase your leased vehicle and either sell it for a profit, or you can continue driving your lightly used car at a price well below market value. 

Understanding the Value of Your Leased Car

Here’s how you can compare the vehicle’s residual value or buyout amount with its market price. To calculate the market value of the vehicle, you can use pricing tools like the iSeeCars free VIN Check, Kelley Blue Book, or Edmunds. Be sure to check your original contract for extra fees like a purchase option fee to determine the total amount you will be paying for the vehicle. 

And be extra vigilant about dealer or finance company “add on” fees that were not specifically called out in your lease contract. 

Leased Car Buyout Price: Other Factors to Consider

There are many factors that contribute to the buyout price of your car. This includes the vehicle’s make, model, residual value, and current value. The amount you paid for a down payment will also affect the buyout price.

Additional fees include:

• Buyout Fee/Purchase Option Charge: The leasing company will charge you for opting to buy the car rather than turning it in.
• State sales tax 
• Registration fees

Can I Finance My Lease Buyout?

You can finance your lease buyout just as you would a regular used car purchase. The dealership will be eager to offer you financing, but you should also examine outside financing options as you would for a typical car loan. That means comparing interest rates from other lenders including banks and credit unions to see who will give you the best rate on your car lease buyout loan. Some lenders even offer auto loans specifically for lease buyouts. Keep in mind that the shorter your loan term, the more you will save on interest payments, but your monthly payments will be higher. That means you should opt for the shortest loan term you can afford. Also, your credit score will determine your loan rate, so make sure it is in good standing in order to get a competitive rate. If you have a poor credit score, you should consider having a co-signer.

Other Things to Consider

Anyone who has leased a car knows about the extra fees that often come at the end of the car lease. These fees include going over the mileage limits or any excess wear and tear your vehicle may have like scratches or dents. Buying out your lease will get you off the hook for these fees, so if either situation exists with your lease it is yet another reason to buy your car when the lease ends versus returning it. 

Some lease agreements offer early lease buyouts which allow you to buy the vehicle before your term expires. Make sure you refer to your leasing agreement to see if you will have to pay extra fees for an early buyout. If there are fees involved, it’s likely a smarter decision to wait until the end of your lease.

Bottom Line

Buying out your vehicle lease can be a lucrative way to save on a lightly-used vehicle in today’s market. You’ll also avoid the low inventory and markups on new cars. What’s more, you can enjoy the savings that come along with buying a used car in today’s market while avoiding the guesswork about how the car was driven and maintained by its previous owner. You can even sell your vehicle to a private seller for a profit if you don’t want to keep driving it. So if you are nearing the end of your lease, you should at least consider purchasing your vehicle instead of taking out another lease or buying a new or used car to replace it.

More from iSeeCars:

• Buying Vs. Leasing a Car: Which is Better?
• Buying a Used Vs. New Car
• How to Buy a Used Car

If you’re ready to start the car buying process, you can search over 4 million new and used cars with the iSeeCars.com car search engine that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars free VIN check and Best Cars rankings.

This article, Buying Out a Car Lease: Is it a Good Idea?, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com. 

"It's been a while since we have been able to do that and … it's definitely scary, you know, definitely got to make sure the tires are good," driver Lorenzo Brown Jr. told Nexstar's KELO after South Dakota was hit by some winter weather earlier this week.

Even for the most seasoned winter driver, it is important to take extra precautions when roads are snowy and icy.

"So I see it quite often, people jackrabbit start from the stoplights — you got to quit that. Nice, easy acceleration. Let your car warm up just so you're comfortable and can think without freezing while you're driving," Airway Auto Service owner Tom Broadbent explained when asked about driving in winter weather.

While many people learned to pump their brakes when stopping on ice, many new cars have an anti-locking brake system, which means you just have to hold down your foot on the pedal.

"New cars have anti-lock brake systems," Broadbent said. "So they're watching the vehicles' speed on the wheels. So the system watches each wheel independently. So as a tire starts to skid, when you step on the brakes, it'll actually pull the fluid away and let that tire roll to keep the car under control."

Broadbent says it's beneficial to have winter tires with these conditions.

