2007 Saturn Vue because of it’s classy European styling and its almost perfect interior.

2007 Jeep Patriot just because its 100000000000 times better than the Compass and Caliber and is actually a kick ass off roader.

2007 Chevrolet Silverado because it’s got the best interior and towing capacity in its class(Toyota can kiss it)

2007 Cadillac Escalade bling ain’t everybody’s cup of tea but it’s working for Cadillac and all the other luxo classers are copying the bling factor.

I guess the Fit hits the car buyer demographic sweet spot – between “young enough to be trendy” and “too old to give a damn” – but the xB is a much better value for the money. Power-everything, VSC, much more respectable safety ratings, and a host of too-fun-not-to-have options like glowing cupholders and color-changing radio consoles make the xB surge ahead of the pack as a true TBAG contender.

Owners are likely to be just as shocked by the amazing features as the fact that the thing squatting in the driveway is something they actually paid money for.

With a Tahoe-sized interior (take that, Civic-sized Fit!) and lots and LOTS of vertical space, the interior is less like an economy car, and more like a full-size SUV. Minus, of course, the cargo hatch and Pam-Anderson-sized “headlight assembly.” Actually, the exterior looks a lot like that, too.

I’ll admit, there are times I’ve longed for a few more than 108 horses, but it’s specced just right for zipping around Caravans and Suburbans in mall parking lots, and let’s face it, that’s 80% of what we do with our cars anyway.

The Fit may be just boring enough to be driveable by most of the American population, but it’s still a go-kart with doors. The xB is more of a party box. On wheels.

And besides…aerodynamics are overrated. :)

1. Honda’s Ridgeline. I like Honda’s approach to building a truck (or more appropriately, a sport utility with a bed). The [initial] styling has to grow on you, but I think the overall execution is done quite well. I’ve heard the Accord described as a ‘90 percent car’ that’d satisfy 90 percent of drivers everywhere. To some extent, I’d say Honda wants the Ridgeline to do much of the same thing in a truckish package. It hauls a respectable amount of humans and hardware, and do so reliably, comfortably, and efficiently (well, they’re trying). It’s not your traditional truck, and in a good way. I hope Honda keeps doing its own thing instead of chasing the money spent on F-150s and Silverados.

2. A ditto toward the nomination of Chevy’s Impala SS. It isn’t rear-wheel drive, but then, Evangeline Lily still isn’t your girlfriend. Let the 300 horse V8 and room for four local hotties sooth your inner hurt. At the very least, you’ll out-Whataburger your co-worker’s V6 Imp. Date or dream about Mustangs–marry cars like the Impala SS, as most of the go-fast goodness you were looking for can still be had.

Now, my contention: What I really don’t understand is this lovefest for the Crown Victoria. If a car isn’t ‘noteworthy’, then it just exists. And that’s all that cars like the Crown Victoria do. GM was notorious for building such cars that ‘existed’ pretty well–names like Corsica and Ciera come to mind. For the Crown Victoria you can snag in 2007, suddenly, it’s 1998…

It’s being praised for its recognizability. Right. Recognition as taxi cabs (that we experience through someone else’s adventurous driving), and as cop cars (who want to penalize us for our own adventurous driving). CVs are recognizable, but not for any pleasurable reasons.

Better money would be spent on a nice pair of running shoes–the Crown Vic has all the appeal of Ensure-drinking folks who like socks with their sandals.

It’s superb handling, on rails cornering, great balance (front-mid engine layout!), massive low-range torque (VQ35DE engine), RWD propulsion, and maybe not unimportantly great styling, make this car unrivaled in the segment.

Assuming you enjoy driving, and driving fast, there is no better car below 30k$. The MX-5 may have mildly better handling, but significantly lower HP/torque. The first car I could name that beats the Z in most respects is the corvette, so maybe it could be argued that the Z is “the best value sports car below 40k$”, especially because you can then pick the even better track model.

I don’t understand why anyone would nominate the G35 coupe over the Z, unless you value a slightly more classy look over driving behaviour.

Having said all that I will have to nominate the 2007 Jeep Wrangler 4 door. If that was around 2 years ago i would have looked hard into getting that. To have all the creature comforts of a modern vehicle and all the capability of my 85 (if not more) is an incredible package. On top of that you could easily recognize the heritage in a 2007 jeep to the first one built 60 years ago.

Recently i decided i need a more modern and reliable daily driver. I test drove a wrx, mazda 3, and a gti. The gti was the clear winner. A great interior, fun 6spd, amazing engine, and the versitlity of a hatchback.
I nominate the VW GTI

I also have to nominate the corvette. I have lusted after the corvette since i was 13 when the C5 came out. I have never driven one, but I know i will love it. True American Classic. The z06 is Porn for auto enthusists

Jeep Wrangler
VW GTI
Corvette

If money wasn’t a concern, I’d love to own a Porsche Cayman. But it is, and the Cayman misses related to some of my beliefs and needs, and needs of most drivers. But it’s a beautiful car and deserves a vote.

