I haven't posted in a while because I've been keeping an eye out on the road vs. online for news and trends. I've become fascinated with the post-recession landscape (or roadscape) in my local area (Chicagoland).
For one, I don't see as many Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, and other assorted exotics. Sightings have gone down incredibly over the last six months or more. Even in good weather.
On the other hand, I've seen an amazing amount of Corvettes and BMWs (300-level natch, lower ranks).Speaking of BMWs, and their relatives, Benz and Audi... oddly enough the majority are either brand new lower-ranking models, or second (or third) hand higher models. I don't see as many (or at all in some instances) brand-new higher models. People might be moving to higher-ranking imports of the Asian persuasion, me thinks. (GO INFINITI!)
In bad weather, I did see my fair share of expensive SUVs, such as Land Rovers and Range Rovers, which seem to have lingered a little now, even in nicer weather. Either the leases were extended or just began later and are still trickling through this Spring and early Summer.
Most other people, who fall in the middle and working classes, are relying on trusty cars such as the new MPG-friendly economy, small, and mid-sized cars. A large majority invested in family vans, which now boast better comfort and MPG-friendliness.
I spotted two Fiat 500s, one in Lombard near Downers Grove, and another one near Naperville. Most compacts are in the Mini Cooper, Chevy Aveo, Toyota Yaris type of families however.
Toyotas have gone down exponentially as news of various reliability issues emerge in the marketplace and consumers become weary of their previously trusted stand-by.
Meanwhile, Hondas are ubiquitous, in all their varied shapes and sizes, new or old, and particularly, the little Fit model (in Europe, it's the Jazz).
I've seen an increase in American muscle cars (Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Camaro, etc.), which oddly, have terrible MPG but are fun to drive and may also come in stick shift. I believe these are the folks who used to drive Pontiacs and which have now given up on the GM-owned company.
Speaking of patriotism, I'm a little alarmed whenever I see US military forces bumper and window stickers on non-US made vehicles: Toyotas, Mazdas, Subarus, Lexus, Acuras, etc. I am torn between reading that practice as either "they prefer reliable, long-running cars" to "the infidels! how dare they, and with my tax money!" Terrible humor aside, the jury is still out on this one.
There aren't many Toyota Venzas in this area, many preferring the Flex (still think it looks odd without wood panels) or minivans, else the variety of other cross-overs out there.
Speaking of cross-overs, I cannot get over my shock at how ugly and cross-overish the Ford Explorer has become. Utterly unrecognizable. The same goes for Jeeps, which not only are wavering on alarming low scores from Consumer Reports--which has been completely antagonistic against Jeep over the past six years--but also dare to sashay in those boxy bodies. It's no wonder older Jeep models abound, while it's more of a yuppified crowd that drives around in the newer models. The significant-other unit promises he'll get a Jeep Wrangler four-door on his next car-purchasing foray, which is expected to take place in a distant future.
It'll be interesting seeing what other market trends actually translate to the roads in our area.
Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Car Reviews: The Right Place for Racial Stereotypes?
Top Gear has gotten A LOT of heat this week from Mexican press and the Mexican Ambassador to Brittain. However, most of the backlash is from social media savvy Mexicans on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc.
If you haven't heard, Top Gear made crass ethnic jokes when reviewing a Mexican sports car. See the video on Sky News. Why play the racial card when someone can't come up with a witty retort to something?
The BBC immediately submitted a non-apology type of apology to try and calm the waters. Many reporting on this situation have clearly said that Top Gear is known to use insensitive jokes. It's part of their MO. OK. I'm a fan and I know they're crass and asinine sometimes, but why pick on an entire ethnic group rather than the manufacturer?
I didn't know Mexico had a sports car manufacturer (Mastretta), but more importantly, now I do. There are a lot of small sports car manufacturers popping up in recent years. Perhaps adding to an already busy market segment irritated the Top Gear anchors. Perhaps there's a better way of taking the Mickey out of the manufacturer?