"They are a godsend when you have them in icy conditions because they're made to grip that ice. A lot of them have some sort of assistance set up, whether it be graphite or walnut shell or something that actually bites the ice," Broadbent said.

When navigating these icy roads, safety comes first and foremost.

"You need to slow down. You need to heed to the warnings that the highway patrol puts out, sheriff's department, if they're advising no travel, don't travel. It's that simple. So if you have to go, be really, really cautious," Broadbent said.

Broadbent recommends traveling slower than the posted speed limit, too. And you'll want to leave plenty of space between you and the other vehicles on the road. If you do find yourself sliding on ice, AAA recommends taking your foot off of the gas and turning your steering wheel gently in the same direction. Then, once back on the pavement, you can gently use your brakes.

iSeeCars analyzed the inventories of over 82,000 new and used car dealers from November 2020 to November 2023. The percentage of dealers who offered at least one EV for sale in each month was tallied both nationally and by state and metro area.

New and used car dealers joining the EV transition

Three years ago most car brands didn’t offer an electric vehicle, which limited the number of new dealers competing with Tesla. But as more traditional automakers produced new EVs the number of new EV dealers grew, particularly between 2022 and 2023. This increase in brands offering new EVs is now migrating to the used market, which should see a similar jump in used EV dealer participation over the next 2 to 3 years.

“New car dealers – outside the Tesla network – offering electric vehicles have ramped up over the past three years, with the biggest growth occurring in just the past 12 months,” said Karl Brauer, iSeeCars executive analyst. “This is going to put increasing pressure on Tesla’s sales and market share. Used car dealers have also stepped into the EV market, with more than 70 percent growth compared to three years ago.”

*Excludes Tesla dealerships.

Despite the recent growth in new car dealers selling electric vehicles, nearly half (44.9 percent) still don’t. Part of this is driven by automotive brands that don’t yet offer an EV, making it impossible for their dealers to sell them. 

When looking only at brands that have at least one electric model, 73.5 percent of new car dealers offer them, which is a higher percentage but not yet 100%, suggesting there are other factors for dealers’ reticence to carry EVs for sale. On the used car side, over 70 percent of dealers still didn’t sell used EVs in November of 2023.

“Our analysis of market data has shown EV’s sales lagging in recent months,” said Brauer. “Current market conditions, including higher interest rates and general economic concerns, are dampening demand for electric cars, which could be causing some dealers to avoid retailing them.”

Most large dealers are selling EVs, most small dealers are not 

The inventory size of a dealer has a clear relationship with the likelihood of a dealer carrying an EV. Though smaller dreams have rapidly increased their EV participation over the past three years, they still lag far behind larger dealerships.

* Excluding Tesla dealerships.

* Excluding Tesla dealerships.

“Selling new or used electric vehicles requires a dealer to commit to understanding them, training their sales and service staff on them, and investing in on-site charging to keep EVs charged and ready for customers,” said Brauer. “It’s clearly a financial commitment smaller dealers aren’t yet willing to make, especially in a market where EV sales aren’t growing as fast as they were a year ago.”

Non-Tesla EV market share explodes

EV market share for non-Tesla models has more than doubled every year since 2020. Non-Tesla EVs now represent approximately half of all new EV sales in the U.S. Used EV market share has more than tripled in the past three years.

*Excludes Tesla. **Includes Tesla Cars, but excludes Tesla dealerships.

“Watch for a spike in used EV share as all these new models move into the used market,” said Brauer. “The inflation reduction act now offers up to a $4,000 incentive for used EVs, which will increase demand and market activity.”

Delaware, Rhode Island and Hawaii Lead in EV Dealers, Montana and Wyoming lag

While California has the highest percent of new EV market share, Delaware, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and Maine have a higher percentage of car dealers offering new EVs. Montana, Wyoming and Mississippi have the smallest percentage of new car EV dealers.

* Excluding Tesla dealerships. Insufficient new car dealership data for Alaska and North Dakota.

“Even states with the highest electric vehicle market share, including California and Oregon, don’t have anywhere close to 100 percent EV participation by dealers,” said Brauer.

