You heeded our call. You nominated the cars you considered the best of the best. Without fear or favor, TTAC’s tenacious tribe of telic keyboard tappers selected twenty vehicles from your list of over a hundred superlative automobiles. You voted for 10 of them, creating our first annual Ten Best Automobiles. The voting was often extremely close, but the end result was never in doubt: a selection of ten automobiles that any self-respecting motorist would be proud to own, and delighted to drive. Ladies and gentlemen, raise your tea mugs as I present to you: TTAC’s Ten Best for 2007.
10. Audi RS-4
9. Infiniti G35
For years, Infiniti’s G Force have been the Rodney Dangerfield of automotive enthusiasts. “What's a Japanese sports sedan got to do to get a little respect around here?” they demanded. Wonder no more. Infiniti re-clad Nissan’s 350Z in a Savle Row dinner jacket and gave the G35 road manners aggressive enough to put a vicious little smile on the similarly “refreshed” 007. The smart-handling Infiniti G35 makes Lexus owners wonder what IS is, and forces 3-Series owners to check both their rear view mirrors and diminishing bank balances. - WM
8. Acura TSX
7. Porsche Cayman
Porsche’s mid-engined Boxster S is the world’s best driver’s car. That makes the Cayman S the world’s best driver’s car with a hard top and a sexier rear end. Fair enough. The roof offers safety advantages and extra-legal schmoozing. The fastback creates Porsche’s coolest car. If and when the Sultans of Stuttgart give their whipper-snapper more power, it will add “unassailably” to “best.” - RF
6. Mazda MX-5
The MX-5 is America’s best value driver’s car. It’s all about finesse– and fun. Whether you’re a hard core enthusiast attacking an apex or a retiree enjoying a bit of drop top nostalgia, the still-svelte third gen Miata is the simplest, best handling, most fundamentally honest and joyful automobile made. – SL
5. Subaru WRX / STI
The WRX is a perfect blend of corner-carver and reliable runabout. The STI provides all-areas access to real world rally racing. Just like the 911, Subaru have continually improved both models’ power, ride and handling without softening their market focus. (The STi still has enough nasty plastic and teeth-chattering compromises to keep poseurs at bay.) The WRX is working class hero, while the STI is destined to end the decade as the benchmark for compact sports sedans. – MB/SL
4. Mazda Mazda3 / Mazdaspeed3
With loads o’ grunt, entertaining handling, mint-popping brakes, daily driver-compatible comfort and admirable frugality, the Mazda3 offers family-friendly fun to the financially fastidious F1 fantasist. The Mazdaspeed3 retains these virtues, kicks it up a notch, and eats the competition for lunch. - ES
3. Porsche 911
If you’ve got a list of “the 100 cars you must drive before you die” and an hour to live, go for the 911. Whether it’s maximum lateral G’s or vanishing point-and-shoot, Porsche’s “everyday” supercar offers terminal drivers terminal velocity. The steering’s perfect, the brakes breathtaking and the engine roar sublime. Each model up the food chain just gets faster and more capable. It’s a sports car to die for. - RF
2. Chevy Corvette / Z06
1. BMW 3-Series
The BMW 3-Series continues its reign as the driver’s car. Whether you’re helming the normally aspirated 328i, the twin-turbo 335i, or the [current] M3, Bavaria’s legendary in-line six invites its driver to unleash the powerplant’s silken shove. To needle kiss the redline and savor the compact mill’s sophisticated snarl is to experience mechanical perfection. The completeness of the 3-Series’ dynamic package– ride, handling and brakes– puts the Zen into zenith. In a world of reliable mediocrity, driving the 3-Series remains a peak experience. - RF
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You all got that one right!
No YOU all got that one right.
Voting for the 10 worst was definitely more fun!!
The one thing about our results here is that many guys voted more for our dream rides than for cars we’ve driven regularly/own/…
I limited myself to cars with which I had a direct experience with (at the very least riding shotgun).
My pick is the Mazda 3, enough fun for the hoon in him, and enough practically for the soccer mom in her. Buy a Mazda 3 and starve a divorce lawyer.
5 Japanese, 4 German, and 1 American car. Sounds about right.
Great list…but I’m sad that both the TSX and Mazda3 made it and the GTI didn’t. But in the overall scheme of voting, that’s just picking nits.
AKM: Of the cars on the list I’d say only four count as “dream cars” (the two Porsches, the RS4, and the Corvette). There’s three cars under $25k (the Mazda3, MX-5 and WRX). The TSX, G35, and 3-series can all be had for under $35k. I drove everything under $35k on the list except the MX-5 before I bought my TSX; that’s half the list right there.