The small coupe I think is best, is economical to buy, sips gas, has exceptional resale value, has the capacity to hold a ton of stuff, is exceptionally fun to drive, fits into tiny parking spaces, and still garners compliments after five years of existence. I’ve owned one for four years and even today a woman, all smiles, ran up to me before I could drive away and said that’s a cute car,” and then asked, “ What is it?”

“It’s a Mini.” I said.

”What’s a Mini?” she said.

“It’s made in England by BMW.” She was satisfied, I guess. Obviously she isn’t into cars if she hasn’t noticed a Mini for last half decade. but than she is old, but I’m older.

But it’s not only a great car for a seventy-six year old, it goes beyond any other car because it makes me feel fantastic as i constantly compare it and my image with any other car at any price. When I’m driving my Mini I don’t feel like a secondary citizen to anyone driving anything else regardless of any criteria they may think makes their car, the car. And the talk, my wife and I call it Mini talk, adds to the fun. What other car can you drive up to the Ritz and the valet treats you with as much respect as they teat a driver of a Rolls Royce.

But that isn’t all. It looks good parked in my garage. And it especially looks good when I see my driving it about town from my bicycle vantage. It’s like having the girl driver in the Italian Job in the family.

A US car with incredible trunk room and seat folding capability, allowing the storage space of an SUV.

Long distance cruising comfort.

And a true V8 with enough torque to kick you in the rear.

Heres to a company that took what it had from the tranny department, and had the guts to couple it to a real v8.

(And let’s forget FWD criticism… since FWD is good enough for one model sure to make the list- MS3).

Mazda MX-5 PRHT for it efficient design and enjoyable ride.

The basic Boxster 5 spd because it’s the cheapest Porsche but still offers some of the best handling in comparison to any competition.

The Subaru Legacy Wagon – maybe not the coolest car to be in but classified as one of the safest cars on the road.

First, I must disagree with others above who have accused the A3 of being badge-engineered or a GTI clone. The 2.0T is an Audi engine, just like the famous 20V 1.8T; that’s why I pity those who have bought the 3.2, which is VW’s last-gen VR6. The 5th gen chassis is shared (TT, A3, GTI, Jetta and Golf/Rabbit), but is designed with all of these vehicles in mind. Also, all of these cars appear distinct. So to use “badge engineer”, a term more appropriate to describe GM’s efforts (or lack thereof), does not seem fair, because of the bad connotations.

The A3 2.0T is both a good commuter and a fun-to-drive car. It has good fuel economy and decent space for people and cargo. Best of all, when you are really in a hurry, it does not attract as much attention as most other “hot hatches”. And the 2.0T has good aftermarket support; a reflash puts it at 245hp/280ft-lb (crank) easily. The fit and finish of its interior rivals that of the E class and the 5 series; I know this sounds crazy but I am not the only one who thinks so.

The DSG is also a major innovation, and for that alone the A3 should be nominated.

The only con with the A3 is that many say that it is a “girl’s car”. But then again, these people say the same for the Miata.

Didn’t pick RX-8 because I was unimpressed with its power. A friend of mine (admittedly not a car enthusiast) had to have her RX-8 towed a couple of times because of engine flooding. I admit that I’d be absent minded enough to have it happen to me.

Didn’t pick the S2000 because it’s the same size (more or less) as the Miata, but isn’t nearly as affordable as a second car.

Didn’t pick the Mustang because I’d prefer a car that balances more towards handling/corner carving in addition to pure muscle. I can’t seem to get over its live axle.

Lexus IS350 – Lexii are the true driving appliance, they have the soul of a toaster, but what a perfectly assembled toaster they are. It should get some recognition, not for being boring, but for being perfectly boring and oddly desirable as such.

Acura TL – Value is what the TL brings to the table. I admire Honda for the guts to make a 6 speed manual available in the USA competing in a sea of slush-only-boxes.

VW GTI – The GTI continues to prove that there is hope for VW if they could only control pricing and quality. The ride is superb for a small sport hatch and the ability to get that rear wheel up in the air around tight corners is amusing to say the least. The DSG is a marvel and just about the only thing that would ever convince me to drive anything but a manual.

A few other models and brands deserve nominations for their ability to consistently deliver vehicles that live up to their original goals and marketing hype.

Subaru Legacy (and the whole Subaru line, really): A perfect example of success in trying to create the best of all worlds: Decent fuel economy, performance, off-road ability, cargo, reliability, and practicality. Subaru’s ability to make a vehicle that is proficient in so many areas at the same time has been especially impressive in the last decade, when US models began shipping in turbocharged form.

