Wednesday, December 31, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE EN MASSE

Many weeks ago, The Good Car Guy leaked information relative to The Good 12 Supersize on YouTube. The clip wasn't "marketed" nor was it an attempt to cause The Good 12 Supersize to go viral weeks in advance of its arrival. Simply put, The Good 12 Supersize En Masse was just meant to stir the pot. Regardless, here is the clip from early November.

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART XII


TOYOTA HIGHLANDER


Think Ferrari for a moment. The F430 competes directly with few supercars, for two reasons. Firstly, the small V8-engined Italian is in a segment where potential owners will likely buy the competitors, as well. Secondly, in that upper stratosphere of exoticars, only the Lamborghini Gallardo; Porsche 911 GT2; and soft alternatives from Bentley and Aston Martin come to play.

Now back to this Good 12 Supersize-winning Highlander. Below, but overalapping, is the Toyota RAV4. Parked alongside is the Toyota 4Runner. Identically-designed but equipped to delve into a loftier market - the Lexus RX350. The new Toyota Venza is more Camryesque and potentially cooler than the Highlander at the same time. One could argue that the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser interfere to a degree. And we haven't even left the Toyota dealership. See the point? Ferrari simply builds the F430 (rather well) and because it is, it sells. Toyota has to produce a superb Highlander just to garner attention inside its own store.

Outside these doors you'll find competitors from almost every mainstream automaker in the world. Why choose the Toyota? Apart from obvious reasons like reliability, quality (both perceived and real), durability, fuel efficiency, positive dealer experiences.....

The Highlander is one of the best vehicles Toyota offers in North America. It doesn't look like a dork, for starters. Actually, the Highlander has drive-by presence that most competitors can't match. Power and fuel economy aren't mutually exclusive, but if you want to enhance your fuel economy beyond what most SUVs are capable of, a hybrid is available. Even the new 4-cylinder option has enough juice to move the Highlander along.

Space isn't just plentiful, it's practical. This isn't some niche model where Toyota could get away with a lack of cupholders or storage bins. Everything is where you want it to be and feels nice. Indeed, part of what makes the Highlander so great is that feel; a Lexus feel. People buy this vehicle as a Lexus (it looks different, has more features, but is oh-so-similar) and think nothing of paying a lot of extra money. Smart buyers can take home the Toyota Highlander and know they got a Lexus for less. Want more fun? Take a look at the Mazda CX-9 elsewhere in The Good 12 Supersize. Desirous of everything that the best-selling automaker in the world does well, wrapped up in something the whole family will enjoy? Here it is.

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Engines: 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque from a 2.7L four-cylinder or 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque from a 3.5L V6 or 209 horsepower and 212 lb-ft of torque from a 3.3L V6 (with 235 total electric motor horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque not necessarily concurrent)

City Mileage: 17-27 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: est. $25,705

Cargo Capacity: 95.4 cubic feet behind front row

Towing Capability: 2,000-5,000 pounds
Tuesday, December 30, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART XI


SUBARU FORESTER


Earlier examples of Subaru's venerable Forester enjoyed and struggled with one issue: a cult-like following. When manufacturers or critics refer to such a following, they're inferring that the vehicle was much-loved by few and bought by those very same few. Now, to be honest, the Forester sold in relatively healthy numbers. Subaru was looking for something more with the latest Forester. No longer indirectly competing with the Subaru Legacy-based Outback, the Forester is more SUV-like in its styling and design.

Attempting to appeal to the masses hasn't been one of Subaru's fortes. Fortunately, Subaru didn't leave their genuine specialties behind. Strong on-road dynamics are paired with a unique engine configuration. All-wheel drive isn't an option - how disgusting would that be? Equipment levels aren't luxurious, but at a base price under $20K, you best not be expectin' hedonism. Nay, gaining pleasure from the Forester is a process best discovered in using the Forester. Load it up, exit the driveway, and head for a twisty road if you please. No joke.

