Top 10 Best Car Manufacturers in 2023… So Far

Our quest to determine the best cars to own in the UK took us on an incredible journey, powered by the generous contributions of fellow drivers who graciously shared their feedback and driving experiences. This wealth of data allowed us to curate and analyse a comprehensive set of information, going beyond mere satisfaction levels with individual cars. The real gem lay in discovering which car brands held the highest favour among their loyal customers.

Delving into the same categories that formed the basis for evaluating the cars, we extended our scrutiny to assess the brands themselves. Interestingly, some manufacturers made the cut despite their cars not achieving significant sales numbers for statistical representation. This twist added a fascinating dimension to the competition, revealing a truly diverse and dynamic landscape of automotive excellence.

10. Jaguar

Jaguar might have dropped back a few spots from last year’s sixth place, but 10th is nothing to sneeze at, especially when they’re rubbing shoulders with premium rivals like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo.

Now, before we praise Jaguar, let’s address the elephant in the room – reliability. It’s a bit of a bugbear for Jaguar, with about 44% of owners reporting some pesky faults. Better to focus on the roar of the engine and the thrill of the drive because when it comes to driving characteristics, Jaguar takes the crown. Owners are absolutely delighted with the steering response and road handling, ranking very close to the top. Plus, they’ve got solid scores for ride comfort and overall driving pleasure.

Looks matter too, and Jaguar knows how to turn heads. Owners, like the best casino, shower high marks for the exterior style and quality, and the interior design takes a proud second place overall in the survey. Talk about style, elegance, and that signature Jaguar flair.

When it comes to settling into the cockpit, the front-seat oozes comfort. However, in terms of practicality, the scores are a bit of a mixed bag. The layout and function of cabin controls get a thumbs-up, but the touchscreens leave a little to be desired. And the less said about the servicing costs the better! They’re almost the least satisfactory in the survey.

In summary, Jaguars are stylish and roaring with driving delight. Despite a few hiccups, they’re still running the race and making their owners grin from ear to ear.

9. Peugeot

Peugeot and Citroen share older tech from the PSA group, so it’s no surprise they perform at similar levels in this brand survey. Peugeot just about edges out its sister company here, scoring wins in seven out of the ten categories. One of Peugeot’s biggest leads is in the exteriors category, strutting in confidently at seventh place, while Citroen trails behind at 16th. Design makes all the difference here, and it’s the same story when it comes to interiors. Peugeot drivers just can’t get enough of their car’s dynamic appeal, ranking ninth for road handling, while Citroen sits at 26th.

The differences are a bit more subtle in other areas. Both brands boast strong scores for reliability, keeping it steady in that department. However, they share a common challenge in the layout and usability of the cabin controls.

Owners seem to be especially enamoured of the way their cars look and drive. The brand’s highest category score is second place for ride and handling, while it also scoops third place for the most satisfying powertrains – and another third for exterior design and finish. Running costs get the owner seal of approval, too, with a seventh in the category, which is matched by similar results across the interior and reliability categories.

Peugeot can’t quite equal Kia’s full house of top-10 results, but it’s not far adrift, scoring a pair of 11th places for its safety features and infotainment systems, and a still-decent 13th place for value, even as the brand’s worst category. Digging deeper into the infotainment data reveals owners do like their entertainment systems and built-in sat-navs, but they’ve marked down the heating/air-con and user-friendliness of controls.

Where money is concerned, Citroen manages to steal the spotlight in the value-for-money ranking, clinching 16th place by a tiny margin. But when it comes to reporting faults, Peugeot owners score an unimpressive 38% highlighting electrical issues.

So there you have it – Peugeot and Citroen, battling it out with style and grace! They’ve got the looks, and they’ve got the drive, but nobody’s perfect – they do share some quirks along the way. Though in Peugeot’s favour, only 19% of owners had faults, so there’s still plenty to celebrate.

8. Lexus

When it comes to reliability and build quality, Lexus sets the bar high, and this year is no exception. Let’s talk about the smooth ride, because Lexus snags the crown for ride smoothness, leaving everyone else in the dust. The steering and brake responsiveness are also top-notch, earning some serious love from owners. And guess what? Driving pleasure secures a fabulous sixth place – vroom vroom, Lexus!