I was a little hearbroken by the news, being a Top Gear fan. I know that these three automotive journalists are all accomplices as equal partners and friends in these typical shenanigans. It's a team effort, even though they're usually egged on by Crass Clarkson--as I like to call him.
I also hate Westernized Mexican food--it's crap. That type of slosh really is sick with cheese. Go to Mexico and try the real thing. You'll learn a thing or two. Just ask Rick Bayless.
This brouhaha may very well exemplify a change from polite society standards that used to govern England with a tight fist, for a more pedestrian and devil-may-care philosophy. Perhaps this sarcastic streak is further enhanced by a recent bad economy? Maybe. Cue posh upper class citizens' cries of: the commoners are taking over!
So after this mini let down, I am perhaps a little more sensitive to nasty jokes lately. There's plenty of fodder let me tell you. Being an avid car news and review reader, I find tons of the stuff.
This is why I was a little appalled by a review on Wired Autopia for the FIAT 500 model that's finally, after a very long time, coming to the US market. The sentences that got my goat are:
"You also never forget that it’s Italian, which means that speed and practicality take a back seat to flair and emotion. You end up laughing in spite of yourself and doing things like stopping for espresso (or a sandwich, or a nap, or an interesting art buy) even when you’re late."
Harsh words coming from the world's melting pot. Speed and practicality? Have you ever driven on an Italian highway? Ever heard of Lamborghini and Ferrari? Those aren't fast are they? This blubber sounds like it's describing someone in Los Angeles who drives a Prius, not an Italian.
Are we just a little bit sore that a foreign company bought out a decrepit and falling-apart Chrysler? Perhaps. But don't shoot the financier who swoops in, shoot those who let the company fall apart to begin with.
This is just the same stereotype that Italians complained about when Eat, Pray, Love came to Italian movie theaters. American's like their stereotypes and they stick to them with a passion.
Do you ever hear jokes about chopsticks being too long to fit in a Toyota Yaris hatchback? What about jokes about Korean car makers making crap that falls apart...much like their governments? No you don't hear jokes like that, do you?
I still think that a lot of car reviewers should arduously and continuously pursue writing to refine and focus their commentary. There's so much more that can be done with a car review than an obituary. Trust me I come from a journalism and writing background, I know!
Automotive journalists should focus more on telling a story and seducing with words--painting a picture with words that a reader will want to believe in. Try that rather than turning off entire segments of your viewers/readers/listeners, or joking around about the ethnic group belonging to the car manufacturer.
There's so much more that can be done in this industry to elevate it with audiences of all levels. It's a pity we're instead stuck spinning our wheels, slinging mud everywhere.
If you haven't heard, Top Gear made crass ethnic jokes when reviewing a Mexican sports car. See the video on Sky News. Why play the racial card when someone can't come up with a witty retort to something?
The BBC immediately submitted a non-apology type of apology to try and calm the waters. Many reporting on this situation have clearly said that Top Gear is known to use insensitive jokes. It's part of their MO. OK. I'm a fan and I know they're crass and asinine sometimes, but why pick on an entire ethnic group rather than the manufacturer?
I didn't know Mexico had a sports car manufacturer (Mastretta), but more importantly, now I do. There are a lot of small sports car manufacturers popping up in recent years. Perhaps adding to an already busy market segment irritated the Top Gear anchors. Perhaps there's a better way of taking the Mickey out of the manufacturer?
I was a little hearbroken by the news, being a Top Gear fan. I know that these three automotive journalists are all accomplices as equal partners and friends in these typical shenanigans. It's a team effort, even though they're usually egged on by Crass Clarkson--as I like to call him.
I also hate Westernized Mexican food--it's crap. That type of slosh really is sick with cheese. Go to Mexico and try the real thing. You'll learn a thing or two. Just ask Rick Bayless.
This brouhaha may very well exemplify a change from polite society standards that used to govern England with a tight fist, for a more pedestrian and devil-may-care philosophy. Perhaps this sarcastic streak is further enhanced by a recent bad economy? Maybe. Cue posh upper class citizens' cries of: the commoners are taking over!
