Coupes: Ratings of Sources
Total of 31 Sources
For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
Top Recommended Coupes
by Editors of Edmunds.com
Our AssessmentEdmunds.com tests new cars as they hit the market, evaluating them for the usual performance and comfort factors and often making comparisons to the competition. This list highlights editors' top recommended coupes, divided into five price categories. Clicking on a model leads to a model/price list and summary review. Some recommended models spotlighted here are covered in separate ConsumerSearch reports on economy cars and sports cars.
Recommended Models
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org editors purchase and then perform in-depth testing of new vehicles as they come to market. Reviews are not as colorful as they are at enthusiast publications, but the information on long-term reliability, which is drawn from annual subscriber surveys, is unmatched. There's also good information on safety and practicality, details that are sometimes glossed over by others.
2009 Best Buy and Recommended Awards
by Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Our AssessmentAt least four test drivers evaluate every rated model for ConsumerGuide.com, and special consideration is given to how each performs in everyday driving. Cars get objective ratings in 10 areas, and those ratings are compared to those for similar models. We'd like to see a little more discussion, but there's enough here to get a good grip on what the editors like -- and dislike -- about each car they review.
2009 10Best Cars
by Tony Swan
Our AssessmentEvery year, Car and Driver's editors name the 10 cars they consider the best overall. New cars or those considerably updated are tested, and past winners are reevaluated. Cars are judged on value, how they perform their intended purpose and if they are "engaging." For 18 years straight, the BMW 3 Series has made the 10Best list. The Honda Accord also earns a place on the list for an impressive 23rd time in the award's 27-year history.
2009 Automobile All-Stars -- The Perennial Award Winner: BMW 3 Series
by Preston Lerner
Our AssessmentThe BMW 3 Series lands on Automobile Magazine's All-Stars list for the 14th time, thanks to its engineering excellence and superb driving nature. Preston Lerner summarizes, "BMW is all about melding car and driver into a seamless whole, whether the occasion is cruising in the carpool lane or tearing it up during a track-day time trial. The driving experience is always rewarding, never demanding."
2010 Chevy Camaro SS vs. 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T -- Comparison Tests
by Aaron Robinson
Our AssessmentFor the first time since the 1970s, Detroit has versions of the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger in dealer showrooms at the same time. Car and Driver assembles the three muscle coupes for a full comparison test and is shocked to find that the 2010 Ford Mustang GT bests the much more powerful Camaro SS and Challenger R/T. Ford's iconic pony car is the best all-around choice, says writer Aaron Robinson.
2010 Chevy Camaro V6 vs. Genesis Coupe V6 -- Comparison Tests
by John Phillips
Our AssessmentThe resurrected 2010 Chevrolet Camaro takes on the new 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe in this head-to-head comparison. Both coupes boast rear-wheel drive and V-6 engines with over 300 horsepower. After a full battery of tests, Car and Driver editors give the edge to the Camaro in a close win, saying it's ultimately more poised and easier to drive than the Hyundai.
Cars.comparison: American Muscle Cars
by Joe Bruzek, Mike Hanley and Joe Wiesenfelder
Our AssessmentCars.com editors compare the three Detroit muscle cars in one of their excellent, easy-to-read comparisons. The 2010 Chevy Camaro and 2009 Dodge Challenger impress, but the 2010 Ford Mustang takes an overwhelming number of individual categories and the overall crown in this showdown.
Nissan 370Z vs. BMW 135i, Mazda RX-8 R3, and Pontiac Solstice GXP -- Comparison Tests
by Tony Swan
Our AssessmentCar and Driver assembles an odd mix of sports cars and coupes for an interesting comparison test. The two coupes involved, the BMW 135i and the Mazda RX-8, finish second and third, respectively. The 2009 Nissan 370Z sports car wins the test. The BMW, while topping many important review categories, is relegated to second place due to its somewhat inelegant styling and less comfortable interior. Writer Tony Swan says the Mazda feels "played out" in its current configuration.
2010 Chevy Camaro SS vs. 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T vs. 2010 Ford Mustang GT
by Jason Kavanagh
Our AssessmentEdmunds Inside Line assembles all three modern V-8 pony cars for a head-to-head shootout to see which muscle coupe rules the roost. Each car -- the Chevy Camaro SS, Ford Mustang GT and Dodge Challenger R/T -- has a distinct set of positives, but overall, the Camaro is the easy winner here, offering up levels of performance that the Mustang and Challenger can't match, combined with distinct attitude and curb appeal.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS vs. 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T vs. 2010 Ford Mustang GT
by Arthur St. Antoine
Our AssessmentThe editors of Motor Trend also gather the three latest muscle coupes out of Detroit for a head-to-head comparison test. They find that while there's plenty to like about the Dodge Challenger and new 2010 Ford Mustang, it's the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS that stands atop the podium for its combination of fantastic style, immense power, great handling, surprising efficiency and overall value. This article also includes an informative video on the results page.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track: Mustang Fighter or Cut-price Nissan 370Z?
by Ron Kiino
Our AssessmentThis Motor Trend article is an interesting discussion of how the new rear-drive 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe stacks up against both the 2010 Ford Mustang GT and 2009 Nissan 370Z. Writer Ron Kiino says that while some editors differed on their favorites, the 2010 Mustang GT is the best all-around car of the bunch, with the most complete and balanced set of attributes from performance to comfort and practicality.