Front-seat comfort is a dream, taking home a shiny silver medal. And let’s not forget the little ones – child-friendly features secure fifth place, ensuring smiles for the whole family. Safety is a top priority too, with owners highly rating the number and function of safety features.

However, not everything is pure gold in the Lexus realm. Owners do seem a bit disappointed with their hybrid cars’ fuel economy and insurance costs – and it doesn’t get any better with Lexus’s tech side – the balance between touchscreen and physical controls, the touchscreen itself, and the sat-nav land near the bottom of the survey.

But fear not, Lexus lovers, because there’s a silver lining. Only 14% of owners had faults, so there’s plenty to celebrate. Lexus is a luxurious ride with a few hiccups. Superb quality, stylish charm, and a fine drive make them a force to be reckoned with. Just a tiny tweak needed in the cabin tech department, and they’re golden.

7. Mazda

Mazda has received excellent marks across the board. They may not have moved much compared to last year, but securing seventh place is definitely something to cheer about.

Let’s kick things off with a round of applause for Mazda’s designs – owners still can’t get enough, landing them a solid third place for exteriors. That high-quality feel shines bright, bagging Mazda an excellent third place for reliability.

Owners are enthusiastic with the way their cars drive, praising the road handling, driving pleasure, and brakes in particular, as well as the ride quality and steering responsiveness. Mazdas offer excellent overall build quality, with reliability being a strong point. Drivers are also impressed by the materials utilised inside and outside Mazda models, which have superb aesthetics. 

Mazdas are regarded as excellent value for money by their owners, and the brand also wins various awards in the area of infotainment. No manufacturer received a higher score for the ease of use of its controls or smartphone connectivity, and drivers also say Mazda’s heating and air-conditioning systems operate well. Owners praise Mazdas for their affordable operating expenses, claiming that insurance is generally inexpensive and that fuel efficiency is acceptable. 

Now, let’s talk about some areas where Mazda’s got a bit of room to improve. 25% of Mazda owners do report faults, with electrical issues seeming to be the most prominent. Acceleration, boot space, child-friendly features, and visibility for the driver could also use a little boost. And let’s be honest, seating flexibility isn’t their strongest suit either. But that’s just a tiny smudge on the Mazda copybook, right?

So there you have it – Mazda, still cruising with confidence. With designs that turn heads and reliability that keeps you rolling, Mazda knows how to keep the satisfaction meter high.

6. Kia

Buckle up as we take a ride through the wonderful world of Kia’s impressive rankings. Now, it’s true that our Korean friends have taken a teeny step down from last year’s third place, but Kia’s still rocking it almost everywhere, leaving owners with beaming smiles.

Kia’s investment in research and development appears to have paid off, as seen by high ratings for overall dependability and build quality. For the price, owners are blown away by the quality of the materials used in their cars, and value for money is another big selling point. 

Kias, you say, are stylish on the inside and out, with efficient brakes, sensitive steering, and smooth rides, all while handling well and being enjoyable to drive. You also mention that your Kias feature exceptionally adaptable seating, enormous cargo room, and plenty of internal storage. The infotainment systems also received high marks, with you stating that they are simple to use, have well-balanced controls, and good smartphone connectivity, satellite navigation, and music. 

Kia’s engine and gearbox category are where it stumbles a bit, with a 17th spot for gearbox smoothness being the culprit. Still, driving pleasure lands an impressive 12th place. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the practicality. Kia knows how to deliver the goods, earning some seriously high scores. Owners are especially delighted with the child-friendly touches and the versatility of seating arrangements, not to mention the abundance of rear-seat legroom.

Economy scores are soaring high, with servicing costs snagging a sweet fifth place. And where tech is concerned, Kia owners can’t help but give a thumbs-up to the controls and switches, as well as the user-friendly touchscreens. Finally, here comes the cherry on top – a fabulous fourth place for overall value. Kia knows how to deliver bang for your buck, making owners feel like they’ve hit the jackpot.

