We all contain multitudes, don’t we? That’s from the title of a novel I’ve never read and if I’m honest I don’t really get the significance of, but somehow it seemed like a good way to start this, because all of us as car lovers do have multitudes of ideas and feelings about all sorts of cars. And alongside the cars we love and admire and hate and revile there are those cars that, while they may not be our favorites, they’re cars that we feel strangely protective about. Cars that we have to speak up and defend when we hear them maligned, because deep down we know they deserve better.
I suspect we all have cars like this, leaking oil in the parking lot of our mind. Cars that we find ourselves in a genuine argument defending, as part of our brains float up and above, watching the conflict, wondering, hey, how did I get here? Why am I yelling at a dude for talking shit about a car I’ve never even owned? And yet here we are.
Mercedes told me for her that car is the Smart ForTwo, and I get that. She’s owned several, and they’re often the target of ridicule, undeserved, I think. For me, I think there’s two: the Fiat 500L, which I’ve defended on these very pages, and also the Yugo, which takes an extraordinary amount of bullshit from the world at large, and I think, needs me to defend it.
I once made a whole video defending this car, which I now own:
Man, now I’m getting worked up again, just imagining all the slights and eye rolls and dismissive comments that Yugos and 500Ls are inspiring, just by being mentioned. But I don’t think I’ll ever stop defending them.
Why am I like this? Who the hell knows? But I bet I’m not alone. I bet almost all of you have some sort of car you will always defend, and I want to know what they are, and why they make you feel the way you do, and how you defend them – everything. I want to know everything, always, forever.
So please tell me.
for the longest time my friends would shit on the veloster N and stinger and would you look at that, now that they want something cheap, fun and newer, there’s a massively depreciated twin turbo v6 or turbo 4 hothatch on the horizon!
I’d definitely pick up a Stinger if I had the resources and a space in my driveway. Good size and great for long drives chewing up miles and scenery. And none of the German engineering anxiety of random overly computerized things going wrong.
Hey! Sure my GTI backup camera will probably cost a chunk of the car’s worth to fix when one of a million moving parts goes wrong but at least I don’t have to wipe grime off of it.
for the longest time my friends would shit on the veloster N and stinger and would you look at that, now that they want something cheap, fun and newer, there’s a massively depreciated twin turbo v6 or turbo 4 hothatch on the horizon!
I’d definitely pick up a Stinger if I had the resources and a space in my driveway. Good size and great for long drives chewing up miles and scenery. And none of the German engineering anxiety of random overly computerized things going wrong.
Hey! Sure my GTI backup camera will probably cost a chunk of the car’s worth to fix when one of a million moving parts goes wrong but at least I don’t have to wipe grime off of it.
I’ve spent the last 12 years of my life furiously defending Fiat and the last 4 or so defending Lancia. I owe pretty much everything in my life short of my husband and daughter to the glorious world of Italian heaps and I will accept no ill spoken of them.
I’ve spent the last 12 years of my life furiously defending Fiat and the last 4 or so defending Lancia. I owe pretty much everything in my life short of my husband and daughter to the glorious world of Italian heaps and I will accept no ill spoken of them.
The worst Ferrari.
The worst Ferrari.
Steaming hot take: The Pontiac Sunfire and the Jeep Liberty
They were my first two cars so I’m sure there’s some Stockholm syndrome going on, but I also think they both fill a niche that everyone complains isn’t today – cheap, basic transportation.
That’s why I bought both of them. I picked up the Sunfire new because I was starting an internship and to save money on housing I had a bit of a commute and needed a reliable car. Other than basic maintenance and a couple of flat tires I never had to do anything to it. It had plenty of drawbacks, but it was the right car for me at that point in my life. Plus it was a manual.
The Jeep was similar. I wanted to get a camper and the Liberty was the cheapest way to tow 5000 lbs. And it was a lot more fun to drive in the winter around here. I even took it to an off road park, where I discovered that it’s less fun to take your daily to one of those places because the consequences for breaking something are more serious. 😉
It had plenty of drawbacks too. Mileage was terrible, power was mediocre at best, and the interior was solid hard plastic. But it did the job and Jeep might be in a better place today if they hadn’t abandoned the entry-level market for their vehicles.
Steaming hot take: The Pontiac Sunfire and the Jeep Liberty
They were my first two cars so I’m sure there’s some Stockholm syndrome going on, but I also think they both fill a niche that everyone complains isn’t today – cheap, basic transportation.
That’s why I bought both of them. I picked up the Sunfire new because I was starting an internship and to save money on housing I had a bit of a commute and needed a reliable car. Other than basic maintenance and a couple of flat tires I never had to do anything to it. It had plenty of drawbacks, but it was the right car for me at that point in my life. Plus it was a manual.