So after this mini let down, I am perhaps a little more sensitive to nasty jokes lately. There's plenty of fodder let me tell you. Being an avid car news and review reader, I find tons of the stuff.
This is why I was a little appalled by a review on Wired Autopia for the FIAT 500 model that's finally, after a very long time, coming to the US market. The sentences that got my goat are:
"You also never forget that it’s Italian, which means that speed and practicality take a back seat to flair and emotion. You end up laughing in spite of yourself and doing things like stopping for espresso (or a sandwich, or a nap, or an interesting art buy) even when you’re late."
Harsh words coming from the world's melting pot. Speed and practicality? Have you ever driven on an Italian highway? Ever heard of Lamborghini and Ferrari? Those aren't fast are they? This blubber sounds like it's describing someone in Los Angeles who drives a Prius, not an Italian.
Are we just a little bit sore that a foreign company bought out a decrepit and falling-apart Chrysler? Perhaps. But don't shoot the financier who swoops in, shoot those who let the company fall apart to begin with.
This is just the same stereotype that Italians complained about when Eat, Pray, Love came to Italian movie theaters. American's like their stereotypes and they stick to them with a passion.
Do you ever hear jokes about chopsticks being too long to fit in a Toyota Yaris hatchback? What about jokes about Korean car makers making crap that falls apart...much like their governments? No you don't hear jokes like that, do you?
I still think that a lot of car reviewers should arduously and continuously pursue writing to refine and focus their commentary. There's so much more that can be done with a car review than an obituary. Trust me I come from a journalism and writing background, I know!
Automotive journalists should focus more on telling a story and seducing with words--painting a picture with words that a reader will want to believe in. Try that rather than turning off entire segments of your viewers/readers/listeners, or joking around about the ethnic group belonging to the car manufacturer.
There's so much more that can be done in this industry to elevate it with audiences of all levels. It's a pity we're instead stuck spinning our wheels, slinging mud everywhere.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Dude I'm So Torn
I accidentally happened on an old blog post over on my personal blog, from April 2009. This was back when I was seriously riled up at the bad experience I had with my Mercury Milan and was chomping at the bit to get a new car.
It's a rather thorough look at some of the cars that had my heart beating faster back then.
It's a rather thorough look at some of the cars that had my heart beating faster back then.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
10 Cars That Will Be Classics
Wired teases us with a list of cars (under $100K, natch) that the Hagerty Insurance Agency is sure will become classics:
- Chevy Camaro SS convertible
- BMW 335is
- Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
- Dodge Challenger Drag Pak
- Fiat 500
- Ford Mustang Boss 302R
- Honda CR-Z
- Infiniti IPL G37 Coupe
- Mini Countryman
- Porsche Boxster Spyder
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Rear Seating
Car and Driver posted a report on vehicle rear seats today, as part of their "10 Best Surprises" series. The most hilarious quote comes from their description of the Mini Cooper Countryman:
"Mini Countryman: Like everything else inside the Countryman, the two comfortable back seats are whimsically circular. At first you think they’re intended to look like toilet seats, but then you realize that they look exactly like the car’s ignition key, which looks like the Frisbee on top of the Starship Enterprise."
Vehicles whose rear seating was reviewed in this article are:
"Mini Countryman: Like everything else inside the Countryman, the two comfortable back seats are whimsically circular. At first you think they’re intended to look like toilet seats, but then you realize that they look exactly like the car’s ignition key, which looks like the Frisbee on top of the Starship Enterprise."
Vehicles whose rear seating was reviewed in this article are:
- Mini Countryman
- Kia Optima
- Jaguar XJL
- Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon
- Volvo S60
- Saab 9-5
- Mazda 2
- Chevrolet Volt
- Lotus Evora
- Porsche Panamera
Friday, December 11, 2009
10 Most Optimistic Car Names
I wasn't sure whether I wanted to post on this recent article from Jalopnik, naming the top 10 most optimistic car names. I felt it wasn't as comprehensive as it could have been. What about the Yugo? Do you know what Sonata means in Italian? What about the Nova and it's Spanish connotation?
