Car Reviews & Buying Guides
Expert reviews from leading UK publications and real owner experiences to help you make informed car buying decisions
Leading UK Car Review Publications
Expert reviewers at these publications provide comprehensive, independent assessments of every new car on sale in the UK. Each brings unique expertise and testing methods to help you find the right car.
Britain's longest-running car buying brand with comprehensive road tests, buyer's guides, and the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year Awards.
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The UK's best-selling weekly car magazine offering in-depth reviews, latest car news, and comprehensive road tests.
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World-famous motoring brand combining entertainment with expert reviews, track tests, and comprehensive car ratings.
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Modern car buying platform with engaging video reviews, drag races, and detailed comparisons hosted by automotive journalist Mat Watson.
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The world's oldest car magazine (est. 1895) providing authoritative reviews, industry insights, and comprehensive road tests.
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How to Use Car Reviews Effectively
Professional car reviews are invaluable tools, but knowing how to interpret and compare them makes all the difference.
Read Multiple Sources
Compare reviews from different publications to get a balanced view. What Car? focuses on practicality, Top Gear on driving fun, and Honest John on ownership costs.
Watch Video Reviews
Video reviews from Carwow, Top Gear, and Auto Express show you the car in action and reveal details that text reviews might miss.
Check Owner Reviews
Real owner experiences on Honest John, What Car?, and Auto Trader reveal long-term reliability and running costs that professional reviews can't cover.
Look for Long-Term Tests
Publications like Auto Express and Autocar run cars for 6-12 months, uncovering issues that short-term reviews miss.
Consider Reliability Data
What Car? and Honest John publish reliability surveys based on thousands of real owners - invaluable for used car buyers.
Check Award Winners
Industry awards like What Car? Car of the Year and Auto Express awards are decided by experienced journalists after extensive testing.
Award Winners & Popular Cars 2025
Industry awards from What Car?, Auto Express, and other leading publications highlight the year's best cars across all categories. Browse award-winning models available on CarDash.
Kia EV3
Innovative compact electric SUV with exceptional range and value
BMW 5 Series
Benchmark executive car with cutting-edge technology and luxury
Tesla Model Y
Practical electric SUV with impressive range and performance
Nissan Qashqai
Pioneering crossover with advanced e-Power hybrid technology
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Revolutionary electric saloon with aerodynamic design and long range
Ford Puma
Stylish compact SUV with clever storage and efficient engines
Professional Reviews vs Owner Reviews
Understanding the difference helps you get the complete picture
Professional Reviews
- Comprehensive testing: Performance data, handling assessments, safety ratings
- Expert perspective: Journalists test hundreds of cars for informed comparisons
- Independent: No financial stake in specific recommendations
- Short-term only: Can't reveal long-term reliability issues
Owner Reviews
- Real-world experience: Daily driving, real running costs, practical issues
- Long-term reliability: Issues that emerge after months or years of ownership
- Specific use cases: Family life, motorway commuting, city parking, etc.
- Subjective: Personal preferences and limited comparison experience
Best Approach
Use professional reviews to narrow down your shortlist based on objective performance, safety, and value. Then read owner reviews to understand real-world ownership and identify any common issues. Finally, test drive your top choices to see how they suit your specific needs.
CarDash Community Reviews
Real experiences from our community members who have bought and sold cars through CarDash.
James Wilson
2023 BMW 3 Series 320i M Sport
Excellent driving experience with premium features
After 18 months of ownership, I can confidently say this is one of the best cars I've owned. The build quality is exceptional, and the driving dynamics are superb. The infotainment system is intuitive, and the M Sport package really enhances the sporty feel.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Great handling
- Premium interior
- Advanced tech features
Cons
- Higher fuel consumption in city
- Expensive maintenance
- Road noise at highway speeds
Detailed Ratings
Sarah Chen
2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range
Game-changing electric vehicle
The Model 3 has completely changed my perspective on electric vehicles. The acceleration is incredible, the autopilot features work amazingly well, and the charging network makes long trips feasible. Build quality has improved significantly from earlier models.
Pros
- Incredible performance
- Supercharger network
- Over-the-air updates
- Low running costs
Cons
- Interior minimalism might not suit everyone
- Some panel gaps
- Cold weather range reduction
Detailed Ratings
Mike Thompson
2025 Ford Puma ST-Line
Perfect blend of style and practicality
The Puma has exceeded my expectations. It's stylish, practical with clever storage solutions, and surprisingly fun to drive. The 1.0 EcoBoost engine is punchy and economical. Great value for money in the competitive crossover segment.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Clever storage solutions
- Efficient engine
- Good value
Cons
- Small boot for the class
- Firm ride on larger wheels
- Touch-sensitive controls
Detailed Ratings
Additional Review Resources
Beyond traditional reviews, these resources help you make informed decisions
YouTube Channels
- Carwow - Comprehensive reviews and entertaining drag races
- Top Gear - Entertaining reviews with professional insight
- Fifth Gear Recharged - Practical reviews and buying advice
- Harry's Garage - In-depth analysis and classic cars
Specialist Sites
- Parkers - Running costs and ownership advice
- DrivingElectric - EV reviews and charging guides
- Auto Trader - Used car reviews and buyer guides
- Euro NCAP - Independent safety testing results