TOP 23 best Russian cars

The decline experienced by the Russian automotive industry in the 1990s is gradually becoming a thing of the past. According to statistics for 2019, 363 Lada vehicles, 658 GAZ vehicles and 63 UAZ vehicles were sold in Russia. It cannot be said that domestic cars are devoid of shortcomings - there are still plenty of minuses, but Russian cars also have their advantages:

• Good cross-country ability on bad roads;
• Simplicity of design, the possibility of independent maintenance and repair;
• Ability to sell any parts at a relatively low price;
• Possibility of tuning, replacement of structural components (gearbox, engine) or interior decoration;
• Low price compared to foreign cars; Low prices for car maintenance and repair.

Domestic cars are easier to sell, even for little money, since the prices of imported cars are still prohibitive for a large part of the population.

The disadvantages of Russian cars are a much less reliable design, low speed and performance, poor quality finishes and poor soundproofing of the car interior.

Domestic new car or used foreign car

Even 15 years ago, it could be unequivocally said that any foreign car, even a heavily used one, is better than a new domestic one. Now the situation has changed, it's a matter of preference. Among domestic designs, there are many cars that deserve attention. They do not differ much in their parameters from budget foreign cars, and they have many advantages. However, if a car is bought in order to impress everyone with its "coolness", to show its wealth, then this is another story. But such fans are becoming less and less.

Usually, an “iron friend” is bought for specific purposes, to solve specific problems. So don't just be a patriot of Russian cars. They have undeniable advantages:

• New is always better than used, both aesthetically and technically. Why bother with someone else when you can get behind the wheel of a shiny new car first;
• The cost of the new model, which is no worse than the Western one, is much lower;
• Our cars are originally designed for our realities - roads, climate, fuel;
• Extensive dealer network, many experienced, knowledgeable specialists;
• Repair, spare parts are relatively inexpensive. With some skill, you can repair the damage yourself.

Another plus is that you can trade in your old car for a new one with a special government-backed promotion. In addition, some car dealerships provide loans on favorable terms.

The main disadvantages are the appearance (although this is debatable), technical equipment and metal corrosion.

Important: When choosing a domestic car according to certain parameters, you need to keep in mind that later it will be very difficult and expensive to retrofit it. It is better to choose the one that suits your needs and goals.

TOP 23 best domestic cars

The top ten included cars with the best design and performance characteristics, increased comfort and reliability. When choosing, the opinions of motorists and specialists of service stations were taken into account. The possibility of driving over rough terrain and the adaptability of the car to Russian climatic conditions were also taken into account.

Lada granta

The 2021 People's Car is not only more spacious, but also much more comfortable. Equipped, though not with the latest technology, but not inferior to foreign middle-class cars, it receives more and more positive feedback from drivers.

Car 2021, one of the most reliable cars in the Russian automotive industry, is equipped with many features that increase the safety of all road users. In various trim levels, the car is equipped with options such as:

• ABS + BAS for emergency braking;
• EBD driver and passenger airbags;
• ISOFIX child seat anchors;
• Immobilizer;
• original alarm system

The car demonstrates excellent handling characteristics on both dry and wet surfaces, responding instantly to steering movements. At the same time, the driver and passengers are well protected in the cabin thanks to the use of high-strength metal alloys, which makes the car resistant to collisions.

GAZ 31105 (Volga)

A car that was considered elite in Soviet times is now perceived as an ordinary inexpensive, but reliable and roomy car. It is especially in demand among roof owners and older people. Advantages: reliability and structural strength compared to popular VAZ models or Chinese cars, improved exterior and interior design. The equipment still leaves much to be desired. The car was discontinued in 2009, but is still popular in the secondary market. Today it costs from 185 rubles.

Lada Vesta

Lada Vesta B +-class is the flagship of the domestic auto company, which has become even better after restyling in 2021. Its advantages include not only LED optics, modern multimedia and new options, but also increased passenger and driver safety.

This Russian car now also bears the title of one of the most reliable, thanks to:

1. Galvanized exterior body panels and roof.
2. High quality paint finish.
3. Active reversing camera markings.
4. Increased visibility.
5. Good handling thanks to a solid chassis with good ride comfort.

