That statement was definitely true in the not-distant past. However, they’ve come a long way in a short time over the last few years. Aside from one faulty sensor and a noisy rear strut mount, mine has been completely trouble-free for the last 3 years. Of course, with the warranty expiring in exactly 2 weeks time, I…

1st gear: In August, the KBB value estimate on my car was in the neighborhood of the amount I financed when I purchased it new 3 year ago. I got a sight-unseen trade-in offer that was higher than the private sale estimate from a year before. Probably should have sold the car when I had the chance.

I’ve always liked the E46 330xi, but this is one is overpriced at half the mileage and without any of the damage. Plus, lets say I was interested, and scheduled a test drive; I’d pull up in a GTI DSG, a non “clutch car” with no way to showcase my “clutch shifting skills.” I suppose I’d have to find all of my old…

I like it, but I’d like it even more if the bar were thinner, because the less grille there is, the more it starts to resemble a Tesla.

3/5ths compromise.

Get a GTI, because once you’ve had a car like the Type-R, you will forever long for that experience again. GTI gets you speed and cornering fun, but a much nicer ride. I’ve had mine for 3 years, and it’s been a treat to own. If the suspension is left alone, the ride comfort is exactly what you’d expect from a more…

You’re right, it was. I mean they’re basically the same car, but still.

1st Gear: Despite the general awfulness of that first Honda Passport (and believe me, it was even more awful than you can imagine), it did allow Honda to get some presence in the late-1990s SUV market, while they were developing the Pilot. And considering how well the Pilot sold, I don’t think it made anyone who had…

The Geo Storm was not a Suzuki. It was a rebadged Isuzu Impulse. They also had a rebadged Toyota Tercel, in the form of the Geo Prism.

I feel bad for anyone who was a GM dealer technician in those days.

Ah yes, the Acura SLX. I’d worked long and hard to forget about that thing.

Split bench seats wouldn’t be a bad thing, though I suspect that fitting an airbag into the middle of the dashboard would prove somewhat problematic for any car designer who also wanted to include vents, heater controls, a radio, infotainment screen, etc.

Most people claim they bought their SUV/CUV for its practicality, but if that’s all they were after, why didn’t they buy a minivan? Basically whoever comes up with a crossover that has sliding doors that don’t look like sliding doors is going to own the market for a while.

2nd gear: The UAW exhibits their predictably short-sighted behavior, failing to realize that if GM isn’t making vehicles, no one gets to keep their job. Do they do anything anymore, besides filing grievances, protecting bad employees, and accepting bribes?

(Note before everyone jumps on me with their straw-man…

I can’t speak for actual Texans, and I’ve lived my life in the shadow of the Detroit 3, so I will admit that my impressions/opinions are colored by that. However, brand loyalty for truck buyers seems to be stronger than it is in any other segment in the automotive world, because most pickup buyers are buying an image.

The XD version was designed to fill the gap between 1500 and 2500-class trucks, except that while they were developing it, Ford/GM/FCA closed that gap by increasing the payload and towing capabilities of their 1500 trucks.

You’re only meant to lick the toe of the boot, not try to deep-throat the entire thing.

Well, given that there’s an annual convention for Furries, a Gathering of the Juggalos, and NAMBLA used to be a thing, I suppose your story checks out.

Tesla/Crossfit/Vegan was the answer we were looking for, but we can accept yours as well.

I felt really bad for Tesla owners in March and April; they had no one to randomly walk up to, to talk about their Tesla, and with their cars in the garage, everyone was denied the view of their oh-so-clever license plates. Such a shame.

Neutral: Rich People Mood Index.