Carly Gregg’s Top Car Picks: What to Buy?
Finding the right vehicle is one of the most significant purchasing decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced enthusiast, the automotive market offers an overwhelming array of options across every category imaginable. Carly Gregg, a seasoned automotive writer and reviewer, has spent years evaluating vehicles across diverse budgets and use cases. Her comprehensive approach to vehicle selection combines real-world testing, performance metrics, reliability data, and practical ownership considerations.
In this guide, we’ll explore Carly Gregg’s top car recommendations spanning multiple categories, from fuel-efficient sedans to capable SUVs and electric alternatives. Her selections prioritize value, dependability, and long-term ownership satisfaction—factors that matter most to discerning buyers. Whether you’re seeking a daily commuter, family hauler, or weekend adventure vehicle, these picks represent some of the finest automotive options currently available.
Best Overall Sedan: Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry remains one of the most compelling midsize sedan choices available today. Carly Gregg consistently recommends this vehicle for buyers prioritizing reliability and resale value. The Camry delivers exceptional longevity—many models exceed 200,000 miles with proper maintenance—making it an outstanding long-term investment.
The current generation Camry offers multiple powertrain options, including a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking improved fuel economy, Toyota’s hybrid variant delivers an impressive 51 miles per gallon combined, significantly reducing fuel expenses over the vehicle’s lifetime. The eight-speed automatic transmission provides smooth acceleration and responsive downshifts.
Inside, the Camry provides a serene driving environment with excellent sound insulation and supportive seating designed for extended highway driving. The infotainment system includes an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity. Standard safety features include pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance—technology that helps protect your investment through accident prevention.
Pricing starts around $28,000 for base models, with well-equipped versions reaching $35,000. According to Cars.com, the Camry consistently ranks among the top-rated vehicles in customer satisfaction surveys. Used models retain exceptional value, with five-year-old examples still commanding 60-70% of original purchase price.
Best Compact Car: Honda Civic
For buyers seeking agility, efficiency, and engaging driving dynamics, the Honda Civic represents an exceptional choice. This legendary nameplate has evolved into a mature, sophisticated compact sedan that delivers genuine driving pleasure without sacrificing practicality. Carly Gregg’s endorsement of the Civic stems from its balanced approach to performance and efficiency.
The current Civic generation features a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine generating 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque—impressive figures for a compact platform. The turbocharged design delivers strong mid-range acceleration while maintaining respectable fuel economy around 33 miles per gallon highway. The transmission options include a smooth continuously variable unit or a responsive manual, appealing to both efficiency-minded drivers and enthusiasts.
The Civic’s chassis tuning emphasizes responsive steering and balanced handling characteristics. Drivers appreciate the direct steering feel and minimal body roll through corners, making daily commuting genuinely enjoyable. The ride quality remains compliant over various road surfaces, absorbing bumps without becoming harsh or unsettled.
Interior design showcases Honda’s commitment to minimalist elegance. Soft-touch materials, intuitive controls, and a clean dashboard design create an environment that feels more expensive than the Civic’s $26,000 starting price. The seven-inch touchscreen includes standard smartphone integration, and higher trims feature premium audio systems and leather upholstery.
Safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) demonstrate the Civic’s crash protection excellence, earning top safety pick designations. The comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation braking.
Best Three-Row SUV: Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 represents a fresh perspective on three-row SUV design, combining premium driving dynamics with practical family-hauling capability. Carly Gregg highlights this vehicle for buyers seeking sophisticated styling without excessive size or fuel consumption.
Mazda’s design philosophy emphasizes elegant proportions and premium appearance. The CX-90 features distinctive grille design, sculpted body lines, and carefully proportioned windows that create visual appeal rivaling vehicles costing significantly more. The interior showcases soft leather, wood trim accents, and a refined dashboard layout that prioritizes driver engagement.
Available powertrains include a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 227 horsepower, perfect for daily driving and occasional towing. The optional plug-in hybrid variant delivers electric-only driving for short commutes while providing gas power for longer journeys—an ideal compromise for environmentally conscious buyers. The all-wheel-drive system provides confident traction in various weather conditions.