So, other readers: how many TBAGs have you driven? Are you a TBAG owner?
Hope to be driving one of the TBAGs later this year (TSX or G35). Although this list is on the “sporty” side, it demonstrates the best cars are the most focussed and not trying to be everything to everyone, “its like a 911, but also seats 7.” Also, no SUVs on the list is saying something either about TTAC’s readership. More than anything, I hope it will convince Acura to bring over the TSX wagon (aka Yurp Accord Saloon)!
K.
Interesting list…I also am suprised that the GTI did’nt make it, but the Mazda 3 did… very interesting list…six sedans, four two seat sports cars, wide price range.
This was alot of fun, great idea. A perfect counterpoint to the TWATs.
Brian E: I drove two of the TBAG’s (the G35 and the 335) and drove away in the BMW simply because it remains a more focused driver’s car. The twin-turbo I6 is simply the most tractable engine I have ever driven. And it was starting with a real deficit; I still think that Chris Bangle’s details are ruinous to otherwise elegant cars, and the dash design has moved away from the wonderful, driver-focused designs for which BMW is famous.
The rest of the TBAG list is brilliant, although I’m not sure we needed two Porsches on the list, yet the 911 shows, like the Corvette, that the persistent refinement of a concept indeed brings excellence to the fore. Two Mazdas are evidence that these guys have their own focus; both the 3 and the MX-5 are superior values and genuinely enjoyable cars to drive.
It is interesting that this group of enthusiasts, who many believe heavily influence both the car companies and their neighbor’s choice of cars, arrives at a list which is devoid of the appliances which remain top sellers in the industry. In the end, when I rent a car and have a choice of appliances, I always request a Camry or Mazda6, and find both to be predictable and reasonably satisfying rides in their own right. I wouldn’t buy either car, but find both eminently superior to GM, Ford and Chrysler “competition”.
The presence of each car on this list is a testament to the ability of these car manufacturers to deliver superior products; each in its way represents a high-water mark in the industry.
And thanks, Robert, for an entertaining and illuminating site. A day without TTAC is just a little greyer.
The M3 and the Z06 are the ultimate TBAGs (Two Best Autos Going). One for finesse, one for muscle! My commute would never be boring again!
The G35, while a wonderful car, is not designed for tall people as my 6′2″ frame was a tight fit. Want a sunroof? Fugheddaboudit!
Kudos to the TTAC gang for keeping the # of FWD TBAGs to a minimum.
kasumi
I totally agree on the TSX wagon, especially if they offer the Diesel. Right now, I just can’t imagine paying $30k for a naturally aspirated, 4-cyl, FWD small gas sedan. I drove it and just didn’t imagine wanting one more than a Jetta, GTI 4-door, or even Mazda3 (Acura dealer experience notwithstanding).
Perfect list, ending perfectly with the 3-Series on top as it should be. Good job. I know I should be saying good job to all of the readers and not the editors, so good job to all of you too.
Great list!
Now, lets compare it with Car and Drivers Top 10 and Automobiles All-Stars lists:
There are the same 5 cars that show up on all 3:
BMW 3-Series, Chevrolet Corvette, Infiniti G35, Mazda-3, & Porsche Cayman
TBAG 2007
Acura TSX
Audi RS-4
BMW 3-Series
Chevrolet Corvette / Z06
Infiniti G35
Mazda MX-5
Mazda Mazda-3 / Mazdaspeed-3
Porsche Cayman
Porsche 911
Subaru WRX / STI
Car and Driver Top 10 2007
BMW 3-Series
Chevrolet Corvette / Z06
Chrysler 300C
Honda Accord
Honda Fit
Infiniti G35
Mazda MX-5
Mazdaspeed-3
Porsche Boxster / Cayman
Volkswagen GTI
Automobiles All-Stars 2007
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
BMW 3-Series
Chevrolet Corvette / Z06
Chrysler 300C
Honda Ridgeline
Infiniti G35
Lotus Elise
Mazda-3
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Porsche Cayman
“# Brian E:
May 22nd, 2007 at 8:38 am
AKM: Of the cars on the list I’d say only four count as “dream cars” (the two Porsches, the RS4, and the Corvette). There’s three cars under $25k (the Mazda3, MX-5 and WRX). The TSX, G35, and 3-series can all be had for under $35k. I drove everything under $35k on the list except the MX-5 before I bought my TSX; that’s half the list right there.