Yet, it's such a cute, historical list that I had to post about it. Here's some oldies but goodies mentioned in the article:
Yet, it's such a cute, historical list that I had to post about it. Here's some oldies but goodies mentioned in the article:
- Conquest
- Legend
- Swift
- Celebrity
- Acclaim
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
New Mazda Design
Have you noticed the new front grille design on a few Mazdas lately? I don't like the big sappy grin. In my eyes, it's a cross between Barney and the Joker.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Compact SUVs
I've decided to turn my personal car search to compact/small sized SUVs istead of hot hatches, due to a need to carry cargo on an instant's notice that pervades my existence, for some reason--guest luggage, own luggage, extensive shopping, IKEA shopping, etc.
But I remember how my Liberty used to have the glass vs. entire gate lift option, which totally rocked for lugging around long items like IKEA bookcases. So I'm going to have to keep an eye out for liftgate options in my research.
Do I want a V6 or can I put up with a V4? What torque/hp do I need? What safety measures come standard (stability control, traction control, tons of airbags, etc.)? Can I live without a 6-CD in-dash changer? With an iPhone, just gimme an AUX entry point and I'll be fine.
I'm also interested in matching or surpassing my current AWD sedan's MPG. Otherwise, why switch? I can just rent a truck whenever I'm moving stuff around, right?
The driving impression and quality are also an important part of the package. This needs to drive well and be quality built.
I'm not so much set anymore on manual vs. automatic, because if you look outside of Subaru...no one has manual and AWD *puts unhappy face on* -- and not only that, but my 2 local Subaru dealers have zero (0) inventory in manual for two of the models I'm researching (Forester and Outback).
I'm researching review sites/magazine coverage of the state of affairs in the small and compact SUV market. I thought I'd share for those fellow drivers who want AWD and some cargo space.
But I remember how my Liberty used to have the glass vs. entire gate lift option, which totally rocked for lugging around long items like IKEA bookcases. So I'm going to have to keep an eye out for liftgate options in my research.
Do I want a V6 or can I put up with a V4? What torque/hp do I need? What safety measures come standard (stability control, traction control, tons of airbags, etc.)? Can I live without a 6-CD in-dash changer? With an iPhone, just gimme an AUX entry point and I'll be fine.
I'm also interested in matching or surpassing my current AWD sedan's MPG. Otherwise, why switch? I can just rent a truck whenever I'm moving stuff around, right?
The driving impression and quality are also an important part of the package. This needs to drive well and be quality built.
I'm not so much set anymore on manual vs. automatic, because if you look outside of Subaru...no one has manual and AWD *puts unhappy face on* -- and not only that, but my 2 local Subaru dealers have zero (0) inventory in manual for two of the models I'm researching (Forester and Outback).
I'm researching review sites/magazine coverage of the state of affairs in the small and compact SUV market. I thought I'd share for those fellow drivers who want AWD and some cargo space.
- The Consumer Guide to Compact 2009 SUVs - this article is a must read because if the great discussion on why you may or not need AWD at all, and what to keep in mind when looking at various models and what sets this category of vehicles apart. Does name names.
- TruckTrend's Best in Class 2009 Compact SUVs - this features a great spreadsheet at the bottom of the page comparing and contrasting the various elements of each of the compact SUVs they reviewed. I disagree with their 1st place and runner up choices though.
- GreenerCars' list of Compact SUVs - lists vehicles by MPG and "green score"
- Consumer Research's Small SUVs Report - provides top 4 (summaries based on leading auto magazine review positives), what to look for, and a report. Check out the small Hybrid SUVs link at the bottom right-hand side to see that report as well. I learned to appreciate the Ford Escape Hybrid b reading their summary.
- Edmund's SUV Things to Consider - This is an excellent list of whta to look for/keep in mind when SUV shopping
Friday, June 12, 2009
Old Unfaithful
Here's a picture of my 2001 Liberty, which I affectionately called, old unfaithful.
I got rid of it April 14-ish 2007 and traded it in for a 2007 AWD Mercury Milan.