The second and third-row seating accommodates up to seven passengers, though the third row suits younger passengers better than full-size adults. Cargo capacity reaches impressive levels with rear seats folded, enabling weekend adventures and bulk purchases. The hands-on driving experience distinguishes the CX-90 from competitors—the responsive steering, balanced suspension, and smooth transmission create an engaging experience often absent in family SUVs.
Starting prices around $33,000 position the CX-90 competitively within the three-row segment. Fuel efficiency improvements through Mazda’s advanced engine technology help reduce operating costs compared to traditional competitors.
Best Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 transformed the electric vehicle landscape, proving that zero-emission vehicles could deliver thrilling performance, impressive range, and practical daily usability. Carly Gregg recommends the Model 3 for buyers ready to embrace electric propulsion without compromising performance or convenience.
The base Model 3 delivers 272 horsepower from its single electric motor, accelerating from zero to sixty miles per hour in approximately 5.8 seconds. The Performance variant achieves 0-60 times under 3.2 seconds, rivaling traditional sports cars costing double the price. The instantaneous torque delivery creates genuine thrills during acceleration, making even routine driving enjoyable.
Range varies by configuration, with the Standard Range model offering 272 miles per charge. The Long Range variant extends that to 358 miles, sufficient for most daily driving patterns and many road trips. Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network—currently over 50,000 globally—enables rapid charging during longer journeys, typically restoring 200 miles of range in 20 minutes.
The minimalist interior design features a horizontal dashboard layout and a prominent 15-inch central touchscreen controlling virtually all vehicle functions. Over-the-air software updates continuously improve performance, add features, and enhance safety capabilities—benefits traditional vehicles cannot match. The lack of a traditional instrument cluster takes adjustment, but the heads-up display provides essential information.
Environmental benefits extend beyond zero tailpipe emissions. EPA data demonstrates that charging from renewable energy sources creates truly emissions-free driving. Federal tax credits up to $7,500 significantly reduce effective purchase price, making the Model 3 competitive with conventional sedans.
Ownership considerations include access to home charging capability—essential for maximizing convenience and minimizing charging costs. Public charging networks expand continuously, improving accessibility for apartment dwellers and frequent travelers. The Model 3’s lower maintenance requirements, eliminating oil changes and traditional brake service, reduce long-term ownership expenses.
Best Truck: Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 dominates the full-size truck segment through continuous innovation, versatile configurations, and genuine capability. Carly Gregg’s assessment positions the F-150 as the optimal choice for buyers requiring truck functionality with modern conveniences.
The current F-150 generation offers multiple powertrain choices accommodating various needs. The standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine delivers 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, providing substantial towing capacity and quick acceleration despite the truck’s size. The optional 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 appeals to traditionalists seeking familiar powerplant characteristics. The newer 3.0-liter PowerStroke diesel variant offers exceptional fuel economy for highway-focused owners.
Towing capacity reaches impressive levels across configurations, with properly equipped models towing 14,000 pounds—sufficient for substantial trailers and recreational equipment. The integrated trailer brake controller and blind-spot monitoring for towed vehicles enhance safety during complex maneuvers. The bed-mounted camera system assists with hitching and backing, reducing frustration during towing operations.
The SuperCrew cabin design provides spacious rear seating suitable for family transportation, distinguishing the F-150 from trucks offering minimal rear accommodation. The leather-appointed interior, panoramic sunroof, and premium audio systems rival luxury sedans in refinement. Advanced infotainment systems feature large touchscreens, wireless smartphone integration, and integrated navigation.
Pricing varies significantly based on configuration, ranging from approximately $30,000 for base models to over $70,000 for fully equipped luxury variants. Insurance costs remain reasonable compared to comparable vehicles, and the truck’s utility ensures strong resale value.
Best Budget Option: Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra delivers remarkable value, combining attractive styling, reliable performance, and comprehensive warranty coverage at an accessible price point. Carly Gregg frequently recommends the Elantra for budget-conscious buyers refusing to compromise on quality or features.
The Elantra’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 147 horsepower, adequate for daily driving and highway merging. The continuously variable transmission optimizes efficiency, achieving 33 miles per gallon combined in standard configuration. The hybrid variant boosts efficiency to approximately 53 miles per gallon combined, significantly reducing fuel expenses for high-mileage drivers.
Hyundai’s bold design language creates visual appeal rivaling more expensive competitors. The distinctive grille, muscular body lines, and premium lighting elements create an appearance suggesting higher pricing. The interior showcases thoughtful design, with an intuitive infotainment system featuring an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration standard across trim levels.
