The problem is, if you can accept the relatively poor fuel economy and the large vehicle size, the F150 is probably the best “do it all” vehicle.

Tanks for the mini review!  I'd love a scat pack shaker,  but I'm not sure that's in my price range yet.

That’s good info, thanks!

I had an MN12 Tbird for a while, it was an amazing car around a mediocre engine and transmission.

Even if it wasn’t meant for me, I appreciate some real world experience with the car.

Exactly why the Challenger is high on my possible next car list.

I think this is some evidence that people want a functional fun car, not just the one with the best magazine numbers.

Turns out the CX-5 is actually based off the Mazda 3, it’s about the same interior space as our outgoing Elantra, but half the fuel economy.

Simple:

It’s a common strategy in other business. Makes them look generous, gives the customer a taste of the upgrade, and costs almost nothing.

You can see this actually happen when MLB teams offer tickets at a major discount and the season ticket holders grouse that it devalues their seat.

There might also be a part of the customer base who might not even consider paying for a higher class, and a taste of the better option might make the money savings of the cheaper offerings seem less desirable.

That’s a fair point, there is a lot of money in those junky cars...

Cheaper than what they had before. That doesn’t mean a middle class family is going to buy a claptrap ‘91 Fiesta to haul the kids.

It’s actually quite amazing how saturated automotive media is with VERY expensive cars.

Party limo for one!  

So, the chauffeur might sit next to someone’s bare feet...

Where will the price be you think? F150s currently start around $30k and I just configured one to $66.5k.. which isn’t even the most expensive.

I’m a DIY person so I prefer assemblies. Unit bearings are the best thing since sliced bread even though they cost 3-5x as much, they are far easier. Control arm/ball joints? well now I get all new bushings and metal too.

New cars are only more expensive because that’s what we’re buying.