Suffice it to say that I am never going to buy a Jeep (gas mileage, brakes, engine compartment rusting, dingy wheels, etc.) nor a boring American sedan (boring, and...oh yeah did I mention boring?) again...I am not a sedan chick. No siree.
Cars!
Today's car porn fix has been brought to you by Bugatti's latest release: The Veyron
Exhibit B: Bugatti Targa [NOTE: more Veyron]
*drool*
;o)
For a visual history of Bugatti models see here.
- J
Exhibit A: Roadster: The 1.4 Million Bugatti Veyron
Exhibit B: Bugatti Targa [NOTE: more Veyron]
*drool*;o)
For a visual history of Bugatti models see here.
- J
GM CEO and His Volt Ride, Cars in My Life
So yes, the American automotive industry is very much in the media lately. *yawn*
So as a publicity stunt that you can see miles away, GM CEO Rick Wagoner is planning on driving from Detroit to Washington DC in a Chevy Volt. Once in DC, Mr. Wagoner will put a cushion under his knees right next to the Ford and Chrysler CEOs, and kneeling in front of Capitol Hill will request bail money to supposedly save the automotive industry.
Michael Moore launched a campaign this week (Saving the Big 3 For You and Me) on the automotive industry. After reading the message of his campaign both in an email I received, and on his Facebook page, I can't honestly say what exactly his point is. Is he for or against throwing the money (and the towel apparently) in?
Just as an FYI/side note, personally, I've only driven American-made cars ever since I learned how to drive in '93:
On my more immediate automotive to-do list is figuring out what kind of a personalized license plate I want. Very tricky because it should be unconventional, kind of like me. ;o)
So as a publicity stunt that you can see miles away, GM CEO Rick Wagoner is planning on driving from Detroit to Washington DC in a Chevy Volt. Once in DC, Mr. Wagoner will put a cushion under his knees right next to the Ford and Chrysler CEOs, and kneeling in front of Capitol Hill will request bail money to supposedly save the automotive industry.
Michael Moore launched a campaign this week (Saving the Big 3 For You and Me) on the automotive industry. After reading the message of his campaign both in an email I received, and on his Facebook page, I can't honestly say what exactly his point is. Is he for or against throwing the money (and the towel apparently) in?
Just as an FYI/side note, personally, I've only driven American-made cars ever since I learned how to drive in '93:
- a Chrysler wood-panel wagon during my driving class -- can you say it with me? eww
- a white Pontiac Bonneville, which was dad's leased car at the time I was learning to drive,
- a navy Chevrolet Caprice which was our family car, and the first almost-accident I was ever in as the two cars behind me hit each other and projected forward to lightly tap my rear bumper
- a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo which totally stoked me, I miss it profoundly as Jeeps aren't that good 'nymore, and the first car I got rear-ended in which was scary but no one thankfully got hurt
- a Jeep Liberty, which carried me through a life change, though the quality was far inferior to the prior Cherokee Laredo
- and now, my AWD Mercury Milan, which is too light-colored in a sandy hue with cream interior...but we're getting along.
On my more immediate automotive to-do list is figuring out what kind of a personalized license plate I want. Very tricky because it should be unconventional, kind of like me. ;o)
Chicago Auto Show Report
I was really excited to go to this year's Chicago Auto Show, especially considering that the first (and last time) I went to was two years ago. I remember the excellent displays, lots of cars from each manufacturer, and lots of action going on. Lots of people attending too.
This year... well... not so much. Of anything. Very tempered.
This year... well... not so much. Of anything. Very tempered.
- First of all, a lot less models and even less manufacturers being represented. Less floor space than two years ago, and instead, gave up a significant portion to aftermarket providers--on the far end of the US-centric floorspace area.
- The exotics this year were brought out by a local dealer group vs. having the actual manufacturer reps showing up.
- No swag, not that much literature for that matter...but plenty of plastic bags (?) for you to...er...take nothing home.
- WAY too many food carts... I don't remember that many food carts--is it the city of Chicago scoring even more extra money at an event?