Turbocharge your Forester if you like. Fuel economy is barely altered but power jumps way up to a level that seems appropriate for a vehicle in this class. In fact, Forester horses are significantly more powerful beasts than expected. Truthfully, the Forester is still a tall wagon. Subaru brought the Forester into the mainstream this time; but hasn't completely turned off the taps in the sub-stream.

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Engines: 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5L boxer four-cylinder or 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.5L boxer four-cylinder

City Mileage: 19-20 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: $19,995

Cargo Capacity: 63-68.3 cubic feet behind front row

Towing Capability: 2,400 pounds
Monday, December 29, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART X


NISSAN XTERRA


In this larger version of The Good 12 v2.0, there's plenty of luxury and comfort to go around. In fact, walk into a Nissan dealership and sales personnel will willingly sell you a Murano or Rogue to keep you comfortable. If, that is, comfort be thy goal.

On the other hand, vehicles with purpose intrigue the general populace. Potential Lotus Elise buyers don't expect luxury or comfort. They demand speed, handling, and an intimate connection with their automobile. Nissan Xterra owners are a similar bunch, in a manner of speaking. Speed, handling, and an intimate connection? Not so much. But toughness, durability, all-weather capability, with a facility for traversing whatever path leads to the destination? Must needs qualifications.

Nissan's Xterra supplies those traits in vast quantities. The Xterra is a true sport-utility vehicle. Up to 5,000 pounds of miscellaneous addenda can fall into line behind the Nissan with another 65.7 cubic feet of junk behind the front seats. Unlike the first-generation Xterra, the current sport-ute won't struggle with its own load nor the load you carry. 261 horsepower is plenty.

Don't get it wrong. This Nissan wasn't designed to coddle and, like the Jeep Wrangler previously honoured, won't care for you with a gentle bedside manner. Rather, the Xterra is the doctor of tough love. For those seeking an indubitable formula which began decades ago and lives on in spite of luxury CUVs, the Nissan Xterra is one such customer that takes a lickin' and keeps on kickin'.

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Engines: 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0L V6

City Mileage: 15-16 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: $22,310

Cargo Capacity: 65.7 cubic feet behind front row

Towing Capability: 5,000 pounds
Sunday, December 28, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART IX

MERCEDES-BENZ 
GL320 BLUETEC & GL450


Every now and then, vehicles are awarded great praise for one easily definable reason: being the best at everything. Consider Mercedes-Benz's GL-Class so defined. Performing every task better than the competition is difficult enough. Doing so at a price that makes life difficult for Lexus, Land Rover, and Infiniti? Previously believed to be impossible.

Yet here we see a humongous Mercedes SUV that is capable both on-road and off. Space for you and your peeps is scarcely circumnavigatable. Power is plentiful. Fuel econony - it sounds so strange, doesn't it? - is actually tolerable..... if you choose the diesel GL320. What doesn't the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class do well?

No, it's a serious question. The GL is handsome, if not bodacious like the Infiniti FX, another Good 12 Supersize winner. Towing a luxury liner is verging on the conceivable. Impressing the neighbours? Effortless. Living life in the lap of extravagant leather-lined opulance becomes a given. What more ask ye for? One would appreciate the standard feature count to be more representative of a large Mercedes-Benz. Instead, Mercedes-Benz charges you heavily (extra leather = $2,130).That's part of the reason the GL's base price can remain under 60 large.

Still, in light of the competition and Mercedes' own ML-Class, the GL320 BlueTec and GL450 are shockingly impressive vehicles that, at the same time, offer shocking value-for-dollar. 

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Engines: 210 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque from a turbodiesel 3.0L V6 or 335 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque from a 4.6L V8

City Mileage: 13-17 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: $59,075

Cargo Capacity: 83.3 cubic feet behind front row

Towing Capability: 7,500 pounds
Saturday, December 27, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART VIII


MAZDA 5


As the weight of children ballooned all over North America, and especially in the U.S.A., minivans ballooned as well. Coincidence? Me thinks not.

Mazda has fought back with the 5, a true minivan, the kind of vehicle that almost always held a V6 in its nose in front of a wheelbase ten inches longer than Mazda believes is necessary. These smaller versions are the vehicles Europeans scoop up in droves. Sometimes, folks, Europe gets it right. Ever hear of the Iraq war?

