5 of the best car manufacturers

Who are five of the best car manufacturers ever?

The automotive world as we know it today is one of constant innovation and boundary-pushing, with manufacturers trying to outdo both themselves and each other.

But it hasn't always been this way. 

Since the invention of the wheel all those years ago, automotive innovation was slow and steady. From horse-drawn carriages to the very first motorcars, it has taken time for new concepts to be developed, produced, and introduced to the public.

At least, that was the case.

Since Henry Ford invented the production line and made cars much more affordable for the general public to buy, the automotive industry has boomed.

Over the past decade or so, this has only accelerated. With cars becoming slicker, safer, and more efficient, and companies like Tesla heralding the arrival of the electric future.

But which brands are the most exciting?

We've rounded up five of the most innovative manufacturers on the market to see just why their popularity is so widespread.

Spoiler alert: a lot of the coolest developments involves the new kids on the block.

Volkswagen

Iconic German manufacturer Volkswagen has been a staple on our roads since 1937 and shows no sign of going anywhere.

From day one, VW has positioned itself as an innovative brand, managing to change with the times and adapting its future vision to stay ahead of the game. Its core concept has always been front and centre, with 'Volkswagen' translating to 'people's car'.

And it's achieved that vision, from the launch of the Beetle in 1938 to the creation of its first all-electric car in 2019.

Year after year, VW has proved why it's one of the German heavyweights, producing incredibly popular cars such as the Golf and the Polo.

However, these beloved petrol models have since been discontinued as the 2030 petrol and diesel ban pushes brands to go electric, instead swapping them for an all-electric version, due in 2028.

In the meantime, we have the ID range. But will they be able to win over the publics hearts like the Golf and Polo did?

Standing for 'Intelligent Design', this lineup has propelled VW into the 21st century. The ID.3 was released in 2019 and signalled the start of a 'new era' for the brand.

They currently have five ID models:

• ID.3
• ID.4
• ID.5
• ID.7
• ID.Buzz

The ID.7 has a WLTP Comb range of up to 435 miles and comes as either a tourer or a fastback.

The other models have lower ranges, but they're still impressive. Just look at the ID.Buzz, reminiscent of the iconic, loveable VW Type 2 camper.

It comes as either a standard-wheelbase model (five or six seats), a long-wheelbase model (seven seats), or as a cargo commercial van. Yet it still has a WLTP Comb range of up to 293 miles.

And it's not just brand-new EVs where Volkswagen stands out. 

In September 2019, the manufacturer announced a programme that allows old Beetles to be converted to run on electric power – a seriously cool concept.

We're not exaggerating when we say Volkswagen have created a pretty impressive electric lineup. Their reputation for making amazing, beloved cars didn't end when they went electric.

Tesla

You can't mention exciting and innovative car brands without mentioning Tesla.

It's one of the most valuable companies in the world and claims the most sales of electric vehicles. Tesla have dominated the EV space since it shot onto the market with its first-generation Roadster back in 2008.

The Model S cemented Tesla's supremacy in all things EV, but it was the launch of the Tesla Model 3 in 2017 that changed the game.

The desirable saloon was more affordable than previous models, and it brought a premium electric experience to a wider audience. In fact, it's the all-time best-selling electric car worldwide, and in June 2021 became the first EV to sell one million units globally.

But Tesla weren't done there. 

The Model Y was released in 2019 and has been the world's best-selling car in 2023 and 2024 – not just best-selling EV, but best-selling car overall. The Model Y also received a facelift in 2025, keeping it fresh and competitive.

In America, Tesla continues to push boundaries with the Cybertruck and Roadster, while in Europe they're testing self-driving cars – though they're still waiting on legislation for that technology to become widely available.

Tesla are also working on the second-hand market now, with refurbishment centres dedicated to Tesla vehicles.

The brand has come a long way from its early days of minimal physical presence and a purely online sales model.

BYD

Sneaking up on Tesla to claim the EV crown, we have BYD, a Chinese brand taking the UK by storm.

Originally founded back in 1995 as a battery specialist, they moved to cars in 2003. And since crossing the waters to the UK, they've released some stonking good cars.