- $17 parking fee which is about $3 cheaper than the usual Soldier Field parking deck fee, if I remember correctly.
- I didn't see Mitsubishi anywhere. I could have missed it, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't there. I wanted to see the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, a favorite.
- Mercedes and Maybach shared exhibit space, but they may have before, the price is so glaring on those I usually look away to prevent cornea searing ;o)
- Hyundai TOTALLY showing off the afterglow from its Genesis model--sorry but to me, the body still looks cheapish, guys
- Chevy totally focused on Transformers, and blew a perfectly good opp to connect w/ the everyday-man by showing off the new Tony Stewart Chevy under Hass Stewart ownership--I recognize that I'm totally biased on this, I admit it, but it was an easy gimme opp
- Almost no street racer representation (!) except for the afterparts, and a Scion all geared up in crazy green flaming skulls (this is where the Mitsu Evo would have stood out)--though I've seen far better paint jobs on bikes at NASCAR in Joliet
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The Latest Temptation: Fiat 500
News sprung Monday that Fiat and Chrysler REALLY ARE joining up in some way. Daydreamers of all cute, fuel economical, and fun to drive vehicles immediately began to unleash and unravel their wildest fantasies...prognosticating the coming of the Fiat 500 to American shores in a very near future. And why not, they're pretty much sold everywhere else.
So this little darling is on my watch list, as a possible replacement for my new, old unfaithful. Patience is one of the hardest virtues to master.
So this little darling is on my watch list, as a possible replacement for my new, old unfaithful. Patience is one of the hardest virtues to master.
Dude I'm So Torn!
Beg your pardon ahead of time if this isn't exactly concise, it's been a long and thinking-involved day so my brains are the consistency of silken tofu right now. But this is a post that's been long in coming, and I've been eager to get brain to keyboard or else lose the muse forever more.
So...I've been researching cars. A lot. Ever since my car's drive shaft decided to come unglued sometime in January-February of this year. And thereafter I learned through dedicated research, that Ford (Mercury) had "collaborated" on the undercarriage and based it off of the Mazda 6 (fail). Had I known, I'd left screaming from the dealership immediately two years ago. Never mind that JD Power and Associates rated it #1 car in 2007, nor that Consumer Reports still rates it a must buy. Them jus' stupid folk. It's like a mumu, in theory it works, but in practice it's like a monet. I'm really into engineering, performance, and cornering and I ain't got none o' dat.
To be honest, ever since the drive shaft fiasco, there's no such thing as too soon for me to change to a new vehicle. *palm face* It's been months now and I'm awfully antsy. Particularly after my stick-shift class, I just fell in love with in-the-moment driving and cannot wait 'till I get to take loooong summer drives on Illinois' roads with a stick. Alas education trumps car, so it'll be at leasttttt....one more year. ugh. *pain*
So what should the JeDa21 V4.0 vehicle be? What alignment of special pre-requisites, requirements, and standbys make up this list of lucky few? Well...lots o time means lots o research. And there's little that JeDa likes more than Internet research, so...there's a couple contenders and lots of info to be undug from the Interwebs. But first, it's important to review the basics that I like to call "Musts" and "Would Likes" for this much anticipated V4.0 .
Musts
In reviewing today's transmission choices (manual, CVT, automatic), I've opted not to dive blindly--or not unlike a Lemming--into a continuously variable transmission (CVT) because, in all honesty, I'm totally pulling a snob attitude here and saying that it's the lazy-man's stick shift. Seriously, why on earth would I want to change gears on the stick (or the levers on the steering wheel, where available) while not using a clutch?! What's the use? Where's the fun in that? Good grief.
So Many Choices, So Many Deals
Yes, there's a TON of options and choices, and there's almost as many deals these days as car dealers are absolutely in sweet agony right now, hurting bad for your tasty greenbacks. It's like they've been forced to go cold turkey off their favorite controlled substance, and want to backpedal as fast as they can after the fact. Wait, that's what happened...