Frustratingly, we're so accustomed to toting three rows worth of humans and their stuff that the thought of a more fuel-efficient Mazda 5 with room for three rows of people or two rows of people and their stuff is 'just plain ridiculous'. Want to save money? Buy the Mazda, enjoy its handling, steering, manual gearbox, and ride quality. Want to spend more money? Buy a maxivan and enjoy its airy feel, elbow room, cupholder fiesta, and DVD player mutation. Want to save even more money? Drive the Mazda 5 like you own it rather than like you stole it and watch highway mileage approach 30 miles per gallon.

There's no time like the present. No really. There is no time like the present for saving money without sacrificing quality, reliability, or any rows of seating. Mazda's 5 makes the sacrificing joyous. 
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Engines: 153 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque from a 2.3L inline-four cylinder

City Mileage: 21-22 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: $18,665

Cargo Capacity: 97.7 cubic feet behind front row

Towing Capability: Not recommended by Mazda NA. Mazda UK offers 5s with towing up to 3,000 pounds.
Friday, December 26, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART VII


MAZDA CX-9


Come dream with Mazda. Imagine an MX-5 Miata or maybe an RX-8 transformed into a three-row CUV. Yep, it still looks good. It's still fun to drive. Only now, you're not restricted to pseudo-doors or two seats. Take your kids or your friends and maybe even some of their stuff with you

Too good to be true? Well, if $30,000 is above your budget then it is too good to be true. Mazda ups the dynamic ante put forth by the Honda Odyssey (already covered in The Good 12 Supersize) takes away a bit of the space, and adds terrific looks. Whisper it - Mazda also wants a bit more of your money.

Few could act genuinely surprised when Mazda introduces a vehicle of any type and somehow manages to make such a vehicle handle and ride well. The CX-9 is dimensionally a CX-7 on steroids, but may drive with even more verve. Power isn't lacking. Fuel economy isn't terrible. And man, but does the CX-9 look good when it's sleek, long, classy form cruises by. Carrying your kids, at speed, while having fun, in some luxury, while looking good ain't easy. Mazda makes it possible.

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Engines: 273 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque from a 3.7L V6

City Mileage: 15-16 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: $29,820

Cargo Capacity: 100.7 cubic feet behind front row

Towing Capability: 2,000-3,500 pounds
Thursday, December 25, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART VI


JEEP WRANGLER


Anything else would be.... too civilized. Only recently has the Jeep Wrangler become the fulfillment of 'U' in 'SUV'. It's enlargement ensured that. Wranglers are most definitely not 'sporty' in the way a Porsche Boxster is sporty. And yet the Jeep Wrangler is perceived as the purest and thus the most uncivilized SUV in The Good 12 Supersize.

This is the case because of the age of its concept, due to its hardcore nature, as a result of Jeep sticking to that concept and nurturing the Wrangler's nature. They who snicker at Wrangler owners number in the thousands. They are those who switched from wagons to SUVs in the late 90s, switched from SUVs to so-called crossovers this decade because they are more car-like, and want more economical 5000-lb CUVs now. Suffering from the effects of a short wheelbase (stiff ride) and amazing off-road capability (er... on-road capability), Wrangler owners manage to enjoy automotive life for other reasons. Strangely, some of those reasons for enjoyment are downright car-like. Terrific visibility and easy parking are just two such examples.

Let it be clear that The Good Car Guy & GoodCarBadCar.net do not honour the Jeep Wrangler out of guilt for society's newly-discovered hatred of genuine SUVs. No, the Jeep does everything it is supposed to do very, very well. Like the smart fortwo in The Good 12 v2.0, Jeep's Wrangler isn't right for everyone. But for whom the Wrangler tolls....

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Engines: 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque from a 3.8L V6

City Mileage: 15 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: $21,210

Cargo Capacity: 56.5 cubic feet behind front row

Towing Capability: 2,000 pounds
Wednesday, December 24, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART V


INFINITI FX


Not unexpectedly, a bevy of competitors for Infiniti's wild sporting sport-utility have arrived. Somewhat unexpectedly, none measure up to its combination of horsepower, handling, and hair-raising exterior angles.