Here's what's available in the UK:

• BYD DOLPHIN
• BYD DOLPHIN SURF
• BYD ATTO 2
• BYD ATTO 3
• BYD SEAL
• BYD SEAL U DM-i
• BYD SEALION 7

While mostly EVs, they do have a hybrid option in the SEAL U DM-i. If you're not sure yet on a full transition to electric, hybrids make a great stepping stone.

But they’re still working on battery tech, looking at increasing the range on a single charge, and even coming up with a game-changing charging platform to make it as fast as a petrol refuel.

Chinese carmakers are well and truly changing the game by releasing some extraordinary EVs.

Kia

A South Korean manufacturer best known for its reliable family cars, Kia is not a brand to ignore.

Founded in 1944, it was originally a bike and motorcycle manufacturer, before pivoting to cars in 1970 with the Kia Brisa launching four years later. Since then, Kia has gone from strength to strength, cementing itself firmly in the family car market.

With models like the Sportage, the Rio, and the Picanto proving popular with drivers year after year, Kia's continued success is a testament to the brand's innovation and drive to always stay ahead of the curve.

In 2006, Kia moved to a design-focused model, identifying the look of its cars as its 'core future growth engine'.

More recently, Kia's focus has been on electrification, releasing both hybrid and all-electric vehicles like the quirky Kia Soul and the fantastic Niro, which remains one of the best affordable electric cars on the market.

But it's Kia's dedicated EV lineup that's really turned heads. The EV6 was one of their standout electric models – and it's an absolute triumph.

The EV6 is a snazzy crossover sitting on the same architecture as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and it's good fun. Featuring a sporty drive, a 328-mile WLTP Comb range, and plenty of in-car tech, the EV6 stands out in what can be quite a crowded market.

Kia now offers a comprehensive electric range including the EV3, EV5, EV6, and EV9, plus the PV5 MPV bringing electric practicality to larger families.

Kia's forte is practical, well-equipped cars that tick every box. 

But the brand also puts its money where its mouth is, with its market-leading seven-year warranty, and chart-topping reliability, consistently scoring over 90% in the What Car? Reliability Survey.

If it's a well-built, sensible, good-looking car that you're after, Kia's forward-thinking models are for you.

Polestar

Beginning life as a racing team headed by Swedish champion Jan 'Flash' Nilsson, Polestar enjoyed many successes on the racing track before turning its attention to producing powerful road cars, many based on popular Volvos.

In fact, Polestar was so good at producing performance-heavy Volvos that the Swedish manufacturer bought the performance division of Polestar in 2015, aiming to use the knowledge of the brand to improve its own performance.

Together, Polestar and Volvo produced cars that are as balanced, safe, and reliable as they are good fun to drive.

But in 2017, Polestar once more became a standalone brand with the launch of the Polestar 1 – an exciting hybrid that, for a first foray into the world of electrification, was very well received.

The Polestar 2, the first all-electric car to come out of the brand, was unveiled in 2019. A car designed to rival the Tesla Model 3, it's designed for maximum performance and style but without compromising on the safety and Swedish sensibility Volvo is known for.

And it really is good fun, with a WLTP Comb range of up to 370 miles and a seriously quick drive.

Polestar's electric revolution didn't stop there. The Polestar 3 launched in late 2023 as their first all-electric SUV, boasting a WLTP Comb range of up to 438 miles.

Following quickly behind, the Polestar 4 arrived in 2024 – a coupe-style SUV that combines practicality with seriously impressive performance.

With the Polestar 5 (a four-door coupe) set for release later in 2025, the brand has transformed from racing team to fully electric powerhouse in record time.

The environment continues to be a huge driving force behind the brand, with Polestar wanting to produce efficient performance vehicles that look good but are a lot kinder on the environment.

And it's succeeding, with its future developments proving to be just as innovative as its past successes.

The road ahead

The automotive industry is experiencing its most exciting period in decades.

From Volkswagen's comprehensive ID range to Tesla's record-breaking success, BYD's rapid expansion, Kia's impressive EV lineup, and Polestar's electric transformation – innovation is happening at breakneck speed.

What's striking is how differently these manufacturers are approaching electrification, but they're all putting customers first.

Whether it's reliability, performance, or accessibility, these brands understand that the future of motoring isn't just about going electric, it's about making electric exciting for everyone.

The question isn't whether electric is the future – it's which of these innovative brands will lead the charge.