Idaho and Montana go from zero to hero in new EV dealerships

Idaho and Montana had no indication of EV participation by new car dealerships in November 2020, but now they have over 40 percent and 23 percent, respectively, of new dealers selling EVs. West Virginia also saw massive growth from 3 percent to 50 percent in three years.

* Excluding Tesla dealerships. Insufficient new car dealership data for Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

“It’s interesting to note that even states like Washington and California, with the lowest growth in new EV dealers, still more than doubled their share over the past three years,” said Brauer. “Most states now have more than 50 percent of new dealers selling EVs, with 15 states at or above 60 percent.”

California, Washington and Utah lead in used electric vehicle dealers

The percentage of used dealers selling electric vehicles hasn’t reached 50 percent yet, even in states like California and Washington that lead in used EV market share.

* Excluding used cars sold directly by Tesla.

West Virginia, Mississippi and Wyoming have the fastest used EV dealer growth

West Virginia has grown its percentage of used EV dealers by more than 10 times in the past three years. Mississippi and Wyoming are ranked second and third, at 6.1 times and 4.3 times, respectively. Washington, California, Hawaii, and Oregon are approaching 50 percent used EV dealer share and have all seen about 1 percent growth.

* Excluding used cars sold directly by Tesla.

“The electric vehicle transition will require cooperation across the automotive industry, with manufacturers, dealers, and state and local governments all supporting the effort,” said Brauer. “We don’t yet have 100 percent dealer participation in EV sales, but the numbers have improved dramatically over the past three years as more brands and more dealer groups support the sale of electric vehicles.”

More from iSeeCars:

• EVs Hit Range Limit as Hybrids Spark Demand
• How Much is an Electric Car?
• Used Car and EV Affordability Improves As New Cars Move Further Out of Reach

Methodology

iSeeCars analyzed the inventories of over 82,000 new and used car dealers from November 2020 to November 2023 by month. Low volume dealers were excluded from the analysis, as were new and used cars sold directly from Tesla showrooms/Tesla online. The number of dealers who offered at least one EV for sale in a given month was tallied and expressed as a percentage of dealers selling cars for the month. The analysis was repeated for each US state and the 50 most populous metro areas. The market share of new and used EVs (excluding new Teslas) was also calculated for each market.

About iSeeCars.com

iSeeCars.com is a data-driven car search and research company that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, including the iSeeCars VIN Check report and Best Cars Rankings. iSeeCars has saved users over $406 million so far by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, score and rank millions of new cars and used cars.

This article, Non-Tesla EV Dealers and Market Share Explode, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com.

BMW M2: The Thrill Seeker's Choice

Kicking off with the Best Car of the Year, the BMW M2, starting at $63,195, is a sheer representation of what it means to blend power and luxury. Under the hood, it houses a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 453 horsepower. Whether you opt for the classic six-speed manual or the swift eight-speed automatic transmission, the M2 promises a rush, clocking 0-60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds. Inside, the fusion of luxury and performance is unmistakable, with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen, complemented by top-notch safety features like emergency braking and lane-departure warning.

Toyota Prius: Shattering Stereotypes

In the hybrid category, the Toyota Prius, priced at $28,745, broke away from its traditional mold. Equipped with a 2.0-liter hybrid engine, it offers an impressive 57 mpg on the highway and accelerates from 0-60 in 7.1 seconds. The interior is redesigned with a more traditional automotive cockpit, featuring heated front seats in higher trims and an infotainment screen that expands up to 12.3 inches in the Limited model.

Chevrolet Blazer EV: Redefining Electric SUVs

The best Electric Vehicle of last year, the Chevrolet Blazer EV, starts at $56,715. It is a handsome electric SUV with ample cabin and cargo space. The SS model is impressive, boasting 557 horsepower and achieving 0-60 mph in less than four seconds. Charging is swift and efficient, adding 78 miles of range in 10 minutes. The interior is a tech haven with a 17.7-inch infotainment display and an 11.0-inch driver display.

Chevy Colorado: The Versatile Truck

For truck enthusiasts, the Chevy Colorado, with a starting price of $31,095, proved to be a game-changer. Powered by a turbocharged 2.7-liter engine, it offers a maximum towing capacity of 7700 pounds. The ZR2 Bison version, tailored for off-road adventures, is a particular highlight. The interior features a revamped design, including a new console and an 11.3-inch touchscreen, alongside crucial safety features.