So, other readers: how many TBAGs have you driven? Are you a TBAG owner?”
The cars you mention are the ones I was aiming at (although they seem without a doubt to be great cars).
I test-drove the Mazda 3, and am mad that my wife does not like its looks, rode in a WRX (really too plasticky for me) and in a TSX (nice car). The 3-series (admittedly, the last gen) left me a bit underwhlemed (but I was a passenger and the driver was pretty sedate), I often drove the last gen G35: great car, but crappy interior. It’s been addressed in the new car, but it’s the exterior I find repulsive.
I still miss seeing the GTI here, as few cars can attain its overall value and blend of sportiness and practicality.
I guess my original point was just to open a friendly debate on the value of not separating cars into categories. The asnwer could well be: “because otherwise we’d look like Edmunds”…
FunkyD:
Then again, with the RWD nominees that some of us had a cow with (Crown Vic, Mustang), wrong-wheel drive isn’t such a bad thing after all.
In the end, the TBAG process worked fine. Looks like a worthy list despite my not having driven a single winner.
# thalter:
May 22nd, 2007 at 8:22 am
5 Japanese, 4 German, and 1 American car. Sounds about right.
When I read that, I couldn’t for the life of me remember which car was American. I actually had to scroll back up. I know I’m just repeating what’s been said a billion times on this site, but sheezsh!: the Corvette is so far off the domestic radar that it needs to be its own brand.
Grouping cars by category and only picking one car per category led me to nominate a lot of cars that did not make the final list. Have to say the group that made the list overall are more fun cars.
HOWEVER…I still don’t think the 3 Series as a group of 11 models should have been nominated and definitely think the 3 Series should not have made the final list. As a whole, the 3 Series is over-priced and is not as good as the G35 which made the list or the Audi A4 which did not make the list. The 335i deserves to be on the list, the rest of the 3 Series does not.
Hooray for performance cars! That’s a very nice list. Now excuse me while I buy something practical, affordable, and fuel efficient (although the WRX and the Mazda3 come close to the “I would buy one” mark).
Minor Issues:
1/ Where the hell is the Jeep Wrangler?
2/ The Cayman? Really? The Boxster and 911 I could at least understand, but the Cayman? Nothing says “I wish I could afford a 911!” like a Cayman.
3/ Too many sport sedans overlapping the same price brackets. 3-Series, G35, TSX, RS4… Yes, I get the appeal, but c’mon, pick ONE and move on.
4/ Same can be said about the WRX and the Mazdaspeed 3. Two cars in direct compitition with other. I like ‘em both two, but I’d only drive one of them home.
5/ Good to see both the MX-5 and ‘Vette on the list. Both have seen flash-in-the-pan competitors come and go, but prevail by staying true to their original purpose.
Blunozer: Nothing says “I wish I could afford a 911!” like a Cayman.
I dunno about that…price being equal, I’d buy the Cayman. If someone offered me a Cayman or a 911 as a prize (major award), I’d pick the 911, sell it, buy the Cayman and spend the rest on gas and tires and $500 oil changes.
NICKNICK: For a major award, I’d have to go for the leg lamp. There’s nothing quite like the sight of electric sex gleaming in the window.
How on earth did the Crown Vic not make the list ;-)
Disappointed that the Fit and Wrangler didn’t make the list, as they are the best in their segment and truly represent with purity, the purpose that they were built for.
Nevertheless, as enthusiasts, petrolheads, and pistonheads, this list is great. Are you guys going to put out a press release or something? You really should, elevate the stature of TTAC and give kudos to those manufacturers showing them that we do love them and they can produced excellence.
Well done!
That’s one solid list!
Good job everyone, our taste in cars is top notch.
I’m a bit surprised the Accord didn’t make it, it seemed so popular during the nominations phase.
After all this chatter about FWD vs RWD vs AWD… I guess that is just a minor detail. It looks like a car can be among the best whatever the wheel-drive, which is probably as it should be.
I won’t dispute anything on the list. I will, however point out that I’m slightly bored with the concept of top-ten new car lists. As GT-R pointed out, there’s 50% overlap between the T-BAGS, the Automobile All-Stars, and the C & D 10Best. The same cars keep winning, which maybe they should.