But, alas, there’s a small hiccup in the form of reliability. About 25 per cent of owners face one or more faults in year one – yikes! But fret not because we know that Kia’s got the drive and determination to keep improving. Clearly a versatile and vibe-tastic performer, with a dash of fun, a sprinkle of practicality, and a whole lot of tech goodness, Kia continues to put on a show that leaves us all wanting more.

5. Alfa Romeo

The folks at Alfa Romeo’s UK HQ must be doing a little victory dance, and you know what? We’re joining in on the celebration! After a brief hiatus from the spotlight, Alfa Romeo is making a spectacular comeback, securing a remarkable fifth place.

It’s all thanks to you, passionate Alfa owners, who have put your beloved brand back on the map with sky-high scores for style and driving performance. With second place in both road handling and steering, and a solid fifth spot for ride quality, it’s clear that Alfa Romeo still knows how to deliver that captivating driving experience we all adore. Sure, braking responsiveness sits at a modest 28th place, but hey, it’s all part of the fun when you’re behind the wheel of an Alfa, right? In the end, it all adds up to a fabulous seventh position overall for driving pleasure.

Now, let’s talk comfort. The front seats are simply divine, wrapping you in a warm embrace as you cruise along. As for the little ones, Alfa Romeo bags the gold medal for child-friendly features, and that’s not all – they secure the silver for cabin storage, making sure you have a spot for all your essentials.

Looking at costs, we must admit that economy might not be Alfa Romeo’s strongest suit, lurking in the 27th spot. But who cares about fuel efficiency when you’re basking in the pure joy of driving, right? Besides, Alfa owners give a thumbs up to the car’s physical controls and seem pretty content with the cabin tech. However, we must be honest – reliability falls a bit behind in 20th place, with some owners reporting a few problems along the way.

However, let’s focus on the positives, shall we? Alfa Romeo’s back with a vengeance, delivering the style and engaging drive we all adore. So, here’s to Alfa Romeo – raising the bar and thrilling our souls once again! And guess what? Only 28% of owners had to face any faults, so things are looking pretty good for this revived Italian stallion.

4. Subaru

After a spell away, Subaru is back in action, making a grand entrance and revving up the satisfaction among owners, soaring high in fourth place. Subaru’s been stacking up killer scores in some key categories. The interior, practicality, ride and handling, and safety all came up with top marks. Owners are absolutely delighted, with reliability taking centre stage and earning high praise, even though about 35% of them reported some negative issues in the first year. It’s all about balance, right?

Subaru’s cars are scooping up some serious accolades. They grab first place for all-round visibility, with rear legroom and seating flexibility beating the competition. Second place for child-friendly features – making sure the little ones are all smiles. And when talking about driving smoothness… they land in second place! Not to forget the number and function of safety features – another solid silver medal.

On top of that, Subaru’s got the security of four-wheel drive to thank for landing them in third place in road handling. It’s all about staying steady on those twists and turns!

On the downside, fuel economy takes a dip and lands at a modest 30th place. Still, it’s a small price to pay for the overall quality that wows, grabbing fourth place and helping Subaru secure a fabulous fourth place in the reliability category. Almost half of the faults are electrical – but hey, nobody’s perfect.

It looks like Subaru has cemented its four-wheel-drive niche, delivering strong scores all around and keeping the competition on their toes. With happy owners and that signature Subaru flair, they’re back in the game and ready to rock the road.

3. Tesla

Oh, Tesla, you’re so close to being untouchable! If only you could give those fit and finish issues a little makeover and sprinkle some magic on the ride quality – bam! Perfection! But hey, even with these quirks, the US electric car maker is still smashing an excellent third place this year.

Let’s break it down… Tesla’s got some key areas where it shines brightly. Second place in the powertrain category – and boy, do owners love every inch of their car’s performance. MPG and running costs snag another silver medal, while safety features and infotainment claim a well-deserved bronze. Not to forget practicality, landing a respectable fourth place.

Driving pleasure earns an impressive third place, despite a less-than-smooth 25th spot for ride comfort. Owners rave about Tesla’s economy, taking home the gold. Plus, the icing on the cake – second place for low servicing costs and insurance. Talk about a winning combo.

