12 best 2012 model year cars

Nothing stirs up the Internet quite like a list. So, I decided to stir the pot, poke the bee’s nest and wake the sleeping giants by coming up with a top 12 cars for 2012.

Here are the arbitrary rules for my list:

The car has to be under $100,000. Sorry, Mercedes-Benz SLS.
The list must include at least one car, truck, SUV and van. Yes, at least one van. I’m a family man now.
Only 2012 model year vehicles are eligible.

Now that we got that out of the way, we can move on to the list.

12. 2012 Toyota Sienna

: Photo By Toyota
2012 Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna recently added to its swagger by winning Motor Trend’s Minivan Comparison Test. Who am I to argue? I would roll hard through the streets and cul-de-sacs in the Sienna.

MSRP starting at $25,060

11. 2012 FIAT 500C

: Photo By FIAT
2012 FIAT 500c

We’ve been waiting a long time for the FIAT to make its way to the states and the cars did not disappoint. With tons of personalized options, you can make your mark on this new Italian Classic, the FIAT 500c.

MSRP starting at $19,500

10. 2012 Ram 1500

: Photo By Ram
2012 Ram 1500

Ram trucks may have lost the Dodge name, but they are still some of the toughest trucks on the road. The new 2012 Ram 1500 can take whatever the work day brings with a 4.7 liter V8 engine.

MSRP starting at $21,475

9. 2012 Honda Civic

: Photo By Honda
2012 Honda Civic

Five different Civics means five different choices. My choice, the 2012 Civic Si. For a person who drives a hybrid, I sure do like sporty cars. Or perhaps I like the Ninja more than a lumberjack, zombie, Mexican wrestler or monster.

MSRP starting at $15,605

8. 2012 Nissan GT-R

: Photo By Nissan
2012 Nissan GT-R

At first glance, the Nissan GT-R looks like an Italian sports car. But looks are that deceiving. This car packs 530 horsepower into its twin turbo V6 engine. Now, that can give those Italians a run for their money.

MSRP starting at $89,950

7. 2012 Ford Focus

: Photo By Ford
2012 Ford Focus

Back in the day, only luxury cars received the best and coolest features. But it’s a new day and the value priced Ford Focus can park itself. Seriously. What’s next, Voice Activated Navigation? Oh, it has both of those features, too.

MSRP starting at $16,500

6. 2012 Range Rover Evoque

: Photo By Land Rover
2012 Range Rover Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque brings to mind images of cool futuristic concept cars, but this one is actually coming to the market. Available as either a coupe or with five doors, the Evoque combines breathtaking design with sporty handling. Check it out in October when it hits showrooms.

MSRP starting at $43,995

5. 2012 BMW 650i Convertible

: Photo By BMW
2012 BMW 650i Convertible

Night vision, navigation, parking assist, brakes that regenerate energy and vehicle information displayed on the windshield … this sounds like a James Bond vehicle. Actually, it’s the new BMW 650i Convertible.

MSRP starting at $90,500

4. 2012 Dodge Charger

: Photo By Dodge
2012 Dodge Charger

A V8 Hemi-powered engine delivers up to 470 horsepower in the new Dodge Charger. But behind that mean looking exterior lies cutting edge technology that packs a punch, thanks to Dodge’s Uconnect system.

MSRP starting at $25,495

3. 2012 Audi A6

: Photo By Audi
2012 Audi A6

We have smartphones, but it’s about time we had a (real) smart car. The new Audi A6 makes 2,000 decisions a second. Smart enough for you? Maybe it can make the decision that has plagued humankind since the dawn of time: what do you want to do for dinner?

MSRP starting at $41,700

2. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

: Photo By Mercedes-Benz
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Here’s one vehicle that can lay claim to being handcrafted – the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG. Every AMG engine is built by a single AMG Master Engine Builder. With an optional performance package that raises the horsepower to 550, you’re not getting into the driver’s seat, but sitting in the cockpit. T-minus 10 and counting.

MSRP starting at $94,900

1. 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

: Photo By Chevrolet
2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

American muscle is back in a big way. The Camaro ZL1 is the most powerful Camaro ever, even beating out the ’69 Camaro which was voted the best Chevy of all time. But you’ll have to wait to take this bad boy for a spin; the Camaro ZL1 hits the streets in early 2012.

MSRP approximately $47,000