Yes, you can find other tall, sporty, midsize vehicles with amazing handling and drastic looks. BMW's X6 and Land Rover's Range Rover Sport are two examples. The Porsche Cayenne does sporty and wild famously (or infamously). Relatively speaking, however, Infiniti doesn't want much money. Relatively.

The V8-engined FX, known now as the FX50, offers way more horsepower than the common Porsche 911. Even the FX35 is quick and agile. Questioning the purpose of such a vehicle isn't out of line. Infiniti has one of the best sport sedans on the planet in the G37. Why not make the G37 a G50 and forget about the taller, less stable, and not-very-spacious FX? 

Umm... because the FX35 and FX50 look incredible. "Looks aren't everything" is something men and women with ugly spouses say. That doesn't make it truth or fiction. Looks are something, and in the FX's case, looks match with excellent dynamics to form an amazing overall package.

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Engines: 303 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque from a 3.5L V6 or 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque from a 5.0L V8

City Mileage: 14-16 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: $42,150

Cargo Capacity: 62 cubic feet behind front row

Towing Capability: 2,000-3,500 pounds
Tuesday, December 23, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART IV


HONDA ODYSSEY

Bare bones specifications show Honda's maximinivan to be more capacious and capable than more expensive crossover alternatives. Forget what you believe about soccer moms and the minivan image: the Odyssey is, in essence, a pure family vehicle.

Which is not to say the Honda is without fault. For starters, Honda wants a lot of your money if you want this much space and content. Moreover, to achieve this much people/cargo capacity, Honda had to stretch the wrapper. Know what wrapper-stretching achieves? Weight gain. Odysseys can touch 4,693 pounds. That's a big reason for the MPG figure that barely matches or is worse than some traditional large SUVs.

Attend thine ear to this fact while you're here against your will reading about the best minivan available. At the same time some people complain about the price of the Honda Odyssey, others buy it. Those buyers discover an interior that merges utility and quality; and does so in a simple yet classy way. How Honda-like.

Driving the Odyssey reveals other truths - it's not fun, but boy.... it's not bad. Fear not, Odyssey owners aren't cooler than you. They're just smarter than you.

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Engines: 244 horsepower and 240 (or 245 lb-ft with VCM) from a 3.5L V6

City Mileage: 16-17 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: $26,255

Cargo Capacity: 147.4 cubic feet behind front row

Towing Capability: 3,500 pounds
Monday, December 22, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART III


CHEVROLET AVALANCHE


Avoiding attempts to provide commercial enterprises with an in-depth recommendation (likely ending in a crew-cab dualie with a diesel from one of the Detroit Three), GoodCarBadCar.net is focusing on families who use trucks as transportation but need a beast for other tasks as well. Carrying dirt, towing boats, doing both at the same time.... with five passengers. The kind of work at which the Chevrolet Avalanche excels.

Step back to the first-generation Avalanche and your memory is justifiably tainted. That Chevy was so freaking ugly, it became difficult to consider it as a viable alternative to other trucks or SUVs. But the Avalanche cleaned up well. Chevrolet discovered that buyers were in love with what the Avalanche could do and didn't need to be differentiated for the benefit of regular Silverado/F-150 consumers.

What exactly can the Avalanche do? The Avalanche's mid-gate opens the door to a variety of cargo-carrying options.  With the rear-bench folded (shrinking people-carrying capacity to three) the Avalanche's bed becomes an 8'2"x4' weather-protected box. Bed length increases from 63.3" to 98.2" with the mid-gate open. Remove the rear glass and open the cargo cover for taller junk. The actual mid-gate is a lightweight composite that resists scratches and dings.

One special feature isn't enough to secure a Good 12 Supersize victory, however. Thank goodness the Avalanche is based on the Silverado/Suburban foundation that is known to be one of, if not the best truck platforms around. Add stellar small-block V8 engines, excellent transmissions and a well-configured interior. Back of the net.