Toyota Grand Highlander: Spacious and Powerful

Lastly, the Toyota Grand Highlander, starting at $44,465, emerged as a spacious and powerful SUV. It offers a turbocharged 265-hp engine with up to 28 mpg fuel efficiency on the highway. The Hybrid Max version is especially noteworthy, accelerating to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.

2023 was a year where each vehicle brought something unique to the table, from the exhilarating performance of the BMW M2 to the practicality and efficiency of the Prius. The Blazer EV and Grand Highlander highlighted the advancements in electric and hybrid technology, while the Chevy Colorado demonstrated that power and refinement could coexist in the truck world. As we gear up for 2024, it’s clear that the future of automobiles is bright, innovative, and more exciting than ever.

Where Can I Replace My Car Door?

Your first stop should be a reputable local body shop. If you don’t have one you usually frequent, ask friends and family for their referrals. You can also look online for customer reviews, but keep in mind that some online reviews should be taken with a grain of salt. Don’t rely on just a couple of reviews, and visit multiple sources. If you’re having it replaced as part of an insurance claim, you may be better off taking it to a dealership with an onsite body shop. Dealerships are slightly more expensive (which shouldn’t make much difference if it’s an insurance claim), but they also have more experience with your particular make, and better access to parts. Your insurance company might have a body shop them recommend, but it is ultimately your choice. Replacing a door isn’t an in and out procedure, especially if the door needs to be painted afterwards, so it’s best to find a repair shop that you can trust.

Where’s the Best Place to Find a Car Door?

If you’re getting the work done at a dealership, they should be able to handle this for you. If you’re having the work done at a local body shop, they might give you the choice of a new or a used door. Finding a used door isn’t very hard; there are plenty of them in auto salvage yards across the country. Finding the perfect fit, however, is a lot more difficult. As such, there may be some parts that will need to be swapped over, and the new door may require a paint job. On the other hand, even with all the extra work involved, finding a good used door should cost you less than purchasing a new one.  

How Much is a New Car Door?

Most dealerships will not give an average price for a car door because it depends on too many variables (cost of the paint, make and model of the vehicle, power options, etc.). However, to provide an idea, the list price on a rear door shell (and this is just the shell, no window, no internal parts, no door panel) for a 2016 Toyota Highlander is $766. Depending on the amount of parts that need to be changed over, this will likely include  three to five hours in labor as well. That could bring the total price of the job to well over $1,000.

How Much is a Used Car Door?

Going used is typically a more economical choice, if you’ve got a good body shop. Keep in mind that it might be harder to find a used door if you car is from a late model year. Most used doors, even if they came from the factory with the same color, will need to be painted to match your vehicle because both have faded over time.. Their length of exposure may have been different, however, which could cause them to fade at different rates. This usually results in a slight color contrast. With the paint, the door, and the labor involved in changing them out, the average for this job will likely cost between $500 and $800 depending on make and model. You can save f $200 off the cost if the new door doesn’t require a paint job, but remember that the more gadgetry your vehicle has (i.e. – power windows, power locks, tinted windows), the more this job is going to cost.

More from iSeeCars:

• Crossover Vs. SUV: What’s the Difference?
• Sedan Vs. Coupe: What’s the Difference?
• 24 Things to Keep in Your Car

If you’re ready to take to the web for your own car buying process, you can search over 4 million new and used cars with iSeeCars’ award-winning car search engine that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars free VIN check report. You can also filter by title, ensuring the cars you find have clean titles.

(Please remember that these repair prices can also fluctuate based on geographic location, as well as vehicle make and model; and that these numbers represent averages, not actual prices offered at any specific repair facilities.)

This article, How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Car Door?, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com.

A myriad of design flaws can make a car look bad, from oddly shaped bumpers to awkwardly-angled rear windows to confusing lines that don’t know whether they want a car to be a station wagon or a coupe. Most of the ugliest cars ever made are, thankfully, not for sale anymore, but you can still find many of these (ugly) used cars for sale today. And while everything from the BMW Isetta to the Fiat Multipla to the Nissan S-Cargo could have made this list, we decided to stick with U.S. market cars only.

