The 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

The 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.

Starting MSRP: $25,060

11. 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.

Starting MSRP: $19,500

10. 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.

Starting $21,475

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.

Starting MSRP: $15,605

8. 2012 Nissan GT-R

At first glance, the 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.

Starting MSRP: $89,950

7. 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 Focus can park itself. Seriously. What’s next, Voice Activated Navigation? Oh, it has both of those features, too.

Starting MSRP: $16,500

6. 2012 Range Rover Evoque

This SUV evokes 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.

Starting MSRP: $43,995

5. 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.

Starting MSRP: $90,500

4. 2012 Dodge Charger

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

Starting MSRP: $25,495

3. 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?

Starting MSRP: $41,700

2. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Here’s one vehicle that can lay claim to being handcrafted. 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.

Starting at $94,900

1. 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.

Approximately $47,000