A large number of steering settings will allow you to adjust the car for yourself and comfortably drive it on any surface. Being adapted to the realities of domestic roads, the manufacturer equipped the car with a ground clearance of 178 mm, which is practically a record among cars of the same class. The chassis, which meets European quality standards, has also been redesigned.

LADA X-RAY

The Russian five-door hatchback is based on the BO platform developed by Renault-Nissan. The car, released in 2015, still looks quite modern today, attracting buyers with its stylish design. The following modifications of the power unit are offered to choose from:

• 21129 (VAZ), 1,6 l, 106 hp
• 21179 (VAZ) 1.8 L, 122 KM.
• HR4 (Renault-Nissan) 1,6 l, 110 hp

These are quite reliable, unpretentious and easy-to-use gasoline engines. Depending on the configuration, they can be paired with five-speed manual or robotic gearboxes that transmit torque to the front wheels. The top version of LADY X-RAY is capable of accelerating to 180 km / h and accelerates to 100 in 10,9 seconds. Suspension (independent, McPherson, front and semi-independent, wishbone, rear) has good power.

Pros:

• High ground clearance (195 mm), which allows you to drive not only on asphalt, but also on country roads.
• Low running costs.
• Easy to maintain.

Cons:

• Poor sound insulation.
• Insufficient, by Russian standards, corrosion resistance of the hull.
• Jerks that occur during operation of the robotic gearbox.

In the end, this is quite a modern and reliable car.

Lada Niva 4x4

The car is equipped with a 1,7-liter petrol or diesel engine with 83 hp. with a manual transmission and a spacious station wagon body with a high seating position. Consumption in the city and on the highway is about 9,5 l / 100 km. The car is equipped with air conditioning, heated mirrors and front seats. Drivers note good handling, quality paintwork, high ease of maintenance. Among the shortcomings: poor tightness of windows, noise and squeaks in the cabin, frequent and small cracks in functional units. The price of the car is 519 rubles.

LADA X-RAY CROSS

Those who think that this model differs from the X-RAY modification only in plastic body cladding and decorative elements are mistaken. The changes affected many design elements. Car received:

• New, L-shaped front suspension arms. In combination with a modified stabilizer link, they increased chassis power.
• Rear disc brakes. They are significantly more efficient than the drum brakes found on standard X-RAYs.
• The steering disk of the improved design is equipped with an electric power steering.
• New materials in the interior.

However, the legacy of the predecessor could not be completely discarded. Engines and transmission remained unchanged. While retaining all the advantages of the LADY X-RAY, the CROSS version did not manage to completely get rid of the usual disadvantages.

GAZ 31105 "Volga"

GAZ 31105 Volga is a classic of the domestic automotive industry, which still finds its admirers. This is one of the most reliable Russian cars that stands out among others:

• suspension without kingpin (which does not need to be screwed);
• stabilizers for lateral stability;
• modern gearbox.

Despite the fact that the last car of the brand rolled off the assembly line in 2007, it remains popular among experienced drivers and is considered one of the most reliable.

Lada 4x4 Urban

The advantages of this model include the simplicity of design, the quality of the case. A 1,7-liter gasoline engine (83 hp) is installed. Thanks to a reliable suspension, the car has good cross-country ability (on bumpy roads, you can reach speeds of up to 80 km / h). Fuel consumption is 9 l / 100 km (outside the city) and up to 12 l / 100 km in the city. The disadvantages of the owners include poor interior lighting at night, poor sound insulation (the noise of the engine, air conditioning, gearbox interferes). Clutch and gearbox failures often occur. A 2020 car can be purchased for 625 rubles.

Vaz 2110

VAZ 2110 got into the ninth round of the hit parade. This car was the most popular in the middle of this century, but even now it is not inferior to many of the most modern cars. Of course, this is no longer a VAZ 2106, but the front-wheel drive and 80 horsepower under the hood do not leave any Russian indifferent. Up to 100 can be accelerated in just 13 seconds. From an economic point of view, the device is also superior to its predecessor. Its consumption is 7,2 l / 100 km.

Chevrolet Niva

This model replaced the classic VAZ-2121 and immediately attracted attention, becoming the SUV of 2009 in the Russian Federation. The roomy five-door body, much more comfortable than its predecessors, remained strong and reliable. Driving performance of the car remains virtually unchanged. Plastic covers give strength and reliably protect the body from minor scratches, dents and damage to the paintwork.

