I'm going to go a little less sporty and suggest this: Volvo 240 wagon

Absolutely. NA Miata FTW always and forever.

I've gotta at least throw out the 2000-2001 Hyundai Tiburon. They took a (I think) good looking car and slapped on a hideous body kit (and interior) and called it a new model. I don't remember if there was different appearance in trim levels, but I've never really got close enough to one to tell.

I feel like WA and OR are backwards, very backwards.

. . .Or just a lifted 'bro'd-out' Chevy duramax. . .

Nope, just a driver bag until '94. Part of the reason why the NA6 dash is lighter.

Not actually as uncommon as you'd think. Pissed-off bull moose in the rut are batshit crazy.

Supposedly older Chevettes did better, but my '84 not so much. I basically know I'm fucked. . .but this isn't really a new revelation, because I'm already in a Chevette.

It also seems reasonable to say that the low weight plays a large part in making the miata safer. Less mass = less dispersed energy. I've heard this is often true in multi-vehicle accidents involving miatas. . .as long as you're not sandwiched.

I absolutely support this idea as well, as perfect 90s-esque accent.

I'll second this. Something physical to actually let you SEE in realtime how much fuel you are consuming is invaluable.

Not a suggestion, but a reiteration of the above. The 900 is the de facto professor car. I got my 900se turbo from a retiring media arts professor this spring. On a side note - depending on the proximity to campus, buying said 900 from said professors isn't always a great idea. They often have low miles, but are used…

I can't believe more people have not mentioned the 1st gen Insight. It is basically the saab 900 of the eco world -quirky, unique, and good at what it does.

Cue Top Gear USA truck episode. . .

I'm going to go out on a limb with this one - Saab 99

True, it is. I think the Miata genuinely is a good answer to this question though, because it can be whatever you want it to be.

Personally I find it hard to beat the classic box of Tim Hortons Timbits. You Canadians can relate, and anyone who has driven through our neighbor to the north hopefully knows what I'm talking about. For those of you who don't, they are the most amazing little doughnut holes on the continent. Well, maybe not, but…

That is a lovely photo of Alaska above. . .but Montana could be said to be a miniaturized version with better roads. Gas IS cheap, speed limits are generally high, mountain passes are plentiful, and narrow dirt Forest Service roads (in good condition) are endless.

Both. It was lighty rear-ended, and the bodywork was too much for the previous owner. That and he'd messed up the paperwork to the point he was selling it with "no title". A nice winter project, some paperwork with the DMV, and now the car looks 98% and has a clear title.

Absolutely. I got mine for $750, which hypothetically leaves $2,149 for new tires, new shocks, rollbar, seats, and boom. . . track car.