Here are our picks for the ugliest cars the automotive industry has had the misfortune to foist on U.S. consumers.

AMC Gremlin

Our first ugly car from AMC is the Gremlin, which debuted on April Fool’s Day 1970 (Hmmm…). Sure, it was a sales hit, but not because people were swooning over its design. Instead, its appeal centered on its price, which, like the Volkswagen Beetle that came before it, was low. It was cheap to build and cheap to buy, and it was one ugly hatchback. The weirdly sculpted rear end looks like it accidentally got chopped short, and is matched with a disproportionately weirdly long hood. Even AMC’s design chief didn’t think it looked good, but that didn’t stop it from hitting showrooms. It was supposed to appeal to consumers looking for a cheap subcompact car, and that’s exactly what it did, looks be damned.

AMC Marlin

If you’re looking for ugly cars, then look no further than AMC, which has three cars on our list. The Marlin hit the market in 1965 and was produced through 1967. In its short life it saw several names, starting out as the Rambler Marlin, morphing into the Marlin, and ending its production as the AMC Marlin. Doesn’t matter what you call this luxury sedan, it was one ugly car. Unlike some cars that look good from certain angles, no matter how you look at the Marlin it holds zero appeal. Three years and three names weren’t enough to save a car that really needed a thorough facelift.

AMC Pacer

Rounding out our list of ugly AMCs is the Pacer hatchback. It’s got a little bit of AMC Gremlin styling, with its stubby butt and long hood, not a good look. The AMC Pacer was oddly wide, with huge expanses of glass that made passengers look a little like they were a goldfish in a bowl as they drove down the highway. It was supposed to improve visibility and aerodynamics, but from a design perspective the effort didn’t work. AMC built its ugly fishbowl from 1975 to 1980, before putting the Pacer out to pasture.

Aston Martin Lagonda

Yes, the world’s most famous spy is a big fan of sports cars, especially the supercars built by Aston Martin, but we’re betting he’d shun this one even if it came equipped with an ejector seat, deployable caltrops, and hidden machine guns in the headlights. The Aston Martin Lagonda is a downright ugly car that was built back in 1976, and that’s where it should stay. This car looks utterly unbalanced, with a rear that’s too short and a wide, flat hood that’s the length of an aircraft carrier’s deck. Only 645 units were sold before Aston Martin decided this was not going to be one of its classic cars. It wisely pulled the plug and decided to build cars people might consider buying instead of cars that made people cringe.

Cadillac Cimarron

Cadillac is a luxury brand known for building beautiful, bold cars. They have plush, well-equipped interiors, powerful engines, and stunning exterior designs. Except for this one. The Cadillac Cimarron was supposed to be a mini-luxury sedan at a reduced price. Cool idea, but it didn’t look like a Cadillac. It looked like a Chevy, which makes sense because it shares its exterior design with the Chevrolet Cavalier. Inside it was a bit more upscale, which couldn’t make up for the compact car proportions with Cadillac badges – literally the definition of putting lipstick on a pig. You could buy this “Chevillac” for seven years, from 1982 to 1988, before Cadillac finally decided this wasn’t the right direction for the brand.

Chevrolet Lumina

If you’re asking yourself whether we’re calling out the Lumina sedan or the minivan as one of the ugliest cars, then the answer is both. The Chevrolet Lumina sedan debuted in 1989 and lasted until 2013. While later years were tolerable, its introductory years were, let’s say, disappointing. It was just a bulbous, milk toast sedan that held zero appeal. But hey, if sedans aren’t your thing, there’s the even uglier Chevrolet Lumina APV, which is a minivan. The front end has a sloped hood that leads right up to the windshield in a single line, giving it a wedge-shaped design like a giant doorstop. The massive windshield meets with equally massive triangular windows at the edges. Why, Chevrolet?

Chrysler Crossfire

The Chrysler Crossfire had plenty of potential. It combined a little bit of vintage design elements (in the spirit of the Chrysler PT Cruiser), with a little bit of Mercedes-Benz, including the engine and chassis. But something went horribly wrong from concept to production. This two-door tried quite hard to be a sporty little coupe worthy of its Mercedes underpinnings, with the visual promise of American hot rod performance. Instead, it was a poorly designed mishmash that just didn’t work as a sports car. Its exceptionally broad fenders and fastback roofline didn’t appeal to the public, and after five years in production this automotive outcast was discontinued.