The Jeep was similar. I wanted to get a camper and the Liberty was the cheapest way to tow 5000 lbs. And it was a lot more fun to drive in the winter around here. I even took it to an off road park, where I discovered that it’s less fun to take your daily to one of those places because the consequences for breaking something are more serious. 😉
It had plenty of drawbacks too. Mileage was terrible, power was mediocre at best, and the interior was solid hard plastic. But it did the job and Jeep might be in a better place today if they hadn’t abandoned the entry-level market for their vehicles.
Various mid-80s through mid-90s GM cars. GM produced plenty of affordable cars through that era that were better than their just-adequate offerings of previous Malaise Era years — and often all the power/performance an average buyer really wanted without being overly finicky. And parts/service easily available just about anywhere. They did a lot with advancing 6-cylinder and front drive performance. And then every so often they’d manage to keep the bean counters and management looking the other way long enough to slip out some very nice packages on top of durable, serviceable platforms. GM also tended to have a good handle on keeping aero styling attractive and streamlined without going full jelly-bean. (Never go full jelly-bean.)
Just as you could play the options lists to get hard-edged performance out of the Camaros/Firebirds and Corvettes of the era, it was sometimes possible on other models as well. The Z52-package Corsica sedan I had was quite adept a showing its taillights to other cars with sporting or performance aspirations. Where GM lacked some of the sophistication of the imports, they made up for in brash power plus engineering know-how to fine tune their relatively simple but durable suspension designs.GM of the era was skilled at turning “good enough” into “more than enough”.
Other cars… Studebaker! They didn’t have the resources of the Big Three, but the boys in South Bend wrung all they could out of solid designs. And topped it with some very pretty Raymond Loewy styling. Also, I’m from the area and I’m loyal to the “home team”, so there’s that.
Various Eastern Bloc cars from the Cold War era. They were designed to be cheap and sturdy, and survive in environments that lacked the well-maintained roads and surplus of parts and service availability of the West. What they lack in sophistication and comfort, they make up for in clever simplicity. (Although Soviet ZiL limousines are pretty darn impressive in all respects; add another item to my wishlist of irrational I-want-that cars. And Tatras are just amazing.)
Various mid-80s through mid-90s GM cars. GM produced plenty of affordable cars through that era that were better than their just-adequate offerings of previous Malaise Era years — and often all the power/performance an average buyer really wanted without being overly finicky. And parts/service easily available just about anywhere. They did a lot with advancing 6-cylinder and front drive performance. And then every so often they’d manage to keep the bean counters and management looking the other way long enough to slip out some very nice packages on top of durable, serviceable platforms. GM also tended to have a good handle on keeping aero styling attractive and streamlined without going full jelly-bean. (Never go full jelly-bean.)
Just as you could play the options lists to get hard-edged performance out of the Camaros/Firebirds and Corvettes of the era, it was sometimes possible on other models as well. The Z52-package Corsica sedan I had was quite adept a showing its taillights to other cars with sporting or performance aspirations. Where GM lacked some of the sophistication of the imports, they made up for in brash power plus engineering know-how to fine tune their relatively simple but durable suspension designs.GM of the era was skilled at turning “good enough” into “more than enough”.
Other cars… Studebaker! They didn’t have the resources of the Big Three, but the boys in South Bend wrung all they could out of solid designs. And topped it with some very pretty Raymond Loewy styling. Also, I’m from the area and I’m loyal to the “home team”, so there’s that.
Various Eastern Bloc cars from the Cold War era. They were designed to be cheap and sturdy, and survive in environments that lacked the well-maintained roads and surplus of parts and service availability of the West. What they lack in sophistication and comfort, they make up for in clever simplicity. (Although Soviet ZiL limousines are pretty darn impressive in all respects; add another item to my wishlist of irrational I-want-that cars. And Tatras are just amazing.)
Nissans. I’ve had no issues with our D40 Frontier and Y62 Armada, both of them have been dead reliable so far.
The Frontier is super simple and easy to work on. The Armada is a bit more complex mechanically, but still easy to do DIY maintenance.
Also, Fiat. My MK2 Uno was very reliable despite me putting it through hell delivering pizzas on rural dirt roads and not being able to afford any maintenance. It never missed a beat.
Nissans. I’ve had no issues with our D40 Frontier and Y62 Armada, both of them have been dead reliable so far.
The Frontier is super simple and easy to work on. The Armada is a bit more complex mechanically, but still easy to do DIY maintenance.
Also, Fiat. My MK2 Uno was very reliable despite me putting it through hell delivering pizzas on rural dirt roads and not being able to afford any maintenance. It never missed a beat.