I think that TTAC should do a 10 best of all time and a 10 worst of all time (I’ll leave the clever acronyms to you creative types). I mean cars that had features that were so horrendous as to provoke outright laughter from readers of this sight. Or maybe cars that had advanced features thirty years before they actually caught on. With the diverse knowledge and passion of the readers on this sight, I’m sure we could dig up all sorts of interesting vehicles, both good and bad. Think history lesson and entertainment combined.
Also, with significantly high fuel mileage requirements an almost certainty, how about a top 10 wish list of fuel efficient vehicles for the next 10 years. You know, the ones the carmakers say they can’t build. They must be practical enough to sell in large numbers, and the types of vehicles the readership oh TTAC would drive. Maybe someone from the car companies will be reading.
re: Brian E / May 22nd, 2007 at 8:38 am
“So…how many TBAGs have you driven? Are you a TBAG owner?”
i’m a 58-years-old art director, recently retired [not entirely of my own choosing] and i now realize that i will never own the lamborghini gallardo i still lust for. i voted for six of the ten finalists and i’ve test-driven three of them recently: the bmw, the cayman and the 911.
and as of last friday afternoon, i am the totally delighted owner of a brand new cayman.
re: Blunozer / May 22nd, 2007 at 10:20 am
“Nothing says ‘I wish I could afford a 911!’ like a Cayman.”
that’s your opinion, but it’s certainly not mine.
i owned a vintage 911 for eleven years. and i could have bought a new 911 last friday. but for my purposes, i actually prefer the cayman.
i chose it because i found it much more fun to drive; and because it was less expensive to purchase; and because it will be less expensive to maintain; and because it gets better gas mileage; and because the aesthetics of it’s exterior design define it as something new and different when compared to the excessive, overly luxurious and venerable carerra.
[and for the time being at least, i'm keeping the boxster i bought new back in 1997, too]
they are truly wonderful automobiles, but at this point in my life, i have no need nor desire for another 911 porsche.
Disappointed that the Mustang didn’t make the list. This is a car that is true to it’s roots. It’s a muscle car…..the only one left at this point in time. Also dissapointed the Wrangler didn’t make it.
I guess I voted based on what vehicle was the best in it’s market segment. Hard to see how a G35 and 3-series BMW can both be best in the $30K+ sporty 4-door sedan segment….oh well.
It’s interesting that #10 says “die, top-of-the-line #1“! At least they keep their focus on the real competition.
These are all nice cars and no doubt worthy, but I’d trade any one of them for a Quattroporte :)
To Blunozer:
“3/ Too many sport sedans overlapping the same price brackets. 3-Series, G35, TSX, RS4… Yes, I get the appeal, but c’mon, pick ONE and move on.”
Gotta comment on this one…
First, an Audi RS4 is about twice the price of the rest of that list.
Second, The BMW is much more expensive for not much more car than the G35. And that’s kind of the point of the Infiniti making it onto the list ;-)
Last, the TSX, though even less expensive than the G35, is a COMPLETELY different kind of beast. It’s less focused than the other two, is FWD, and can run mid 30s on gas mileage if driven conservatively. And it’ll never break…
Interesting that as I read this list, the three least expensive cars (3, MX5, and WRX) were the ones Id actually prefer to own and operate over any reasonable period of time.
Ole
You said it, broseph!
Also, chalk me up as another Wrangler “why didn’t we make the list?!?!” whiner…ah, there’s always next year.
I was glad to see a number of affordable-by-regular-people vehicles on the list – Mazda3, TSX, MX-5, Subaru. Pretty cool list, overall.
Re: blunozer 10:20 and philipwitak’s 11:22 comments.
There is hardly a car on that list that qualifies as sensible (and I say this as a 911 C4 driver). It took quite a while to convince my wife that my C4 was transportation in the same way a sailboat is. Why not just pick your boat/car and enjoy it? Any one of the TBAGs in my garage would put a smile on my face. Philip – I’ve had a Cayman S as a loaner and it is better in every way than my elderly C4, except in the sound department, but I guess that some aftermarket doodads would fix that.
funkyD
The G35, while a wonderful car, is not designed for tall people as my 6′2″ frame was a tight fit. Want a sunroof? Fugheddaboudit!
I’m 6′2″, 240 lbs and I’m driving my second G35 (03 & 05) with sunroof. What’s more, my 35 year old, 6′6″, 235 lbs, son drives the car when I am away on business and has never complained about the head room. Perhaps I have the extended cab edition.
Motorheads like cars with excellent driving dynamics. Hmmm, no big surprises on this list. Of course the list says almost nothing of interest to the other 95% of the vehicle buying population.
