European cars are favored in the United States for many reasons that range from performance to appearance. Not all European cars can be sold in the United States, as manufacturers have to adhere to our safety feature standards. If they don’t, those cars can’t be sold here. But many do comply, and as such have become quite popular. Here is a list of the top 10, as reported by Carophile.
1. Volkswagen Beetle:
They stopped making the original model in 2003 and the new version in 2011. This car remains a popular choice for its hippie throwback look. From the Turbo S model to special editions like the Malibu Barbie New Beetle, this vehicle holds a special place in many people’s hearts.
2. Volkswagen Passat CC:
This four-door sedan-fastback version was first introduced back in 2008. With 2.0T I4 and 3.6 L VR6 engine as options in North America, Volkswagen originally had a modest expectation of selling 300,000 cars in seven years. About 60 percent of those sales originated from the U.S. market.
3. Volkswagen Golf:
The original Golf Mk1 was created in response to providing people with a Beetle look yet with front-wheel drive and front engine. This happens to be Volkswagen’s best-selling model here and its second best-selling model around the world. Nearly 30 million were manufactured by 2012. Featuring the three-door hatchback style, the Golf has been the recipient of many awards since its inception.
4. BMW 5-Series:
This mid-size luxury car has been around in one form or another since 1972. Available in both sedan and touring body styles, this is the company’s second best-selling model, resulting in 50% of profits in 2010. The year 2008 saw the creation of the fifth millionth 5-Series, featured in Car and Driver’s yearly Ten Best list for six years running between 1997 until 2002. In addition, BMW’s Active Seat technology was touted as one of the best inventions by Popular Science magazine.
5. Audi A4:
This compact executive car has been around since 1994, well known for its sporty look and reliable handling. Offering all the latest advances in connectivity and technology, this sedan has been a popular choice for U.S. drivers who prefer an ideal balance between luxury and sportiness.
6. Mini Cooper:
Offering a fun, whimsical way to cruise the streets, the Mini Cooper now has a four-door model featuring a more spacious back-seat area as well as additional cargo space. Its S-Model turbocharged four-cylinder engine gives drivers a good boost in acceleration capabilities. And with an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 29/40 mpg city/highway, the Mini Cooper is well known for its eco-friendly approach, responsive handling, crisp steering and strong brakes.
7. Volvo S80:
Introduced in 1998, the S80 model brings a professional, sleek look to the road backed by high gas savings and strong safety record. It’s a reliable car that features all the latest in safety offerings, including IntelliSafe which notifies the driver of obstacles and can even assist in parking in small spaces. Volvo has long been the car families have chosen for safety, and this fact remains true throughout the years.
8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class:
This compact luxury car first came out in 1993 as a sedan/station wagon but was reinvented in 2000 as a hatchback coupe. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been rated # 1 out of 14 in the upscale small cars category based on results from reviews, test drives, and safety data.
9. BMW 3-Series:
Produced over six generations with five body styles, this remains the company’s best-selling model. It has won many awards over the years, most notably appearing on Car and Driver’s annual Ten Best list 22 times.
10. Volkswagen Jetta:
First introduced in 1979, this German-made car replaced the Golf sedan. Since then, more than one-third of its sales have been inside the United States.
Contact Hance’s European in Dallas TX
If you have a European car that needs regular service you can trust, contact us today at 214-761-8395 or schedule a service appointment online. Hance’s European is easily accessible on West Mockingbird Lane in Dallas.