I’ll defend my Yugo right along with you Torch.
I have a 924 now as well, and I find myself just happily accepting it for what it is, and encourage others to do the same.
Also scooters. Scooters are awesome. People need to get over themselves.
I’ll defend my Yugo right along with you Torch.
I have a 924 now as well, and I find myself just happily accepting it for what it is, and encourage others to do the same.
Also scooters. Scooters are awesome. People need to get over themselves.
The Nissan Juke. It’s really not all that bad looking. And of course, the Juke comes with the fuel efficient, smooth power, and hassle-free Jatco CVT. What’s not to love?
Yes, it is that bad looking. Mechanical and packaging considerations do a lot to redeem it, but aesthetically it’s hideous. (This from someone who actually gave some thought to buying one. At the end of the day, no… Just no.)
You know the saying “a face only a mother could love”? I am the Juke’s adoptive mother, and I love its ugly little face. However, it’s not just form over function. The transmission (unless you get a yucky manual, its achilles heel) is its true selling point. No need for harsh shifts that jostle the cabin or complicated gears, just smooth, efficient power delivery. ???? ???? ???? ???? ???? ????
Well, Mama Bear, I respect your opinion on your adopted automotive child. You’re proving the point in Torch’s article, and doing it well. I am humbled.
need to bring in/back the downvote button
There’s no such thing as a bad opinion! Unless you like transmissions with ge@rs. That’s just not right.
Absolutely. Gears reduce efficiency and smoothness and shifting is a hindrance. The glorious Jatco CVT solves all of those programs and is perfectly reliable in all applications!
Oh I disagree, I think this bit is hilarious
The Juke, Kicks, Cube, and first generation Murano all look good. Fite me h8ers
The Nissan Juke. It’s really not all that bad looking. And of course, the Juke comes with the fuel efficient, smooth power, and hassle-free Jatco CVT. What’s not to love?
Yes, it is that bad looking. Mechanical and packaging considerations do a lot to redeem it, but aesthetically it’s hideous. (This from someone who actually gave some thought to buying one. At the end of the day, no… Just no.)
You know the saying “a face only a mother could love”? I am the Juke’s adoptive mother, and I love its ugly little face. However, it’s not just form over function. The transmission (unless you get a yucky manual, its achilles heel) is its true selling point. No need for harsh shifts that jostle the cabin or complicated gears, just smooth, efficient power delivery. ???? ???? ???? ???? ???? ????
Well, Mama Bear, I respect your opinion on your adopted automotive child. You’re proving the point in Torch’s article, and doing it well. I am humbled.
need to bring in/back the downvote button
There’s no such thing as a bad opinion! Unless you like transmissions with ge@rs. That’s just not right.
Absolutely. Gears reduce efficiency and smoothness and shifting is a hindrance. The glorious Jatco CVT solves all of those programs and is perfectly reliable in all applications!
Oh I disagree, I think this bit is hilarious
The Juke, Kicks, Cube, and first generation Murano all look good. Fite me h8ers
2006-2008 MKV Volkswagen GTI. They have a few flaws like the fuel pump cam follower that needs replacing every 10k miles, the definite fact that the headliner will transform into a curtain, carbon buildup from direct injection, and general VW component failure of things that should not have been made of plastic or needlessly involved a small servo motor.
Those things aside, I absolutely adore my partners MKV. It’s gone from 164k-207k miles under our care and gets thrashed at Autocross every year. It has wonderful styling inside and out, truly the iPod nano of vehicles from the early 2000s. It’s a pleasure to drive; quiet and composed on the highway, faster than it should be on course or back roads, and a great skihicle (ski vehicle) each winter.
Personally I think this platform is at the peak of the hothatch bellcurve, there are plentiful unmodified examples available for around 5k and parts are readily available and affordable.
The EA113 is a legendary engine. The cam follower really isn’t a big deal because they’re cheap and easy to replace. It’s one of the first viable turbo 4s and also one of the best.
I had a 2009 GTI and I absolutely adored that car. It was my daily through college and also doubled as my track day car. Alas, it was totaled with only 60k miles on it when someone pulled out from a side street without looking.
Fast forward to today, I’ve got a 2014 Sportwagen TDI, which rides on the same platform as my GTI did. It’s getting new lowering springs and shocks soon, and a tune in the not too distant future. Basically, I’m building myself a station wagon GTI. It’s a great platform for sure.
2006-2008 MKV Volkswagen GTI. They have a few flaws like the fuel pump cam follower that needs replacing every 10k miles, the definite fact that the headliner will transform into a curtain, carbon buildup from direct injection, and general VW component failure of things that should not have been made of plastic or needlessly involved a small servo motor.