With the TSX making this fantastic list, I hope Honda realizes what a great thing they’ve got going here and build upon it by extending its life, adding drivetrain options and keeping it stuck to its roots.
This car has great potential to become a 30-40 year franchise. It’s defines practicality in every single way possible and still manages to stick to a 3-series’ tail on ramps.
It gets a proven 36mpg on the highway. Costs next to nothing to maintain(it’s a Honda built in Japan! how much better can it get?) and maintains the highest resale value among all cars in its class(Car and Driver)
It was recently announced as Edmund’s “MOST WANTED” Luxury sports sedan of 2006.
The aftermarket scene for this car(like other compact Honda cars) is just insane. You could practically build a TSX from the ground-up using aftermarket parts. If you like modding cars, the TSX leaves little to be desired.
Honda has become the true master of manual transmissions. There is no car in the world that can match TSX’s 6-speed tranny. This thing is out of this world.
Thank you Honda for a fantastic vehicle. Just don’t ruin it. Please please don’t ruin it.
Brian E asked “So, other readers: how many TBAGs have you driven? Are you a TBAG owner?”
I am a TBAG owner – RS4
previous vehicle E46 – M3 so thats #10 & #1
TBAG’s I have driven
911 (C4S & Turbo) (thrashing a friends car is just sooooo much fun!)
Subaru WRX / STI Fantastic car…not the RS4 but would be the daily driver of choice on a more constrained budget
Mazda MX-5 – This car is wonderful to drive – Fun!
Chevy Corvette – All that fantastic V8 power and drop dead looks….now if the interiour were actually different than the cobalt….
I find it very interesting and in our favor that while C/D and Automobile include the Chrysler 300C, we leave it off.
As was noted previously, there are two Mazdas on the list. At least in recent years, Mazda has produced cars that have received rave reviews from most, if not all, of the print media. Why is it that Mazda still only maintains a relatively small share of the market? Is it that Camry/Accord drivers don’t even bother trying a Mazda6? (Edgett: Unless it is the base model 4 cylinder, a Mazda6 is definitely sportier than a Camry). Why do the Civic and Corolla outsell the Mazda3 many times over? Having driven both a Corolla and a Mazda3, the Mazda3 wins hands down for fun, feel, and practicallity. Even more improtantly why would someone buy a Cobalt instead of a Mazda3? Are they that much cheaper?
I’m disappointed that the GTI didn’t make it, I test drove the DSG and it’s sublime. Head and shoulders above any other auto. I drive a Subie 2.5 RS and would go with the GTI over the STI because of that transmission, comfort, refinement and enough real world performance to make daily commutes fun instead of punishing.
QUOTE: Disappointed that the Fit and Wrangler didn’t make the list, as they are the best in their segment and truly represent with purity, the purpose that they were built for.
QUOTE: I won’t dispute anything on the list. I will, however point out that I’m slightly bored with the concept of top-ten new car lists. As GT-R pointed out, there’s 50% overlap between the T-BAGS, the Automobile All-Stars, and the C & D 10Best. The same cars keep winning, which maybe they should.
I agree with both of these comments. I think that people picked cars that they liked, rather than cars that are truly the best. I’d never drive a Wrangler, but I recognize that it is the best at what it does. It’s true to its purpose in a way that very, very few automobiles are. Certainly not the G35 for example. I’d rather drive a G35, but the Wrangler is a better car.
As said above, I won’t dispute anything on the list, but I was hoping that people would be more open-minded. But such is the democratic process.
PS: the blockquote tag doesn’t seem to be working.
Lumbergh21,
This can be my personal view, but I know a bunch of people that would tell you the same thing.
Mazda was on the verge of joining Toyota and Honda in becoming the “RELIABLE” car for the masses. They made/make truely good cars.
What happened? They got FORDED.
Where I live, Mazda=FORD in people’s mind and that’s not something you can change overnight.
As a result, Mazda’s resalve value is truely crap and the aftermarket scene is not as big as it should be.
Another important thing to note is Mazda’s lack of care for refinement. Consumers who don’t care for 10-15 extra ft/lb of torque will choose a Civic over the 3 because of the visible and sensible quality advantage provided by the Honda. Sure, the Mazda might last just as long as the Honda, but it will never feel as well-built.
chuckR:
May 22nd, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Re: blunozer 10:20 and philipwitak’s 11:22 comments.
