In college, I test drove an ‘88 Isuzu Impulse ‘handling by Lotus’ with the 2.3L engine, manual transmission. Immaculate condition, priced such that I could sell my ‘87 Honda and net a few hundred bucks. The 2.3L engine was such a letdown. It was rough and had no top end. It felt like the 22RE from my uncle’s pickup.…

I learned on two cars: a ‘76 Corolla Notchback, and a ‘90 Toyota 4x4 V6. The Corolla was super forgiving; the truck I would never recommend — it had good torque, but with the bed unloaded the rear broke traction every time I let the clutch out too fast.