Top 10 car brands preferred in 2022: international ranking based on 10,000 opinions

The global automotive market continues to evolve, and consumer preferences offer valuable clues about industry trends. In 2022, The Car Expert conducted a comprehensive study analyzing the opinions of 10,000 drivers in the United Kingdom, examining the criteria they use when purchasing a new vehicle. The results provide an insightful view of European automotive market dynamics and shifts in consumer preferences.

The study’s findings highlight how the balance between price and quality, long-term reliability, and familiarity with brands shape decisions, while the premium segment remains strong and Skoda’s value proposition continues to resonate.

Dominance of European brands in the British market

The The Car Expert research from March 2022 reveals a clear trend: British drivers show a marked preference for European car brands. This orientation is not accidental; it reflects a combination of factors such as build quality, value-for-money, and familiarity with local or regional brands.

An notable aspect is that only a handful of American brands still market passenger vehicles in the United Kingdom. Prestigious brands such as Cadillac, Dodge, Lincoln, Chevrolet and Chrysler are experiencing a steadily diminishing interest from British consumers, which has led many of these companies to significantly scale back their presence in this market.

Limitations of the study and geopolitical context

It is important to note that The Car Expert study did not include Russian or Chinese car brands in its analysis. This decision reflects the geopolitical context of 2022, marked by the military conflict in Ukraine and international sanctions on Russia. These circumstances led to an effective withdrawal of Russian manufacturers from Western markets.

As for Chinese brands, they had not yet managed to penetrate the British market significantly at the time of the study, although analysts predicted a strong entry in 2023. Chinese manufacturers, such as BYD, NIO or Xpeng, are planning an aggressive expansion into Europe, focusing especially on the electric vehicle segment.

Ranking by country of origin

The study results offer a fascinating view of consumer preferences, organized by the country of origin of the manufacturer.

Also read

Drivers with 3 Years’ Experience Could Become Auto Examiners

A new proposed law aims to allow drivers with a minimum of 3 years of experience to become auto examiners for the practi...

Czech Republic – clear leader

In an unexpected result for some observers, the Czech Republic holds the top spot among manufacturing nations for the most sought-after vehicles in the United Kingdom, with an impressive 76.4%.

This result is largely dominated by the success of the Skoda brand, which has built a solid reputation based on:

• An exceptionally competitive price-to-quality ratio
• Long-term reliability and low maintenance costs
• Modern technical platforms shared with the Volkswagen Group
• Practical and spacious design, perfectly suited to family needs
• Up-to-date technology at prices more accessible than premium German brands

Nordic podium and German

In second place is Sweden, with 74.1%, thanks to the Volvo and Polestar brands. Volvo is particularly valued for its proverbial safety and high-class comfort, while Polestar, its electric performance brand, attracts a new generation of buyers interested in electrification.

Germany completes the podium with 73%, supported by giants such as Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Porsche. Although the percentage is slightly lower than the first two positions, the absolute volume of German sales remains impressive due to the variety of ranges offered.

Also read

Driving with a slim spare wheel: a complete safety guide

The slim spare wheel is a temporary solution designed to help you reach the nearest service center safely. Unlike a conv...

Romania’s position and other nations

Romania sits at 7th in this ranking, with 68.3%. This position is mainly due to the Dacia brand, which has become extremely popular in the United Kingdom thanks to its competitive prices and practical models for daily use.

Following the ranking, we find:

• Spain, the United Kingdom and the USA – mid positions, between 70% and 73%
• South Korea – close to Romania, thanks to Hyundai and Kia
• Italy and Japan – mid-range positions, between 66% and 68%
• France – at the bottom of the rankings with 65.9%, despite the presence of popular brands such as Peugeot, Citroën and Renault

Top 10 preferred car brands

The Car Expert analyzed a sample of 46 car brands, and the top 10 positions are occupied by manufacturers with a solid reputation and a well-defined brand identity:

1. Alpine (France) – the revived sports brand from Renault, appreciated for its elegant design and agility in corners
2. Ferrari (Italy) – the ultimate symbol of Italian performance and exclusivity
3. Rolls-Royce (United Kingdom) – the epitome of luxury and British refinement
4. McLaren (United Kingdom) – advanced Formula 1 technology translated into road cars
5. Porsche (Germany) – the perfect blend of sports performance and everyday usability
6. Tesla (USA) – the undisputed leader of the electric revolution
7. Aston Martin (United Kingdom) – British elegance and GT performance
8. Lamborghini (Italy) – aggressive design and extreme performance in an exotic package
9. Bentley (United Kingdom) – British luxury combined with impressive power
10. Skoda (Czech Republic) – the only volume brand in the top 10, proof of exceptional price-to-quality value

It is remarkable that the top nine positions are occupied by premium or luxury brands, while Skoda represents the sole exception, proving that its reputation for reliability and value transcends its market segment.

Brands less appreciated

The study also identified the brands with the weakest performance in British consumer perception:

1. Smart (Germany) – despite innovation in urban mobility, small size and limited range were penalized
2. Subaru (Japan) – a niche too narrow with limited Eu market offering
3. Abarth (Italy) – limited appeal beyond enthusiasts of compact performance
4. Jeep (USA) – high fuel consumption and limited adaptation to European market demands
5. MG (UK/China) – the transition to Chinese ownership affected brand perception
6. SsangYong (South Korea) – less well-known with image problems
7. Fiat (Italy) – reliability and finish quality issues
8. DS Automobiles (France) – a premium brand that has not fully convinced consumers
9. Genesis (South Korea) – a new brand on the market, still building its reputation
10. Maserati (Italy) – high maintenance costs and reliability issues

Conclusions and future trends

The The Car Expert study from 2022 offers a clear picture of the British car market and, by extension, European trends. Preference for European brands is evident, and the defining factor seems to be the balance between quality, price, and long-term running costs.

Skoda’s success demonstrates that volume brands can compete with premium brands when they offer modern technology, reliability, and ample space at affordable prices. At the same time, the dominant presence of premium brands in the top 10 confirms that the luxury segment remains strong, and consumers are willing to pay for exclusivity and performance.

For the future, electrification is expected to dramatically reshape this landscape, with Chinese brands such as BYD and NIO preparing to enter the European market aggressively with electric vehicles at competitive prices. Additionally, digital transformation and post-pandemic changes in consumer behavior will continue to influence preferences and purchasing criteria in the coming years.