Comparison Test: 2009 Nissan 370Z vs. 2008 BMW 135i
by Chris Walton
Our AssessmentEdmunds.com's enthusiast-oriented Inside Line site pits the BMW 135i coupe against the new 2009 Nissan 370Z sports car, saying that the latter (a two-seater only) straddles the line between coupe and pure sports model. While the 135i is still "an excellent car," editors say that the Nissan 370Z sets the new benchmark in the performance coupe category, and it is ultimately named the winner.
Comparison Test: 2010 Ford Mustang GT vs. 2009 Nissan 370Z
by Jason Kavanagh
Our AssessmentThe 2010 Ford Mustang GT boasts classic style, a muscular V-8 growl, more room and true coupe practicality (while they're small, there are two seats for rear passengers). That's not enough to put it over the 2009 Nissan 370Z , according to Edmunds Inside Line's Jason Kavanagh. The new Z is simply the better performance car, according to Inside Line's engineering editor, and it grabs the top spot in this comparo.
Comparison Test: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 vs. 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe
by Josh Jacquot
Our AssessmentEdmunds Inside Line says that with the introduction of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8, the automaker "dropped a bomb" on the segment. The V-6 version, which has more than 300 horsepower, is compared against the more expensive Infiniti G37 coupe. Writer Josh Jacquot all but concedes that the Infiniti is the better car, but the Hyundai is crowned the winner in this comparison. It's more stylish and offers near-equal performance at a substantially lower price.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro V-6 vs. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track
by Todd Lassa
Our AssessmentWhile there's much excitement surrounding the V-8-powered 2010 Chevy Camaro SS, Motor Trend compares the base V-6 Camaro against the V-6 version of the equally new 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8. Todd Lassa enjoys the Camaro, an obvious sentimental favorite, but he finds that the Hyundai Genesis is the better performer and says it represents the future of the rear-drive sport-coupe category. As has become common practice at Motor Trend, a video is included with the article.
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe vs. 2009 Infiniti G37 Comparison Test
by Larry Webster
Our AssessmentPopular Mechanics pits the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 against the 2009 Infiniti G37 at both the dragstrip and on a 300-mile road-test loop. Larry Webster reports that while the Infiniti was the faster car in instrumented testing, in real-world driving, the two felt just as quick and handled equally well. The pricier Infiniti had some advantages in terms of material quality, but at the end of the day, the value-oriented Genesis coupe, which stickers almost $15,000 less than the G37, gets the nod "by a nose."
2010 Camaro SS vs 2010 Ford Mustang GT vs 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Comparison Test Drive: Muscle Car Competition
by Ben Stewart
Our AssessmentAdd Popular Mechanics to the list of outlets doing a three-way muscle compare with the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS, 2010 Ford Mustang GT and 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. The findings are similar to what other outlets have said. The Challenger is the most comfortable, the Mustang is the most engaging, but the Camaro SS wins the day thanks to its combination of high style, impressive handling and mammoth power.
Comparison Test: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track vs. 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe Journey
by Jim Hall
Our AssessmentRoad & Track senior editor Jim Hall teams up with senior features editor Douglas Kott on a head-to-head comparison of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe and Infiniti G37. The more expensive Infiniti would appear to be the clear winner, but the two reviewers disagree in the final analysis. Kott states in no uncertain terms that the G37 is a better car than the Hyundai Genesis. Hall calls the Infiniti "a better machine across the board in virtually every area," but he gives the nod to the Genesis because of its substantial price advantage. Effectively, that ends the comparison in a tie.
Thirtysomethings: Nissan 370Z vs. Ford Mustang GT vs. BMW 128i vs. Hyundai Genesis Coupe
by Seyth Miersma
Our AssessmentWinding Road is a website that's presented in a traditional (albeit electronic) "turn-the-page" format. Editors compare the 2009 Nissan 370Z, 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe and 2009 BMW 128i based on real-world driving. While every car is deemed to be very good, the BMW 128i is described as "brilliant" and is the consensus pick.
Comparison: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe
by Edward Loh
Our AssessmentMotor Trend editors pit three similarly priced front-wheel-drive, manual-transmission, V-6, sporty coupes against each other in a well-executed comparison test. Tops is the Honda Accord, narrowly beating the Nissan Altima coupe. The Accord coupe is the best performer at the track and gets the most praise for its attractive styling, which editors say is "worlds better than the sedan version." While the Mitsubishi Eclipse received minor updates for 2009, the Accord and Altima carry over unchanged, so this comparison still has great value.
