2013 was a turning point: electric vehicles moved from niche to mainstream, compact crossovers surged in popularity, and established models received game-changing redesigns. Sales showed growing interest in fuel-efficient and tech-rich models, while manufacturers raced to meet tightening fuel-economy rules and offer new electrified options.
A retrospective matters because 2013 set patterns that still shape the market today — stronger EPA targets, notable EV entries, and the rise of SKYACTIV-style efficiency programs. One concrete moment: Chevrolet unveiled the C7 Corvette in January 2013, signaling a bold redesign push across segments.
This piece ranks and explains the 10 best cars of 2013, showing why each stood out that year — from driver-focused performance cars to practical family movers and tech-forward innovators. The list is grouped into three categories: Performance & Driving Experience, Practicality & Value, and Technology, Safety & Efficiency.
Performance & Driving Experience
2013 produced several cars aimed squarely at enthusiasts: models that married instant electric torque with traditional rear‑wheel‑drive balance, plus a refreshed American sports car icon. Criteria here include engagement, acceleration, chassis balance, and steering feel. We rated cars by how rewarding they were to drive and how usable they remained day to day.
1. Tesla Model S — Electric performance and refinement
The Tesla Model S redefined what an electric car could be in 2013 by offering both range and performance in a luxurious package. The 85 kWh variant carried an EPA-rated range of about 265 miles, which made longer commutes and weekend trips realistic for early adopters.
Instant torque gave the Model S brisk off-the-line acceleration; the performance-oriented P85 cut 0–60 times into the low‑4‑second range according to contemporary road tests. Inside, a roomy cabin, generous cargo space and a large center touchscreen made it feel modern and highly usable.
Car and Driver and other outlets praised the Model S for turning daily driving into something closer to a premium experience without the range anxiety that plagued earlier EVs. For many buyers in 2013 it represented the moment electric cars became practical as well as exciting.
2. Chevrolet Corvette C7 — A true sports-car comeback
Chevrolet unveiled the C7 Corvette in January 2013, and the redesign signaled a major step forward in both styling and structure. The new Stingray used a modernized small‑block V8 and a stiffer chassis, bringing sharper handling and a cleaner layout than the outgoing generation.
Manufacturer figures for the base Stingray put output near 455 horsepower, giving the Corvette credible straight‑line performance to match its improved handling. Critics noted the C7’s performance-to-price ratio compared favorably with many European rivals.
On track days and back‑road runs the C7 felt grown up, yet it remained comfortable enough for longer drives. The package made a compelling argument that the Corvette could be both a serious sports car and a car you could use regularly.
3. Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S — Affordable, balanced driving
The BRZ and its twin, the Scion FR‑S, brought lightweight rear‑wheel‑drive balance back to the affordable-sport segment in 2013. With roughly 200 horsepower from a flat four and a curb weight near 2,800 pounds, these coupes prioritized chassis balance over outright power.
Low center of gravity from the boxer layout, sharp steering feel and predictable handling made them favorites among drivers who value cornering precision. They were easy to live with for daily use and also popular with the aftermarket and club motorsport scenes for autocross and track days.
For buyers who wanted driver engagement without spending supercar money, the BRZ/FR‑S offered the pure, connected feel that many pricier cars chase but few achieve at this price point.
4. BMW E92 M3 (final year 2013) — The last of the V8 M3s
2013 marked the final production year for the E92 M3’s naturally aspirated V8, making it a landmark for enthusiasts. That 4.0‑liter V8 delivered about 414 horsepower and a rev‑happy character that many drivers still praise.
The combination of a high‑revving engine, precise chassis tuning and excellent steering feedback made the E92 M3 feel immediate and rewarding on twisty roads. Compared with later turbocharged M cars, the V8 has a distinctive soundtrack and linear power delivery.
Collectors and spirited drivers value the 2013 M3 for that character, and the model remains sought after in the used market for anyone chasing a particularly analog performance experience.
Practicality & Value
2013 saw practical winners that balanced comfort, efficiency and affordability, especially as compact crossovers gained traction. This group prioritizes everyday usability — roomy cabins, good fuel economy, and ownership costs that keep budgets intact.
Buyers in this segment typically value reliability, comfortable ride quality and straightforward tech, so models that improved those areas earned high marks.
5. Honda Accord — Balanced, reliable mainstream sedan
The 2013 Honda Accord remained a top pick for families and commuters thanks to a roomy, well-built cabin and a reputation for long-term reliability. It offered multiple trims, including LX, EX and Touring, so buyers could choose the level of features they wanted.
