I had to vote crack pipe.

Well, valid point on “handling” - but as any enthusiast knows, the Prius represents not just a low-bar, but most likely a last-place finish (at least for cars that are available in the USA). True appliance-mobiles, for sure.

“...because the thing has a Chevy badge people stay away.”

I’m not saying you haven’t - but I’m a lifelong car enthusiast and auto customizer (with a professional resume both on the retail and industry side) and discounting trips to CES and SEMA [ disqualifying since a) in Vegas, and b) not since I went back into IT about ten years ago], and sure I haven’t visited Toronto in…

Maybe in some places.

Is there a BETTER way to get on the FBI watch list than asking for the identity of the “night shift manager” at the airport, then directly asking him for 5 gallons of jet fuel?

There’s nothing “fierce” about this thing.

All I did was option it as though I were really going to buy one, and I was just shy of $175k!

Fair enough thoughts -if not a very uniquely American perspective.

My first test drive with any Hyundai was a 2008 Sonata, after hearing they poached Audi engineers and set the A6 and BMW 5 as their benchmarks, and the media was buzzing with their quality changes and market shift. Certainly piqued the curiosity!

That top one is a highly lauded AND best selling compact.

My current Kia Optima is the best car I’ve ever owned, for a daily driver. So much so I bought it rather than turn it in after my lease (and lease-to-buy worked out to offer a nice discount plus an option to bail). I love the styling - family resemblance is welcome! Both are attractive.

Or stalled it.

The problem is image.

Too many uncontrolled variables that weren’t adjusted for.

If you are a manual fan, how did you NOT spot that wild shift lever and knob??

Or open headers that point down to forge a stream.

But props to the human for being anything but slow to react!

As an engineer, I like it - at least if it’s all housed in that tablet. Then, to fix it - just unbolt the broken one, and bolt in a new one. That even directly addresses everyone’s fear of “Holy cow - what if something goes wrong with all those new-fangled computers in these cars these days!” Great. Awesome even.…

“WHAT?!? WHAT?!? I CAN’T HEAR YOU. JUST A LITTLE TIRE NOISE, NO BIG DEAL.”