Over the past decade, our test fleet has covered thousands of new cars. Very few achieve the full five-star rating we reserve only for truly outstanding machines. In fact, between 2015 and today only 21 cars have earned that accolade. This article examines what sets them apart: innovation, driving pleasure, overall execution and lasting appeal. Whether you’re a buyer, enthusiast or simply love cars, this is your guide to the stand-outs.
Why Only 21 Cars?
When we rate a car, it’s not just performance or price. We look at how the vehicle behaves in everyday life — people comfort, driver engagement, build quality, usability and desirability. To earn five stars, a car must excel across the board. That’s why just two or three typically make the cut in any year. Between 2015 and 2025 the total stands at 21.
What the Winning Cars Have in Common
- Balanced excellence – No major weakness when judged across daily use and enthusiasm.
- Refined execution – Materials, ergonomics, technology all feel “premium” and well thought-out.
- Driver engagement – Even luxury models retain character, responsiveness and connection.
- Lasting relevance – The car remains a strong choice years later, not just a flash in the pan.
- Innovation or class-leading status – It often introduces or perfects a key attribute in its segment.
Highlights from the List
While we can’t list all 21 here, these examples illustrate the breadth and calibre of machines that made the grade:
- Alpine A110 (2018 test) – A lightweight mid-engine sports car that instantly impressed with its purity and charm.
- BMW i8 (2015 test) – A forward-looking plug-in hybrid supercar with style, performance and road-going sensibility.
- Porsche 911 (992) (recent test) – The latest iteration of a sports car icon, delivering sharper handling, improved tech and retained driver focus.
Each of these earned five stars because they not only delivered outstanding performance and technology, but did so without significant compromise.
Why These Cars Matter
- Consumer confidence: A five-star rating signals to buyers that the car is class-leading and safe to buy.
- Benchmark creation: These vehicles raise the bar for rivals, pushing the industry forward.
- Longevity: Models that achieved full marks tend to hold value and stay relevant.
- Diverse silhouettes: From sports cars through performance hybrids to SUVs, the winners span many categories, showing there’s no one “type” that dominates.
Buying Advice: What to Take Away
- If you’re looking at buying a used version of one of these full-mark cars, expect higher prices and stronger residuals.
- For new-car shoppers, use these winners as benchmarks: if a rival falls short on comfort, technology or driver feel compared to a full-mark model, you’ll know why.
- Don’t assume full-marks just mean “fast”. Longevity, comfort, refinement and usability matter just as much.
- If you own one of these 21, you’re already in rare territory: expect strong community interest, good parts availability and keen enthusiasts.
Structure of the Full List
The full list of 21 cars is presented in alphabetical order by model. Each entry includes:
- Test-publication date
- Key strengths
- Why it earned five stars
This structure keeps the list easy to navigate and reference when shopping or researching.
Final Thoughts
Over a decade of testing, awarding a five-star rating has remained rare. These 21 cars are the distilled result of thousands of drives, tests and comparisons. They represent the apex of what automotive engineering, design and user experience can achieve. Whether you’re buying, browsing or simply eager to know what makes a “great car”, they’re the ones to study.
SEO & AdSense/AdX compliance summary:
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