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Engines: 310 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque from a 5.3L V8 or 366 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque from a 6.0L V8

City Mileage: 12-14 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: $34,960

Cargo Capacity: 45.5 cubic feet of exterior cargo volume

Towing Capability: 5,000-5,500 pounds
Sunday, December 21, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART II


BUICK ENCLAVE


Simply put, the Buick Enclave exemplifies the best of the new breed of full-size SUVs. Call it a General Motors-developed Lambda crossover or CUV if you like. The fact is, future versions of GM's true full-size sport-utes will be more like the Enclave rather than less. Demerited for toughness on the towing front, Buick garners cred for offering plenty of space and oodles of luxury in a stunning package. 

Handling isn't sporty, but the Enclave's dynamic mannerisms would lead you to believe the big Buick weighs less than 4,985 pounds; a very good thing. Besides, the ride quality is supremely serene. Cockpit comfort was a priority for Buick designers. Result. Though surely not perceived as a rocket, the Enclave moves about with ease and won't struggle whatsoever on any mountain climbs. 

Best of all, the aforementioned stunning imagery. No direct competitor presents as gorgeous an option to consumers. Can we allow the badge to get in our way of honouring the best large premium CUV? Apparently not. The Buick Enclave is now part of the first Good 12 Supersize.

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Engines: 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque from a 3.6L V6

City Mileage: 16-17 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: $35,070

Cargo Capacity: 115 cubic feet behind front row

Towing Capability: 2000 pounds
Saturday, December 20, 2008

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - PART I


AUDI Q5


Content to let the SUV party fly by, Audi was very late adding the Q7 to its roster. Based not only on the success of that model but also on the need to expand into more niches if it's to overtake BMW and Mercedes-Benz globally, Audi now positions the Q5 as a competitor in an ever-growing segment that is already filled by BMW, Acura, and Land Rover and will soon be graced by the Mercedes-Benz GLK's entrance.

Yet the Audi is the vehicle which comes to mind as the perfect small luxury utility vehicle. Not ironically, the "car" alternative in The Good 12 v2.0 is from Audi as well; the A4 Avant. Built with some of the A4's parts, the Q5 is a tour de force on the road. As expected from this premium Volkswagen subsidiary, the Q5 is gorgeous as well.

Combine dynamics and exterior class with Audi's sublime interiors and technology that runs rampant and you have a small SUV/crossover that reeks of desirability. The Audi Q5 has pull; something that draws you in and urges you to stick around. Competitors? No, the Q5 has underlings.

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Engines: 265 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque from a 3.2L V6

City Mileage: est. 19 miles per gallon

Base USD Price: $37,200

Cargo Capacity: 55 cubic feet behind front row

Towing Capability: 4,400 pounds

THE GOOD 12 SUPERSIZE - INTRO

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, and for the next twelve days, to witness the unveiling of twelve vehicles with high roofs. These vehicles have been specially hand-picked by The Good Car Guy as the SUVs, trucks, vans, crossovers, CUVs, and SUTs that North Americans should be driving in 2009. If, that is, the cars found in The Good 12 v2.0 are not capable of handling one's lifestyle.

Though it would be easy and rather glorious to showcase twelve of the finest family vehicles on the face of the Earth, sport-utes like the supercharged Range Rover or extended-wheelbase Cadillac Escalade, many variables must be taken into consideration. Firstly, to gain entry to this, The Good 12 Supersize, the base MSRP in U.S. dollars for any and all must be less than $72,000. Secondly, not everyone has $71,000 to spend. Thirdly, GoodCarBadCar.net hates dullness. Finally, because The Good Car Guy appreciates well-rounded automobiles, GoodCarBadCar.net must also manifest a well-rounded repertoire.

Why twelve? Last year, The Good 12 began with twelve cars, of course. This year, The Good 12 v2.0 continued the tradition. How could we break free from that? Besides, surely there must be twelve vehicles that are not cars that could be recommended, not only one, as publications with SUVOTY competitions hold forth.