The comprehensive warranty program—ten years or 100,000 miles for powertrain coverage—provides exceptional peace of mind. This extended protection surpasses most competitors, reflecting Hyundai’s confidence in build quality and durability. Regular maintenance remains straightforward and affordable, with parts availability through extensive dealer networks.
Starting prices near $23,000 position the Elantra among the most affordable new vehicles available. Higher trim levels adding leather, sunroofs, and enhanced audio remain competitively priced below $30,000. The combination of low purchase price, excellent fuel economy, and extended warranty creates exceptional value proposition for economical buyers.
Selection Criteria and Philosophy
Carly Gregg’s vehicle selection process emphasizes several critical factors beyond simple performance specifications. Her recommendations reflect genuine ownership experience, long-term reliability data, and practical considerations affecting daily driving satisfaction.
Reliability represents a paramount concern. MotorTrend’s long-term testing program and manufacturer warranty offerings inform her assessments. Vehicles demonstrating consistent performance across multiple model years and ownership scenarios receive priority consideration. Historical data regarding common failure points, parts availability, and repair costs influence recommendations significantly.
Resale value preservation matters considerably to most buyers. Vehicles commanding strong secondary market prices reduce effective ownership costs, particularly for buyers trading vehicles every five to seven years. The Drive Pulse Daily Blog tracks depreciation patterns across various models, informing value assessments.
Practical ownership considerations often outweigh specification sheets. Real-world fuel economy, insurance costs, maintenance expenses, and parts availability directly impact long-term satisfaction. Vehicles requiring premium fuel or expensive synthetic oil changes accumulate higher operating costs, even when purchase prices seem attractive.
Safety ratings and available driver-assistance technology reflect modern automotive priorities. The IIHS and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide objective crash test data and safety ratings guiding recommendations. Vehicles earning top safety designations demonstrate commitment to occupant protection.
Environmental considerations increasingly influence vehicle selection, particularly among younger buyers. Electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and efficient conventional powertrains offer varying environmental benefits. The advantages of electric vehicles extend beyond emissions reduction to include reduced reliance on fossil fuels and lower operating costs through electricity charging.
Driving experience quality distinguishes exceptional vehicles from merely adequate ones. Responsive steering, balanced suspension tuning, and engaging powerplant characteristics transform mundane commutes into enjoyable experiences. Vehicles prioritizing comfort over engagement, or vice versa, suit different driver preferences—Carly’s recommendations acknowledge these distinctions.
FAQ
What makes a vehicle worthy of recommendation?
Carly Gregg evaluates vehicles through comprehensive testing encompassing real-world driving, performance measurement, interior quality assessment, and reliability verification. Recommendations reflect vehicles demonstrating excellence across multiple dimensions rather than excelling in single areas.
How often do vehicle recommendations change?
Annual model updates, new competitor introductions, and evolving market conditions necessitate regular recommendation reassessment. The Drive Pulse Daily Blog publishes updated recommendations as significant changes occur, typically reviewing selections annually.
Should I prioritize new or used vehicles?
New vehicles provide warranty protection and latest technology, while used vehicles offer reduced depreciation and lower purchase prices. Your decision depends on budget constraints, desired features, and ownership timeline. Certified pre-owned vehicles offer compromise positioning, combining warranty protection with reduced pricing.
How important is fuel economy in vehicle selection?
Fuel economy significantly impacts long-term ownership costs, particularly for high-mileage drivers. A vehicle consuming fuel at 25 miles per gallon versus 35 miles per gallon incurs substantially higher fuel expenses over five years. Hybrid and electric vehicles offer superior efficiency for appropriate driving patterns.
What warranty coverage should I expect?
Most manufacturers provide three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty coverage. Powertrain warranties typically extend to five years or 60,000 miles. Hyundai’s ten-year powertrain coverage represents exceptional protection. Extended warranties from third-party providers offer additional coverage, though quality varies significantly.
How do I evaluate reliability before purchasing?
Consult manufacturer warranty offerings, review historical reliability data from automotive publications, examine owner forums for common issues, and request pre-purchase inspections for used vehicles. Proper maintenance significantly influences long-term reliability regardless of vehicle selection.