So here's some of the front runners for V4.0:
So...I've been researching cars. A lot. Ever since my car's drive shaft decided to come unglued sometime in January-February of this year. And thereafter I learned through dedicated research, that Ford (Mercury) had "collaborated" on the undercarriage and based it off of the Mazda 6 (fail). Had I known, I'd left screaming from the dealership immediately two years ago. Never mind that JD Power and Associates rated it #1 car in 2007, nor that Consumer Reports still rates it a must buy. Them jus' stupid folk. It's like a mumu, in theory it works, but in practice it's like a monet. I'm really into engineering, performance, and cornering and I ain't got none o' dat.
To be honest, ever since the drive shaft fiasco, there's no such thing as too soon for me to change to a new vehicle. *palm face* It's been months now and I'm awfully antsy. Particularly after my stick-shift class, I just fell in love with in-the-moment driving and cannot wait 'till I get to take loooong summer drives on Illinois' roads with a stick. Alas education trumps car, so it'll be at leasttttt....one more year. ugh. *pain*
So what should the JeDa21 V4.0 vehicle be? What alignment of special pre-requisites, requirements, and standbys make up this list of lucky few? Well...lots o time means lots o research. And there's little that JeDa likes more than Internet research, so...there's a couple contenders and lots of info to be undug from the Interwebs. But first, it's important to review the basics that I like to call "Musts" and "Would Likes" for this much anticipated V4.0 .
Musts
- stick shift/manual transmission (!)
- traction control
- stability control
- ABS
- front-wheel drive
- remote key-less entry
- power windows
- power steering
- AM/FM
- 6 CD in-dash
- auxiliary plug-in
- A/C and heating
- leather
- heated seats
- AWD
In reviewing today's transmission choices (manual, CVT, automatic), I've opted not to dive blindly--or not unlike a Lemming--into a continuously variable transmission (CVT) because, in all honesty, I'm totally pulling a snob attitude here and saying that it's the lazy-man's stick shift. Seriously, why on earth would I want to change gears on the stick (or the levers on the steering wheel, where available) while not using a clutch?! What's the use? Where's the fun in that? Good grief.
So Many Choices, So Many Deals
Yes, there's a TON of options and choices, and there's almost as many deals these days as car dealers are absolutely in sweet agony right now, hurting bad for your tasty greenbacks. It's like they've been forced to go cold turkey off their favorite controlled substance, and want to backpedal as fast as they can after the fact. Wait, that's what happened...
So here's some of the front runners for V4.0:
- 2009 Nissan 370Z (plus here and here)- if this were a person I'd court them
mercilessly. It's gorgeous, it's stunning, it's...really fast...and it makes me start sounding like Jeremy Clarkson ^_^; And never mind the heavy heart pounding. Truly a tell-tale heart. So what are the drawbacks? Well...for starters it's got a stupidly shrunken back seat, it's got exceptionally bad rear visibility, and can be noisy and hard ride (though some pretty good things in life are best when hard). It's also pricey beyond the basic model. It's tricky to find a basic model in the deeper gray that I so love though. Premium fuel. bleh.
- Volkswagen
- EOS (and here) - gorgeous stylish coupe, though I find it a little girly or overly feminine for some reason. The best word I can find to organically express what it looks like is the Japanese term "moe." The best of the deal is that it's a strong, European engineered beauty, that comes with every safety precaution/measure/trick for logical prices. You pay for what you get here. So what are the drawbacks? It's considered one of the priciest c
oupe (hardtop) convertibles around. And...well, cute.
- CC (and here) - this is a "fancy" version of the VW Passat. It's actually quite close-looking to a Mercedes. The interior is one of more gorgeous ones, featuring two-tone leather upholstery. All the usual VW refinements are present and accounted for. So what are the drawbacks? Pricey, a bimbo in the VW line--that is to say, all looks and not much else (luxury nor sportiness).