The car is still equipped with an outdated 1.7 engine with 80 hp. This negatively affects the dynamics, but the car pulls well with it and goes well with all-wheel drive on almost complete off-road. Sometimes there are problems with the all-wheel drive system, but they are much less than before. In addition, spare parts are inexpensive and the car is easy to repair.

UAZ Hunter

UAZ Hunter is a car that cannot be inherently unreliable. It was specially designed for the most extreme off-road and is widely used by the special services and the Russian army. The latest 2020 model is equipped with:

• metal roof;
• upgraded power unit (80 hp) with flexible suspension and 5-speed gearbox;
• closed-loop cooling system;
• power steering;
• safe "separate" steering column;
• full windshield.

Hunter is a specialized vehicle designed for specific tasks, so the comfort in the cabin plays a secondary role. But in terms of reliability and patency, he has no equal in Russia.

Tagaz S190

A worthy, modern model, which is produced by one of the most popular concerns in our country. It is located in the 8th circle of the bet. This is a real SUV that behaves confidently in any conditions. The design of the model is simply sensational. Today it competes with many Chinese and Korean SUVs. 2,4-liter Tagaz C190 engine with 136 hp The steel horse accelerates slowly, but the average fuel consumption is low. This parameter is 10,5 l / 100 km. Customer reviews say that the car is one of the leaders in its class.

NIVA TRAVEL

Developed by the AvtoVAZ concern during the period of cooperation with General Motors, the model continues to arouse interest. The restyling carried out by the engineers clearly benefited the car. But the stylistic changes did not affect the content. As before, the car is equipped with:

• 1,7 liter petrol engine with 80 horsepower.
• Manual Transmission.
• All-wheel drive system.

All this, combined with a high ground clearance of 220 mm, makes NIVA TRAVEL a full-fledged SUV with its own strengths.

Pros:

• High transfer ability.
• Good suspension power.
• Sophisticated ergonomics of the driver's seat.
• Ease of maintenance.
• Affordable price compared to competitors.

Cons:

• Low dynamic performance. No matter what they say, 140 km/h is not enough by today's standards.
• Loud operation of the gearbox.
• Unstable build quality.
• Insufficient corrosion resistance.

It cannot be said that NIVA TRAVEL is a very popular car. But for certain groups of motorists, it is undoubtedly of interest.

Lada Kalina

At one time, this brand was even advertised by the president of our country. Photos and videos of this instantly went viral across the country. Today Lada Kalina does not lose its popularity. The engine power of the standard unit is 87 hp, acceleration to 100 km in 12,4 s. As for consumption, and it is minimal. Only 7,2 l / 100 km. This is the dream of any economical driver.

Vaz 2121

This is our beloved Niva, which does not lose its popularity even against the background of modern competition. The best SUV for our roads is simply not to be found. Yes, the design of the steel horse is not impressive, but the practicality of the device is up to par. He will make his way through any dirt and snowdrifts. Today it is produced with an 80 hp engine. And the acceleration is weak. You can get to 100 in just 19 seconds. Consumption is not bad - 10,2 l / 100 km. Seventh place and the golden mean of our hit parade is really deserved.

UAZ Hunter

Like the VAZ 2121, Hunter boasts excellent off-road capabilities, but does not have a high level of safety. Since 2016, these vehicles have been equipped with the Isofix system, seat belt indicators and 3-point seat belts for rear seat passengers.

There are no airbags. Hunter is easy to repair, has a reliable engine and a solid frame. Quite a solid car, but definitely not the best Russian car.

Aurus Senate S600

A roomy luxury sedan that was announced back in 2019 but will go on sale in late 2021 or early 2022. It is equipped with a hybrid power plant capable of generating up to 598 horsepower. The main audience is people with a high level of income, as well as well-known politicians and officials.

Pros:

• The heavy-duty 598 horsepower engine delivers fast acceleration.
• High-quality interior trim (nice-looking genuine leather).
• 8 airbags, reliable braking system, durable body.

The disadvantage is the huge size (563 x 202 x 168,5 cm).