Comparison Test: 2007 BMW 335i vs. 2008 Infiniti G37
by Erin Riches
Our AssessmentThese two rear-wheel-drive coupes feature similar specifications, but the BMW 335i is almost $4,000 more expensive than the Infiniti G37, as tested. Despite the advantage in value, the Infiniti loses the comparison to the BMW couple. Editor Erin Riches notes, "The Infiniti G37 is an impressive car and a lot of fun. But it isn't as quick as the BMW 335i, nor does it engage its driver with equal commitment." The 335i coupe has not changed significantly since its introduction, while the Infiniti added a seven-speed auto and optional all-wheel drive for 2009.
Comparison Test: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe vs. 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe
by Chris Walton
Our AssessmentBoth of these sedan-derived, front-wheel-drive coupes debuted for 2008 and carry over unchanged for 2009, offering a sportier alternative to popular family sedans. The detailed comparison test is comprehensive, including both track testing and driving on public roads. The highest rating goes to the Honda Accord coupe, which soundly beats the more expensive (as tested) Nissan Altima coupe.
2006 Honda Civic Si vs. Volkswagen GTI -- Comparison Tests
by Tony Quiroga
Our AssessmentAlthough this comparison is dated, the observations pertaining to the Honda Civic Si coupe are still pertinent as the car is still fundamentally unchanged from the reviewed 2006 model, save for some subtle visual tweaks outside. Gripes include a cramped backseat and the car's "futuristic" interior setup. On the fun-to-drive scale, the Civic Si comes out on top. The VW GTI hatchback wins thanks to better packaging overall.
Coupe Reviews
by Editors of Motor Trend
Our AssessmentMotor Trend's coupe reviews range from the everyman-attainable to cost-no-object supercars. Like Car and Driver, the emphasis here seems to be more on high-performance and luxury, but there's plenty of information on a variety of coupes to fit most budgets. While Motor Trend identifies winners and losers when it conducts multi-car comparisons and is not bashful about identifying strengths and weaknesses in the cars it reviews, there is no overall ranking of coupes.
Dueling Coupes: 2008 BMW 335i vs. 2008 Infiniti G37S
by Don Sherman
Our AssessmentAutomobile magazine provides excellent enthusiast-oriented car reviews and comparison tests, such as this one between the BMW 335i coupe and Infiniti G37. Editors drive the pair more than 1,300 miles on mostly back roads and writer Don Sherman gives a good description of both. He concludes that the Infiniti G37 "easily tops the value chart," but the BMW is the superior car, with handling that helps "make even mediocre drivers feel like road stars." This review is dated, but since both cars are essentially still the same, it's still a good resource.
Comparison Test: 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i
by Josh Jacquot
Our AssessmentEdmunds.com also publishes Inside Line, an online car enthusiast site with numerous single-car reviews and head-to-head comparisons. In an interesting three-way test, Edmunds.com compares its own 2002 BMW M3 long-term vehicle against 2008 BMW 135i and 335i coupes (neither of which is substantially altered for 2009). The heavier, more expensive 335i comes in third. First place is a tie between the M3 and 135i, which have remarkably similar lap times at a race track. Despite several drawbacks, such as its impractical rear seat, the 1 Series offers "the perfect combination of nimbleness, suspension compliance and tractable power delivery."
2008 Honda Accord Coupe V6 EX-L Navi vs. 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE Comparison Test
by Justin Couture
Our AssessmentNot to be confused with Automobile magazine, Automobile.com also features well-written reviews and a few comparison tests, such as this one between the 2008 Honda Accord and Nissan Altima coupes (both unchanged for 2009). Justin Couture offers detailed descriptions of both cars, saying both are sporty, handle well and are nicely equipped, but are very different. He chooses the Accord as the better coupe, saying it is "one of the roomiest two-door vehicles around" and "is the better to drive day in and day out."
Recommended Shopping Lists
by Editors of Kelly Blue Book
Our AssessmentKBB.com is the online home of Kelley Blue Book, long regarded as the top resource in determining the value of both new and used vehicles. However, the website also delivers a wealth of automotive research and opinion for consumers -- including lists of cars that the editors recommend. Although there's no list of recommended coupes, the Ford Focus and now-discontinued Pontiac G5 make the compact cars list.
New Best Bets
by Editors of Cars.com
Our AssessmentCars.com editors produce informed, insightful reviews of their own, and they reprint reviews from other publications in the same section for each car, so it's possible to read six or seven reviews in succession. Each year, Cars.com editors choose a number of best bets in various categories, and several well-regarded coupes make the list.
The Best of Coupes -- BMW 135i vs. Infiniti G37S
by Matt Davis
Our AssessmentWinding Road is an online car-enthusiast magazine, presented in an electronic format that copies the appearance of a printed magazine. This review is an excellent road test of two similarly priced coupes, the BMW 135i and Infiniti G37S. Matt Davis compares the two and gives detailed descriptions of driving each car. Unfortunately, he does not conclude which he prefers, but rather provides strengths and weaknesses of both coupes.