- Jetta GLI - Speedier version of the Jetta, said to be fun fun fun and sporty, for an excellent price and with all the usual VW quality accoutrements (though it features a funky tartan upholstery...). So what are the drawbacks? Well, according to Edmunds the only fault is a bland exterior *insert palm face here*
- Rabbit (and here) - aww it's so cute and sporty, and...and...and...well, European...BUT there's a study that says that small cars are more likely to get you maimed or kille
d in an accident vs. a medium-sized vehicle (much less a megalon Saudi-friendly SUV). They say it has space to make it useful when moving "stuff" around or to-and-fro. So what are the drawbacks? It has impressive safety results from crash tests, as all VWs do. It's also well-equipped, as...most VWs are. It's zippy and roomy.
- Volvo C30 - pricey and premium fuel, in a luxury wrapper. Cute, appealing, an
d Edward Cullen's (movie) ride. I liked this little guy even before the movie, when I saw one in rush hour traffic about a year and a half ago or thereabouts. So what are the drawbacks? According to Edmunds it's not as sporty as its competitors...did I mention it's pricey?
- 2009 Mustang GT - awesomely aggressive stance (this is very appealing), and gorgeous bit of American muscle car. Though it's a Ford (!).
The black one is as stealthy and fast as they come--I was privy to one speeding along East-bound I-88 yesterday and I loved it! ^_^ So what are the drawbacks? Bad fuel economy and unimpressive power. Cramped back seat (Are we seeing a trend here? me thinks yes.)
- Mini Cooper S - everyone keeps saying these are fun to drive, do they mean in a bumper car type of way, or seriously serious fun driving? I'm confused and
leaning towards the latter. Premium fuel ticks me off, as usual. I also imagine it must have a terribly cramped rear seat, to say the least. Though visibility and maneuverability seem to be pretty high. So what are the drawbacks? Surprisingly, a Canadian test drive comparing this with the C30 and the Rabbit had the C30 #1 and the Rabbit at #2...must have been the harder ride but reactive pedals. Kinda pricey for the small package.
- SMART - I first read about SMART cars in 2001 when I read a logistics case study at my current employer. I then proceeded to go to Italy and I absolutely fell in love with the
concept, and the practicality of being able to maneuver and park it anywhere in Europe's old or new roads. However, although I was hugely excited that the line was coming to the US, I kept asking myself, but what if it gets devoured by a Saudi-loving megalon SUV? Or a semi-truck? Or just a Camry? It is quite adorable and practical, so it has both left brain and right brain abuzz. So what are the drawbacks? Surprisingly pricey, but do you mean besides the safety concerns, and that it requires premium? Probably the fact that you must chose whether to leave your significant other at the grocery store or bring home the groceries...cause you won't have room for option A and B together...compared to how much more (but cheaper) car you get with Asian imports these days, people are going to be very wary of the SMART. What shocked me is that it's hard or impossible to get it with a stick in the US, they automatically shove an automatic on it. Dumbified I guess. but the EPA MPG rating is #1 or #2, so that speaks volumes for this lil guy.
- 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT - Then there's my fantasy girl (or guy). This car's been discontinued for approximately 10 years now. It's absolutely gorgeous and owners are very careful with it, you can tell from seeing the shiny and well-maintained specimen
s *wipes drool* driving around my general area here. I looked on ebay motors but, alas, there's no stick shift versions around at the moment. So what are the drawbacks? You mean besides there not being any available in good condition? And not knowing where to go to get maintenance on expired parts, et al? Not much else besides that...
- Audi TT - I've been madly in love with TTs since 2001 and have had to resign myself to long-distance admiration. This could change though. But not if they keep ENLARGING the Audi models to sizes bigger than Jason Statham's biceps. Another thing that irritates
me is that Audi makes a really silly looking cherry red. I wish they'd offer a deeper red for those of us who like stylish colors, not just toenail polish colors. However, it's got a gorgeous body and the 2009 model reminds me of a leaner Porsche Cayman (a.k.a., without the Porsche's awkward child-bearing hips). I've taken the A3 off the list because it looks like a cheap version of an Audi, and the rear is too rounded, so much so, that I subconsciously start sneering as soon as I spot one. So what are the drawbacks? Expensive and doesn't handle as well as competitors... overpriced. Fuel consumption, premium.
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