Practical specs helped its case: rear-seat legroom hovered around 37.5 inches and trunk capacity was generous for the class, at roughly 14.8 cubic feet. Fuel economy for the 4‑cylinder variants was competitive, making the Accord a sensible daily driver.
Combined with strong resale values and straightforward maintenance, the 2013 Accord remained a safe, economical choice for long commutes and family trips.
6. Ford Fusion — A redesign that raised the bar
The redesigned 2013 Fusion brought sharper styling and more composed handling to the midsize sedan class. Reviewers in 2013 regularly noted its improved ride quality and confident steering compared with the previous generation.
Ford offered multiple powertrains, including conventional gas engines and hybrid/economy variants. The Fusion Hybrid carried EPA estimates in the high 40s for combined mpg, making it an appealing choice for those who wanted style and practical efficiency.
Compelling pricing and a polished interior lifted the Fusion into contention for buyers who wanted something more modern without paying luxury prices.
7. Mazda CX-5 — Compact crossover with driving dynamics
The 2013 Mazda CX‑5 married SUV practicality with Mazda’s driving-focused tuning philosophy. Thanks to SKYACTIV engines and chassis work, the CX‑5 delivered class-competitive fuel economy while feeling more engaging on the road than many rivals.
EPA combined figures for the base engine were roughly in the high 20s mpg, and cargo volume was practical for everyday family use at about 34 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The CX‑5 showed that crossovers need not sacrifice driving enjoyment for efficiency.
For many buyers, the CX‑5 offered a sensible balance of economy, space and a livelier driving experience than typical compact SUVs of the time.
Technology, Safety & Efficiency
By 2013, advanced safety systems, better fuel‑economy technologies and more in‑car connectivity were spreading beyond luxury cars. Automakers introduced efficient engines, wider hybrid availability and infotainment that began to play well with smartphones.
Models in this group stood out for introducing or popularizing tech that would become mainstream in the years that followed.
8. Toyota Prius — Efficiency that set the standard
The Toyota Prius continued to lead hybrid efficiency in 2013, offering an EPA combined figure around 50 mpg for the liftback. That level of fuel economy made it a go‑to choice for high‑mileage commuters and fleet buyers.
Practical hatchback packaging added cargo flexibility for errands and weekend gear. For drivers covering a lot of highway miles, the Prius translated directly into lower fuel bills and predictable running costs.
As a visible example of mainstream hybrid adoption, the Prius helped normalize electrified drivetrains for a wide range of buyers.
9. Volkswagen Golf/GTI (Mk7) — Refined compact with modern tech
The Mk7 Golf and GTI continued to set the compact benchmark in 2013 by improving interior quality and packaging while using turbocharged TSI engines for both efficiency and punchy midrange performance. The GTI delivered roughly around 200 horsepower in its early spec.
Refined ride and handling plus a genuine hatchback layout made the Golf versatile for city driving and weekend trips. Higher trims added optional driver‑assist features and nicer materials, bringing small‑car comfort closer to premium levels.
That blend of practicality and engaging dynamics kept the Golf family high on enthusiasts’ and sensible buyers’ lists alike.
10. Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class — Luxury tech trickling down
The S‑Class continued to introduce safety and comfort systems in 2013 that later appeared in more affordable segments. Notable examples include PRE‑SAFE brake systems, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, and night‑vision aids offered on higher trims.
These active systems improved everyday driving safety and set expectations for what mainstream models might offer a few years later. As features filtered down, occupants benefited from more capable automatic braking, driver‑assist automation and refined adaptive cruise behaviors.
In short, the S‑Class acted as a technology incubator whose innovations eventually replaced yesterday’s luxury exclusives with tomorrow’s common safety equipment.
Summary
- 2013 blended traditional performance with important technology shifts: EVs began to offer real range, while sporty cars retained a strong focus on driver engagement.
- Practical winners from 2013 improved everyday life: compact crossovers and redesigned sedans delivered better efficiency, space and comfort at sensible prices.
- Safety and efficiency innovations from luxury models and hybrids started trickling down, shaping the feature set common in later years.
- Many of the best cars of 2013 remain solid used-market choices today; test‑driving a candidate and comparing features against current needs is a smart next step.
- If you’re shopping used, check local inventories for 2013 models, confirm maintenance history, and prioritize a test drive before buying.