Those things aside, I absolutely adore my partners MKV. It’s gone from 164k-207k miles under our care and gets thrashed at Autocross every year. It has wonderful styling inside and out, truly the iPod nano of vehicles from the early 2000s. It’s a pleasure to drive; quiet and composed on the highway, faster than it should be on course or back roads, and a great skihicle (ski vehicle) each winter.
Personally I think this platform is at the peak of the hothatch bellcurve, there are plentiful unmodified examples available for around 5k and parts are readily available and affordable.
The EA113 is a legendary engine. The cam follower really isn’t a big deal because they’re cheap and easy to replace. It’s one of the first viable turbo 4s and also one of the best.
I had a 2009 GTI and I absolutely adored that car. It was my daily through college and also doubled as my track day car. Alas, it was totaled with only 60k miles on it when someone pulled out from a side street without looking.
Fast forward to today, I’ve got a 2014 Sportwagen TDI, which rides on the same platform as my GTI did. It’s getting new lowering springs and shocks soon, and a tune in the not too distant future. Basically, I’m building myself a station wagon GTI. It’s a great platform for sure.
Oh and I will defend the Gen 6 Camaro until the day I die. Everyone always rolls their eyes and is like OKAY BUDDY THAT’S A COMPENSATION VEHICLE FOR TOXIC MEN WITH SMALL PPS and I’m like “it’s actually in contention for the greatest affordable sports car ever made but if you want to deprive yourself of experiencing one because of dated stereotypes then go off I guess”
I think one of the things that optically harms it in many peoples’ view is that there aren’t a ton of coupes around anymore. So it really stands out, which not only makes it more visible to regular drivers to nitpik about but also incentivizes a certain sort of buyer who values attention perhaps more than other things.
You can drive a Camaro antisocially very easily regardless of which engine you opt for. They’re also much more forgiving than a Mustang or Challenger is, so even drivers of questionable ability can get away with a fair amount before it goes south. That platform is so goddamn good that you really need to go full monkey mode to unsettle it. The things are absolute weapons on a track.
You can drive a Hyundai antisocially too. It’s not the car, it’s the bubba. Shitting on a car because of its typical owners is dumb.
Oh and I will defend the Gen 6 Camaro until the day I die. Everyone always rolls their eyes and is like OKAY BUDDY THAT’S A COMPENSATION VEHICLE FOR TOXIC MEN WITH SMALL PPS and I’m like “it’s actually in contention for the greatest affordable sports car ever made but if you want to deprive yourself of experiencing one because of dated stereotypes then go off I guess”
I think one of the things that optically harms it in many peoples’ view is that there aren’t a ton of coupes around anymore. So it really stands out, which not only makes it more visible to regular drivers to nitpik about but also incentivizes a certain sort of buyer who values attention perhaps more than other things.
You can drive a Camaro antisocially very easily regardless of which engine you opt for. They’re also much more forgiving than a Mustang or Challenger is, so even drivers of questionable ability can get away with a fair amount before it goes south. That platform is so goddamn good that you really need to go full monkey mode to unsettle it. The things are absolute weapons on a track.
You can drive a Hyundai antisocially too. It’s not the car, it’s the bubba. Shitting on a car because of its typical owners is dumb.
I spent a lot of time trying to defend and explain the Chevy Volt in the early days. So then I bought a Corvair.
I spent a lot of time trying to defend and explain the Chevy Volt in the early days. So then I bought a Corvair.
EASY QUESTION:
My Jeep Wrangler. It has been super reliable for 12 years and my friends and I actually off-road our jeeps at least monthly.
EASY QUESTION:
My Jeep Wrangler. It has been super reliable for 12 years and my friends and I actually off-road our jeeps at least monthly.
The SN95 Mustang for sure.
Perhaps the most unloved at this point (the IIs now have a rose-colored view of the ’70s built into people’s perception), they’re neither the easily-modded Fox body drag racers of popular conception nor the retro and big power versions of 2005+, and they definitely sport currently reviled, era-specific styling.
But in many ways, they’re the final version of the original Mustang – a raw, visceral sporty (but not sportscar) two door that prized affordability and fun over things like build quality or technological currency.
With the S197, the Mustang started its journey to becoming what it is now, a proper sportscar, but the SN95 offered a very direct connection to the original lineage, whether you liked it or not.
I’ve always found that cool and worthy, even as most people don’t. Something about how it exists independently of you, and you have to accept/conform yourself to its quirks and features, as distinct from the way that a lot of contemporary vehicles promise you everything you want all the time as long as you’re willing to pay.