Thus, from today, the 20th of December until New Year's Eve, one vehicle per day will be released to The Good Car Nation with reasoning, a brief spec list, and well-deserved accreditation. Stick around. And check back on New Year's Day for The Bad 8 v2.0 and The Bad 8 Supersize, when the vehicles you should avoid are introduced in this space.
Friday, December 19, 2008

THE GOOD 12 v2.0 FOR 2009 EN MASSE

It's time to let you in on a little secret. Since November 7th, GoodCarBadCar.net's The Good 12 v2.0 has been available on YouTube. True, it was fairly hidden away and there was no info other than pictures of each car that would make it to the list. But considering the popularity of the first Good 12, it strikes The Good Car Guy funny that this year's has been available for more than a month. Anyway, thanks for tuning in for the last twelve days. The Good 12 Supersize starts tomorrow with the twelve trucks, vans, and SUVs you should be buying in 2009 if nothing on the regular Good 12 is suitable. The video that's been on YouTube since early November is below.


THE GOOD 12 v2.0 FOR 2009 - Part XII


VOLKSWAGEN GTI


Europeans are already able to purchase the sixth-generation Golf, a car we'll eventually know as the Rabbit. More importantly, the next-generation GTI has already been revealed. It looks good. In fact, the GTI mkVI looks like it may improve upon the mkV's appearance, economy, and performance. 

Yet the current GTI manages to assemble enough support from The Good Car Guy to claim a second Good 12 crown on the merits of an aging car that was here last year because of " a rediscovered down-the-road adeptness". It is the chassis that cuts muster again. The VeeDub's steering forges a link that already binds mind-to-hands by sending streaming footage of the road beneath. This isn't Lotus Elise-like stuff we're talking about; just good old-fashioned driving fun, the kind that is as enjoyable at 20 mph exiting your subdivision as it is at 85 mph on a twisty on-ramp.

The VW GTI's excellence must be understood with a grain of Civic Si nonetheless. Honda's 197-horsepower hottie is a great accomplishment. The simple fact that Volkswagen makes it here and Honda doesn't ought to speak volumes about the German, a vehicle that indulges more readily without depriving its owners of any practical sensibility.

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Engines: 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder

City Mileage: 21-22 mpg

Base USD Price: $22,990

Anything Else? Want to turn your high-value uber-hatch into a high-priced luxo-barge? Opt for a DSG transmission, sat-nav, upgraded wheels, and other accessories and you'll easily top $30K on the way to $34,000.
Thursday, December 18, 2008

THE GOOD 12 v2.0 FOR 2009 - Part XI


SMART FORTWO


In possession of children? A tower of boats or ATVs? Then keep reading on behalf of your unmarried cousin or the young couple next door with the bachelor apartment. The two-time Good 12-winning smart fortwo is not likely for you.

However, the smart fortwo is very much the automobile for some people. Liking the smart fortwo isn't an option. This is a love it or hate it car. The lovers are those people for whom the Mercedes-developed small car is an entirely viable option while haters originate in large family circles or rural areas. Skeptics also point to the fortwo's low horsepower rating, forgetting that in typical daily driving, they're about as likely to use two-thirds of their car's horsepower as they are to see green lights all the way to work. 

In essence, smart's city car (which does fine outside the city, mind you) performs its tasks admirably, effectively, and efficiently. It is the equivalent of a Porsche 911 GT2 lapping the Nurburgring in 7:30 or a Chevrolet Suburban towing 10,000 pounds or a Honda Odyssey ferrying seven passengers in safety and comfort. Expectations declared - expectations met. Until Scion brings us the iQ or Volkswagen debuts the production up!, there won't be a perfect combatant with which to compare the accomplished and competent fortwo.

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Engines: 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque from a 1.0L inline-three cylinder 

City Mileage: 33-36 mpg

Base USD Price: $11,990

Anything Else? Meyers Parking facilities in New York City (a prime smart fortwo market) offer parking rate reductions of 50% to fortwo owners. This is one of many additional savings (insurance, fuel, maintenance) that must be taken into account by critics of the fortwo's 'supposed' small footprint/high price ratio.