Ford Edsel

Let’s hop into the way-back machine and take a trip to the year 1958, where you can feast your eyes on the failure of car design that is the Ford Edsel. Or maybe we should say hide your eyes from the Ford Edsel. The idea was to add a mid-range sedan to the Ford lineup with lots of standard features, plenty of options, and beefy V8 engines. From the rear end, it’s fine. From the side it’s fine. From the front end, now we have a problem. That horse-collar grille was striking for all the wrong reasons. The auto-buying masses were not impressed and even today it can’t manage to garner retro appeal. Ford stopped production of one of its ugliest cars after just two years in 1960.

Ford Pinto

One little car, so many problems. The Ford Pinto is now universally known as the car that catches fire. This is thanks to a fuel tank that could burst into flames if it was punctured during a collision. That’s not really a good selling point for the Pinto, but neither was this car’s lackluster design. It was decidedly dull with nothing attractive to save it from being a bore. It was all wide expanses of metal that just sort of melded into one amorphous blob. Car enthusiasts don’t want to drive around in an amorphous blob, especially one known for catching fire.

Nissan Juke

It wasn’t that long ago that the Nissan Juke was still on sale a few years ago, so if you want to buy this quirky hatchback there’s a good chance there’s a used model or two at your local dealer for sale. Not that we recommend doing that. A subcompact crossover sold from 2010 to 2017 in the United States, the most notable styling elements on this car were its headlights and foglights. These were placed awkwardly on top of the hood and in the grille, like a multi-eyed frog staring at you from a lily pad. The overall proportions were off, too, with its small roof and windows placed on a wide body with too many lines. The Juke actually drove pretty well, but not well enough to justify that exterior design.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

Let’s be clear, that we aren’t calling out the affable Nissan Murano, which you can buy as a new car right now. Instead, we’re looking at its horrific convertible mutation, which was in production from 2011 to 2014. Nissan lopped the roof off of the Murano to create something no one ever wanted or needed to see in public – a four-door convertible crossover. Its odd proportions and tiny rear window simply didn’t work. Top down or top up, this CrossCabriolet wasn’t attractive. As a bonus, it wasn’t a particularly great car to drive, either. Carlos Ghosn, a high-powered automotive executive running Nissan and Renault at the time, gets the credit/blame for this one.

Plymouth Valiant

The Plymouth Valiant had a pretty good run from 1959 to 1976 and holds lots of retro appeal, but not every model year is one that looks good. We’re looking squarely at the 1960 model and wondering what the heck went wrong. This Plymouth Valiant is such an ugly car that it takes a while to see all the places where it went bad. It has strange proportions, with a rear that’s too busy and a grille that’s too busy, and a multitude of windows that make the sides – you guessed it – too busy. Car designers often get extra creative when they’re doodling a “what if” idea at their workstations. Unfortunately, in 1960 Plymouth decided to put one into production.

Pontiac Aztek

It’s pretty much impossible to compile a list of the ugliest cars without including the Pontiac Aztek. It probably seemed like a great idea on paper. This crossover has a roomy interior for passengers, optional all-wheel drive for bad weather, and great cargo versatility. There was a sliding cargo tray in back with pop-up compartments to organize your stuff, and you could even outfit your Pontiac Aztek with a specially designed tent. It had innovative features designed to appeal to car enthusiasts, but ultimately this car looks just hideous, with oddly shaped plastic cladding along the wheel arches and door/roof proportions completely out of whack. The closest the Pontiac Aztek came to being cool was its stint on Breaking Bad, placed there to emphasize the main character’s depressing life. It was only in production for a few years, and for that, we’re grateful.