In terms of gizmos, Tesla sweeps the board with its cabin tech, wowing owners left and right. But we’ve got to be honest – there’s a pinch of quirkiness when it comes to the near-total reliance on touchscreen controls. It’s a love-hate relationship according to the survey.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – faults. Tesla is quite notable in this department, reporting a diverse array of issues. About a third of the gremlins are electrical, with suspension and trim issues getting their time in the spotlight too.

Tesla’s performance and running costs are earning some serious applause, but quality issues are taking a bit of the spotlight too. Nevertheless, with that quirky charm and its electric prowess, Tesla is making waves and putting on a show that’s hard to resist.

40% of Tesla owners had faults, so there’s work to be done but still plenty to love and celebrate. Onwards and upwards, Tesla! 

2. Polestar

The best car manufacturers’ roster is getting charged up with electric car brands. Tesla and Polestar have electrified the competition, leaving owners brimming with satisfaction.

Now, let’s dive into the data. Tesla and Polestar share some striking similarities, but Polestar’s results – both the good and the bad – tend to be more dramatic than Tesla’s. When it comes to the powertrain category, Polestar reigns supreme, claiming first place for all attributes, not to mention taking the crown for running costs and safety features.

This design-led brand knows how to deliver the goods. Boot space? Nailed it! Styling? Owners can’t get enough of it, giving Polestar a resounding thumbs-up compared to their Tesla counterparts. The road handling and driving pleasure also earn high praise, but we must admit, the ride comfort does fall short, landing at the bottom of the table. Can’t win ’em all, right?

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Despite its second-place overall finish, Polestar can’t escape the shadow of some rather dismal reliability stats. Raking in at 31st place, the brand does have some work to do in this department. A staggering 69 per cent of owners reported first-year faults, marking the highest figure in the entire survey. Ouch!

But let’s not get bogged down by the blemishes. Polestar clearly has a bag of delights that leave owners driving with joy. The powertrain prowess, the stunning design, and the driving enjoyment create an electrifying package that’s hard to resist.

So, where EV’s are concerned – Tesla and Polestar are turning heads and sparking excitement among owners in the survey. Electric cars are here to stay, and with such electrifying performances, it’s clear they’ll be zipping around our roads for many miles to come.

1. Porsche

Porsche has done it again, bagging the top spot for the third year in a row. It’s a real testament to how much owners adore this iconic sporting brand, and even though they’ve been churning out more family-focused SUVs lately, the love and excitement haven’t waned one bit!

It’s a premium brand, to be sure, but according to the data, this is a firm with cars that more than justify their prices. The German sports and luxury automobile manufacturer dominated the competition by winning six of the ten categories in which brands are rated. 

Porsche owners are beaming with joy when it comes to their cars’ driving characteristics, design, and unbeatable build quality. The powertrains are the darlings of the show, but they might not be as electrifying as those from Tesla or Polestar. Nonetheless, it should come as no surprise that one of the world’s most well-known performance corporations won every single field in the ride and handling category, including road handling, steering response, and sheer driving pleasure were judged to be on another level.

However, this kind of driving perfection does not save you pennies at the pump. Economy isn’t exactly Porsche’s strongest suit, showing that the good ol’ internal combustion engine (ICE) performance can sometimes come with a price. Plus, servicing costs can’t quite compete with those of the EV brands out there.

Now, let’s talk reliability. Porsche is no slouch here either. It clinched the top spot in the drivers’ reliability category, thanks to its superlative build quality, putting it way ahead of its nearest rival, Lexus. When it comes to actual reliability, Porsche ranks 11th (Lexus takes the gold), but the satisfaction gap is narrower, earning Porsche the ultimate win in the category.

When we look at the numbers of faults reported, Porsche shines like a superstar compared to the runner-up, Polestar. Though, to be fair, they do share a few hiccups in common, like electric, interior, and exterior trim faults.

To sum it all up, Porsche’s got it going on – satisfying driving, oozing style, and peerless quality are keeping them at the summit. And with only 37% of owners experiencing any faults, it’s clear they’re doing something very right. Porsche continues to deliver the sports car spirit even in their SUV lineup, making owners’ hearts race with pure delight. Congratulations, Porsche, on another well-deserved victory.