Toyota Corolla – Sure they’ve got the Prius now, but Corollas were getting 50+ MPG in the SEVENTIES. How’s that for consistency and foresight? Compare that to all the “lets slap an electric motor on some random models” guys jumping on the bandwagon so late in the game.

VW GTI – Like the 3 series, this model has stayed true to its roots, and from the original to the most recent version remains not only a popular model among driving enthusiasts, but has had a huge amount of support in the modding and aftermarket industries. I’ve seen the 1.8T transplanted into almost as many frames as Ford and Chevy crate motors. I’m sure VW got their money’s worth out of that engine.

In regards to 210delray's comment: "In regard to the Crown Vic and its Panther siblings, I just don’t see these as particularly noteworthy for 2007."

This is the ten best automobiles, not the ten most noteworthy automobiles. Who ever said best had to be noteworthy? The Crown Vic sells quite well (mind you, it's pretty much only to fleets, but so what?) while the 500/Montego/Taurus/Sable/Whatever are rotting on dealer's lots.

Besides, what's the first car you think of when you say "cop car?" The 500? The Mazda 3? Any BMW? No, you think immediately of the Crown Victoria. The Crown Vic is the most visible and easily recognized car in North America. What other car can boast that? Either in cop markings or cab colours, everyone knows a Crown Vic when they see it.

It seems to me that most of the cars nominated so far have numbers for names: Mazda 3 and 6, BMW 3- and 5-series, Infiniti G-whatever, Lexus LS460 or whatever. No one remembers those names (if you can call them that.) But the Crown Victoria. That is a name to remember. It's actually a name for one, and it rings of royalty, of command, and command it does.

No other car can make people's hearts flutter, and brakes come on than seeing a Crown Vic on the road, even a civilian one. And I would say it does its job better than any other vehicle on the road.

Honda/Acura
Mazda
BMW 3
Toyota Prius, Scion xB
Subaru WRX
VW GTI

Did I miss anything?

Please Acura – give us another generation RSX or TSX coupe – lightweight, fast, and in the spirit of the fallen Integra and RSX!

(If it is eligible, I cast my vote for the RSX also – I didn’t put it in my original list since I think it has been a year since they stopped selling them.)

Who else thinks Nissan/Infiniti hit a major homerun with the G35/37? While the 3-series without the electronic junk is still a blast to drive, the bang for the buck and style goes to Infiniti and that Studio on Wheels…wow.

I have driven both the 328 and the 335 and I didn’t say they sucked. But I didn’t find them all that impressive when I compared their selling prices to that of the G35 and even the Honda Accord Coupe with the 6 speed, cars that provide almost as much “gee” factor as the BMWs

That being said, I probably agree that the G35 coupe is the best bang for the bucks in this segment.

So I’m not alone?

My other nomination goes to the Volkswagen GTI. VW took a vehicle that had been an icon and was slowly losing status and turned it back into the fire-breathing wild-child it was meant to be. Say what you will about manuals and autos, but the GTI could easily get my vote solely on the DSG transmission alone. Props to VW for incorporating that supreme piece of technology into an affordable enthusiast’s car.

In regard to the Crown Vic and its Panther siblings, I just don’t see these as particularly noteworthy for 2007. Being rear-wheel drive, these cars are basically a 4-seaters as far as adults are concerned. Safety? Well, even with the optional side airbags, the car scored only a Marginal in the IIHS side impact test.

Seems to me a more fitting nominee for a large car would be the front-wheel drive Five Hundred and Montego (soon to become Taurus and Sable) — tons of room inside for 5 large people and a gigantic trunk. Good front, side, AND rear ratings from the IIHS. Unfortunately, the larger engine and stability control won’t make the cut because the revised car doesn’t go on sale until the end of this week.

But I’ve not seen another person mention this car in the posts I’ve read, so it’s not going to get very far anyway.

Yes, I think it’s actually better than the Civic Si. There are still a few new 06s available too. I just love the design of the interior. It’s snug, and everything is focused toward the driver, something BMW abandoned years ago. The new Civic actually has the center stack facing somewhat toward the passenger. I could barely reach some of the controls. And don’t get me started with the Civic’s rediculous 2 tier instrument setup. The RSX-S is a little faster, it has a hatchback (BIG plus in my oppinion), and it’s better looking inside and out. It doesn’t handle as well, but it’s still quite competent. Others would say that it loses out to newer hot hatches like the GTi and MS3, but at least for me, the interior and shifter/clutch setup alone are enough for me to take the RSX. I’ve heard people say that the shifter and clutch are the best this side of the S2K, but I think it’s even better. Once you snick you can’t stop. It’s a special car, and I’m dissapointed in what they replaced it with.