Toyota Previa

Today, Toyota builds the popular Sienna minivan, which is a lovely vehicle for busy families. Back in the 1990s, it built an entirely different minivan called the Previa. It offered a couple of engines, including a supercharged option, and it had available all-wheel drive. The interior was highly functional, with second-row captain’s chairs that swiveled to face rearward and a third row that folded up along the sides of the Previa’s cargo area. But the exterior? It somehow managed to have both a wedge-shaped and bulbous body that looked like something out of a bad 1980s arcade game (Moon Patrol – look it up). Toyota also threw in some horrible plastic cladding, just for good measure. The Previa’s interior design was ahead of its time, but taking advantage of it meant riding around – and potentially being seen – in that exterior shape.

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is easily one of the most recognizable cars on the road. This hybrid has been through a lot since its introduction way back in 1997 (2001 for the U.S. market), with multiple variants coming and going over the years. While the Prius has evolved, one thing has remained the same – its “distinctive” styling. Sure, it gets exceptional fuel economy, and now there’s even a plug-in Prius, but that shape sure takes the “fun” out of functionality. The Prius deserves credit for being the first mass-produced and fully-successful hybrid. Now here’s the next challenge for Toyota: make it look appealing.

Subaru Tribeca

The Subaru Tribeca was the automaker’s first seven-seat SUV that was on the market from 2005-2014. It had an ugly facade characterized by a round exterior and a narrow rectangular grille that appeared visually unbalanced. Looks aside, the Tribeca also suffered from poor reliability ratings and a sub-par interior.

More from iSeeCars:

• Best Midsize SUVs
• Best Electric Cars
• Best Midsize Trucks

About iSeeCars:

iSeeCars.com is a car search engine that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars free VIN check reports and Best Cars rankings. iSeeCars.com has saved users over $328 million so far by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, score and rank millions of new cars and used cars.

This article, Ugly Cars: Car Designs Not Even a Mother Could Love, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com. 

Starting Strong: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD is kicking off our list, boasting up to 355 horsepower. This truck is a testament to the balance between power and efficiency. It's not about flaunting the most significant numbers; it's about delivering dependable performance for those who prioritize efficiency without compromising on strength.

The Versatile Giants: Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD

Next in line are the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD, each packing a punch with 401 horsepower. These heavy-duty trucks are more than just power players; they offer a range of configurations that make them adaptable and versatile, perfect for various demanding tasks.

The Comfortable Powerhouses: Nissan Titan and Titan XD

Matching the Silverados in horsepower, the Nissan Titan and Titan XD each come with 400 hp. These trucks balance comfort and capability, although they don't lead the pack in towing and payload capabilities.

The Towing Titans: Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra

Moving up the ladder, we have the 2023 Ford F-150 and the 2024 Toyota Tundra, peaking at 450 horsepower. The F-150 stands out as a towing powerhouse, while the Tundra impresses with its hybrid engine, showcasing the blend of power with efficiency.

Tech-Savvy Strength: GMC Sierra 3500HD

With 470 horsepower, the 2024 GMC Sierra 3500HD makes its mark. It's not just about raw power; this truck brings intelligent, tech-assisted towing. However, the luxury department may fall a bit short.

The Heavy-Duty Heroes: Ford Super Duty F-350 and F-450

Dominating with up to 500 horsepower, the 2023 Ford Super Duty F-350 and F-450 redefine what it means to be heavy-duty. Their towing and hauling capabilities set industry benchmarks, offering unmatched power for the most demanding tasks.

The Electric Marvel: Ford F-150 Lightning

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning stands out in electric trucks with 580 horsepower. It's an electric wonder with rapid acceleration, though heavy towing significantly reduces its driving range.

The Ultimate Power Players: Ram 1500, Ford F150 Raptor, and GMC Hummer EV

Approaching the summit, the 2024 Ram 1500 boasts 702 horsepower, but the Ford F150 Raptor closely follows it with an astonishing 720 HP. However, the crown belongs to the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup, the ultimate champion with a staggering 1,000 horsepower. This electric titan redefines the essence of a powerful pickup, though it comes with its own set of considerations in towing and size.

The Verdict

For those passionate about pickups, these top picks offer much to American workers and their families. Each truck has a unique appeal, from reliable and efficient to luxurious and technologically advanced. Whether it's towing, hauling, or cruising, these pickups are more than vehicles; they are a testament to American ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of power and performance. So, buckle up and embrace the exhilarating world of America's mightiest trucks!