Lada Priora

This is a budget car with fuel consumption of 5,5 l/100 km on the highway and 6,4 l/100 km in the city. There is a 1,6-liter gasoline engine with 106 hp. There is air conditioning, a robotic manual transmission, a rain and light sensor. Heated side mirrors, windshield and front seats are available. The impression is spoiled by insufficiently durable plastic trim and poor sound insulation. The last launch of Priora took place in 2018, when AvtoVAZ began a major overhaul of outdated models.

NIVA LEGEND

Despite the fact that when creating this model, units from the licensed version of FIAT-124 were used, most drivers perceive the Niva as a real Russian SUV. The design of the VAZ-2121, which was released in 1977 and has undergone more than one cosmetic operation over the years, has long been considered a classic. By modern standards, the characteristics of this car are not impressive:

• Under the hood is a 1,7-liter engine with 83 hp.
• The gearbox is a five-speed manual.
• Torque is transmitted to the wheels through an all-wheel drive system, always connected.
• The maximum speed is 142 km/h. It takes 100 seconds to reach 17.
• Fuel consumption when driving in a combined cycle is about 10 liters.

Pros:

• High transfer ability.
• Affordable.
• Maintainability.

Cons:

• archaic design.
• Poorly designed ergonomics.
• High fuel consumption.

In any case, the Niva is not used for motorways, only for the broken country roads of the Russian hinterland.

Aurus commander

This is another big luxury car that follows the crossover model. It is equipped with a 598-horsepower hybrid power plant and has a high ground clearance of 20 cm, which allows the car to move on any roads and off-road. It is intended for top managers, major politicians and officials.

Pros:

• Large cabin volume (almost 2 liters).
• High cross-country ability on any road thanks to a powerful engine and high ground clearance.
• Active and passive safety systems (8 airbags, emergency braking, motion stabilization system).

The disadvantage is the large size (600 x 200 x 180 cm).

UAZ Patriot

Frame UAZ Patriot is an affordable alternative to foreign crossovers and SUVs. The car has a spacious interior, much more comfortable than in previous models, and a roomy trunk. The capacity of the converted cabin reaches 2 liters.

The frame design provides confident off-road capability, and the solid suspension and high ground clearance further enhance the Patriot's capabilities. At the same time, air conditioning, parking sensors and other electronic systems make the ride extremely comfortable.

The first modifications of the car were not reliable, especially the gearbox, but it was constantly being improved, and now the designers have managed to get rid of most of the "childhood diseases".

The all-wheel drive gearbox handles heavy loads, but the suspension is very stiff, as befits an SUV.

The car is equipped with a 2,7-liter gasoline engine with 135 hp. or a 2,2-liter diesel engine with 113 hp. Both transmissions are very reliable and require only periodic maintenance.

Lada largus

Warning. The leader of our rating. Lada Largus became the leader in domestic car sales in 2014. Available with a 105 hp engine, it is a great machine for our roads. Ideal for a large family. At the same time, its fuel consumption is quite low. In the combined cycle, this figure is only 9 l / 100 km. This is a good sip.

Aurus Arsenal

Executive class minivan with a high level of comfort, which is suitable for rich people and big politicians. It is equipped with two engines - electric (62 hp) and gasoline (598 hp). It has a low ground clearance (14 cm), so it is suitable for big cities. The model has been available since 2018, but a slight modification is planned for 2022 (more powerful brakes, improved interior trim, softer suspension, etc.).

Pros:

• Four-wheel drive for driving on bad roads.
• Spacious interior (almost 2 liters).
• Powerful engine that picks up speed quickly.

Cons: Large dimensions (620 x 210 x 180 cm), stiff suspension (vibrations are possible when driving over large stones).

As a conclusion

If we compare today's models with those that were produced at the Togliatti plant ten or fifteen years ago, it becomes clear that there has been a significant increase in the quality of production. Lada has become much more competitive, reliable and attractive to car owners in terms of price-quality ratio. And this is despite the shortcomings, which, of course, are present not only in domestic cars, but also in any imported ones.

Demand for new AvtoVAZ cars in the country and abroad has not weakened for more than 50 years. Some people buy Russian-made cars consciously, some - for the time between the sale and purchase of new ones. But, as a rule, this time is stretched for years.

You can buy a good Russian car. You just need to be open-minded when buying - to see the pros and cons, as well as the possibilities of your new "iron friend".