There is hardly a car on that list that qualifies as sensible (and I say this as a 911 C4 driver). It took quite a while to convince my wife that my C4 was transportation in the same way a sailboat is. Why not just pick your boat/car and enjoy it? Any one of the TBAGs in my garage would put a smile on my face. Philip – I’ve had a Cayman S as a loaner and it is better in every way than my elderly C4, except in the sound department, but I guess that some aftermarket doodads would fix that.
A Mazda3 is infinitely practical: reasonably good gas mileage, loads of interior room for hauling things or people, and under $20k well equipped.
Personally, I’d pick my MINI Cooper S over a Mazdaspeed3 or Subaru WRX any day, but the MINI didn’t make your top 10. On this list, I like the Caymen. Driving a mid-engined car is quite different than driving a rear engined car so I don’t agree that it screams “I want to be a 911″. Also, the BMW 3 series is on my shopping list for my next sedan type car.
Am really looking forward to some G35 review that resists talking about BMW in the same breath.
Especially because review after review, including that in the popular mags, that compares the two vehicles by category has the G35 coming ahead in power, handling, acceleration… and in that very important real world category too often ignored by enthusiast mags- price.
Of course despite the lead the G35 invariably loses- not by any quantifiable measure, but by some mystical otherworldly- and hence unsubstantiable- category such as “The BMW really has the soul of a driver’s car…”
This is similar to camera reviews in which Japanese glass yields images indistinguishable from that of Leica, yet Leica owners tout the Leica ‘glow,’or ‘the precision and tradition of Germanic craftsmanship,’ or talk about ‘the pure human ergonomics man-machine interaction’ and other such undefinable- and hence very safe- pseudo-explanation that really just states the opinion of those who wish to put what is really just a personal preference at a safe if imaginary level at which dispute is impossible.
Great list! Good job to TTAC and everyone who posts and comments. Here are my few pennies:
1. I see that a few readers express surprises and disappointments (e.g., GTI, Wrangler). Unfortunately, when you limit the field to only 10, many will not make the list. I guess we can have “honorable mentions” or “also receiving votes” categories, as in athletic polls and awards.
2. I have no problems with the TBAG overlapping some of the other 10Best lists out there. It’s no surprise that a good car will be loved by more than a few groups. Admittedly, the TBAG list is more sport-oriented than others.
3. I’ve owned, driven, and driven in most of this field, except for the Vette, RS4, and WRX. They are indeed all worthy of the TBAG. However, I probably would switch the Boxster S in for the Cayman S, for all the reasons that others have noted.
4. “Claude Dickson:
May 22nd, 2007 at 10:09 am
HOWEVER…I still don’t think the 3 Series as a group of 11 models should have been nominated and definitely think the 3 Series should not have made the final list. As a whole, the 3 Series is over-priced and is not as good as the G35 which made the list or the Audi A4 which did not make the list. The 335i deserves to be on the list, the rest of the 3 Series does not.”
Claude, like the 3-series, the 911 series is also a diverse field, ranging from $70k Carrera to $145k Turbo to $185k GT2. The latter is actually 2.5 times the cost of the base model.
Also, doesn’t it say something about the 3-series when it is the perennial constant on everyone’s 10best list, your disagreement notwithstanding? It’s also the benchmark for most auto comparisons, favorable or not (e.g., not as precise as the 3, have 90% of the 3’s performance at only half the price, more HP than the 3, yada yada.)
For what it’s worth, every one of the 11 or so models in the 3-series competes nicely with its counterpart. You may like the A4, and it may have a nicer interior, but it is nose-heavy and not as focused and joyous a drive as the base 328i. (In fact, I prefer the TSX, even with its FWD, over the A4.) The G35 is a strong performer and value, especially on paper, but its handling is not as sharp, its 6-speed is not as smooth, and its interior quality is not as up to par as the 3. It will give the base 3 a run for its money, but I wouldn’t call it an overall winner.
Can the majority of car magazines, blogs, e-zines, readers, and drivers all be wrong about this Bavarian product?
Teekay, Id answer your question with a YES.
BMW just backed out of an accepted order for a 3 series with me. Between that, the dealer’s indifference, the suspect reliability of these newer BMWs, and the obscene and utter worship of these cars, I sincerely think its silly to consider this vehicle superior overall to a Boxster, or even the MX5.
The Free Marketeers may whine, but remember that Judge Judy is better compensated by the same said market…even more than the entire Supreme Court Justice bench COMBINED!
This list is still terrific, and well done. But I’d take a MX5 or a boxster over a 3series all day long…even when “money is no object” .